Is caffeine helpful when exercising? is it bad?

Hi, I am starting to run a mile a few times a week on a tredmil. i usually do about 6.5mph and finish around 9:20-9:30 seconds. When i actually run a mile like on a track i get about 7:15, but dont do this very often. anyway my question is will caffeine help me keep my energy? I have mints that have 100mg of caffeine in them, which is equil to a cup of coffie. Im just wondering if taking one before i run will help me go for longer then a mile feeling less tired. thanks -Nick

Even if i drink watter???

no, caffeine dehydrates the body. once you get used to running you will not be as tired.

BAD! TRY gatetoraid

Caffeine dehydrates you. It will make you weaker.

I think it's bad because the fact that it makes your heart race makes your heart go faster and faster when you run!
It might make your heart race so fast, you might get heart attack.

Yes, it IS true that caffeine can give you more "energy"...at first! If you keep relying on it too long, you can get jittery AND it messes with your adrenal glands, which, as you know produce lots of necessary hormones and chemicals for bodily functioning (uh, like adreline!). Eventually, if you abuse them too much, their function is impaired.

Also, caffeine narrows blood vessels, which is NOT something you want! (that's why they use it for headache medicines, including some of the ones for migraines).

The best bet for your energy is, given YOUR level of activity: carbo-loading! The night before a race, consume extra quantities of COMPLEX Carbohydrates & protein, which will continue to provide energy throughout your race. (Whole grain spaghetti, sauce, tofu or chicken or fish).

If you feel weak DURING the race, augment yourself w/a drink or energy bar using SIMPLE carbos (sugars, pref. fruit) and complex carbos (grains), to tide you over.

About an hr. or so BEFORE The race, have a light meal of grains, proteins and sugars. Avoid fats, as they will make you "loagy". However, if you are training intensely, fats are essential, as long as they're consumed not too long before the actual race.

Remember...carbos are the key..NOT caffeine!

No, absolutely not. Caffeine is a diarrhetic, so you're body won't be able to process fluids effectively, during a time when your excretory glands will be working overtime. It also restricts the flow of blood cells, so your circulation will be down meaning you won't be able to go as far.