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Thread: Energy gel recommendations for those long adventure activities

  1. #11

    Re: Energy gel recommendations for those long adventure activities

    Holy crap Tom!

    welp not much as happened... ha! was hoping that I'd be all trim but that wasn't meant to be.

    I did however finish 2 marathons, 8 (I think) half marathons and a hand full of 5k/10k's but the last run I did was earlier this year completing a series for a local half marathon run. Work has really put a curve ball so I haven't been able to run regularly to make it worthwhile to do any more races. I've learned that running 26 miles is really not that enjoyable so I've been sticking to halves and even then it's really not that fun so I'm honestly lost as to why I subject myself to that pain/stupidity. Maybe running is just too boring... regardless I just view it is as a means to an end to get rid of the flat tire on me.

    What I've learned from trying the various gels is that I really like the GU Tri Berry. Ended up going to REI to buy a bunch of different ones and see how it impacted my body. I learned that some just didn't work as my stomach said so pretty quickly. Good thing I just used it while running on the treadmill so it wasn't committing suicide but I did finally find a few that I liked so I just ran with that. Not sure if it's the best performing product but it helped on the longer runs and/or is useful for the burst of energy I needed on race day.

    I have recently reinvigorated myself to run again so it'll be interesting if I will use the gels. The funny thing is that after doing a bunch of various runs, my body got accustomed to the run and I'm honestly on the fence on whether or not I really want to use the gels. But to ensure that I don't burn out, I have used the gels as an added insurance.





    Lance
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  2. #12

    Re: Energy gel recommendations for those long adventure activities

    That's good you were able to try some out in training. Definitely best to experiment. PErsonally, I'm a big fan of EFS Liquid Shot from First Endurance.

    http://www.firstendurance.com/

    I also use their EFS drink mix on the bike.

    When it comes to gels, there's so many different variations in flavors, viscosity/consistency, etc. Some you would think would taste good, but then you try them and they bother your stomach. Others may work well and taste good when it's 65-70 degrees, but that same gel might turn your stomach when it's 90 and humid. I've found that on the bike I can use just about any flavor, but on the run, I need something tart. Vanilla or chocolate just makes we want to gag.

    On my weekend long runs that aren't high intensity, I usually won't use a gel unless I'm going to be out for longer than 90 minutes. When I was just getting started, I would typically use one at the 45 minute mark. It makes sense that you're able to go longer without feeling like you need one. If you body is using more fat than carbs for fuel, it's a good thing, and the more time/miles you log, the more effecient your body gets at doing that.

    I always carry one with me though, just in case. If its a long run with tempo or interval stuff and my heart rate is constantly higher, I would probably use a gel sooner.

    That's great you're back on the running wagon again! I'm going to run the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach next Feb., that will be my first open marathon. Let me know if any questions come up.

  3. #13

    Re: Energy gel recommendations for those long adventure activities

    You're doing the HB run? Are you doing the half or full? Just curious. btw that run is boring...
    Lance
    TLCA Member

    2003 4Runner SR5 4x4 Chaos Edition
    2000 Toyota Landcruiser
    19xx M416 Trailer

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  4. #14

    Re: Energy gel recommendations for those long adventure activities

    The full.. I want to see how close I can get to a qualifying time for Boston. Unless I surprise myself, I'll probably try to qualify in October 2012 at the Steamtown Marathon back in PA.

  5. #15

    Re: Energy gel recommendations for those long adventure activities

    GatorAde, SportLegs, and Gummy Worms. I do like the Gu Shot Blocks but lately they're too much $$ and I seem to get sick from them making my stomach acidic about every third time.

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