Reddit mentions: The best sports endurance & energy gels

Something like this is good for an energy fix which doesn't weigh anything. Nuts are good if you want to be healthy. Although IIRC I took a few Sandwiches, a packet of the Cadbury boost chocolates and 2 Lucosade Sports with 4 litres of water. Borrowed my old mans 30 litre bergen so it strapped up well to distribute the weight.

To be honest if you eat well the night before and have a reasonable breakfast you'll be fine if you reasonably fit. It's not an overwhelming feat my problems were generated by the fact my old man is a Royal Engineer and kept a strong pace throughout as he's done Snowdon a dozen times in his service (including a 8 hour hike from the base at Capel Curig and via the Crib Goch route where one sapper carried an ironing board for a laugh). He's fast approaching 50 now but we are both competitive so went up quite quick.

One key bit of advice if you do take the miners. Don't be fooled and burn yourself early. The first third is a lovely slow winding path, the second is a steeper path made of shaped boulders which are a little precarious to walk on. But the last third is literally climbing about 400m in what feels like less than a km in distance . It's hard on the joints and will need likely need rest stops. The best bit is it's even less fun in reverse as you come back down.

However please don't be put off as it's incredibly rewarding and feels like a huge sense of achievement.

Have you done Pen-Y-Fan before?

Oh no I forgot to take the spoke reflectors off. And they aren't uniform. Noooooo

Anyway I'm pretty slow but I've seen some improvement. Todays stats: 2h 43m. 40.3 miles. Avg Speed 14.8 mph. I live in a very hilly city I might add but I still feel like 14.8 is slow.

I would love some input on my diet before/during todays ride.

Breakfast was a packet of instant oatmeal. Lunch was a caesar salad with 4-5ish ounces of cubed ham. Then probably 300 calories of just random snacks.

During the ride:

• 24oz bottle of water
  
  
• 24oz bottle of Gatorade Zero Berry (4/5 stars in regards to taste)
  
  
• 30 min: 100 calorie GU tri-berry (2.5/5 stars)
  
  
• 1 hour: 220 calorie Clif bar Banana Chocolate Peanut Butter (5/5 stars)
  
  
• 1h 40m: 100 calorie Honey Stinger Gold Gel (1/5 stars but it was unseasonably hot and I let this one warm up too much.)
  
  
• 2 hours: 160 calorie Honey Stinger Fruit Smoothie Energy Chew (5/5 stars)
  
  After I got home I still had legs enough to chase my little ones around for a good 15 minutes but that's pretty much just a cool down. I never felt hungry but I have been made very afraid of the bonk just from trying to learn. Is this too much? Too little? Is this a good pace of calories to get to 100 miles? I don't really have a goal time.... so I'll just throw out 7 hours.
  
  Also does anyone have any good recipies for food to eat during the ride? I hate cooking so it has to be dead simple for me to cook, but I would appreciate reading fancy recipes if someone would like to share.
  
  Thanks!
  
  Edit: Also congrats to Greg LeMond.

I would absolutely not recommend this! Preworkout formulas tend to skirt the line of FDA regulations and have a tendency to get banned, reformulated, sold, banned, rinse, repeat. I wouldn't consider them healthy in general, but they are NOT meant for cardiovascular activity. Don't get me wrong. Creatine, great. BCAAs, great. Caffeine, great. Preworkout, too risky to be worthwhile; and definitely not for use in a race environment. If you're worried about your heart not being able to power you through a race, don't take stimulants. Run more.

I've had good luck with stuff like this: https://www.amazon.com/GU-Energy-Labs-Assorted-Double-Serving/dp/B06XCLGB9G

Take a caffeine pill or two before a race, and keep yourself going with these. In a beast I tend to eat one of those every 15-20 minutes.

Type 1 pump user and backpacker. Definitely look into the Frio wallet for your insulin. Amazing piece of kit, considering all you need is water. It's served me well on multiday trips through Joshua Tree, as well as the Nevada desert (Black Rock City).

I also love these for hiking. They're low profile enough to be stashed just about anywhere, and taste pretty great.

Probably goes without saying, but take care or your feet as well. Splurge on some nice socks if you don't have some, and if you start feeling hotspots on your feet, make adjustments before things escalate.

The biggest advice (and it may come off as heady) is try to be present. Take extra time to manage your BG, but don't dwell on it. Enjoy what you're doing. Like the rest of our lives, you can do anything you want with T1D, it just takes extra planning. Strangely enough, backpacking's regimented eating reminds me a lot of pre-pump days.

Happy to answer any other questions you man have as well!

As far as drinks, I love the squincher zero packets. They come in individual packets that are perfect for dumping in a water bottle, and small enough you can take as many with you as you want. The Strawberry Lemonade is amazing - better than any other drink mix I've ever had (gatorade, G2, etc). The only other one I've tried is mixed berry, which is good (tastes like blue gatorade) but not nearly as good as strawberry lemonade.

I haven't tried very many gels (I don't usually eat anything on rides), but the Mocha flavored Clif Shot gels are fantastic. They're like drinking coffee-flavored syrup with a hint of chocolate.

> If I only ride for an hour at 5am and have breakfast after how necessary would it be to have that stuff handy? I figured it’d be mostly for my longer rides which I do on weekends?

You'll definitely be fine without anything for an hour-long ride. I've even gotten to where I do the first ~90 miles of my long weekend rides on nothing but a clif bar and a couple cups of coffee. Granted it's all zone 2 (long slow distance pace) and I worked up to it, but outside of a racing environment I've found the common advice to eat 150-250 calories/hour to be unnecessary. That being said, you're better off taking it with you and not needing it than needing it and not having it. Learn to listen to your body and you'll be fine

I find that I can survive on gels for up to 50K although I still try to consume a bit of fats and protein such as peanut butter or something like Bounce energy ball. For 50+ mile distances I added more other food but I still had upset stomach and some nausea at the end. My stomach is picky and I've just recently found out I have gluten sensitivity. Gels that I tolerate the best in ultras are Huma gels. I also recommend Clif Energy Food - this stuff is fairly heavy to carry around but works well in drop bags.

Good luck with your 100K!

I know they're usually targeted at athletes but energy gels such as this one (but there's many other brands) could be up your alley. They're not very high in calories but they give you a good boost and given you're in construction, that's equal to working out I'd say! They give you quick energy and a nice boost.

Try the Gu gels instead of the chews:

https://smile.amazon.com/GU-Energy-Original-Nutrition-Assorted/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1525096879&sr=8-2&keywords=gu%2Bgels&th=1

Note that you should take it with water as it helps your body to absorb it quicker.

You can also try PowerGels (this is what the NYC Marathon provides on their course).

A lot of people's stomachs will like/dislike certain brands of gels so you should experiment with what works best for you before your race in a couple weeks. I would just try out the gels on your next run or bike ride to see how your stomach reacts (it doesn't even need to be a long run).

And general advice is to not try anything new on race day so you should bring the gel brand you know your stomach likes instead of relying on whatever the course will be handing out on that day. Good luck!

Good for you! Running can be one of the best ways to manage your blood sugar and A1c levels. I usually make sure to go running when my insulin's effects are the least, i.e. after 2 hours of taking Novolog. With that, intense cardio can still cause your blood sugar to drop. Therefore, I also always make sure to bring glucose tablets in case of lows on long runs. I ran a half marathon in 1 hour and 43 minutes last October, and I would take Gu Energy Gel every 4 miles (32 minutes) or so. My blood sugar stayed at a steady 150 because as it dropped, I'd compensate with the 20 or so grams of carbs in the gel. Good luck!

If you are working out and need a quick BG boost get some GU gels. There are other brands but I've found that their banana flavor is the least disgusting and it gives you an easily absorbed 30g of carbs.

