Energy Gel

WhatMeRunning

I found that if I am going to run 90+ minutes that I do best if I refuel every hour or thereabouts. Currently that would be every 5 miles for me, but since the convenient routes for me are in 2 mile increments I refuel every 4 miles like you have been. My 10k speed is around 73 minutes and I can do one of those without refueling, but if I will be running around 90 minutes or longer I perform best if I refuel about 1 hour in, and every hour after.

jofjltncb6

_Waffle_ wrote: »

adreal wrote: »

I came across some Gu Enery Gel the other day and wanted to throw this out there to see if anyone has had any sucess with it. I have been running and trying to up my mileage but I feel that about mile 4 I start to lose my energy. Does anyone use any energy gels to get them a boost or is it a waste of money and time.

Thanks.

I did 14 yesterday with no water/drinks or gels*. That said I did bring two along with me just in case I felt like I needed a boost. My preference is the high caffeine gels. I like the caffeine more than anything. I only take Cliff gels except for the salted caramel shot that GU has. Man, that's one tasty snack.

They don't really become a factor for me unless I'm past 13 miles. Then I might take one, or two, or none depending on how I feel that day.


*I didn't bring anything with me but I did have some cold coffee and a Kit-Kat bar before. Mmmm, chocolate and coffee.

You should consider drastically decreasing your carbs so that you need something to get you through any run > 6 miles.

Love,
Coach Jof

glevinso

_Waffle_ wrote: »

adreal wrote: »

I came across some Gu Enery Gel the other day and wanted to throw this out there to see if anyone has had any sucess with it. I have been running and trying to up my mileage but I feel that about mile 4 I start to lose my energy. Does anyone use any energy gels to get them a boost or is it a waste of money and time.

Thanks.

I did 14 yesterday with no water/drinks or gels*. That said I did bring two along with me just in case I felt like I needed a boost. My preference is the high caffeine gels. I like the caffeine more than anything. I only take Cliff gels except for the salted caramel shot that GU has. Man, that's one tasty snack.

They don't really become a factor for me unless I'm past 13 miles. Then I might take one, or two, or none depending on how I feel that day.


*I didn't bring anything with me but I did have some cold coffee and a Kit-Kat bar before. Mmmm, chocolate and coffee.

Coffee before a long run? You are BRAVE!

I absolutely love the Clif Strawberry flavor gel with caffeine. So good. And I love the little boost I get from it late in a run

glevinso

jofjltncb6 wrote: »

_Waffle_ wrote: »

adreal wrote: »

I came across some Gu Enery Gel the other day and wanted to throw this out there to see if anyone has had any sucess with it. I have been running and trying to up my mileage but I feel that about mile 4 I start to lose my energy. Does anyone use any energy gels to get them a boost or is it a waste of money and time.

Thanks.

I did 14 yesterday with no water/drinks or gels*. That said I did bring two along with me just in case I felt like I needed a boost. My preference is the high caffeine gels. I like the caffeine more than anything. I only take Cliff gels except for the salted caramel shot that GU has. Man, that's one tasty snack.

They don't really become a factor for me unless I'm past 13 miles. Then I might take one, or two, or none depending on how I feel that day.


*I didn't bring anything with me but I did have some cold coffee and a Kit-Kat bar before. Mmmm, chocolate and coffee.

You should consider drastically decreasing your carbs so that you need something to get you through any run > 6 miles.

Love,
Coach Jof

Is this a joke?

BusyRaeNOTBusty

I like them for mountain biking, especially if it's hot. I get horrible headaches if I don't take any extra electrolytes (I think the caffeine helps this too).

adreal

Good luck and keep at it! 10 months is a long way off to keep a goal so don't lose sight of it! You are on the right track, and this forum is a great place to get advice.

[/quote]

I find that if I pay for something then I will do it. If I find my mileage is doing better then I might try to squeeze one in early but right now I can't run a solid mile. I want to give my body enough time to get used to big runs and I live in the south so running when it is 9,000 degrees sucks

Thank you guys for all the advice. It's nice to get supportive people.

SarcasmIsMyLoveLanguage

I prefer Gu to any other kind. Try a couple flavours and brands to see what you like.

As others have mentioned though, it's unlikely you actually need it at 4 miles. Gels can be hard on digestion and add unnecessary calories.

MeanderingMammal

adreal wrote: »

If I find my mileage is doing better then I might try to squeeze one in early but right now I can't run a solid mile.

What you'll probably find is that as your condition improves your ability to operate without fuel will improve. If you focus on your general nutrition, rather than gels, you should find your ability to run continuously improves.

Personally, when I started running I was draining 500ml of water in 3 miles, now I'll do 10 mles without any. The body develops the capacity to do more with what's available, rather than supplementing.

nhiggins64

Gels are for longer distances really and have no use for the shorter ones. Your body carries around 2000 calories of Glycogen (the fuel you use) in the muscles and liver - until that gets close to depletion then you don't really need anything. Mostly when you see people using them for shorter distances (under 10 miles) then it's more of a mental crutch to make them feel better - they don't actually NEED it - (but don't tell the Gel companies that, they love to make money out of us !!) For example, my wife won't go out of the door for a run without her water bottle - even if she's only doing 1 mile !! - same reason ;-) Stick at it... the fitness and results will come