Good morning winter athletes and coffee lovers! For those of you ready to hit the slopes at Smugg's or tackle a long distance cross country skiing trek, there is some interesting research on coffee and endurance out there. Now this information is primarily geared towards major endurance activities like running a marathon, but I think any coffee drinker or athlete will find it as interesting as I do.
In a recent issue of the Burlington Free Press, they reported a study that finds that drinking 2 to 3 cups of coffee before an endurance activity can increase performance by 10%-15%. Let me explain the science behind that coffee study.
Caffeine makes your body burn more fat and fewer carbs. For an endurance athlete, the goal is to burn that fat before it affects the Glycogen supply. Glycogen is the primary muscle fuel, and making the most efficient use of it is ideal for these athletes. Apparently, drinking coffee allows these marathon runners more time to draw from their own Glycogen supply.
The study also cited other physical and psychological benefits. However, there is also a warning. Drinking 8 cups is considered illegal consumption and can have undesired affects like cramping and nausea.
I don't know about you, but it's say to say that a marathon is not looming in my immediate future. Still, it's one more fun bit of coffee research to take in as I sip my Brazilian Bourbon Santos on this chilly march Vermont morning.
Until our next cup,
Sandy Riggen
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