You can buy them individually from any sporting good store and they're about $1.25 each. So get a few to keep one in your pocket when you exercise. It'll save you from dropping off too low.

Before workouts I'll drink a G2 Gatorade (lower carb: about 11g carbs) and it'll give me about an hour before my BG drops.

http://www.amazon.com/GU-Original-Nutrition-Energy-Strawberry/dp/B00024CU2K?th=1&psc=1

Edit: ask your doctor about Levemir. I was on Lantis (MSD) and after switching to Levemir it helped balance my levels out. You can also adjust your bolus if you are working out harder that day.

Just ideas to chew on.

Carb loading the day prior is a must. I had to do a 20k hike in the Marines and carried one or two energy gel packets with me, they are a great source of quick energy to help you push through near the end if you're feeling drained. If you can get your hands on something similar to what I linked I would suggest using one right before you hit a water station. Good luck.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=cm_sw_r_awd_a-Qgvb1RFSHE2

Yurbuds are surprisingly comfortable and will rarely, if ever, fall out of your ear.

Mmmmmm

Anywhere from 6-20miles typically depending on where my marathon training is at. From what I see, runners either swear by GPS watches or they have zero interest. Personally, I love being able to easily track my runs, see my routes mapped out, and seeing a real-time pace and other info right off my watch while I run.

These are the bloks I like to use on long runs. I also like to bring a bag of peanuts or peanut M&Ms. If I'm going to be out all day, then I'll actually make a pb&j sandwich and put it in my running vest. Uncrustables work great too. They're delicious.

Before diabetes, I had several favorite candies, and disliked chocolate.

Now I LOVE chocolate, and dislike other kinds of candy.

I finally figured out why. It's because I often feel a little sick when I'm low. After I eat some kind of fast-acting sugar (smarties/nerds/gummy bears/jelly belly/skittles) enough times when I feel like I'm about to hurl, I can't stand it anymore. I never eat chocolate when I'm low, so I like it much more than I used to as a treat.

However, those glucose tabs keep forever, and in conditions that other candies will fall apart. I keep a bottle in my car in the driver side pocket, husband's car, kitchen, desk/locker at work, just as a safety net. They last for years.

To carry around with me during the day, I carry those fast acting athlete gels made of honey. They're 27g. For small top-ups, I keep whatever looks good and is just sugar, no fat. Right now it's those puffed peppermints, 5g each. I keep the spares at home or pass them off to family and friends, whatever I can't stomach at the time is some one's favorite somewhere.

I don't have a lot of experience with recumbent bikes, but I imagine that they would be easier on the joints. That said, I'd highly recommend getting fit for that bike too, should you decide to buy one. The angle your knees and feet should be at the highest and lowest points of the stroke will vary by person, flexibility, prior injuries, etc.

The right shoes, clips, and inserts can all make a difference if you're having knee troubles.

As is probably obvious, changing bikes won't help your energy problems substantially. Personally I ate Gu for a long time, but have recently moved to making my own energy gel because it's a lot more cost efficient if you go through a LOT of gel.

Gu: http://www.amazon.com/GU-Energy-Labs-Original-Nutrition/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1396217366&sr=8-1&keywords=gu

DIY Energy Gel Recipe: http://www.instructables.com/id/Energy-Gel/

Maltodextrine: http://www.amazon.com/Muscle-Feast-Malto-Maltodextrin-Pounds/dp/B008P5QBX2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1396217270&sr=8-3&keywords=maltodextrin

EDIT: formatting.

I use these gels they dont taste awful but I would never be tempted to just keep sucking them down because of "low zombie brain" so I find them to be the perfect solution for me :)

I would also add, bring electrolyte salt tablets with you to prevent leg cramps and guu packets/food in your running belt. Not so much of an issue in a Sprint since it's a short distance, but more of a concern in a longer race like Super or Beast. I like to set an automatic alarm timer on my Garmin to beep every 45 minutes to feed myself 200 calories and take 1 salt tablet. Never had cramps because of this strategy!

