I need to clarify. No, caffeine isn't bad, but for me, there is a very narrow window of efficacy, beyond which I am just wired and dysfunctional. To make it worse, I am sure I am a slow metabolizer; one espresso in the AM and I can feel it for 12 hrs plus. So rather than reaching for another java when I am feeling pressured, I get myself to focus and not over-compensate.
Its true that one of the good things about our boring small town is the lack of traffic. And there are trade-offs to having adolescents who you can trust to drive themselves (rowing practice begins at 5:20 AM- I don't drive there anymore). Gosh, am I ever feeling relaxed! :cool:
This is an interesting and well-written article. I would certainly agree that caffeine can help performance. So long as you've adequately primed your muscle memory for optimal form/technique and are not pushing too hard.
The trade-off for caffeine use in daily life is more difficult. I don't have to tell anyone about short-term toxicity (...you can sneeze with your eyes open and answer the phone before it rings...). I think an under-appreciated issue is differences in our metabolism of and sensitivity to caffeine.
Donna:
Tylenol PM? That doesn't work for a serious bout of insomnia. Quiet brain would work, but what if you don't have a quiet brain? Sometimes after a 7:30-9:00 practice, I'm pretty wired for awhile.
Well, then I could take 20, like that thread recently about someone taking so many Tums or something (joke here).
Plus, I don't swim in the evening so I am at an advantage, but after I swim, I used to be wired up, but no longer, now am pooped. And caffeine, well, I just don't feel any impact one way or the other so I drink coffee, lots in the mornings, but then water the rest of the day.
I've never been able to meditate but my hubby can do it but it took practice. I guess it would have helped if I actually had sat down first :rofl:.
But I can lower my own heartrate--that was a feat!
Donna
i typically feel better when not caffinated, and would be asleep now if not for that devil in a mermaid's disguise.
(the starbucks mascot.) don't want to be misunderstood here.
After 30 some odd years with coffee and tea, I've learned that I can drink all I want up until about 11:00 AM without affecting my sleep patterns, but God help me if I have even one cup :coffee: after 1:00 PM. I also switch to water or clear liquids (does amber beer count as clear) after the 11:00 AM cutoff time.
i typically feel better when not caffinated, and would be asleep now if not for that devil in a mermaid's disguise.
He, he, he. Very funny. :rofl: Sorry to keep you from your sleep. Since I'm not usually asleep for another 30-60 minutes, I'm good. What fun is it being an angel? You're a little devil too. Someone else is too. I guess you hot-headed Italians need a lot of yoga to keep calm even when doing mega yardage. A lot of little devils on this forum lately. I know you haven't had any caffeine tonight. So just do some mediatative breathing while I go change my avatar.:rofl: My offer to count for you still holds. You know I've counted before. I have forum witnesses from my last meet. Muppet? SwimmieAvsFan? I secretly wish I was a distance junkie.
Thanks for the clarification. Good try.
Wow, I see you edited or changed your avatar too. Very nice. Still threatening.
i typically feel better when not caffinated, and would be asleep now if not for that devil in a mermaid's disguise.
(the starbucks mascot.) don't want to be misunderstood here.
My offer to count for you still holds. You know I've counted before. I have forum witnesses from my last meet. Muppet? SwimmieAvsFan? I secretly wish I was a distance junkie.
i'll vouch for the fortress. she was 2 lanes down from where i was counting. and she definitely knows how to count- fortress, how many times did i have to ask you what lap the guys were on? :laugh2:
and fortress, if you became a distance junkie, who would your new secret nemesis be?
:rofl:
