You also won’t find any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives, which work to make it, even more, easier for the stomach. When Honey Stinger introduced these gels, they changed the game. This was thanks in large part to the use of healthier ingredients like organic tapioca syrup and organic honey, which offer two easily digested sources of sugar. Test it out before race day: Try having one or two gels during practice runs to see how they affect your performance and the digestion process. Fabric: if you're a particularly sweaty runner or you're exercising in a hot climate, it pays to consider the fabric. 'It is essential that the material is breathable and doesn’t retain moisture,' says Anthony. 'You need the material to allow heat to escape, so you don't overheat.' Energy gels are carbohydrate-rich gels that provide energy for exercise for endurance athletes such as runners, swimmers, and cyclists.

All right, when you are ready to load up because we need more carbs on race day or it’s a hard workout and you want to fuel less… time to go for the higher carb counts! Again make sure your gut can handle it. Skratch L abs Energy Chews

The best water belts for running

Looking for the cheapest energy gels? Then homemade options might be your best bet. If you have the time to grab a few ingredients and follow some simple instructions, you can totally make some yourself at home. These SIS energy gels are purposely designed to be taken without water, minimising the risk of bloating that may occur with taking on too much fluid. They come in seven different flavours, which allows you find out what works for you and they’re suitable for vegans.

Know yourself: Knowing how your body reacts in different situations is key to ensuring you get the most out of your running gels. Pay attention to how you feel after having them and adjust accordingly. It’s also worth considering switching between caffeine, hydrating gels and electrolyte gels to ensure that your body doesn’t get too much of one thing at once. Top Tip I’ll start by recommending you look into hydration-based nutrition, such as Tailwind, UCAN, or Gnarly. I’m a big fan of Tailwind and Gnarly from my Chicago marathon summer training days. But there are gels that also work! Spring Energy Gel (yes again!)Thanks to the real food ingredients used to make them, most runners experience little to no gastrointestinal issues with these. UC AN Edge Energy Gels and Powdered Drinks Every runner is different, so the right time to take your energy gel completely depends on you and your body. The silicone grippers help make sure the belt doesn’t bounce around even while you’re running at race pace.

The combination of simple and complex carbs provides more energy rather than the big spike and crash that’s often experienced with other gels that just include simple carbs. Experiment with timing. The timing of when you consume your energy gels is key – too early or too late can affect you negatively. We all have different stomachs, energy demands, and even biochemistries. So find the perfect timing for when you need it most by experimenting with it before race day.This belt includes race toggles to attach to your bib so you don’t have to use safety pins on your clothes. Running for a couple of hours or longer demands a lot of energy, and the major source of muscular fuel throughout is carbs, which your body stores as glycogen. Ready, Set, Fuel: The Best Energy Bars for Runners | How to Fuel a Race | The Right Way to Carb-Load Before a Big Race If your phone has a case, you might have to remove it before putting it in this belt — the fit will be too tight.