GUs, Gels or beans - any suggestions?

[TnTsParty]

So what does everyone suggest as far as Gu, Gel, beans etc? Now that I am starting to do long runs 10 miles and over I think I need to start using something besides a cup of coffee before the run and half gatorade/half water on the run.

 

[Caseydilla]

I like using the Clif Shot Blocks in strawberry flavor. My husband on the other hand likes to take the sport beans(orange flavor) and Hammer Gels. I can't handle the GUs myself because they make me gag, especially on a hot day(which is often here)!

 

[dsnyfan21]

Hello Neighbor here - just south of you.

I just started with the sports beans this summer due to training for the DL half during the hot summer months down here. They are a electrolyte replacement. I only used water or smartwater in my pack so I started using them. Anything longer than 8 miles I would take one before and one half way. Also anything about 9-10 miles I use one Cliffshot Gel around mile 8-9 to get some cals in there before the last miles to give me a boost. So far this has worked well for me. But remember, I am a walker, so the exersion level may not be the same, but I am out there longer than you.
My first half marathon in Jan 07 I only trained with water and a granola bar. I think I have come a long way.
I can't use anymore than the two sports beans because they upset my stomach.
You just need to see what you think you need and then start out small or slow and see how it works for you.

Tracy

 

[jmasgat]

I've used Sport Beans, and while I like the taste of them versus the GU or Gel, I find that they take a long time to eat! So as far as getting in the nutrition fast (and getting the sensation of eating stuff over soon), I think I will try to go with Gu or gel. The consistency of them leaves a lot to be desired (and they aren't necessarily the most pleasant going down), but they are fast.

Maura

 

[Kira G.]

I like Cliff Shot blocks or (even better) Luna Gels - the Luna Gels are smaller and dissolve faster in my mouth. I can stand the idea of GUs and gels, so I haven't even tried them!

I will usually have one halfway through my longer runs (7 miles or more). Also, I almost always carry one or two in my pocket, and I'll pop one in my mouth if I feel like I'm losing energy on shorter runs. I only run with water, and this plan works well for me.

 

[Duanerice]

I pretty much use GU gels (Plain or Vanilla) on any run over 7 miles. Up to that a bowl of cereal and cup of coffee pretty much take care of it. I take them about every 45 - 50 minutes (but only if I have at least 3 miles left).

I ALWAYS take them with water. I actually take a little in my mouth then take a drink to dilute it. That seems to thin it out a bit. Otherwise they are disgusting! I've tired all brands and a lot of flavors. The idea is to just get it in with the least amount of effort.

Sometimes I take Jelly Belly jelly beans. Just munch on a few. I am going to try something a little more solid this year as I get hungry on runs longer than 15 miles. I do have Cliff Bars but they are just OK.

Just like shoes, this will be different for everyone. Try it until you find what works for you.
enjoy,
Duane

 

[Zela]

I love the GU's. I have some in seasonal mint chocolate flavor and chocolate fudge. They taste like store bought icing to me

 

[cdn_gal_eeyore]

I've tried Shot Bloks and Sport Beans and I found that I was just taking too long to chew. I tried out Clif Shots and Hammer Gels and I really like pretty well every flavour of Hammer Gel I tried. I found the Clif Shots to be a bit too salty and sweet. The best Hammer Gels are Espresso and Vanilla. At first I found the texture weird, but I did get used to it. Try things out though, and see what you like best!

 

[Cindylou]

Hi,

I use Accel Gels because they contain protein. The chocolate and vanilla are both pretty good. I used to wait until 4 miles into my LR to have one, but have switched to taking one at 2 miles, then every 4 miles after that. I've had a couple really good LR since doing that. Not sure if it's the reason why, but I'll grasp at anything. I bring along pretzels and sports beans for a treat along the way too.

Good luck in finding what works for you.
Cindy

 

[funwalker]

I am a walker. On longer walks I start using GU at about 4 1/2 miles - then every 4 miles thereafter. I concentrate on getting the fuel and trying not to upset my stomach.

I do carry water on longer walks, but I also like the sports beans when my mouth gets dry.

Thanks for starting this thread. It is interesting to see what is working for others.

 

[CarolA]

I have been doing the sport beans. I am not sure I can deal with the Gel, but plan to try some on my next long run.

Since I do a run walk combo, the time to eat the beans isn't really an issue. I have those walk periods to do that!