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B017O8EEAW/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o07_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Perhaps it's a similar situation, but I usually go to the box at 5pm when I was up at 4:30am, working 5:30a to 2:30p, and my only meal was 10:00a-ish. By 5:00p, I haven't eaten a meal in 6-7 hours, so I generally eat an energy gel packet lime this:

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Assorted Fruity Flavors, 24-Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCLY3HK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_MmLYzb1MW9FKF

Caffeinated ones for days I get to the box at 12p or earlier, and uncaffeinated for 5p or later. Stomach isn't empty, but it hardly feels like you ate.

As mentioned elsewhere, nutrition is very personal. What fuels one athlete may cause another some serious digestive issues. That said, Ive had some luck with these carb chews on my long rides/runs. I plan on taping a few to my top tube on my HIM. The packaging is perforated so you give a good pull to the top and you're good to go.

haha, I signed up in November too! But mine is NEXT WEEK >: ] Just wait until you finish your 11 mile run. You're going to feel ecstatic. There is something about the 5 mile+ runs, it almost feels like I am able to transcend pain and worry and I am at this sort of zen like state. Or maybe it's all the dopamine being flushed into my brain. Once you start getting past like 7-8 miles, you should look into something like GU's or gels to keep your salts up as you are losing water.

https://www.amazon.com/GU-Original-Nutrition-Energy-Assorted/dp/B00CQ7QDQA

good luck on your half, and dont injure yourself training. are you aiming for a specific time or just looking to finish?

> been exchange students or backpackers.

That explains it. Americans can't stand those people either. That's the demographic all the rich white person stereotypes come from and the tumblr stereotype come from.

>Having a bit of a problem as he's probably gonna be on my Christmas shopping list.

Alcohol is always a good gift. Even better if it's something he normally doesn't have access to or if it's some novelty kind he can display. You could also get him one of those novelty version of something everyone eats like chewable cubes of coffee.

I am also a college student in a similar predicament. There are these "gel energy packs" that I first found in a bicycle shop, as they are designed for athletes to eat while doing intense workouts, such as a long bike ride. I always keep a couple in my bag because they take about 5 seconds to eat, and will hold me over until I can have a proper bite to eat. Heres a link to them on amazon. Good luck.

Pretty much any line of gels/shots/etc. has versions both with and without caffeine; it just depends on the flavor. It should be on the label.

I've been using Stinger Gold. It's more natural, or at least it makes me feel better. And they are 120 calories. The body can absorb 240 cal per hour when exercising, so taking one every 30 minutes is a simple way to set a nutrition schedule during races.

Most gels are 100 calories.

There's also glucose gels which are easy to get (often used by long distance runners) which are very easy to swallow and work extremely quickly. Something like this.

A lot of people use Gu. I personally use them, but only on long runs (generally speaking, I take 1-2 if I'm doing 16 miles or more, and I'll take 3 for 20.

You don't NEED to eat them, but you do need to hydrate well. Some people find them a little difficult to digest while running, but I've been pretty lucky with regards to that.

Caffeinated Gu gels are a much better solution. Calories and caffeine in one easy to eat package.

https://www.amazon.com/GU-Energy-Original-Nutrition-Chocolate/dp/B000CSCRHY?th=1

If you don't already have some, you should get some glucose gel. It's super fast acting (15g per pouch), and I find them a lot easier to eat than glucose tablets.

I'm not super experienced (1 halfsy done, 1 in 3 weeks) but in my experience I really like the Clif energy shots (variety pack: https://www.amazon.com/Clif-Shot-Energy-Variety-Sampler/dp/B017A92YTS/) and the Honey Stinger Gold (https://www.amazon.com/Honey-Stinger-Classic-Energy-Nutrition/dp/B0010TGK18/). I've done the gummies before but they take forever to chew and they seem to get stuck in my teeth, which makes it harder to breathe.

