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Caffeine has been one of the most studied ingredients in sports nutrition with numerous studies proving it to be an effective ergogenic aid, it helps athletes perform at their peak across a variety of sports, with its use particularly widespread in endurance events.

It’s use in cricket is also growing, particularly at the elite level, because research shows it can enhance prolonged intermittent high-intensity efforts, enhance maximal aerobic capacity, improve acute or chronic concentration levels, and decrease perception of effort.

At the age of 23, I was passenger in a car that was involved in an accident. In the incident I broke 3 vertebrae at the top of my back, putting an end to my semi-professional football career.

12 years later, weighing 18 stone (114kg) and suffering with many health issues, including walking with a limp for 2 years due to knee pain, I started on a journey to become more mobile again.

Caffeine is a well-known ergogenic aid and is used widely in the world of sports nutrition due to it’s safety and efficacy in enhancing exercise performance, including short-distance events.   

There are various ways in which caffeine may improve exercise performance in short-distance events.  The main effect is likely to be achieved via impact on the Central Nervous System (CNS).  This impact may reduce the perception of effort, making exercise seem ‘easier’.  Other potential benefits of caffeine include increased alertness/concentration, improved endurance, and reduced fatigue.

When I look back to my younger years, running around my neighbourhood with nothing but myself, my cares and troubles, or my dreams and visions it is hard to imagine the change that would happen within me when I would reach my 20’s and 30’s and find my tribe.

Those years of running solo were a selfish pursuit if I look at it honestly. I ran to clear my head, to de-stress, to stay thin…. too thin. I ran for mostly all the wrong reasons. I didn’t really have the joy that I have now, as I run with so much more freedom in my mind and body and a sense of adventure that I have found, now that I’ve found my community.