General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Energy gel usage Rss Feed  
Moderators: k9car363, alicefoeller Reply
2006-07-28 4:43 PM

User image

Member
8

Subject: Energy gel usage
Anybody have thoughts on usage of energy gel. I'm doing an olympic tri on Sunday and am wondering how often/at what points during the race I should be giving myself a boost. Thanks.


2006-07-28 4:45 PM
in reply to: #496585

Expert
1113
1000100
Las Vegas
Subject: RE: Energy gel usage

It is my understanding, that you will know when you need the boost.  Something tells me, your legs arent shy, and they will scream at you when they need the help.

As for me, it is usually about midway through the cycling portion, just after a tough climb, and another about a mile into the run.  But thats me

2006-07-28 4:51 PM
in reply to: #496585

User image

Expert
900
500100100100100
Austin, TX
Subject: RE: Energy gel usage

I don't actually use gel during an Oly tri.  I drink Cytomax on the bike and take a sports drink or two during the run, and that's sufficient for me.

I'd say that you probably want to use some gel during long training sessions to see what works for you.  But don't do anything different on race day than you do during training. 

2006-07-28 4:56 PM
in reply to: #496585

User image

Pro
4311
20002000100100100
Texas
Subject: RE: Energy gel usage
I only use it on the bike, and I usually eat Gu shot blocks every 15-20 minutes depending on how long the ride is.
2006-07-28 5:06 PM
in reply to: #496585

User image

Master
4101
20002000100
Denver
Subject: RE: Energy gel usage
I have one about 15 minutes before the start and then one towards the end of the bike (although last race I forgot them so I ate it in t2) and chase with water. I also have a bottle of accelerade during the bike. But like someone else mentioned, you don't want to try anything new in the race since you don't know how your stomach will react - make sure to try out gels in training 1st.
2006-07-28 5:44 PM
in reply to: #496585

User image

Not a Coach
11473
5000500010001001001001002525
Media, PA
Subject: RE: Energy gel usage

Assuming you've used them in training...

I take 1 or 2 on the bike depending how I feel (usually one towards the beginning and 1 towards the end).  I'll carry one on the run and take it or not (usually not) depending how I feel. 



2006-07-28 5:58 PM
in reply to: #496630

Elite
3650
200010005001002525
Laurium, MI
Subject: RE: Energy gel usage

well..... you should be asking this going into training.  Going into the race, you should already know the answer to this question.

regardless though, along with what everyone else said, recomended doseage is one every 45 minutes.  I do one just before starting the swim (within 5 min of start), one shot while I'm putting on the helmet in T1, and then another 45 min later.

During running races I can stomach gels just fine.  During tri's, I can only stomach water and gatorade on the run, but gels on the bike.

So I'd say if you HAVE to try something new, do it as little as possible and do it on the bike.

2006-07-28 6:39 PM
in reply to: #496585

User image

Extreme Veteran
522
500
MN
Subject: RE: Energy gel usage
What I did was energy bar 1 hour before race, gel before swim, gel duct taped to the bike - eat first thing when get going, shot blocks during the bike - just easier to reach back into my pocket and grap a couple, poweraid on bike, 1 gel when starting the run - I suck it slowly down over the first 1/2 mile.  That was for a hot oly.  I did feel a bit puky in the middle of the bike and on the run, which is not unusual for me.
2006-07-29 9:22 AM
in reply to: #496585

User image

Expert
1213
1000100100
Los Gatos, CA
Subject: RE: Energy gel usage
I don't eat gels in short distance races but many people do.....in an Olympic you are redlining almost the entire way so something like Cytomax is much easier to suck down.....I would drink two bottles on the bike equivalent with two gels plus the hydration...waiting till you feel you need a boost is not a good plan, always stay ahead of it. Once you run out of juice, difficult to get it back.
New Thread
General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Energy gel usage Rss Feed