energy boosters for long runs (gel packs etc)

hisholinessnb

I've heard people mention these "gel packs" for long distance running.
Are they any use? Whats the different options? And where can you get them?

I've just been taking water and occasionally lucozade sport. But sometimes feel like I could do with another boost of energy.
Any suggestions welcome.

eliwallach

I am only familiar with thw "GO" gels which are isotonic and available to buy (in bulk - box of 30) here: http://www.wiggle.co.uk/p/cycle/7/Science_in_Sport_Box_Of_30_60ml_Go_Gel_Sachets/5360010677/
Alternatively you can purchase them singly in some sports outlets at a higher mark up
In Cork, The Edge sports and fitness shop on Nth Main St sell them retail in single form.

Other gels (eg "High5") are not isotonic and require a bit of trial 7 error to get them right when taking them with water. I have little experience of these.

hisholinessnb

Thanks, but bearing in mind I know nothing of these packs and am in training for the marathon, how do you take them, with water? And how many per long run etc?
Just looking for a rough idea.

RacoonQueen

hisholinessnb wrote: »

Thanks, but bearing in mind I know nothing of these packs and am in training for the marathon, how do you take them, with water? And how many per long run etc?
Just looking for a rough idea.

It's all about trial and error really. With isotonic gels you don't need to take them with water. 'Normal' gels, it depends on the make. High5 recommend taking one 10 minutes before exercise then 3 every hour, powerbar recommend one pouch every 20-45 mins with 400mls water. Lucozade recommend 1 every 30 mins 'followed by water'. (I did take out all my different gels to find this out ) I've never taken THAT many, I'd usually take a max of 4 or so in a marathon. I can't imagine how gross it would be to take more. Maybe it'd be a big help. I might try it in Dublin come to think of it.

Blueskye

I use cliff shot blocs and GU chomps. Basically they're like blocks of jelly and you take one with some water every half hour or so. Although I don't take them for the first hour of a LSR. The GU chomps have electrolytes and amino acids in them so supposedly good to keep you going. They taste good (as long as you don't have too many!) and psychologically I like to look forward to them, breaks up the run a bit. Can't tell you if they work or not really but I like them. I get mine from irishfit. I've seen gels for sale in lots of healthfood stores. Instructions on the packet although I think they tend to overestimate how many you need to use!

sideswipe

I use mini mars bars, a fraction of the price of gels and pretty much the same stuff in them I reckon. As the song goes work, rest and play!

I use cliff shot blocs and GU chomps

tried them also, taste quite nice but found they really stick to your teeth and make you spit really sticky, I felt they actually made me more thirsty!

hunnymonster

There is an introductory article here
http://runningtimes.com/Article.aspx?ArticleID=6677

louthandproud

Does taking carb gels etc. during long runs reduce the value of the long runs, in terms of training our systems to switch energy sources efficiently and avoid a prolonged "wall" experience when the glycogen runs out?