iRun because I cannot say no to a second slice of chocolate cake – Emily Shandruk , Vancouver, BC
iRun to stay fit and release those running endorphins – Liliana Plava , Calgary, AB
iRun because I want to qualify for Boston and raise money for charities near and dear to my heart – Christine Gracel , Calgary, AB
iRun because it makes me feel good, allows me to spend time with my friends and gives me a feeling of accomplishment – Helen Kolodziejzyk , Calgary, AB
iRun but not enough – Michael Shaw , New Westminister, BC
iRun because I never thought I would be able to – Gary Morris , Winnipeg, MB
iRun to challenge myself, physically and mentally – Kathleen Keenan , Brampton, ON
iRun because people around me inspire me – Pina Bevilacqua , Caledon, ON
iRun therefore I am – Duncan Walsh , Nottingham, UK
iRun because I live – Georges Schneller , Laval, QC
iRun to be free and enjoy our beautiful country – Cheryl Carter , Clearwater , BC
iRun for overall wellbeing – Trish McCourt , Halifax, NS
iRun because it makes me a better person, a better wife, a better mother and a better friend – Nathalie Joncas-Caissie , St-Antoine, NB
iRun because it makes me feel powerful – Carlene Paquette , Carp, ON
iRun because pecan pie, french fries and beer are chasing me – Teresa Sterling , Ottawa , ON
iRun because it’s in me – Michael Foley , Stittsville, ON
iRun because it reminds me that I am capable of so much more than I have done – James Sauve , Ottawa, ON
iRun for me – Kiza Francis , Ottawa,ON
iRun to prove to myself I can – Lesley McGougan , Brampton, ON
iRun because all the ladies are chasing my sexy runner’s body – Chris Baker , Etobicoke, ON
iRun because I can and I’m grateful – Terry SanCartier , Gatineau, QC
iRun because when I run I feel most alive – Meghan Lynch , Ottawa, ON
iRun to unleash my inner athlete – Adelle Densham , Avonmore, ON
iRun because it cleans up my life, because I drink more water, sleep better and eat healthier foods – Robin McIntyre , Ottawa, ON
iRun because of the peace and strength it brings me – Michelle Jordan , Ottawa, ON
iRun because I need it to soothe the soul, keep me in shape and for overall wellbeing – Beth Neil , Lombardy, ON
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The Nutrition Survival Kit Web Extra: Do Caffeine & Running Mix?Caffeine & Running - Do They Mix?: Sports nutrionist Beth Mansfield investigatesHow many of us need a morning java jolt to get up and go each day? Small to moderate amounts (50-300 mg) of caffeine act as a mild central nervous system stimulant by increasing the heart rate and blood pressure - so it provides an initial boost of energy, keeping us alert and preventing fatigue. Athletes have taken advantage of this energy-boosting effect of caffeine for years - to the point that caffeine's well-recognized stimulant effects once landed it on the list of banned drugs. In 2004, however, caffeine was removed from the World Anti-Doping Agency's list of banned substances. This begs the question - is it really worth using? While the amount of caffeine in a cup of brewed coffee may have some favourable impact on your reaction time, it will do little to improve running performance. Athletes should also consider that excessive caffeine intake, or the sudden use of caffeine by those that never use it, can lead to a number of pitfalls: the shakes; anxiety; an upset tummy; insomnia and heart arrhythmias. Also, caffeine has a diuretic effect, which could affect your pre-training or pre-competition hydration status by making you urinate a little more than you normally would. Although a moderate amount of caffeine per day, approximately 300 milligrams, is relatively harmless for most people, some individuals may be sensitive to the effects of caffeine at very small doses, and pregnancy and aging (beware masters athletes!) can affect this sensitivity. Runners should also be aware that the helpful effects of caffeine vary and do not occur consistently in habitual users, suggesting that we become less sensitive to caffeine's effects. It may be a pre-competition strategy to hold off on those two to three morning cups of java the week preceding your longest race, allowing you to reap the optimal benefits when you supplement your pre-race meal with some caffeinated fluids. Then during exercise, keep your hydration status topped up with consistent intake of fluids such as water and sports drinks.
* the amount of caffeine varies based on the type of coffee and method of preparation. Data from the International Food Information Council Foundation, October 1999 |
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