I'm a beginning runner... Planning to run a 10K in may, and hoping in the future to complete a half and then a full marathon...
I'm curious if anyone has any opinions or knowledge on how detrimental coffee is to training? I like to drink some in the morning, and I generally run in the afternooon. Its not a problem now, but as i increase my distance will it create problems for me energy wise? I know its a diuretic (sp?) .... Anyways, just curious what people have to say.

I know runners that drink coffee on a regular basis and seem to have no problem. If it is in a small amount and you are getting plently of water daily, then i see no problem with having some in the morning, however I would not drink any myself. Then again I am pretty young, but i do drink other fluids than water and I seem to do fine, just make sure you get plenty of water throughout the day.

While they haven't been able to quantify caffeine's effect absolutely precisely, many runners, triathletes, cyclists, and cross-country skiers believe that the unique chemical really works. Race horses are doped with the stuff, and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) is convinced that caffeine is a strong ergogenic aid. The IOC restricts caffeine use by participants in the Games to a urinary concentration of no more than 15 mg/litre.

I sometimes purposely drink a double espresso before heading out for a run. God bless coffee.