Maybe you're a lot faster than me (shooting for 2:20:00) but I use one gel around 5 miles, 8 miles, and 11 miles. That's about one every 30 minutes starting almost an hour in. I would say to start using them on training runs ASAP to see how your body reacts to them. I've also heard that they work better if you don't have an empty stomach before taking the first one, so maybe eat something light a little bit before you start out so you're not running on an empty stomach.

So sorry to hear that-- sounds terrifying. Do you have an insulin pump? Better yet, a CGM? That can help a tremendous amount.

Also, rather than candy I recommend using pure glucose. I don't like the tabs, but use these. They work within 10-15 minutes and are easy to keep down. Try rubbing into gums for faster absorption.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B019O036HU/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1499048176&sr=8-1&keywords=glucose+gel&dpPl=1&dpID=51lPsX4DgCL&ref=plSrch

These are what you want for running fellas

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Assorted Flavors, 24-Count Box https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_6DLJDbY1Y60BQ

The SPIbelt with gel loops is good for a marathon.

A gel flask holder is good if you buy gel refills.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_4B88Ab0ZCKKP2

It’s an energy gel and I think it has about 22 g of carbs depending on what flavor you get. I haven’t personally used them yet but have friends who swear by them. I’m planning on testing them out in the week or so since I have a big race coming up!

GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel

Seconded. I have this flask & add a bit of water to it also. The huckleberry flavor is surprisingly good. If you buy the big bottle (store it in the fridge), it's also a bit more cost-effective than the individual packets.

GU

It's the best there is, made for runners.

Gu gels taste disgusting to me - overly sweat. I can't stand them.

Here are 3 gels brands that have much better taste and much easier on the stomach, although they are more expensive than Gu brand gels:

• Huma
  
• Spring Energy
  
• Muir Energy
  
  If you prefer chews, I highly recommend Honey Stinger Chews.

Ooh, there's a few different kinds of gels. The ones I eat: https://www.amazon.com/GU-Original-Nutrition-Energy-Assorted/dp/B00CQ7QDQA

Are a little more goo-ey and not watery. You can probably head to a GNC or a sports nutrition shop and buy one to try. I know there's more watery "gels" out there. In Taiwan there's a brand called Energy Gel. I tried that once and instantly didn't like how it was too free flowing and watery.

Lots of good answers in here.

1. Pants. (Goruck, of course. Prana Zion. Outdoor Research Ferrosi.)
   
   
2. Food - Don't think of food as "refuel." It's for morale and a bit of a sugar/caffeine/electrolyte spike. I like peanut M&Ms and Clif Bloks.
   
   
3. Shoes are such a personal-taste/foot shape/ankle strength thing. Stay away from uncushioned minimalist options for your first event. The Team Assessment guys wore Altras.
   
   
4. Jacket is worth it. Bring something tough or that you don't mind destroying.
   
   
5. Nylon runner and carabiner. Worth the weight/volume commitment. May be wasted space, but possibly invaluable if you have an awkward coupon.

Energy gels, like these: https://www.amazon.com/GU-Energy-Original-Nutrition-Assorted/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/?th=1

I think buying them is kind of a ripoff though, so I found a recipe for homemade gels and my wife makes them for me.

Actually carry these on me at all times. Not as tasty unfortunately. Could you ask if he carries something like that on person for long scenes or if just turns the pump off?

https://www.amazon.com/TRANSCEND-15g-Glucose-Gels-Pouch/dp/B019O036HU/ref=pd_lpo_121_bs_img_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=PTPR5PT341DS017R1807

Basketball shorts have pockets, right? Buy a few gels/gus and keep them on you. Cyclists use them all the time. Quick energy on the go.

CLIF SHOT - Energy Gels - Mocha Flavor - 50mg Caffeine (1.2 Ounce Packet, 24 Count) (Packaging May Vary) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0074B4IKG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_1iP2DbZQA4K12

Try some of this stuff. https://www.amazon.com/CLIF-SHOT-Energy-Double-Espresso/dp/B0074CDXHE . Works great for muscle fatigue and cramps

Tracksmith is doing spend $250, get a $50 gift card.

