Energy gels????

[HUWY]

Hi,I m interested to hear peoples views on energy drinks?Do they help or is it a waste of money?I ll try anything and wear anything if it makes running and fitness in general help.I f you do use energy gels/drinks which ones do you think are the best to get?Thanks

[Millsie-J Graduate]

Hello and welcome.

Are you starting the C 25k programme? If so hydrate well daily (tap water is fine.... assuming you are in the UK), and eat a healthy diet.

If you are already running half marathons and above however, and wish to discuss gels you need to be on the Marathon support forum.

[HUWY in reply to Millsie-J]

Never done a marathon and defo not on the bucket list.I m just an ordinary guy who wants to keep fit and anything that helps me keep fit I m open for suggestions.

[Millsie-J Graduate in reply to HUWY]

Then this is the place for you!

Download the podcast or app and come join us!

[Rignold]

energy gels are just pure sugar in an easily transportable pouch that you can consume while on the run (and as is usually the case, dsicard the non biodegradable foil wrapper on the floor). They taste vile and have all the nutritional value you would expect of a bag of sugar (and will probably give you diarrhea if you are unaccustomed to them). If you are 18 miles into a marathon and you feel faint because yo have completely depleted you glycogen reserves, they may give you fast acting sugar hit you need to power on for the last leg.

If you are running under 5k there is not so much need.

[MickGJ Graduate]

I doubt we're using enough energy on these C25K outings to actually need them, to be brutally frank with you. But it's important to keep hydrated.

And as you say, anything that makes running more fun or more interesting is welcome so if it gives you a boost, go for it.

[Irishprincess Graduate]

Never have and never will regardless of what distance I'm running 😖

[Hidden]

Hi ! I’ve only once tried an energy sachet. Mixed it with tap water..." have to say that was the one and only time I tried it and the last. It came as a freebie from wiggles after husband had ordered bike stuff. It was vile,very salty! and did not gave me anymore energy!

When I’m doing a short run eg 5K I never take water with me especially in the cold weather. When running further I take water and jelly beans ! They give me an extra boost and before my run I have a banana.

Hope this helps.

Happy running😀😀

[jaynewoodbank Graduate]

I'd say hydration is the key. Energy gels and drinks not necessary on C25K training programme

[ebcroquet]

If you’re doing the C25K then I don’t think you will need anything like that - I personal don’t bother to carry water at this stage (and because it’s not warm) just have a glass when I get back. Happy running 🏃‍♀️

[Rignold]

Energy gels will NOT keep you hydrated, just to clear up any confusion. In fact, if anything they will ake you thirsty.

Being hydrated means drinking 3 litres of water if you are a woman, 4 if you are a man, the day BEFORE your run (ideally everyday). It is your muscle cells that need hydration, not your stomach.

You are not going to expend enough glycogen or water in half an hour to require replenishment on the hoof.

[IannodaTruffe Mentor]

Read the guide to the plan healthunlocked.com/couchto5... for further advice on diet and hydration in respect of C25K.

[Hidden]

My view, is that people are designed to run and to run long distances quite slowly. Our ancestors, and people who continue to run long distances as part of their daily lives, were/are not using large amounts of sugar in a concentrated form. I would say avoid the whole sugar addiction industry (don't get me started), hydrate and follow a balanced/healthy diet and you will be fine. Good luck!

[Giddys Graduate]

Best energy from a liquid is water 💧. I would never touch the sugar stuff.

[MarkyD Graduate]

Good advice from some experienced folks.

Stop for a moment and think about it... energy drinks. Doesn’t that sound complete nonsense? When did we start getting energy from drinks?

It’s just a bunch of marketing types thinking of ways to put sugar, water and caffeine into a 250ml aluminium can and charge you £2.00.

I don’t know anything about you, but I am convinced that you have sufficient calories in your diet already. So you don’t need an energy drink. And I am willing to bet that you are not properly hydrated. And tap water is by far the best way to deal with that, not an energy drink.

[mrrun Graduate in reply to MarkyD]

I like your post, hits the point right in the head.

[Rignold in reply to MarkyD]

Although I do like a can of white Monster before heavy deadlift day.

Sorry. Not Sorry.

[Rignold in reply to Rignold]

Zero Cals. Zero sugar. All the stimulantz.