Red Bull at races

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Rickshaw
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
San Francisco, CA
Joined: 26 Nov 2004
Posts: 1157

Red Bull at races Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 12:21 pm

Red Bull energy drink seems to be sponsoring a lot of races around here recently. Is this stuff actually good for runners? I wouldn't think so, but at least it makes more sense the Michelob Ultra sponsoring so many races. At this weekend's half marathon, there was a giant Red Bull arch that we ran through at mile 7 and again at mile 10, complete with music and cheerleaders trying to pass a can of Red Bull to everyone who ran through. I didn't take it, nor did anyone else I saw. Maybe after the race, but during? I've never tried the stuff, and it didn't seem like the best time to experiment with new drinks.

OldManRunner
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
Rochester, NY
Joined: 28 Nov 2004
Posts: 262

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 4:44 pm

There was an article in Runners World at some point over the past 6 months comparing the various attributes of the so-called energy drinks. Basically just a bunch of calories and caffiene, with little to no redeeming value. I'm biased, though, because I've never tried one either. Maybe they're great?!

ginger

Cambridge, MA
Joined: 08 Dec 2004
Posts: 46

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 6:13 pm

I've heard of triathletes using red bull during an ironman in place of where they'd use a coke. Chris McCormack in particular - I'm pretty sure I remember him downing a red bull in T2 from the tv coverage of hawaii.

Rickshaw
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
San Francisco, CA
Joined: 26 Nov 2004
Posts: 1157

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 6:57 pm

Actually, now that you mention it, wasn't one of the leaders wearing a Red Bull bandana? I don't think it was McCormack, though. One of the Germans, I think, like Hellregal (sp?).

ginger

Cambridge, MA
Joined: 08 Dec 2004
Posts: 46

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Tue Mar 14, 2006 7:10 pm

good memory - the red bull website says that they sponsor courtney atkinson, jurgen zack, kate allen and natascha badmann. (no US triathletes)

mfox

South Orange, New Jersey
Joined: 19 Dec 2004
Posts: 367

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 11:59 am

I've tried Red Bull a few times but only once for an endurance event (triathlon). I took it about 30 minutes before the swim and never gave it much thought afterwards. But I did really well during that event so I wonder if it helped. It's carbonated so it might give you gas if you used it during an event. I've used it mostly for long distance drives. For example, when I drive back to see family in Ohio (about a 9 hour drive) I pop one open when I start to feel a little drowsy. For the three or four trips I've tried this it has always given me a lift and staved off fatigue...more so than when I drink a soda. I'm considering given it a try when I start to ramp my long runs up again (no spring marathons for me this year).

Rustyboy

LA, CA
Joined: 14 Dec 2004
Posts: 225

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Wed Mar 15, 2006 5:35 pm

I've downed a Red bull or two prior to a big run in the woods, as well as many Starbucks Double Shots during 4 + hour mountain runs(caffeine and creamy calories...mmmm....) Trail races oftentimes have flat Coke and Mountain Dew at aid stations, which I've discovered do give me an extra boost, although I could see how unsettling on the stomach they could be.

BGibbsLMT

Southington, CT
Joined: 12 Dec 2004
Posts: 68

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Tue Apr 18, 2006 8:41 pm

I tried a red bull once before running, once. I spent most of that run looking for a bathroom. Anything with carbonation disagrees with me when running and red bull doubly so. The only energy drins I can tolerate are Venom and Whup Ass from Jones soda Co. Jones gets the prize for best warning label.."not for people who shouldn't drink it, you know who you are"

Rickshaw
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
San Francisco, CA
Joined: 26 Nov 2004
Posts: 1157

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Mon Apr 24, 2006 9:19 pm

Whup Ass? That's a real drink? Hilarous! If there was ever a product named just so that everyone could use one particular joke about it, that's it.

BGibbsLMT

Southington, CT
Joined: 12 Dec 2004
Posts: 68

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Fri May 05, 2006 10:46 pm

It's real, Jones also made a turkey and gravey flavored soda. Cool company, weird but cool.

Rickshaw
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
San Francisco, CA
Joined: 26 Nov 2004
Posts: 1157

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Sat May 06, 2006 12:23 pm

Turkey and gravy... I think I heard about that one. Great for Thanksgiving. Yum!

mrbill

Sub-Chicago
Joined: 09 May 2006
Posts: 84

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 7:12 am

I love a Red Bull BEFORE a race. They don't seem to bother me at all. I don't think I could handle one DURNING a race, though.. I also like Monster, but they are twice the size...!

Rickshaw
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
San Francisco, CA
Joined: 26 Nov 2004
Posts: 1157

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 9:56 am

Anybody take coffee before a race? I've started to, when I can get it. My theory is that I normally drink coffee every morning, so if I don't have any on race morning, I'll probably be more tired and groggy, which can't be good for race performance. I do worry about its diuretic effects, though.

Rustyboy

LA, CA
Joined: 14 Dec 2004
Posts: 225

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 11:56 am

Oh. Yes. YesYes Yes Yes Yes Yes !

OldManRunner
Runworks 2005 5M Racer
Rochester, NY
Joined: 28 Nov 2004
Posts: 262

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 3:02 pm

I've read that if you're a regular coffee drinker, the diuretic effect is far less than for someone who doesn't have a cup or two every morning.

mrbill

Sub-Chicago
Joined: 09 May 2006
Posts: 84

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Wed May 10, 2006 4:29 pm

I don't have any problem drinking coffee before a training run, or a race. I do have coffee every morning whether I run or not, so that may make a difference... It doesn't bother me at all, I must be used to it.

BGibbsLMT

Southington, CT
Joined: 12 Dec 2004
Posts: 68

Re: Red Bull at races Posted: Mon May 15, 2006 10:22 am

Double espresso an hour or so before long runs seems to help me get started. As long as you're well hydrated beforehand the diuretic effects should be minimal. Just be sure to use the bathroom right before you start your run, or run in the woods where there's always a tree with your name on it.

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