So, I'm no elite runner and I have only won my age group in a race twice...in my whole life. Both times in high school, and yes, I still remember the races the Harry the Hat 10k and the Boston Race for the Cure 5k.
Despite my less than stellar racing history, I still love to run in races and part of my pre-race routine has always included coffee. Ah coffee, I love coffee..... Now, like I said I'm no running champ, but I do notice a difference in my races with and without coffee.

And guess what! I was right- check out this article in the New York Times about the scientifically proven positive effect caffeine can have on the performance of elite athletes. Caffeine's effect on the performance of athletes has been known for awhile, but what recent research has shown is that it doesn't take as much caffeine as previously thought, for most people- just a cup of coffee or can of soda will do the trick.

So go ahead, have your cup a day- especially race day.