When to swallow your first gel?

Hi folks.

How far into a run/race do you neck your first gel / blok etc?

And how frequently do you take them throughout the race?

My SiS Go gels recommend taking 3 per hour. Would you actually carry 12 gels for a 4-hour marathon or would it be fewer because you wouldn't start using them until a few miles into the race?

I take one just before and one every 6 miles thereafter.  It seems to work.

For me, it really all depends on the race and the level of exertion.  In training I will usually take one every hour or 6 miles as I am running much slower, but during the marathon I will take one probably everh 45 minutes since I am running a good 90 seconds per mile faster.......I have never heard anyone taking 2 per hour...I would imagine it can give you some serious gi issues.....

I take one before the run and then every 5 miles and it seems to work for me alright

I tend to go for less. Not have any until after 1 hr of running then have one per hour after that.

I find a proper pre race breakfast and sipped lucozade over about and hour keeps me going enough.