Amazon (as of 3 PM PST 11/20) has Double Expresso Clif gels 24 ct for 17.

So it's like Gu, which is something athletes use. I run a lot, and I would never eat a box of these a day.

I carry a Larabar and a banana on long rides, and consume those first, and only eat a gel if I think I might need it.

I get the 24 count of GU. They all taste fine to me, but I'm not very particular. I've been told that GU works faster, because it's sugar does't need to be processed by the liver, whereas the sugar in ClifShots does. Take that for what it's worth.

For on the go, you should look at these

GO CUBES Energy Chews https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01BSZV3OC

I'm normally a tea person, but those aren't bad for on the go if I really need.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0074CDXHE/ref=mp_s_a_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1499637449&sr=8-1&keywords=clif+shot+double+espresso&dpPl=1&dpID=51uYcpQzJ8L&ref=plSrch

All flavors/brands are going to have varying levels of caffeine. Those have a lot which I like. YMMV

On Amazon.com

Honey Sticks

Honey Packets

200 9g packets for 21 dollars, or 50 honey sticks for 10 dollars.

A stick of honey seems to be about 5 grams, so it's either 1800 g for 21 dollars or 250g for 10 dollars/500 g for 20 dollars.

Packets are probably cheaper.

Edit: Thinking out loud... or thinking written down.

Gu pack: 32g, and 25g of carbs. 93 cents a pack, so 672 g for 20 dollars.

In order of cheapness:

Honey Packet > Gu Energy Gel > Honey Sticks

Assuming you get everything off Amazon.com of course.

http://www.amazon.com/Energy-Gel-Chocolate-Outrage-24-Count/dp/B000CSCRHY/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1334971674&sr=8-1

gu! you can buy singles at most sporting good stores/running stores/etc.

the chocolate outrage is the best flavor imo. they give you fuel/calories/energy for longer runs. i usually don't use them unless i'm running double digits, and try to avoid them on training runs less than 17 miles or so, but during a race i'll take them every 6 miles.

I like taking one of these before a game. It has a bit of caffeine and sugar, but not enough to make me jittery or crash. I find that I have more energy with it compared to when I forget to bring one.

For a two hour game I'd consider taking one in the middle. Might give you some energy for the second hour.

Cliff shots with caffine:
https://smile.amazon.com/CLIF-SHOT-Energy-Mocha-Pack/dp/B0074B4IKG/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1480699437&sr=8-1&keywords=clif+shots

Pickle Juice:
https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B015TJGG9U/ref=crt_ewc_title_dp_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

It is a little packet of carbs and caffeine basically. i never ride without them.

http://www.amazon.com/GU-Original-Nutrition-Energy-Assorted/dp/B00CQ7QDQA/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1458650619&sr=8-1&keywords=gu

Could try "Go Cubes" chewable coffee http://www.amazon.com/Go-Cubes-Chewable-Coffee-4-packs/dp/B01BSZV3OC

Unfortunately, Level has been discontinued. I had an email conversation when I suddenly couldn't find it anywhere and they confirmed. They directed me to Transcend.

TRANSCEND 15g Glucose Gels - 12 Pouch Bulk Pack https://www.amazon.com/dp/B019O036HU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_sSNmxbYTCG4TJ

The flavor is different. It almost tastes like strawberry jam...a more 'real' taste, imo. I don't know why more companies don't make these pouches. They invaluable for sports and physical activity.

I suspect it differs for everyone, and I'm pretty lazy about my macros, but I find one of these every 40 minutes or so works well when combined with gatorade in the bottles:

https://www.amazon.com/CLIF-SHOT-Energy-Caffeine-Packet/dp/B0074B4IKG/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1499272519&sr=8-1&keywords=cliff%2Bshots&th=1

I suspect I could be consuming a lot more (I'm burning many times this), but these seem to keep me in the game.