How to Use Energy Gels

Running Nutrition & Hydration Advice,Expert Advice on Running Accessories
How to Use Energy Gels

What are Energy Gels?

Energy gels offer a concentrated source of energy, making it easier to replace lost energy stores whilst training and racing. Most energy gels are based on maltodextrin which directly provide glucose to your blood stream and provide an easily absorbable form of carbohydrate. 

Energy gels are effectively concentrated energy drinks. Therefore they need to be used diluted with some plain water. (The body needs water to digest carbohydrate). Otherwise, you may find yourself becoming dehydrated. Exceptions are Isotonic gels that are less concentrated but also provide less energy.

How Many to Take? / When to Take? / Different Types / How to Carry / Pitfalls / Best Energy Gels


How Many Gels to Take?

For periods of exercise under an hour it is unlikely you will need extra carbohydrate – your body’s stores will be sufficient. Taking gels during longer training sessions will help to maintain your energy and performance.

It is always best to check the manufacturer's recommended suggestions. As a rough guide you can take on 1 gram of carbohydrate per Kg of bodyweight per hour. A 70Kg runner can absorb 70 grams of carbohydrate in an hour. One or two energy gels every hour of training / racing can be an effective way of meeting your carbohydrate needs.

It depends if you are also taking on energy drinks. If you get 40grams of carbohydrate from a 500ml energy drink, one additional energy gel of 25 grams will take you up to the 70g target. Most races provide water, so it is safer to rely on your own gels rather than hope what’s offered at a race suits your needs.

Note there is a limit to how much carbohydrate the body can absorb – if you take too many gels, you won't be able to absorb the energy but just have a stomach full of energy gel (which isn't so nice). Do not exceed 2 per hour.

If your stomach tends to shut down in the later stages of a long race, try to take on gels before that happens, so you have some stores to pull on. Once your stomach starts to recoil from gels, try taking a quarter of the gel every 15 minutes, rather than pushing it down all at once. This way you still get some energy benefit without your stomach being overloaded. 

The more you follow an energy gel nutrition plan during your training, the better it will go on race day. Not only will you aid recovery times by using gels on your training runs but your stomach will get used to the pattern of absorption. Ideally consume gels at the same time periods in training and racing.

Road race

When to Take Gels?

Energy gels should be taken just before or during exercise. They work by immediately raising your blood sugar level.

If you are not exercising, the body will release insulin and convert into long term stores (glycogen) actually leading to lower blood sugar levels. Thus if you take energy gels 1 or 2 hours before a race, you can be left feeling tired at the start of the race. However, once you are running, the body will be using all the glucose released. I advise not taking energy gels more than 10 minutes before start of race / warm up.

Maurten Gel 100

The Game Changer: Maurten

Maurten have launched a worl’s-first Hydrogel gel. Sounds like it’s for your car not your long run, right? Wrong. This energy gel provides very high carbohydrate levels in a solution that’s quick to digest and absorb thanks to the biopolymer matrix that encasulates the 0.8.1 glucose and fructose ratio carbs. What this means is you get higher levels of carbs from the same amount of gel, that easily digests and moreover is full of pure ingredients. In fact, there are only 6 ingredients, so the simplicity of this clever gel means it’s easier on your stomach.

Shop all Maurten

Maurten Gel 160
Running Energy Gels
£4.20

High5 Energy Gels

Isotonic Energy Gels

Isotonic means that they have already been mixed to the correct water / electrolyte balance. Therefore, you don't need to take extra water. These are excellent if you're worried about getting the right electrolyte / water concentration. They will provide energy and also help provide optimal hydration. The drawback is that they offer less carbohydrate, so you may wish to take them more regularly than pure energy gels. Some runners will save carrying both gels and water by only taking Isotonic gels. However, they contain enough water to process absorption of the gel; they do not top up your hydration levels. For that you need to drink a sports drink or water.

SIS Go Gel + Electrolytes
Running Energy Gels
£1.80

SIS Go Gel Isotonic
Running Energy Gels
£1.70

High 5 Energy Gel Aqua
Running Energy Gels
£1.49

High 5 Energy Gel
Running Energy Gels
£1.39

Glucose / Fructose 2:1 Energy Gels

Studies have suggested that a combination of glucose and fructose in a 2:1 ratio can lead to a higher uptake of carbohydrate than just relying on glucose. Glucose has a very high GI index (increases blood sugar immediately) Fructose has a lower GI index and raises your blood sugar levels more gradually. Therefore, this combination can be good for long distance running who are struggling to take on enough carbohydrate during a race.

High 5 Energy Gel
Running Energy Gels
£1.39

High 5 Energy Gel
Running Energy Gels
£1.39

Energy Gel
Running Energy Gels
£2.00

Energy Gel
Running Energy Gels
£2.15

Caffeine Energy Gels

Some energy gels also include caffeine – a legal stimulant. Studies suggest that ingesting caffeine can boost your performance, though it can vary between individuals. In long distance races, some runners like to take a caffeine energy gel towards the end of the race when they are becoming tired. Some studies have suggested caffeine is less effective in hot weather because it can lead to dehydration. Caffeine also acts as a diuretic making you need a toilet break in a race – another reason to save for later in the race. Whether you want to use caffeine will come down to personal preference whether you want to benefit from this everyday stimulant. Generally speaking, the more you consume caffeine in your daily life, the less you’ll notice a difference. If you don’t consume much caffeine as a rule, you’re more likely to feel the effects of one of these gels.

SIS Go + Caffeine Gel
Running Energy Gels
£2.15

High 5 Energy Gel Aqua Caffeine
Running Energy Gels
£1.59

High 5 Energy Gel + Caffeine
Running Energy Gels
£1.49

Energy Gel Guarana
Running Energy Gels
£2.35

Energy Gel
Running Energy Gels
£2.00

Running Waist Belts

How to Carry Gels?

There are many options for carrying gels during racing or training. Here are a few examples:

Shop All Running Waist Belts

FlipBelt Zipper
Running Waist Packs & Race Belts
£39.00

SPIBelt Running Waistbelt
Running Waist Packs & Race Belts
£24.99

U.P. Titan Runners Pack
Running Waist Packs & Race Belts
£19.00

Ronhill OTM Belt
Running Waist Packs & Race Belts
£36.20

Salomon Pulse Belt
Running Waist Packs & Race Belts
£32.00

Potential Pitfalls of Energy Gels

Sometimes runners take energy gels and concentrated energy drinks at the same time. This means they are consuming too much concentrated energy solution and it can leave you feeling sick and dehydrated – especially in hot conditions.

Test before a big race. Energy gels can be a little sweet and you may find that your stomach rebels from consuming large quantities. In training you should be testing your stomach's tolerance to different makes of energy gels. Then when the big race comes, you won't be trying something completely new that your stomach may not like.


The Best Energy Gels?

Different brands use the same basic ingredients – maltodextrin, fructose, electrolytes (salts) – and then add their own touches. All the brands we carry are of a high quality – no cheap and fast carbs that are little better than a mars bar! Mostly it comes down to personal preference and what your stomach likes, so give some different ones a try and see how they help you on your next run...

Shop Energy Gels

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