newbie gel question

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2009-05-27 3:59 PM

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Katy
Subject: newbie gel question
Hey guys... by the way thanks so much to all of you who have educated me  through my first tri finish this last weekend.

So, I tried a gel (carb boom) for the first time at the race and really hated the feeling of being so hot and tired and then squirting a wad thick paste into my mouth...

Question - are there other good options or is this something I should just get used to?

2009-05-27 4:02 PM
in reply to: #2176642

Subject: RE: newbie gel question

burritosdaily - 2009-05-27 4:59 PM Hey guys... by the way thanks so much to all of you who have educated me  through my first tri finish this last weekend.

So, I tried a gel (carb boom) for the first time at the race and really hated the feeling of being so hot and tired and then squirting a wad thick paste into my mouth...

Question - are there other good options or is this something I should just get used to?

Try different gels - some have different consistencies, after-tastes, etc. I personally find that Hammer Gel goes down easiest when it's hot out. Also, make sure to chase it with water - t hat helps a ton. You could also try any number of gummy products out there, though chewing when it's hot out might be just as bad. Or you could use sports drink - sugar in liquid form. For that matter, you can also dilute gels.

For a sprint, you shouldn't really need anything aside from water. And make sure you try these things during training, not racing. You never know what might end up bothering your stomach.

2009-05-27 4:14 PM
in reply to: #2176642

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Subject: RE: newbie gel question
Personally it is all about Gu for me, hot or cold. If I were you though I would just get some different styles and try them under expected race conditions to see how they settle, how they taste, textures, etc...

Also chasing the Gel with something to drink is a must for me.
2009-05-27 4:27 PM
in reply to: #2176691

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Sensei
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Subject: RE: newbie gel question
I never really enjoyed the consistancy...  And i have to be selective with flavors.  I also have to drink after them.

But really, I just forget about them.  Infinit or GE gives me all I need and is far more tolerable to me...  Plus it saves $1.00 to $1.25 a dose...

Oh yeah, I'm a Gu guy.  Lemon Lime or Mixed berry.  Something 'fruity'.

Edited by Aikidoman 2009-05-27 4:28 PM
2009-05-27 4:33 PM
in reply to: #2176642

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Master
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Subject: RE: newbie gel question
i like GU the best too - and i think its better when it is warm out, because then it is easier to eat! when you try and eat a pack of GU when it is 30 degrees out, it is pretty viscous and hard to get out of the package.  i like Vanilla, lemon lime and the berry the best.  i have gotten better at eating them, now that i pretty much eat them everyday. . . 
2009-05-27 5:00 PM
in reply to: #2176642

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Subject: RE: newbie gel question
personally i dont mind them, however, carboom is sort of like rat poisen for me, i HATE them.

GU in most flavors, hammer gel in rassberry or orange, or esspresso, are my two fav types and much easier for me to eat.


2009-05-27 5:17 PM
in reply to: #2176642

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Subject: RE: newbie gel question
There are also the sports beans that you could try.
2009-05-27 5:25 PM
in reply to: #2176843

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Subject: RE: newbie gel question
Sport Beans are WAY to sweet for my tastes.

And this is coming from someone who has been a candy-a-holic most of his life.

Obviously I'm a Gu guy, but even if I wasn't sponsored by them I would use and recommend them.  Their flavor choices and consistency work really well for me (especially compared to others).

I've had disastrous results with Accel gel.
2009-05-27 5:26 PM
in reply to: #2176642

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Subject: RE: newbie gel question
you could also pick up a gel flask and mix the gel with water.

I do Gu or HammerGel (berry flavors generally)
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