Energy gels and stuff....
natvanessa
Posts: 230 Member
So I never paid attention to all those energy gummies, shots, and gels but now that I've started running and checking out these forums I keep hearing about them.
I am training for a half marathon and wonder if they will help. It's just that sometimes, like early in the morning, I feel sluggish and have a hard time getting my legs to move LOL!
Do these energy gels really work? What is in them? Are they natural or chemicals?
Also, I have been looking around local retail stores and can't find much selection. I'd like to try to find GU (as I almost worked there once and they gave me a ton of samples at my interview...but I wasn't an athlete back then! They just tasted good), but I can't find GU anywhere.
I haven't checked sporting good stores yet but was hoping to find other types of places that carry this stuff.
Thanks!
I am training for a half marathon and wonder if they will help. It's just that sometimes, like early in the morning, I feel sluggish and have a hard time getting my legs to move LOL!
Do these energy gels really work? What is in them? Are they natural or chemicals?
Also, I have been looking around local retail stores and can't find much selection. I'd like to try to find GU (as I almost worked there once and they gave me a ton of samples at my interview...but I wasn't an athlete back then! They just tasted good), but I can't find GU anywhere.
I haven't checked sporting good stores yet but was hoping to find other types of places that carry this stuff.
Thanks!
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Replies
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So I never paid attention to all those energy gummies, shots, and gels but now that I've started running and checking out these forums I keep hearing about them.
I am training for a half marathon and wonder if they will help. It's just that sometimes, like early in the morning, I feel sluggish and have a hard time getting my legs to move LOL!
Do these energy gels really work? What is in them? Are they natural or chemicals?
Also, I have been looking around local retail stores and can't find much selection. I'd like to try to find GU (as I almost worked there once and they gave me a ton of samples at my interview...but I wasn't an athlete back then! They just tasted good), but I can't find GU anywhere.
I haven't checked sporting good stores yet but was hoping to find other types of places that carry this stuff.
Thanks!
They are chemicals etc.
I personally cannot take them. I've taken gummy type of stuff for longer races. I don't find the need in a half but i routinely train without so I have conditioned my body to use stored energy more efficently.0 -
They are processed, but effective if you are accustomed to them. You'll need to go to a sporting goods store to get them though. Personally I like the Gu Chomps better than the gels, but to each their own.
Just make sure you train with them if you plan on racing with them.0 -
Your local running store should have many to choose from. My local running store has a bewildering array, lol.
I have never used them, but my longest run so far is only 6 miles. Some runners just use gummy bears and mini-pretzels. Others make their own with honey. That's probably what I will do if I need something like that.
I already make my own sports drink. 2 cups water, 2 tablespoons local honey, 1/8 teaspoon of salt. Tastes good, seems to work great on my 80+ minute cross training sessions.
I also make my own recovery drink. 2 cups water, 1/8 teaspoon of salt, 3 tablespoons local honey and half a scoop (13 grams) of whey protein isolate unflavored. That gives the drink a 4:1 ratio, carbs:protein. Works great for me after my longer runs.0 -
I don't find the need in a half but i routinely train without so I have conditioned my body to use stored energy more efficently.
This.
I train without them, with the exception of a test run or two with the gel that I intend to use in a race. For a HM, I will take one 15 minutes before the gun and then one after about an hour. For a marathon, I do one 15 minutes before an then one every 45 minutes.0 -
According to Jeff Galloway sugar cubes or candy works just as well.0
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Just for fun, compare the ingredients to a package of jelly candy. They're pretty close. I started out by using gummy bears and candy fruit slices and hard candies. I eventually switched to honey (you can find it in the ketchup-style packets) and fresh clementines.0
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I make my own (a Fuel Belt gel flask - equiv to about 4 or 5 gels - costs me a little over $1 and is enough for 2 Sunday long runs)
The measurements aren't precise but the recipe goes like this:
Fill the flask to the 3 line with honey
Add molasses (to the 4 or 4.5 depending on how thick you like it)
add a pinch of salt
top up with water to dilute and shake vigorously
I've found it works as well as any of the gels I've tried, is 100% natural and is a fraction of the cost (plus it tastes like the old fashioned candy kisses that you used to get at Halloween)0 -
I make my own (a Fuel Belt gel flask - equiv to about 4 or 5 gels - costs me a little over $1 and is enough for 2 Sunday long runs)
The measurements aren't precise but the recipe goes like this:
Fill the flask to the 3 line with honey
Add molasses (to the 4 or 4.5 depending on how thick you like it)
add a pinch of salt
top up with water to dilute and shake vigorously
I've found it works as well as any of the gels I've tried, is 100% natural and is a fraction of the cost (plus it tastes like the old fashioned candy kisses that you used to get at Halloween)
Can you pack up a bunch of them for me in foil packs like Gu and send them to me?
