Do you recommend using Energy Gels during a half marathon? My PR is 1:16, just curious. Some faster people do. I felt like I was breathing too hard during my half to even down some water at the water stations....just curious what kinds of fueling you'll do for a Half and how much it's helped you...Thanks
Naw son eat lard
personal preference
that said. i do not take gels in a half. i only get a couple sips of water the whole time (unless it's hot). my suggestion is to try taking a gel. unfortunately it could not work out well
I tkae one just before the start, then at 4 and 8 ... I usually use the ones with caffeine ... gives a nice boost for the last 5K
I would say at 1:16 you don't need a gel during the race. If it's warm then maybe hit a few water stops, but other than that you don't need much of anything. I ran a 1:15 recently and didn't even take any water, which I suspect a lot of runners do the same.
I have tried taking a gel about 10-15 mins. before the race though. Doesn't seem to effect me one way or the other though.
TheJerk wrote:
I would say at 1:16 you don't need a gel during the race.
The OP's time in the half marathon has nothing to do with whether he could benefit from a gel during the race. His 1:16 effort is just as hard and energy-depleting on him as 61 minutes is to an elite. (Actually, it's harder.)
I ran 6 or 7 half marathons before discovering gels. For me, taking a gel (with water!) at mile 8 or 9 definitely helps. I was actually amazed at how much it helped the first time I tried it. I think the brand was Goo but I'm not sure. The gel refreshed me so much that by mile 11, I felt like I was only at mile 7. Needless to say, I ran a PR the first time I tried a gel.
That being said, I would recommend the OP try a gel in training before a race. See how it affects your body. And don't take two gels at once during your race! A buddy of mine did that at Chicago a few weeks ago and it nearly ruined him.
I think thats what "The Jerk" meant - If our runner in question was out on the half course for 2 hours or more, he'd probably need to take in a few calories. While running the relatively fast time of 1:16, realistically you probably don't need any nourishment for those 75 minutes.
Oh right. I see what he meant. Well everybody's different and maybe some people don't benefit from a rush of sugar and/or caffeine midway through an hour's effort. I know I do.
I think it is worth a shot to try, as getting one down should only cost you a few seconds of slowing, and it may make you feel better for the final few miles.