Denise
Joined: 09/25/08
Posts: 8 |
Gels and Water
10/16/08 2:01 PM
I've been experimenting with Power Bal gels during my long runs and have been taking them along with some water (as advised). However, everything I read says I should be consuming a sports drink during my long runs, which I never do. So, my questions...
1) is it that bad to just stick with water if I'm consuming gels along the way? Not only for long runs (16 + miles) but for the marathon, too?
2) if I really should be drinking a sports drink, is it ok to drink that when I eat the gel (I only carry one water bottle and refill it along the way)?
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milanorunner
Joined: 06/17/08
Posts: 76 |
RE: Gels and Water
10/20/08 4:57 PM
Denise,
I have heard that you should drink water when you consume a gel and sports drink the other times. I have tried sports drink with gel and had no ill effect. My humble opinion is use what works for you.
I have friends that can't tolerate sports drink when they run. They get an upset stomach, so they dilute their Gatorade with water.
Again, I think it's whatever works best for you.
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milanorunner
Joined: 06/17/08
Posts: 76 |
RE: Gels and Water
10/20/08 4:59 PM
duplicate post, sorry
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milanorunner
Joined: 06/17/08
Posts: 76 |
RE: Gels and Water
10/20/08 4:59 PM
I guess I shouldn't keep clickng
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DistanceRunner
Joined: 03/30/08
Posts: 65 |
RE: Gels and Water
11/04/08 11:00 PM
In general, you should do what works for you. But the general rule of thumb (from what I've read - note, I do not claim to be an expert on anything :-) is if you are running over 60 minutes, sports drinks will be beneficial to you. It is around that point that your body has burned most of the electrolites and needs the sports drink to replenish them.
As for gels, I have taken them with water, sports drink, and nothing at all and never had any issues. I typically don't use gels unless I'm going more than 15 miles in a training run or a 1/2 marathon.
Personally, I have a fuel belt with 6 smaller bottles, and I love it! For long runs, I start with almost all sports drinks, then when I refill them along the way I start to mix in water.
I hope this helps!
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runnindb
Joined: 05/14/08
Posts: 29 |
RE: Gels and Water
11/11/08 9:36 AM
From my POV, I look at it like this; yes, sports drinks can be beneficial to long runs, but at the same time, people have run long distances on just water & healthy eating for years.
I don't think sports drinks are as much necessity as they are convenience & piece of mind. But, to each their own.
Some runners swear by post-run beer as well, so whatever works for you.
Please keep one thing in mind, the acidic content of sports drinks eat away at your tooth enamel more than Coca-Cola. For this reason alone, I steer clear of them!
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runnindb
Joined: 05/14/08
Posts: 29 |
RE: Gels and Water
11/11/08 9:37 AM
From my POV, I look at it like this; yes, sports drinks can be beneficial to long runs, but at the same time, people have run long distances on just water & healthy eating for years.
I don't think sports drinks are as much necessity as they are convenience & piece of mind. But, to each their own.
Some runners swear by post-run beer as well, so whatever works for you.
Please keep one thing in mind, the acidic content of sports drinks eat away at your tooth enamel more than Coca-Cola. For this reason alone, I steer clear of them!
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cdreisbach
Joined: 01/05/10
Posts: 29 |
RE: Gels and Water
01/05/10 6:38 PM
I can't use most gels because of the sugar but I found a product called"carb Boom" and I am wondering it this product is any good. Otherwise is orange juice in water a good energy drink during long runs?
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Spartygirl
Joined: 10/12/09
Posts: 4 |
RE: Gels and Water
02/11/10 4:38 PM
I believe that sports drinks are more important on very hot days when you are sweating a lot and need to replenish your sodium levels. From what I've read, I don't believe it is a good idea to take sports drinks with gels. It can be too much for your body to handle at one time - but, like someone else mentioned, it really depends on what works best for you. Personally, I try to stay away from the engineered drinks and food as much as possible on a long run. I'd rather stick to pretzels and almonds along with my water, although I will drink the gatorade during a long/hot race.
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Lukenkerry
Joined: 06/09/10
Posts: 7 |
RE: Gels and Water
06/10/10 8:50 PM
I work with a Doctor who did a rotation in sports medicine. She and I were just discussing the gels today since I am a newbie. She said the gels really aren't necessary unless you are running for over 2 hours...or if you are playing in a tournament (for example, my daughter plays soccer and Dr. D said it would be beneficial since tournaments can have 4 games in 3 days). She said water should be just fine. She also said not to over hydrate, or you will be using the bathroom way too much.
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