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Energy gels
mybud Posts: 7947
Aug 11, 2012 3:44 AM GMT
Anyone use them during their running routine? I'm think about trying GU with protein.Thoughts?
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Aug 11, 2012 11:23 AM GMT
I only used it once on a long-distance swim. It did the trick, but I found it to be absolutely vile.
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Aug 11, 2012 11:46 AM GMT
I used to use them when I was into long distance cycling. Clif makes some decent ones, the 'mocha' flavor is pretty good and has a little caffeine also.
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Aug 11, 2012 11:47 AM GMT
OP...Lookup
Pure Raspberry Keytones
They come in gels..and are AWESOME!
vegemike Posts: 142
Aug 11, 2012 12:00 PM GMT
Vega endurance gels/bars taste amazing.

If u were to make ur own, food process medjool dates and coconut oil. Pretty much the base for a Lara bar.
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Aug 11, 2012 4:22 PM GMT
I use them on longer runs (over an hour and half) and have found them helpful.

I second vegemike. I like the vega gels.
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Aug 11, 2012 4:29 PM GMT
I only use them during my races, but I love the montana huckleberry or raspberry hammer gel and the raspberry gu (usually with caffeine).

I've found I know I'm in need of one when they start tasting really good, so usually about an hour and a half in to any race.
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Aug 11, 2012 5:46 PM GMT
I use GU before a training session... Mainly because despite a decent breakfast, I probably ate lunch out of a vending machine and my brain has shut down around 5pm. Trainer won't let me go on autopilot. I have to understand and remember what he's showing me or its more pushups.
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Aug 11, 2012 7:48 PM GMT
I've never used them, but just saw a news article saying many people were "misusing" them, and eating them with just a tiny amount of water....the article said that there was so much sugar in them, that they can actually upset your stomach unless you eat them as intended, with about 2 cups of water to dilute them for better absorption.
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Aug 11, 2012 10:23 PM GMT
My rule of thumb for any sort of endurance event is one gel every 45 min.

Our glucose stores are generally tapped out at two hours of intense endurance. If you start taking them late into a race; it's too late. Game over. Start maintaining your reserves early.

I don't bother with caffeinated gels, why would I purposely want to elevate my heartrate even higher?

I speak only from my own experience, however.
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Aug 11, 2012 10:39 PM GMT
26mileman saidMy rule of thumb for any sort of endurance event is one gel every 45 min.

Our glucose stores are generally tapped out at two hours of intense endurance. If you start taking them late into a race; it's too late. Game over. Start maintaining your reserves early.

I don't bother with caffeinated gels, why would I purposely want to elevate my heartrate even higher?

I speak only from my own experience, however.


Your experience and the science are about the same. They recommend endurance athletes supplement 0.5-1g of sugar per minute...assuming you are in an event that depletes glycogen stores (ie depends on the person, but 2 hrs is a good deal).

Raspberry ketones haven't shown any effect in humans. Just rats. Save your money unless you truly "believe" (placebo effect) they are working.
mybud Posts: 7947
Aug 13, 2012 4:57 AM GMT
Thanks for the responses ..My runs are averaging about an hour and a half...after 45 minutes my endurance weakens ..I'm gonna add the gels for about a week and see what results I attain...I'll report back my findings.....Steve