Energy gels

What energy gels do you think are best to use?

I can't stand the things, so I eat a small family of jelly babies on my long runs!

The only one I can stomach is carb boom, but it has the consistency of snot like many of the others... so while it tastes vaguely OK and it does its job, the texture is still gruesome.

I don't tend to need extra energy during a workout anymore, I don't exercise to that level! A banana afterwards or electrolytes on hot days are fine. I would probably use wine gums if I increased my level of exercise enough to need it!!

I use S.I.S (Science In Sport).  They're good cause you don't need to chase them with water, the consistency is just right. Post-run I did a For Goodness Shake banana flavour which you should take within 20mins of finishing your workout. I'd recommend both.

+1 for the SIS products, they seem to work better for my body than the others I've tried. I use gels, GO Electrolyte, Rego recovery and occasionally the Nocte overnight stuff.

Another one for SIS.  I find that a lot of the others upset my stomach or have a horrible consistency.  SIS remind me of half set jelly that I used to eat when I was a kid.

Personally I don't get on with any gels that have caffeine in them.  These tend to be a bit marmite - either you love them or hate them.

Make sure you take enough of your own. I made the mistake of thinking that they were being handed out later on on the course but by the time I got there there were none left and I'd used up my own earlier on. Ended up resorting to grabbing whatever I could from spectators at the side of the road.

Really? I didn't realise spectators did this, or were you just stealing their lunch?!

We were offering jelly babies at the cheer squad this year but didn't get many takers. Then Leo got his carrot sticks out for the hummus and someone veered right over, grabbed one & said, 'Ta very much'!!!

Late response, but I'm surprised at how many like SIS - the chemical taste made me throw up

Are gels only designed for longer runs? Are they not really necessary for say, 5 and 10ks?

They are mostly designed for runs over 10k. You start to use them before your natural energy resources will begin to deplete. If you're heading into the +1hr (relatively hard) workouts you may need to consider extra fuel.

You should be able to run 10k on just water or a light electrolyte solution IF you're eating properly. Energy depletion won't be significant enough to make you 'hit the wall' at that distance.

If you are out running for longer than an hour take your gel after 45 minutes so it kicks in on time. If you are going out for less than an hour eat some good running fuel a litle time before your run instead!

I agree with this, over an hour and you'll need a gel. Hoep you've sorted it now

I tried energy gels for the first time a couple of weeks ago and they were great!

I've never tried these. Would you recommend them for short distance runners too? 

No, not for energy purposes. All that will happen is you'll take on extra sugar that your body doesn't need. Gels are intended for (fairly heavy) exercise of 1hr+ duration, when you WILL deplete the natural energy stores in the body. For short distances, good food and water will be plenty sufficient.

You may benefit from a gel early in the mornings, if you can't stomach normal food. Even so, they can still cause cramps and bloating so are a bit hit and miss as far as experimenting goes. The textures are generally awful and you need to consume water with them.

There is generally no point in taking gels for short races as you will have finished the race before they have been absorbed into your blood stream and distributed to the muscles.  Much cheaper to fuel on proper food before a short race.  Tastes better too.

I only use gels when I am running over 10 miles.  Anything less than that and all I need is water and maybe an electrolyte drink if it is hot or I am working hard.

Awesome, thanks guys. I wasn't sure if I was missing out on something that I should be taking.