Would drinking a bunch of energy drink help with running?

[Anonymous]

I know it sounds like a stupid question, but I heard it did

Long distance vs sprint?

Please only answer if you have actually reasons, not just an opinion, thanks!

I have to run a 10k and I only had 2 weeks to train so I'm not that good. I'm not looking to win, just to not suck as much haha

[NotJustAnotherGuy]

You would be better off with a cup of coffee for both instances. Caffeine is a natural performance enhancer. But unlike energy drinks, coffee isn't an overdose of sugar. Whereas energy drinks are known to cause jitters and crashes (insulin spikes).

The best option, however, is usually to use a preworkout formula (a powdered drink designed to energize your workout). I use N.O. Explode. But since you've only trained 2 weeks, I'm not sure if you'd be willing to commit the money into buying a $50 supplement. So we're back to coffee. ;)

[jeremy20]

I run a marathon and half marathon every year, and what the guys said below is mostly true...stay away from energy drinks and stock up on carbs.

I'll throw in another suggestion...when running long distance I drink a wheat grass shake. It tastes terrible but its a natural, organic supply of energy and it does work (at least for me). Its also a form of detox that cleanses your sweat glands. Just a suggestion.

[ZenQueen]

eat a bananas and figs, they are packed full of energy and healthier for you, also try coconut water, celery juice is good to replace sodium, but be sure to drink it fresh

[stubbsy]

No, energy drinks give you a spike in energy that will last minutes, and then your on a come down from the caffein, so don't bother, because you won't finish the run if you do, eat loads of veg in the morning, because complex carbs give you long lasting fuel for exercise, good luck,x

[kheserthorpe]

Caffeine helps performance, but you're unlikely to notice a huge impact.

You'll notice more impact from making sure your nutrition is locked in.

Beyond that caffeine pre race can help, beta alanine is useful for endurance as well, but aat this point you're going to see more change from getting in shape and getting nutrition down then any supplment.

[just_tired]

Absolutely no! For long distance you need to load up carbs couple days before running. That's you're energy bank. Before the race cup of black coffee if you want to use caffeine and you need to start hydrating. Body can absorb only a pint of water in anhour. During the race sports drinks to replace water and sodium you lose while sweating.

Good luck!

[75superman]

No. I would advise against it. Once when I was in the Army I drank an energy drink before running a couple of miles. The first few hundred miles I felt great, but then I dehydrated quickly and my muscles cramped up to the point when I could barely run two miles. You are much better off drinking water and hydrating yourself well.

[Dharndy]

No way, I tried it when I was training and it just give me a short burst of energy, then I crashed and I was back to normal.. the only thing that really helps is actually doing cardio work.. OR maybe creatine..

[heyitsdan]

It would give you a short amount of energy, sports drink and water would be better in the long run.

[tearsofblood91]

Nooooooooooooo!