Gels - are they worth it?

ct_roy

howdy fellow marathoners!

ok training for my first DCM following Higdons novice program.

Over the hump of the training now having completed my first 20 miler last Sunday. Found the last few miles tough (actually made it to 21 miles in the end) but felt great to actually finish it (and felt like I could have broken through to 26 if I had to!)

My question is, I've not experimented with any gels etc. in my training to date - just mainly loading up on club energise etc. before hand and then filling the water belt with sports drinks for the lsr's.

Should I bother with the gels at this stage or just stick with what I know at this point? Just wondering if I'm missing out not taking the gels that might provide the extra bit of endurance on the big day.

Thanks in advance.

nomadic

I've only used them the once last week on a 19 miler. I'd really recommend them. My legs were in pain for the last 5 miles or so but the gels gave me such a boost. Can imagine they'll be a great help for the last few miles on the big day.

Bugger

Stick with what has worked in training. It is too late to try something new. I know one or two that have used gels for the first time on race day and they have had problems

Count yourself lucky that the energy drinks don't usually result in a trip to the toilet

robinph

Gels definatey work, but don't start trying something new at this stage. Just stick with what you know, have done in training and have planned for.

TFBubendorfer

Well, the first gel I ever took was at mile 15 of my first marathon, and it really gave me a boost. It might have been against all advice, but I'm still glad I took it.

I think there is still time to go on one or two training runs and test if you can tolerate them.

scottreynolds

Bugger wrote: »

It is too late to try something new.

robinph wrote: »

.... but don't start trying something new at this stage.

Actually wouldn't it be a good idea to try them say on a midweek 10+ mile run and see how they go this week or next and then decide ?

Its not really too late is it?

Bobby04

scottreynolds wrote: »

Actually wouldn't it be a good idea to try them say on a midweek 10+ mile run and see how they go this week or next and then decide ?

Its not really too late is it?

I too don't see why it would be too late to try one now, say during your next long run and see how it goes. I was in a bit of a dilemna a few weeks back having not yet tried one, but glad now that I went ahead and gave them a go.

nerraw1111

Could he not try one at the start of his next ten-mile run to see how his stomach reacts to it?

Is the only concern with using gels how your stomach reacts afterwards?

If in a race you're going to take one after 15 miles or so, taking one at the start of your next ten mile race would replicate, stomach wise, the conditions of the last ten is a marathon?

Peckham

nerraw1111 wrote: »

If in a race you're going to take one after 15 miles or so, taking one at the start of your next ten mile race would replicate, stomach wise, the conditions of the last ten is a marathon?

...but I doubt the OP has a 10 mile race between now and marathon day.

OP - you could try one on this weekend's long run, however you would ideally have tried them before now. The 20 mile runs are the place to try all these things, as that's a close as your body gets to what it feels like during a marathon (i.e. what your stomach/intestines will accept, and what they will reject!). A 10-15 mile run comes nowhere near replicating these conditions.

There are also other things to consider like the mixture of isotonic drinks and gels during the race (these two tend not to make for good bedfellows in the stomach!).

If you do try one now, and it works for you, make sure to use the same brand and flavour on race day. Different brands affect people in different ways. High5 is what they'll be handing out free in the later stages of DCM.

AdrianII

i tried a high 5 gel today, the orange flavour. Did not like them at all, felt weird in my mouth, like a big gooey spit or something.

dont think ill be using them in the dcm

entropi

AdrianII wrote: »

i tried a high 5 gel today, the orange flavour. Did not like them at all, felt weird in my mouth, like a big gooey spit or something.

dont think ill be using them in the dcm

Was probably the regular ones you used there, not the isotonic ones:(

Regular need a few sips of water with them to go down, and the orange has a stronger hint of flavour than the citrus fruits ones, they are not bad:)

As for my input to the OP, i would say if you are gonna try them, use them in a short run or two (like 5miles) before committal as at least in a short run, it wont be long until you get home to a toilet or whatever to relax;)

Stark

I find the blackcurrant Powerbar gels to be quite nice. They have caffeine too for a bit of an extra boost. Don't like any of the other flavours.