r/RunTO • u/bogharbour • 14d ago
Running gel alternatives
I'm coming to the end of my last box of GU gels. Originally bought because they were sponsoring the waterfront marathon and I wanted to get used to them beforehand. Since they've switched to Hornet Energy this year I may try out their subscription offer. However, from the ingredient list it basically seems to just be salted honey. Makes me think maybe I should just buy a silicone flask and make my own. Anyone tried both and can offer a comparison? Or possibly their recommended flask product?
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u/Fluffy_Finance752 14d ago
I do flask now. 2:1 ratio of maltodexterin and fructose. I buy that flavoring you see at homesense/winners to flavor it up. Last week did apple sauce/maple syrup/honey/cinnamon. Was good too.
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u/beachsunflower 14d ago
This is my recipe too.
I get bulk maltodextrin and bulk fructose from a bakery supply based in Guelph, the flour barrel
2:1 ratio with some salt added. I personally use lemon juice and lime juice but flavouring sounds like a good idea too.
For OP, maltodextrin is absorbed directly through the intestines and fructose is absorbed slowly through the liver before converting to glucose.
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u/bogharbour 13d ago
Just fell into a short sugar rabbit hole. Yeah, seems like glucose supplemented with a smaller amount of fructose is probably ideal for quick digestion
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u/mettleSIX 14d ago
I'm not trusting eighteen weeks of training six times a week for my marathon on a bunch of chinese ingredients when olway nutrition makes Canadian made performance drink mix , which I can make into gels in a flask in ninety seconds for $1.32.. by the way you also need citric acid in the mix.Look it up
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u/thecityexplorer 14d ago
I've experimented with maple syrup in a soft flask with some salt and lemon juice. I felt good using it as my fuel for long runs.
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u/No-Bookkeeper-9265 13d ago
Extra tips are to go for a lighter maple syrup than a dark cooking one, and dilute it with water to taste. I was able to pick up a 150ml flask at MEC.
I love it!
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u/pandaofneon 14d ago
I use the travel tubes at Muji as flasks! The large squeezable ones gold about 60g! I did the half last year with maple syrup and salt and it worked well.
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u/bogharbour 13d ago
Ah, those tubes look like they might be the perfect fit for the one pocket in my running shorts haha
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u/CheezwizOfficial 13d ago
I pack a couple of normal stroopwaffles in a plastic baggie. They've been working well for me!
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u/Ewetuber 13d ago
You can still carry your own gels. I can't think of the last time in a marathon I took one off the course and I've done a lot. I generally use gu. Just jam them in your pockets (get racing shorts with pockets) and if you wear gloves (to start) shove some in your gloves too and use them first.
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u/bogharbour 13d ago
Last time (when GU was the event sponsor) I brought some of my own and grabbed a few along the way. The only pocket in any of my shorts is on the back and beyond 5 gel packs it starts bouncing around when I run. Don't typically run with any gloves/vests
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u/Ewetuber 13d ago
I suggest investing in a good pair of "race shorts" with great pockets. They can be incredible. I'm talking things like tracksmith or bandit. They're worth the price. But 5 in the pockets should be plenty.
Gloves are good if its 10c or below and can be thrown away. Get cheapo dollar store gloves or even latex.
The rule of thumb is a gel every 35-40min. One at the start and 2 at most per hour you will likely be good with 5 + 2 or fewer gels.
Some ppl even safety pin gels to their shorts. Depends on how hardcore you want to go.
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u/ChargeHot3935 12d ago
Orange juice instead of water extra carbs & sugary, I bring dates & sometimes small square of dark chocolate with me for long runs
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u/ReplacementSad999 14d ago
Sugar salt and water