Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

I’m training for half marathon on 3/22. Do you use gels/sports drinks? Yesterday I did 8 miles and although I was tired I didn’t feel weak at all but my legs did feel like bricks towards the end. I only drink water right now. I have a belt with one 22 oz bottle and I was fine with it yesterday and still had a little water left over. I was thinking of trying a gel but not sure when I should take it during the run. I don’t want to take one the day of and end up sick as I’ve heard some people have. Gatorade although it gives me energy, it makes my tongue very dry. It also makes me hungry. I would also have to sip water as I run. I could also use the wrist bottle and fill that up with Gatorade. I guess I should get another running belt but at this point I don’t want to invest in a multi bottle one if I end up hating it. What do you use to refuel during a half and what do you carry on you while you run?

Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

I carry dates with almond butter in the middle for endurance events. I hate gels/drinks/whatever.

Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

I love Gu and swear by it. I like the taste of them but do some water to help get it down. I buy the ones that have some caffeine in them.

So anyway, I used to take 1 every 4-5 miles during a half. Now my new running partner has me taking 1 before I start and 2 during a long run at mile 4 and 8. I only start training with them a month before the race or 5 weeks before.

I think they key to not getting a belly ache is taking them with water. However on race days, all my nerves and adrenaline I still get a tummy ache after the race yuck.

Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

I also love the gu gel. You're supposed to use one around every 45 min of so. So for me around 5-6 miles I use one. They really help. I find I get too bloated drinking too much fluid and sports drinks and it affects my performance.

But one warning- those gels are sweet!!!!!!!! I almost can't get them down without water. I hate the taste of them, but they really do work!

Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

I just put some dried fruit in a bag in my running belt. I rn a marathon like that as well. Paleo power lol

Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

I don't fuel for a half - gu, chomps, etc.

I usually eat a good breakfast and then I alternate water and gatorade at the aid stations.

Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

I used a gel - I forget which one - and my stomach was a mess. Whatever u use try it on a long run before the race.

Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

Thanks everybody. If I do try a gel I will take it for my the 9 and 10 mile long runs. I normally have a half a bagel/English muffin with peanut butter. Before the 8 mile run I also had a half a banana. Honestly I rather not take any kind of gel but just in case I start to crash I want to have something to give me energy. After the 10 mile long run I do the half. I’m worried how I will feel for the last 3.1 miles.

Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

I use one gel during a half marathon but try not to rely on them too heavily.

Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

I don't like the GU at all it bothers my stomach but I swear by jelly beans not the sport ones just regular jelly beans:)

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Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

Some people do honey-- like the little packets that are at coffee shops. Although they sell sport specific ones, I don't think they are any different.

Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

this is going to have to be a "try it and see" kind of thing.

i've used gels and tablets and fruit and water and water plus something else.

after running one half and one full marathon... i still don't know which i prefer.

i'm training for my second half. i'm going to go with fruit on this one. i think it's the healthiest option.

Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

I came across these interesting ideas for dates on the USA triathlon website today, thought some of you might be interested!
Some easy ways to use dates (note: dates should be pitted):

Make into a bar. You can keep it simple by merely mixing four ingredients in a food processor: protein powder, dates, nuts and water. Once you get the consistency to hold, you can form these into bars and refrigerate or freeze. To make more “loaded” bars, consider additional ingredients such as chia seeds, flax meal, pumpkin or sunflower seeds and perhaps other dried fruits.
Make into a bite. Combine ingredients such as dates, cocoa powder, almonds, melted coconut oil and sea salt in a food processor until well combined. Then, take small amounts of the mixture to roll into balls and place in the refrigerator or freezer to harden.
Roll ‘em. Pulse dates, pecans or almonds, and shredded coconut in a food processor to combine into a paste. Form the paste into small balls or rectangular shapes, then roll in more shredded coconut. Store in the freezer or refrigerator.
Stuff ‘em. Inside the date, place a pecan, almond or nut of your choice. You can also stuff dates with a slather of coconut oil or nut butter.
Use in a smoothie. Pre- or post-workout smoothies are an easy and quick way to consume quality nutrition. Dates can provide some sweetness and texture in smoothie recipes. For example, a smoothie made with milk (almond or cow), protein powder, avocado and dates will provide a creamy and sweet protein-packed beverage.

Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

At the end of a race or a long run, do you have a white layer of salt on your face? If so, you may need salt tablets.

Re: Salt, my coach says that if you are hydrating leading up the race day and its not a super hot day, there no need for salt.

Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

Just wanted to add, for a half I sometimes will run with a hydration belt that has two slots for bottles. one i fill with water and one with a sports drink (i happen to like vitamin water zero or watered down gatorade). for fuel I used to run with these http://www.runningwarehouse.com/Honey_Stinger_Energy_Chews_12-Pack/descpage-HSEC12.html but now I also run with just aunt annies fruit snacks. its a kid snack but I find it doesn't disrupt my stomach and gives me what i need towards the end. i definitely agree with the try and see approach as you finish up your long runs in the coming weekends.

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Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

Re: Gels/Power drinks and fueling up during a half

Posted by wcs3504

Thanks for this! The balls also sound good for kids as a snack.