I never used to drink one of the world’s most popular drinks. Every time I step inside Bo’s Coffee or walk beside a Coffee Dream kiosk—with no offense meant to Steve Benitez and Glenn Soco, my good friends who own our two most popular and home-grown coffee shops—I stare at the menu, pause for three seconds, and signal to order the same hot drink each time. Not cappuccino. Not cafe latte. Not a shot of espresso. But, yes, as corny as it sounds, a glass of hot tea.
That was then. Just six months ago—and I don’t know what triggered it—I bought sachets of San Mig Coffee. You know, those small plastics that come in color blue? One morning, I drank a hot cup. Hmmm. One day turned into two. A few days into one week. Seven days transformed into a month. And now, half-a-year later, I’m a certified member of the worldwide organization whose membership of hundreds of millions spans from Afghanistan to Zimbabwe… I’m a coffee drinker!
I know, I know… you’re probably giggling and thinking, “You mean you only knew now? About coffee? Ha-ha-ha-ha!”
You’re right. And now that I know, I believe I’ll be a coffee drinker for life. But now the question: Why this coffee talk in the sports page?
I’ll tell you why: Coffee pumps me up. On many mornings, I wake up at 6:15 a.m. with eyes half-open, head tilted, sliding my feet while my legs are still asleep in bed. I’m tired. Sleepy. And my brain neurons tell me I need more Zzzzz’s. In five words: I Don’t Want To Exercise.
But here’s what happens next: I tear open a Nescafe Intense sachet (yes, I’ve “graduated” from drinking solely San Mig Coffee and now buy boxes of various flavors to alternate each day), pour the 3-in-1 mix into a hot cup of water, sit on a chair, sip, sip, sip and, five minutes later, here’s what happens…
My eyes enlarge. My heart beats 20 pumps faster. I’m sweating. All the drowsiness from moments ago is replaced by energy. Next, I put on my shorts, tie my Nike shoelaces, step on a treadmill or drive to Family Park and, one hour later, I’ve ran the distance of a 10-K.
Want to hear my chant? THANK YOU, COFFEE!
No kidding. This miraculous cup of brown liquid will, very often, transform me from a slow-walking, just-awoken zombie into a 100-percent-charged Energizer battery.
And so here’s my point: If you still haven’t been addicted to coffee, start now. Weeks back, I convinced my mom Allen to do the same and, when we had breakfast last week, she was sipping what I was sipping.
But how much coffee is good—or bad—for us? I don’t know. I tried to research that question but was drowned with hundreds of varying opinions. But here’s one fact that’s never disputed: Drink in moderation. One in the morning, another mid-morning, one more after lunch. That’s fine.
But, for example, eight cups of coffee? That will get you banned from the Olympics. This might surprise you but, yes, caffeine is among the 40 different stimulants banned by the International Olympic Committee (IOC).
“Since the 2000 Olympics,” wrote the running website www.teamcrossworld.com, “caffeine has been banned by the IOC. The level that is banned is approximately 8 cups of coffee. If the IOC found that much caffeine in your urine, they would assume that you are trying to gain a competitive advantage.”
But if taken in moderation, as the Univ. of Michigan Health System website states, here what coffee does: “… it makes (people) feel more alert, gives them more energy, improves their mood, and makes them more productive. Athletes often use caffeine to help them perform better, both in routine workouts and in competition.”
And so, coffee is good—especially for athletic performance. But a word of caution: Once, my buddy Andrew Jimenez and I drank a cup each after our Rotary meeting. It was 9:30 p.m. That night, as we related to each other days after, we turned, tossed and couldn’t sleep. The ignorant coffee drinkers that we were, that’s a nice lesson learned: At night, don’t touch that coffee!
Hi John… sorry i cant help it but to comment on your column regarding coffee 🙂 your very right with what u have written. I started to be a “coffee addict” a year ago and I loved my “addiction”. Btw, have u tried the nescafe coffee sold in the vending machine that cost php6-7 a cup? Its so good!! u must try it. It not only dispenses coffee but also includes milo. Anyway, i really had fun reading your column. Keep it up and more power! regards to Jasmin 🙂
hey john… ever had caffeine headache or a caffeine crash? With all the energy drinks full of caffeine and sugar nowadays it is becoming more common. You get energy for 4-5 hrs and then crash and feel so tired. This is what a lot of adolescents are into nowadays.
you`re right john it give us adrenaline rush,i`m in my late 30s but i started the habit 2yrs ago.
ROGER! Salamat kaayo. Pareho ra ta… we just got “addicted” to coffee very recently. I haven’t tried the Nescafe in the vending machine but will do that when I see one. Thanks and see you!
CLABEN: yes, I’ve read of people who “crash” after drinking coffee. But that’s probably because they drank too much. Like wine or beer, moderation is the key.
Thanks!
Im agree to that, Im addicted also to coffee. Every morning, before I start to my training. I’ll take one cup of coffee to boost and energize my body..
ahhh…. kape! i used to drink 5 cups a day, now i’m down to 3 hehe
Hi John,
You probably know this already, when you drink coffee it makes you pee more often because of Diuretic in it.
During marathon race day if you want to have a cup to wake you up and energize your system, I would drink it at least 3 hours before gun time. You wouldn’t wanna have the feeling of going once you are in the course or staging area.
You are also probably using energy gels already, for your source of caffeine. If not, I highly recommend using them during race day, but you must incorporate them in your training. As you know, you should never do something new during race day.
Pit Senyor!
MAXBOY, TIM, NOEL: Thanks for your comments!
CERRONE: You’re right… I’ve been experimenting with the GU gels (with caffeine) in our two- to three-hour long runs and they’re great. Hope to get that extra boost from those caffeine-injected energy gels and not hit that “wall” on Mile 20. Thanks!
As you know I don’t drink coffee. I rely on natural adrenalin to boost my system, but every now and then I get the urge to be ‘extra’ energized and so I take the Sobe No Fear super energy supplement drink that comes in a 16 fl.oz can. Even then, I don’t drink the whole thing because it is soooo potent. I’ll bring you a couple cans to try. Bantay! Ma-hyper gyud ka ani. Great topic, John, and nicely written. You got many to respond.
Bebot: sure, will definitely try that out. Thanks! … But back to the topic, why don’t you drink coffee?
It stains your teeth! hahaha! Seriously, I just never got the habit. I drink coffee occasionally, mostly when I have a donut or a piece of cake to dilute the sweetness.
BEBOT: Hahahaha. You’re right!
Hey John!
Glad you found your love for coffee. I’m still waiting till I’m 18 so I can drink it though. But tea isnt so bad for me though. Happy drinking coffee!
TRAVIN: It’s been a long time since you commented. Been wondering where you’ve been. Welcome back. Thanks for the coffee comment… in a few years’ time, you’ll experience the benefits of coffee. Thanks!
hi john… really interesting article! i’m a big tea drinker but every morning, i make sure i have my regular cup of coffee to jumpstart my day. you’re right, coffee does perk you up. although too much coffee makes you too perky!!! btw, nice blogsite…keep it up!