First half marathon - do I need power gels/sports beans?

If it were me, I'd lean towards yes.

I like to have some extra electrolytes and simple carbs when doing a lot of running.

I've run 5 half marathons, with another coming up next sunday, and have never used any gels or beans... all my training plans revolve around proper hydration and I do fine with that.....if you've trained this far without them, I'd say wait till AFTER this one to "experiment" at all..... just my 2 cents.

I am just starting on my training for running a 5k lol. But my brother was training for a half marathon and we were running talking about the gels and he said for a half marathon you would probably want some gels further along in the race as chris said around 8-10 miles you will have definitely burned all the calories you took in before and will need a kick.

Good luck! If you keep up the distance running, you'll eventually encounter the really unpleasant experience of depleting your glycogen stores completely (also known as "hitting the wall"). It is no fun, so its definitely worthwhile learning how your body handles eating while running.

Your body shouldn't need anything for a 1/2 marathon. If you are eating properly there will be plenty of glycogen in your muscles for that distance. I don't bring anything but water for runs under 15-16 miles. Gatorade will probably be available and you can try drinking some of that for a carb boost if you feel you need one.


Gels and those types of products are fairly new to distance running. Sports drinks and water used to be the only things available. Times aren't getting faster. I try to rely mainly on sports drinks in marathons and training, as the availability of them can be sporadic in races, as well as the flavors. Nothing worse than getting to mile 18 and trying to choke back some disgusting flavor. With sports drink only, I also don't have to carry anything. Water/sports drink stops every 2 miles is common and your body can't digest fluids any faster than that anyway.

Some of it depends on you and your speed. If you're finishing under 2 hours, you generally will have enough carbs/electrolytes on board to not need anything supplemental other than perhaps gatorade. Also, you want to take a gel or alternative before you start to fade, not after. After you bonk it's awfully hard to get back, so if you think there's a chance you could start to fade at mile 10-12, take your gu at mile 8-9. It takes 5-10 minutes to really kick in and get from your mouth, through your stomach, and into your bloodstream. Good lu ck, and remember as others have said to do your experimenting well before race day.

My wife's first half marathon in June 11, and we're using Clif Shot Bloks. 1 blok every 2 miles. Yummm.

Sunday was my first Half Marathon, as you know

I say YES! Read my blog post about it. I think the gel helped me get through. There are heaps on the market and I had NO idea which one to use, so I just grabbed the Powerbar Apple flavour Gel. I had half at the half way point just before the drink station (to follow it up with water) and the other half at the 3/4 mark (same thing with the water station).

I also think just one will do you, but IF you can go for 2 then I would say go for that too, I think I will use two next time


Good luck Molly!!

I'd stick with the electrolyte drinks available at the station. You shouldn't need more fuel for a half, the main issue is maintaining your body's hydration status and electrolyte balance, which the powerade/gatorade type drinks they offer will do fine (bear in mind these will contain some sugar anyway - providing a small blood sugar boost).

For anyone has issues with gels and their taste/texture, try Accel Gels. I generally buy the chocolate ones. They are a little thinner consistency. They are also the only brand that I have found that has some protein in there as well. Research has shown that then protein helps with the carb intake. The key lime one was good as well.

Taking too many gels can lead to intestinal issues, which is a big problem for a lot of runners, particularly as they get into long distances. Sports drinks and gels provide the same function, providing some carbohydrate. At some point the carb intake is psychological. There was a study that showed that people who took a sports drink during heavy exertion of exercise and spit it out, got a positive physical response just from the taste of the drink, without actually consuming any of it. If I can find the article, I'll let you know.

I did my first on this past sunday and i was able to get through with just gatorade! i mixed a 20 oz bottle to run with rather than leaving it just up to the aid stations, but that seemed to be enough to get me through it

I use them anytime I am out running more than an hour. It definately helps replentish my enery level.

When I did my first half-marathon, I didn't use any gels or anything. I carb-loaded the day before, drank plenty of water the week before, and alternated water and gatorade at the drink stations on the route. I did fine (I stopped once to use the bathroom, but that's it).

However, I walked it, so if you are running yours, you may want to talk with experienced runners.