When Is A Caffeine Free Gel A Better Choice?
Posted on: 19 July 2023
If you run long distances, you likely use energy gels to help fuel your runs. They certainly are a convenient way to take in calories while on-the-go. But as you go about choosing gels, you'll notice that some contain caffeine and others do not. Some runners swear by caffeinated energy gels and primarily use them when racing and training. However, there are plenty of instances in which caffeinated gels are not called for, and you'd better off with a caffeine-free gel. Take a look.
Caffeine gives you loose stools.
When you drink a cup of coffee, do you always head to the bathroom soon after? Maybe caffeine has a tendency to irritate your stomach or cause loose stools. Getting the runners' trots will not make a workout or race very enjoyable. Running tends to make the stomach and intestines even more sensitive, not less. So, you are probably better off buying caffeine-free gels so you don't have to duck into a porta potty halfway.
You plan on taking a lot of gels.
In a half marathon or 10-miler, you may only take a gel or two. But if you're running a full marathon or an ultramarathon, you'll be taking in several gels, often in close succession. Caffeine lingers in your system for hours, so you won't want to take caffeinated gel after caffeinated gel. Eventually, this approach will leave you with tons of caffeine in your system, which could make you feel overly jittery and on-edge. A better approach is to buy a caffeinated gel or two, assuming your stomach can tolerate it, but then use non-caffeinated gels after that. Some people like to alternate between caffeinated and non-caffeinated gels.
You're running a race in very high temperatures.
Caffeine can help boost performance, but it is also dehydrating. If you are running a race or doing a long workout in a very hot environment, then you may want to avoid caffeinated gels and opt for non-caffeinated gels instead. Staying hydrated has to be a top priority in such conditions, and caffeine can derail that. Without caffeine, you may be able to rehydrate and recover faster after your run.
Both caffeinated and non-caffeinated gels have their place. Use the information above to guide you when selecting between them. At the end of the day, every runner is different and has different needs. You want to use whatever gels work best for you, personally.
To learn more about caffeine and its impacts, reach out to a company like Gnarly Nutrition.
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