Coffee improving erg performance

[left coaster]

Exactly Anf, the research is difficult to interpret.

Perhaps the benefits study was done at sea level and the fast metabolizers account for the majority of gains....? It's difficult to say what is going on, too many studies have small sample sizes and are difficult to draw general conclusions from.

[Anth_F]

Yeah... true!!! But what we do know, is how we feel from our own personal experiences, dabbling.

So with that, for me, i can definitely say i felt an increase in performance on endurance sessions. Percentages are however not straight forward to calculate, without the right tests being done. But, i would say i easily felt a 20% improvement, over endurance sessions where i had not taken in any caffeine beforehand.

[Gammmmo]

Anth, if you're relatively untrained you might benefit from beetroot juice too. It's an acquired taste though.

[Anth_F]

Never had beetroot for ages... i used to love it too!!

Maybe i will give the juice a whirl some time

[ecduffy]

3 grande cups of Cafe Bustelo per day have been part of my routine for the 3 years that I have been rowing. I have constant improvement in that 3 years, but probably would have without it also.

In the spirit of the original question, I would be interested in receiving feed back on people interested in my little experiment of late.

I have been taking 400 mcg of Folic Acid as a supplement to improve mental acuity, and maybe to help with Alzheimers, if it ever comes. Recently I switched the time that I take this supplement to prior to my daily row. I think I may be supercharging the dose, into my bloodstream. I feel better, and in a mental type of way. I may have just convinced myself of this, but I would be interested if anyone else wants to try the process, and state here if they notice anything supernatural. Of coarse, down your pill with a large espresso. 3 cups of Cafe Bustelo

It is all about the way you feel. Weather it works or not, who knows.

[Carl Watts]

435ml Red Bull about an hour before the row or else even half strength Horleys Replace works just as well.

Hydration really helps full stop. Cannot say that coffee helps me that much but I don't put any sugar in mine.

[bisqeet]

I believe caffeine is still on the performance enhancing dope list used by certain bodies ( athletics / Olympics etc.)
So I'm not surprised that anyone performs better after drinking even small amounts

[GJS]

Caffeine (high levels) was on the UCI's (cycling) banned list but was taken off in the early 2000s because of the very issue left coaster has talked about: metabolism of the stuff is so very varied.

Caffeine in gels now; tablets; targeted use for certain stages and events. (Zero benefit if you mainline the stuff day in, day out). Froome's delivery method on certain high peaks? A bottle containing two espressos with a lot of sugar and honey.

Sodium bicarbonate is another readily available ergogenic. Rather less pleasant, of course. Anyone given that a go for the shits and giggles?

[Anth_F]

Just catching up with the additional comments added of late in here!!!

Red Bull is way too sugary for my liking. I'll trade that for 2 cups of coffee, with 2-1/2 sugars in each

Yeah i can well believe that too, Dean.

[Rowan McSheen]

Anth, if you're relatively untrained you might benefit from beetroot juice too. It's an acquired taste though.

Just make a note to self that you've had beetroot juice, for when you next go for a pee ....

[Anth_F]

Well now, well now...

http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle ... ease-video