During your long run...

Are you using any of the gels or supplements? I have never done anything before and people are telling me to try it but I don't have any way to carry gels/water (I don't have one of those packs). Has anyone done a 1/2 without?

Replies

dorothytd

Me. They don't sit well in my tummy. But I did take sips of Gatorade and water when offered during the race... If you want to get a small pack, I love my Spibelt. Here's a similar one: http://www.amazon.com/Belt-Small-Personal-Item-Black/dp/B000UFSOOY/ref=sr_1_12?ie=UTF8&qid=1361934112&sr=8-12&keywords=Spibelts

You could always put a few gels in a Baggie and stick the bag in your bra if you like them! Gatorade chews are pretty small.

jon1289

Used a gel from Decathlon once. Tasty bloody awful however it really did feel like it kicked in. I took it at 5 miles over a 12 mile run. Reading books it seems that the best approach is little and often. So perhaps a couple of sips (or sucks) every 3 miles or so?

http://www.decathlon.co.uk/iso-orange-38g-id_8176671.html

HMVOL7409

I couldn't stomach gels so I usually do the sport jelly beans or the candy Swedish fish. The candy has the same caloric/macro content of the gels or beans but no caffeine. I don't have issues chewing and running as some do.

ofccat

I don't carry water bottle or anything either. I do take my energy&enduramce before though. And during a race get water at the stations- slows me down as I'm not one of those drink and run people. When training I do my p90x energy and endurance (it's adde to water) and drink about 3 cups about 15-20 min before heading out. Then drink lots when I get home.

ValerieMomof2

So last week for our 12 mile run, the leader of our group put the gels and water at our turnaround point. I felt fabulous for the most part. Finished a route I have never been able to run fully before (and we were only do a 4-5 mile route then). Went for a 13 mile run a couple days ago, didn't have water or the gels at all. Conked at 9-10 miles. I totally hit a wall and had to do intervals just to get to 11..75 and finally called it a day. Guess I learned my lesson!

ofccat

Our bodies definitely let us know when we need something.

__Di__

I only discovered gels during the last five or six weeks, I have found them invaluable.

Took a little getting used to the taste of the stuff though lol.

RachelRuns9

sounds fabulous. Can someone send me a link? What is the brand?

RachelRuns9

A US -seller link, please!

STrooper

There are several brands.

The most common one is GU Energy Gel. They have a selection of flavors, some with caffeine, some without. They can be a challenge if you've never tested them prior to a race. And yes, drink them with water. Pure carbs.

Power Gels (from the folks who make Power Bar) are another alternative. Also without and with different caffeine levels. Caffeine can have interesting effects during and after the race.

For long runs, experiment with what distance works best. Personally I found that 4-6 miles work the best, but your mileage may vary.

One other thing that worked well: for some courses with shared marathon and partially half-marathon courses, only the marathon course may have the gels available. I found grabbing a couple to consume as I came into the next water worked well, because I could suck them down and follow with water.

dixiech1ck

I couldn't stomach gels so I usually do the sport jelly beans or the candy Swedish fish. The candy has the same caloric/macro content of the gels or beans but no caffeine. I don't have issues chewing and running as some do.

FYI if you get regular jelly beans, it's the same thing. I went to a seminar on fueling before, during and after a race put on by Runner's World two years ago and that was one of the questions: are the sports beans any different than the regular jelly beans and we were told no difference. So, save your money, buy a big 5 lbs container at Costco and put them into small snack sized baggies.

I use Gu gel's. I don't mind them, but I have my fave flavors (Caramel, Tri Berry, Vanilla and Blackberry are the best , I think). Also, take a look at the container -- some contain caffeine (some contain 2X the caffeine) and some have no caffeine, like Lemon Lime has no caffeine and neither does the strawberry banana.