Energy Gels January 10, 2007
Posted by regivizz Fitness, Running
Digg! this story.
, trackback
Now that my runs are getting to be 10 miles and over, I’m debating on the use of energy gels. Gu, Accel Gel, Clif Shot, Jelly Belly Sports Beans…one of those. Does anybody have any recommendations? Advice?
I’d imagine I should make sure they are compatible with my sensitive stomach so I’ll use them on my shorter runs to begin with….and that there’s about the only thing I know to do! Any and all help (brands, flavors, timing etc.) will be appreciated!
Comments
Hi -
Never used anything like this - I generally have problems even just hydrating, let alone putting anything gooier (is that a real word?) down my gullet. I did today try a PowerBar (see my posting about Peanut Butter Kit Kats. . . ), and can confirm that they’re absolutely yummy though - if that helps at all!
Generally I try to fuel up about 90 minutes before longer runs or rides, and my absolute favourite is porridge with 1/2 a ripe banana (i.e. the skin’s going mottled) in it and a dollop of either (or both . . .) peanut butter or honey. Mmmmmm!
I’ll watch this post to see if anyone has any more sensible advice!
Karl.
I like Power gel, chocolate. The accel stuff is pretty gross.
A lot of people say you want to maintain the right hydration with gels, so too much water and it doesn’t help, not enough and it goo’s up in your stomach. So that means lugging some water along also, which is probably a good idea anyways.
I’ve heard of people using peppermints, sandwiches, gels, sports drinks, all kinds of crazy stuff.
My runner friends tell me Gu is a great product!
I used chocolate flavored Powerbar gel with 2x Caffeine in both my marathons and had stomach cramp each time. I didn’t get the same stomach cramp during training though (perhaps I was running a lot slower and maybe my water/gel mixture was better).
Now I’m using CrankSports e-Gel. I like it better. It’s not as thick as Powerbar and has more carb and calories, lower sugar, no caffeine and 4x more electrolytes. The way I sweat, I need to replenish my electrolytes a lot more than other runners.
i HATE the taste/texture of gel . . . i used to carry a clif bar when i ran but it felt a little counterproductive to eat and run at the same time. So now I use powerbar because it has the most sodium, which is esp. good for girls. i think. Usually I take one starting at an hour and a half and then every 45 min after that. obviously experimenting is the best way to figure out what works for you:)
Yeah, the weird part about gel’s is that it’s like a liquid nutrigrain bar…bleech.
Did you ever end up getting anything?
Bri: Do you run like 3 hours a night?
My favorite sports gels are Carb Boom, they are all natural and come in yummy flavors like apple spice and orange banana.
The taste a lot better than most of the gels out there.
I usually go through about 4 in a marathon.
I totally rely on Gu they have gotten me through many marathons and tri’s