I'd do this, but I'm not wearing a fuel belt for a race. No way, no how. 0 -
Can you pack up a bunch of them for me in foil packs like Gu and send them to me? I'd do this, but I'm not wearing a fuel belt for a race. No way, no how.
:laugh: The flask will clip on to any race belt. (I have an aversion to pinning bibs on to my shirts & they're convenient if you're doing a du or tri as your number has to show on your back for the bike & front for the run)0 -
I try to limit the processed stuff I eat but while training for my half I found that once I was out for more than an hour I would get really REALLY tired - especially when it was hot/humid out. I found these organic energy chews on amazon and they are basically honey and electrolytes and I can't complain. They supply sugar for quick energy without a crash and electrolytes for when you're sweating hard. They're called honey stingers and I eat 1-2 every 10 minutes or so after 6 miles. Sometimes I don't feel like I need them but sometimes I do. I carry them in the pocket of my hydration belt but I stashed them in my bra for my race and it went fine.0
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I like the GU gels - I used 2 during my half marathon and they helped so much! I felt like I had more energy a minute or 2 after eating them.0
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Bump0
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I use Torq gels and love the Rubarb Custard flavour, for long runs I tend to alternate between these and Jelly Beans/Haribo every 45 mins or so.0
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According to Jeff Galloway sugar cubes or candy works just as well.
The brilliant thing about most gels though isn't so much the carbs as you can get a sugary kick from a lot of places but the addition of electrolytes (especially for those of us in the South). Personally I try to limit the use of these in training. Mostly long runs (>90 minutes) and long rides. For run races if I anticipate finishing in under 90 minutes I usually just go with the sport drink on course for nutrition. Anything over 1.5 hours I start with a GU Roctane at 40 minutes and take one every half hour there after.0 -
I have tried (what feels like) every gu, gel, gummy under the sun and they just don't play well with my stomach. For HM I don't take anything - as a previous poster said, my body is just used to it. For my 30km this year I did bring some trail mix - the mix of dried fruit and nuts was a good energy mix.
I also take electrolyte pills (salt stick) for longer runs / heat just so I'm not losing too many electrolytes (I get major nausea with that). No extra energy, but stops me from bonking.0 -
bump, good info, I was wondering the same thing.0
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Something I just discovered and tried this weekend is that blackstrap molasses has nearly a perfect blend of electrolytes and carbs. So just mix a tbs into your water bottle with a little salt. It also is good for mixing a Tbs into a recovery drink. For those who run long a lot in the heat this is a lot less expensive than commercial gels and drinks.According to Jeff Galloway sugar cubes or candy works just as well.
The brilliant thing about most gels though isn't so much the carbs as you can get a sugary kick from a lot of places but the addition of electrolytes (especially for those of us in the South). Personally I try to limit the use of these in training. Mostly long runs (>90 minutes) and long rides. For run races if I anticipate finishing in under 90 minutes I usually just go with the sport drink on course for nutrition. Anything over 1.5 hours I start with a GU Roctane at 40 minutes and take one every half hour there after.0 -
Something I just discovered and tried this weekend is that blackstrap molasses has nearly a perfect blend of electrolytes and carbs. So just mix a tbs into your water bottle with a little salt. It also is good for mixing a Tbs into a recovery drink. For those who run long a lot in the heat this is a lot less expensive than commercial gels and drinks.
