Gels

[Elles78]

Hey all,

I haven’t posted for a while but I’m still plodding along. I’m at 9K now (what???!!!) and will be doing my 10K within the next two weeks.

My question to you all is ... do any of you use isotonic gel / what is your experience?

I seem to be getting through the longer distances ok but just wondered if these were worth a go for a boost?

[Jay66UK Graduate10]

I found jelly babies fine for 10k. I have had a couple of gels on a couple of long runs, but at the end of the run because I’ve heard some people’s stomachs react to them in bad ways. I had no ill effects so will try mid run at some point.

[Elles78 Graduate10 in reply to Jay66UK]

Ooh thanks .... def don’t want to have any negative effects . Might give the jelly babies a go.... not sure where to carry them tho ..., no pockets

[tony_a Graduate10 in reply to Elles78]

Maybe think about a running belt. Christmas is coming after all 😀

I have a flip belt and it’s stuffed with phone, keys, gloves, jelly babies etc.

[Sqkr]

Everyone is different and there are exceptions, but gels aren't really encouraged for runs under 90 minutes—they're just not necessary. Your body doesn't start to need extra glycogen etc until then, so you'd just be loading with unecessary stuff really. Gels are pretty gross too, I've started taking one with me on HM length races lately as a psychological boost, but there are much nicer ways to refuel! Flapjacks are good for burning on endurance runs, or liquid fuels (I like Tailwind), but again I'd personally not worry about these things for less than 15k.

[Elles78 Graduate10 in reply to Sqkr]

Thank you. That was my thinking. I’m planning on keeping increasing my distances so the thought process was for longer runs