How many gels on a long run?

2 watchers

JohnnyO Apr 2012 1:20pm, 12 Apr 2012 12,419 posts	0 JohnnyO One every five miles. Caffeine ones only at the end. Or before the start when your colon needs a little 'stimulation'
HuwH Apr 2012 1:22pm, 12 Apr 2012 968 posts	0 HuwH Every six miles for me (lucozade sport) but will vary thid usually to tie in with water stations. Don't use gels unless doing more than 16m. Always carry one more as gel belts seem to drop them! A runner at my club said that by the time you need one its too late so I do one every six regardless. Did experiment with more/less on training runs and six is best for me. I bought a bulk box from lucozade direct to experiment on long runs. You don't want to be guessing on the day.
Maclennane Apr 2012 1:23pm, 12 Apr 2012 18,322 posts	0 Maclennane Had one in 2006. Might have another next year.
Battlecat Apr 2012 1:41pm, 12 Apr 2012 2,557 posts	0 Battlecat I don't think I've ever used them in training, I only have sports drinks. In races I take a couple with me and take them if I think I'm starting to flag.
trendy runner Apr 2012 1:42pm, 12 Apr 2012 821 posts	0 trendy runner Every seven miles for me on a marathon - 7,14,21 practiced in training as too many can make you feel queezy. I dont usually bother on long runs up to 15 miles but would probably drink lucozade on route.
sprouty76 Apr 2012 1:50pm, 12 Apr 2012 2,095 posts	0 sprouty76 Been taking 1 every 10km or so in marathon training.
Gobi Apr 2012 1:58pm, 12 Apr 2012 47,132 posts	0 Gobi I took 17 in a 100km race :¬) Marathons about 1 every 30 minutes Training - I might carry one or two on a 20 miler but usually they make it home again.
p^2 Apr 2012 12:02am, 13 Apr 2012 10 posts	0 p^2 Gobi said: "Marathons about 1 every 30 minutes" For 20 miles plus, I find I'm happiest with Shot Bloks, one every 2km or so, which works out at about the same average rate of feeding, but without the peaks and troughs.