Marathon training and refueling

I just bought a bunch of different brands, both gels and chews and I'm going to test them out during training. Lots of people say they can't tolerate one kind or another so it's a very individual thing I think.

My favorite is mint chocolate Gu- tastes like melted junior mints.

I would suggest going to a sports store and getting a selection of different ones to try. You don't really need them unless it's really long runs, but you also need to practice with them until you find one that's palatable and won't make you nauseated. If I'm doing a 90+ minute run, I will start using them after the first hour. Most people will say that's too early, but that's my preference.

As others have said, you need to buy a few different ones and test them out. Some people don't like the consistency of gels, others have trouble chewing while running, some get tummy troubles.

Sometimes I use gels, sometimes I like to eat Swedish fish. I will start using them earlier than most people during training runs because I run first thing in the morning on an empty stomach. If I'm going longer than 10 miles I will take the first one at the 1 hour mark.

Most of the time, you won't *need* to refuel during training as most plans don't exceed the 20 mile barrier. You will, however, want to fuel during the marathon, so you need to practice beforehand to make sure that whatever you use doesn't upset your stomach.

I don't use any fuel during training except for two long runs that I'll take along two gel packs that are the kind that I'm going to use for the race. I'll take one at around 2:00 into the run, the other about 2:45 to simulate race conditions. The rest of the training runs, I do without as I believe it better trains the body to use it's own fuel stores more efficiently.

This is the philosphy I subscribed to during my last marathon cycle and thought it worked very well for me.

Most of the time, you won't *need* to refuel during training as most plans don't exceed the 20 mile barrier. You will, however, want to fuel during the marathon, so you need to practice beforehand to make sure that whatever you use doesn't upset your stomach.

I don't use any fuel during training except for two long runs that I'll take along two gel packs that are the kind that I'm going to use for the race. I'll take one at around 2:00 into the run, the other about 2:45 to simulate race conditions. The rest of the training runs, I do without as I believe it better trains the body to use it's own fuel stores more efficiently.

I feel like I definitely *need* to refuel about every 45 min to 1 hour during my longest runs (any runs longer than 12 - 14 miles). Maybe it's all in my head but I drink a few sips of Gatorade every mile when its warmer and also have a Gu every 45 min almost on the dot. Maybe after it cools down, I'll try running my long runs holding out to the 2 hour mark for my first refueling and see what happens!

I'm betting it's at least mostly mental. Most people have enough stored energy to last roughly 90 minutes (lots of assumptions here, but that's generally the case). Everyone, assuming a reasonably normal diet, should be able to go more than 45 minutes without anything. That said, if you know you're going to be out for a long time, there is nothing wrong with starting early to avoid problems later in the race.

My favorite is mint chocolate Gu- tastes like melted junior mints.

I would suggest going to a sports store and getting a selection of different ones to try. You don't really need them unless it's really long runs, but you also need to practice with them until you find one that's palatable and won't make you nauseated.

I agree, you need to figure out what you like and what effect it has on your stomach. I like most of GU's flavors (even the super caffeinated "Roctane" ones. I'd also suggest you start running with whatever electrolyte beverage your race uses, just to make sure there's no Gastro-intestinal issues there.

Now, I tend to go without Gels/GU on my long training runs up to 20 miles, but this is after learning that I don't have any GI problems with the major brands. I still take a waterbottle full of Gatorade and I keep a Gel or 2 in my belt just in case (but by the time I feel like I need it it's likely too late)

During a race I fallow the guidelines on the GU packets, I take one 15 minutes before the race with 4oz water and then another GU every 45 minutes. Hydration strategy for me on a training run or race is ~4 oz water or Electrolyte beverage every 2 miles.

I also use zero to limited gels, but when I do I prefer Accel. The 5 grams of protein makes a huge difference for me. Experiment and trust your body. M

Thanks for all the input. Im going to go to my local running store and just purchase a few different ones! thank you

Don't discount real foods. IME, nothing travels as well or tastes as good as a rice crispy treat! But there are a lot of other options as well.

I have blood sugar issues (hypoglycemia) so if I'm going to do a long run, I eat 2 Gu Chomps before I go. I always carry a pack with me on any run just in case I crash. I used to use the Gu gels but the last thing I want to eat when I'm running it something of an icing-like consistency. It leaves just a film in your mouth that is not refreshing to say the last. The only Gu gel that I actually like is the Mint Chocolate one because it leaves you feeling like you just ate a mint. Clif Shotblocks are also really awesome too. I only eat more chomps if I feel like I need them during the run.