Thanks for this! I've recently been using Hammer Gels, which are a little thinner than Gu and have some aminos mixed in, but would prefer to move away from the highly processed. Blackstrap molasses is on the shopping list.0 -
Something I just discovered and tried this weekend is that blackstrap molasses has nearly a perfect blend of electrolytes and carbs. So just mix a tbs into your water bottle with a little salt. It also is good for mixing a Tbs into a recovery drink. For those who run long a lot in the heat this is a lot less expensive than commercial gels and drinks.
Thanks for this! I've recently been using Hammer Gels, which are a little thinner than Gu and have some aminos mixed in, but would prefer to move away from the highly processed. Blackstrap molasses is on the shopping list.
Hammer is generally regarded as the worst option out there amongst the bigger companies. GU, Cliff, Powerbar are all better options profile wise. From their gels to Endurolytes to the fact that Perpetum (sp?) can spoil in the heat it's no bueno. Salt Stick is another option if you prefer pills as far as quality electrolytes.0 -
i like Infinit. you can make it into a paste or mix it with water, and you can customized it to your own likes0
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i like Infinit. you can make it into a paste or mix it with water, and you can customized it to your own likes
My buddies who just did IMTX love the Infinit Napalm "gel". But yeah their custom blends are awesome too.0 -
If I have the forethought to get a decent snack in before a run, I can trust my body for about 2 hours unless it's really rugged terrain. I get low blood sugar pretty quickly, and I get "hangry" (hunger angry), so I tend to pack a Gu gel or similar in my hand-held's pouch just in case.
There seriously is a TON of options on brand, but they all do the same thing. If you have local 5Ks, sometimes they'll give away samples if you want to try without buying. I started by grabbing one or two of each kind at my local running store and giving them a try. Also EMS or similar hiking stores will have similar products. They also sell crackers and cookies (Honey Stinger is a widely distributed brand) that might suit you if the gel/gooey thing doesn't work for you.
Lastly, real food also works, as long as you don't mind slowing down enough to not literally inhale it. Bananas, oranges, pretzels or chips (you need salt on hot days) trail mix with nuts, cereal, m&m's, chocolate covered espresso beans- all of these are good.0 -
Like others have said, you need to experiment and find what works for you... before race day. I find that for my runs of 6+ miles, I take a Powerbar Gel befor I run, and then another after about an hour.... depending on my mileage and time I'm running. I also make sure I'm properly hydrated BEFORE a run, or I'm more sluggish. I can't tolerate sports drinks while I run, so I just bring water.
The Gu's and gels do provide energy, but you need to make sure they don't upset your stomach.0 -
Interesting! All this time since I have been running long distance, never thought of adding these supplementary stuff. Thanks for sharing !0
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I make my own (a Fuel Belt gel flask - equiv to about 4 or 5 gels - costs me a little over $1 and is enough for 2 Sunday long runs)
The measurements aren't precise but the recipe goes like this:
Fill the flask to the 3 line with honey
Add molasses (to the 4 or 4.5 depending on how thick you like it)
add a pinch of salt
top up with water to dilute and shake vigorously
I've found it works as well as any of the gels I've tried, is 100% natural and is a fraction of the cost (plus it tastes like the old fashioned candy kisses that you used to get at Halloween)
Thank you!!! I have a terrible food sensitivity to a preservative that is present in a lot of the gels and such. I haven't used anything out of fear of getting sick while running. This though...This I can do
I had been thinking about running with honey sticks, too. A local guy at my farmer's market sales them. But I like the idea of adding a pinch of salt.0 -
I couldn't use gu without gi issues, so I ended up trying CarbBOOM which is has nothing artificial in it and love it.0
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I make my own (a Fuel Belt gel flask - equiv to about 4 or 5 gels - costs me a little over $1 and is enough for 2 Sunday long runs)
The measurements aren't precise but the recipe goes like this:
Fill the flask to the 3 line with honey
Add molasses (to the 4 or 4.5 depending on how thick you like it)
add a pinch of salt
top up with water to dilute and shake vigorously
I've found it works as well as any of the gels I've tried, is 100% natural and is a fraction of the cost (plus it tastes like the old fashioned candy kisses that you used to get at Halloween)
bump thanks for this thread.0
