Energy Gels: A Runners' Best Friend For Marathons
Have you ever felt like you were running on empty and needed a boost of something to help you move faster?
The faster you run, the more fuel you will be using from the carbohydrates in your body. There is a limited amount of carbohydrates in the muscles known as glycogen but once this is all used, running will feel challenging and a force on the body.
Energy gels don't replace food but on the road, something like this tastes good, doesn't always upset your stomach, and keeps you hydrated for a few hours. These gels deliver fast-absorbing energy, calories, carbs, and electrolytes to the body's working muscles preventing you from hitting a wall and collapsing.
With the right strategy, you will know at which mile you should be consuming an energy gel and electrolytes. Experimenting with different gels and flavors can help you know which ones you like and which ones you want to take with you on race day.
These are the top 5 energy gels you should try for your next marathon:
1. HONEY STINGER
2. GU
3. SIS
4. HUMA
5. MAURTEN
Not all energy gels are alike and most people won't like specific flavors. You either love them or hate them.
Testing them is the best way to know. I personally use GU and Honey Stinger for my runs and they are life-changers. I've noticed a huge difference when I take one an hour before running and after 7 miles during a long run.
Which energy gels are your favorites?