Recommend your energy gel/chew/mid-run fuel

[mjl6907]

I am training for my first half, and I've never used these before.  I'm thinking I may need to as my runs get longer.  What do you use and how often/at what point during a run do you use it?  I really appreciate all of your advice!

[Susie]

Most of the recommendations from RDs that I've read, have favored things like chomps or shot blocks, or gel from a flask (rather than a packet) so that you can spread your consumption over some time, a bite at a time. Gels that give you 100-120 cals in a couple swallows are generally not a best bet (although many people do fine with it). I like diluting gels in a gel flask and sipping at that.

What will actually agree with you, you'll have to figure out by trial & error. Gu brand gels and Sport Beans are both bad for me. My stomach turns sour. Honey stingers are good, but too crumbly to be practical while running (IMO). I have done best with Hammer brand gels.

As far as when to use them, this also varies. Initially I found I was dying around 7 miles without something, although I can do 9+ without fuel now. It may in large part be that I am faster and just cover more ground in the same amount of time. You shouldn't need to take anything more than once or so during a half. You may want to start experimenting with products once your long runs exceed 6 or so miles just so you have time to try a few different products before race day and know how you do with them.

[zoidberg]

I use and love Huma gels. Best ever. Which reminds me, I need to order some soon...

I take one at about 45 mins in if I know I will be out there for 90 minutes or more.

[zoidberg]

And yes, like Susie said, take some on longer training runs even if you don't strictly need them for fuel so you can see what works for you and what doesn't.

I have tried Gu, and they want out of my body IMMEDIATELY. If you know what I mean. That is something you want to find out right away.

[lb2006]

I take hammer gels - they are the easiest on my stomach. I would try a few options to see what works best for you!

[osulori]

Clif Shot Bloks are my half marathon fuel of choice-I love them! The strawberry and tropical punch flavors are my faves.

[joenali]

I like to drink my calories, even when running. I like carbo pro. 200 calories every hour.

[al320]

I like gu gels and honey stinger chews

Eta i should answer your while question before i hit submit. During training runs i take gels every hour or so, but if i have a run thats too short for a second gel, ill just have a few chews ever few minutes. During a halfor full i have a gel every five miles or so (so more often than n training). 

[grk2012]

I don't have an "always" plan. For me it depends on the length of the run and the conditions. On a double-digit run, I try to start drinking electrolytes by mile 3, and then at my next stop, take some fuel--Gatorade chews, GU gel, Honey Stinger chews, etc.--and wash it down with water.

On today's 21mi I used a combination of dried cranberries, Honey Stinger chews, a gel made w/ coconut water that wasn't very good (a StrideBox goody), some Skratch fluid, water, and purple Powerade.

[enfuego23]

I like Gu gels - I usually only take one during runs that are over 12 miles. I ran 15 today and took one a mile 8. I don't think I need fuel during my training runs but they do help during races to give me extra energy. My favorite flavors are chocolate cherry, mocha, and vanilla.

[InBetweenDays]

I like Gu Chomps or the Honey Stingers. I tried Shot Bloks for awhile but they were too large and hard to chew well while running. I just got some Lemon Gu Chomps and really like them.

[jene]

I like the Gu gels. Peanut butter and salted caramel are my faves

I have also used clif shot blocks, fruit punch, margarita, and black cherry are my go to flavors

[jamalynn]

Shot blocks are my fav.

[RoryGilmore]

Honey stinger chews with Nuun to drink. But, YES, to trial and error. It is so different for everyone. Start testing different things to see how you react.