I started out using Hammer Nutrition gels, but lately have been favoring GU Energy Gels. This may well be as a result of a great GU experience on the 2010 Otter African Trail Run.
The list of ingredients is a little scary to be honest, and I am still not convinced that swallowing down a mouthful of gooey syrup is the best answer to maintaining energy levels during races. That being said, in practical terms they do seem to be the optimal way of ingesting carbs whilst exercising.
Like all gels, they come in a range of flavors. The ultimate flavour, and possibly the answer to your problems if you find gels to be totally unpalatable, is the new Peanut Butter flavour: it rocks! Coffee lover that I am, I quite enjoy the Espresso Love flavor, and the little caffeine kick that it contains! On that note, please be aware specifically that some of the flavors contain caffeine — and a substantial quantity too.
I don’t seem to have settled on any kind of formula around using gels. I have started having one gel whilst lining up at the start, and I often have one when I specifically want a boost during a longer race. You definitely want to wash it down with some water: it helps ease the load on your stomach.
Learn more on the GU site.
GU Energy Gels
R13.95 each @ Dis-CHEM
R17.95 each @ Sportsmans Warehouse
R95.95 pack of six @ Sportsmans Warehouse
GU Roctane Gels
R35.00 each @ Olympic Cycles
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