negative effect of the coke in a runner

[Ed]

I did lose weight - until my running became poor.  That was because I failed to adjust my caloric intake.
 
It might be difficult to stop drinking Coke all at one time - try drinking less each day for a couple weeks and then drink even less for a couple weeks until you don't drink any.  That made it much easier for me.

[r-at-work]

one issue, especially if you drank a lot of caffeinated beverages (coffe, tea, soda) and you just 'quit' is that you may get a withdrawal headache. This can be nasty.

[Ed]

The withdrawal headaches suck actually.

[Irun100s]

Hmm, I never had a negative effect drinking Coke at races.
Here is an interesting article about the positive effects of Coke: http://www.hawaiianshirtray.com/food-fueling/coke-for-an-upset-stomach/

[dring]

This is a great topic.  As a coach of adults and high school athletes this is a topic that I always tell them about.  Look at food labels and stay away from sugar when psossible.  High Fructose Corn Syrup is worse than sugar mainly because it is in everything.  Because it is so cheap and nost Americans are addicted to sugar HFCS is very dangerous.  I really believe HFCS has helped our country to be over weight.
In 2011 I drank only water.  I was not difficult for me because I gave up soda (sugary drinks) over 6 years ago.  I gave up milk 4 years ago, and I have stayed way from sugar for over 4 years.   There is not much left.   

MSN normally has very shallow articles about fitness, but here was one that caught my eye today.  http://health.msn.com/healthy-living/5-best-reasons-to-drink-water