beans/goo AND salt tablets?

[skiandrun]

Are there any experienced marathoners who can explain why you would need salt tabs in addition to goo or beans or gummies? I thought that the goos, etc had sodium and potassium in them as well as sugar. Is that incorrect?

 

[tehvalerie]

I'm actually just starting to experiment with combining the two. Even when taking gu, nuun, and other electrolyte replacements (including the ones that have extra sodium), my fingers swell terribly when I run long distances, especially when it's warm and humid out.

I'll be curious to read what other people have to say about this! I picked up a small pack of Hammer brand Endurolytes to try on my long run this weekend.

 

[FFigawi]

I always use both. I use the gels/bloks for fuel and the salt tabs to prevent dehydration and cramping. When you live in the heat and sweat like I do, using either one alone just doesn't cut it. The gels don't have enough sodium and the salt tabs don't have any carbs.

 

[goofeygirl]

I have carried gel's in my packet with me for races and even salt but I never used the salt tablets.

My fingers swell up too in heat, be it in a race or not.

 

[RnbwSktles]

I sweat A LOT, even on short runs when it's not that hot out. I can feel the salt on me. I haven't noticed any real side effects of it though, so I wonder if there's a point to trying salt tabs out? Will that help with energy as well, or is it really just to prevent cramping and headaches later?

 

[FFigawi]

I sweat A LOT, even on short runs when it's not that hot out. I can feel the salt on me. I haven't noticed any real side effects of it though, so I wonder if there's a point to trying salt tabs out? Will that help with energy as well, or is it really just to prevent cramping and headaches later?

For me, the salt tabs are critical to keeping me from dehydrating and suffering in the heat. I can see the salt running down my legs when I run, so I take in all the salt I can. The extra electrolytes are just an added bonus.

 

[croach]

I wouldn't rely on just gels and beans to get the electrolytes you need, especially for long runs. I use salt tabs and they have helped a lot with dehydration. I know some people who rely solely on salt tabs for electrolytes instead of drinks but I supplement them with a drink mix called Fluid. It contains carbs and electrolytes which some mixes like Nuun don't.

 

[John VN]

Site for comparing important values in some supplements.....http://www.cranksports.com/.....also a nicer consistency IMO.

BTW, I have switched to e-gel and e-fuel for marathons, triathlons including Ironman and bicycle rides like this past Sunday's 135 miler.

McFlurry John

 

[bumbershoot]

For me, the salt tabs are critical to keeping me from dehydrating and suffering in the heat. I can see the salt running down my legs when I run, so I take in all the salt I can. The extra electrolytes are just an added bonus.

Wow.

And...just noticed your location. Yes, I think you would indeed need both.

 

[skiandrun]

So I actually found an article while looking around (which I cannot post because I don't have enough posts). Anyway, seems like the science says what's in a sports drink is enough but people's personal experience is that salt tabs help them.

Too bad I will be training for the marathon in new england fall and winter so I won't really figure out if I need salt tabs. LOL. Snow and salt tabs don't seem like a likely pairing.

Article was on Active dot com and entitled "How much salt do you need while running" in case anyone cares enough to look it up.

 

[lmb80129]

Site for comparing important values in some supplements.....http://www.cranksports.com/.....also a nicer consistency IMO.

BTW, I have switched to e-gel and e-fuel for marathons, triathlons including Ironman and bicycle rides like this past Sunday's 135 miler.

McFlurry John

I tried the e-gel a while ago based on McFlurry John's suggestion and I love them! I really notice a difference between regular gels and the cranksport products. On really hot days, I will also add salt tabs or endurolytes.