 

[laxdef69]

double post, sorry

 

[laxdef69]

I pretty much use GU gels (Plain or Vanilla) on any run over 7 miles.

I ALWAYS take them with water. I actually take a little in my mouth then take a drink to dilute it. That seems to thin it out a bit. Otherwise they are disgusting! I've tired all brands and a lot of flavors. The idea is to just get it in with the least amount of effort.


Duane

I tend to agree with Duane, but the brand I use is crank sports...they have a gel (E-Gel) and a drink mix (E-Fuel). I like them since there are no added sugar, and no Sucralose (an artificial sweeter, basically a genetically modified sugar which hasn't convincingly been demonstrated to be safe...but its in a LOT of "sugar free" products.

You need to always take a gel (regardless of brand) with water (NOT a sports drink), so that the electrolytes are carried to your small intestine which is where they are absorbed...otherwise they will sit in your stomach until you "purge" them.

At a high level, the gels are hypertonic (more concentrated than your body fluids) which slows absorbtion. If you take it with water, the concentration gets closer to your body fluid composition, which speeds absorption. Drinking an electrolyte replacement drink with your gel (instead of water) will not properly dilute the gel, which slows the absorption rate. This can also lead to stomach irritation and a dehydrating effect as your cellular fluids are drawn upon to dilute the gel.

The Crank Sports stuff uses maltodextrin as its carb source...much more complex than glucose, sucrose and dextrin...which means that you get more even absorption of the energy...and avoid energy swings (peaks and valleys, bonking etc).

I have attached a link to the Crank Sports site, and highly recommend these supplements. I'm not a dealer, owner, or anything but a very satisfied customer.

http://cranksports.com/

There is a way for me to get referral credits on my own future orders if you decide to try some, but I don't want to pimp that...if you are going to try it, and feel like letting me get some credit for the referral, please PM me and I'll send you the links.

If not, I STILL highly recommend these....

Mike

 

[chimera]

Tricia...I think it's all personal preference. The first year I refused to put those nasty gels in my mouth and used honey packets with occasional p'nut butter crackers for the really long runs. The second year I moved up to Cliff bloks but, like a lot of people said, they're really chewy...and if they're cold, they're really hard and chewy. I finally transitioned to gels and really do notice a difference. Not the kinda thing I'd have as a daily snack, but much easier to digest and seem to get things going faster. I definitely take them with water, the more the better. I'm kinda sensitive to flavors. I can do chocolate or srawberry early in the run, but later in a long run, my stomach won't tolerate anything but vanilla.

Just experiment and find out what works best for you!

 

[JimB.]

Second vote here for Accel Gels for the same reasons that Cindy stated.

I just got some Chocolate/Caffeine hoping for the best taste-wise but not expecting much.

I was quite surprised, they taste like Tootsie Rolls in a pouch.

 

[smileyk8]

this is a really useful thread so thanks. I've struggled to find something that doesn't give me stomache cramps- no to gatorade, sports beans, lucozade and powerade so far! Looking to try gels next and it's good to see when ppl take them and how far into runs so thanks. Lookin at Accel gels- i can actually get hold of these in UK so might try them. I'll let you know!

 

[cdn_gal_eeyore]

Kate, have you tried powdered Gatorade over the stuff that already comes in the bottles? I've heard that is easier to digest. Just a thought!

 

[laxdef69]

If you tend to be a profuse sweater, then cliff shot blocks margarita flavor are great...they put extra salt in them which helps a lot with electrolyte replacement.


Also, you can imagine what the real margarita will taste like at the finish

 

[mkymsehi]

I have an arsenal of fuel choices.

Powerbar gels and Power bars, Jelly Belly Sports beans, fruit leathers (roll ups), Shot Blocks. I also carry a bottle of Gatorade that is refillable at the waterstops if necessary. Not to mention the strength of the Gatorade varies by each waterstop you get to.

I also carry French Mustard packs, in case of cramping. Don't believe me, do a google search for mustard for muscle cramps. It really works!

 

[TnTsParty]

I just wanted to thank everyone for their suggestions. When I get back from WDW and get back on track with my marathon training I will have to try some of them out and see what works - the thought of chocolate icing sounds good. I think I am just a little scared of the gu name - things like gu and gel doesn't sound like it would go down good. And everytime I see Shot Blocks I think Snot Blocks - I'm wierd what can I say.