If you ever chat with ultra runners, you’ll rarely hear them talk about downing 100 gel packets over the course of their 24-48 hours of running. Natural running fuel is their standard.
Yet marathoners eat them like candy, thinking it’s required to keep energy high and avoid the bonk.
Instead of the bonk, they usually wind up in the porta potty or with a stomach ache because we simply aren’t practiced at digesting them or are taking in the same type of fuel repeatedly, which we can’t handle.
Now, now, calm yourself. I’m not saying never to energy gels them or that they’re evil. They were created for a specific reason, to help us with the necessary quick energy on runs!
But while you are working to train your gut to better handle that quick fuel, there are some whole food options that can be a great way to go. This is also more useful for ultra runners, who need variety.
Why is it that we’re so cautious of what we eat before a run and then listen to any old marketing ploy for our long run nutrition?
The British Medical Journal {BMJ} performed a study in 2012 that showed no true studies exist to support the claims of many sports drink/gels. BUT on the flip side we have TONS of data showing that with 30-60 grams of carbs per hour, performance drastically…
