Distance Runners: energy gel/food

An alternative to gels is hard candy, like Jolly Ranchers.

The last time I trained for a marathon I didn't use anything except for water in training. During the race I used gels and I'm not really sure they helped. By 20 miles the taste became nauseating and I bonked anyway.

I've experimented with shot bloks, carb boom, gu, and powerbar gel. Everyone has their favorite. I personally like powerbar gel the most. Some people don't like how sweet some gels are. Some don't like to chew on the run (i.e. shot bloks). There are also gels and chewables with caffeine. I don't like those, but some do. I think it's about experimenting and seeing what works best for you. Definitely try out some of this stuff on some of your long training runs before you think about racing with it. And like I said - personally, I really liked the powerbar gels. I also liked shot bloks until I kept nearly choking on them because they were rock solid during one of my winter races.

Last summer I had a big problem with dehydration and I was trying to wean myself off sugary gels. I started loading some of the bottles in my fuel belt with nuun tablets. I don't know if you've heard of those. But they pretty much dissolve in water and make it flavored. It's an electrolyte drink, but it's not as sweet as gatorade. It's really important to drink regular water alongside of these though. I've had nothing but good experiences with the nuun tablets.

Im a slow runner, so my half marathon times are probably your marathon times. But I had alot of trouble figuring out what I could and could not eat due to sensitive stomach.

I do 1/2 strength gatorade with water in 3 bottles, 1 bottle of water.
I start Chomps - 2 chomps at mile 3.5 and every 2 mile thereafter.

My first half I felt rough towards the end, pretty depleted on sodium.
This last half 2 weeks ago ... I felt amazing! I drank 30oz of gatorade and water - and the Chomps plus 1 1/2 cup of water!

Experiment on your long runs to figure out what will work for you!

I use energy beans by Jelly Belly. Mostly because my husband sells them so I get them free. They are tiny so easy to eat on the run. I also find sugar free electrolytes in my water (I always run with water) give me a big boost, and bounce balls.

Or just run slower while training!

I disagree! You have about 90 mins of stores no matter how slow or fast you run.

Maybe I'm just better at running slow than you !!

But seriously, you can do it however you want, just make sure you practice pre-marathon and once you've trained for it don't
change mid marathon. With preparation you can run a marathon with a smile on your face the whole way.

Edit: which marathon are you running?

Honey stinger Energy Chews are AMAZING!!!! I get the fruit smoothie flavor. Definitely my favorite and I have tried everything! I also have GU on me when i run to mix it up and alternate but I prefer honey stingers. Taste great and lots of energy..My running friends call it runner's crack it is so good!(the honey stingers)

I have run 4 marathons and 5 half marathons and a lot of races of shorter distances. In the full marathon (I just ran one in April) I took Gels at miles 5, 10, 15 and 20. Every 40-50 mins. you have to keep refueling on these longer distances. When I train I usually take one Gel per hour of running, if i'm running over 90 mins. You should experiment on your longer training runs of course to see what suits your stomach.

also beware of serving sizes. The Chomps are good for 90 mins of activity however that is because there are 2 servings in each packet so each serving is supposed to fuel you for 45 mins (8 chomps per packet but 4 chomps is a serving size). The chomps are yummy. :-) but take too long to chew in a race situation so I use Gels for races.

you will notice a huge difference if you are consistent about your nutrition while training and racing!
Good luck!