Gels and half marathon

deedlebear · March 2012

I am running my second half marathon in a few weeks and just emailed the coordinator to see what the gels were going to be so i could try them before race day (the website said to be determined). Apparently, they have decided not to have gels on the course. Is that normal? Like i said, it's only my second so i am not sure what is customarily supplied and what isn't. i am just used to having one now and am kind of bummed that i am going to have to figure out a way to carry one.

StingShark425 · March 2012

Of the 7 halfs I ran this season only 2 had gels. How do you carry them on your long runs?

I stuff them in the waist band of my shorts or in the should straps of my sports bra, or hold them.

GRKaters · March 2012

Only one race I've done has had them (or had any left when I passed, lol). Most shorts have pockets. Some shirts do, too. You can even fold over the top and pin them to your clothes. I wouldn't ever expect them to be supplied. Get to a sporting goods store and buy your own.

gt7301b · March 2012

I always bring my own fuel, but I don't like gel so I don't even look for it. I usually put my fuel in the front pocket of my shorts. It is probably a bit overkill for a half, but DH has a belt that can hold 10 or so gels.

Flamingemu · March 2012

RnR USA was the first race I have run where they had gels available. Sometimes I get samples in my race packet, but I never would have thought to expect them.

My shorts have a pocket so I can stuff 2 in there and be ok. I prefer shot blocks though, so I bought a spi belt to wear and not worry about them. The spi belt also holds my id and some cash and cell phone for finding DH after the race. I don't usually even notice I am wearing it.

cookiemonster03 · March 2012

In my experience big races have them. I always carry my own though. They tend to hand out weird flavors like coffee (yuck).

shorty20 · March 2012

cookiemonster03:
In my experience big races have them. I always carry my own though. They tend to hand out weird flavors like coffee (yuck).

This exactly.

My fave is the Gu Tri-Berry and they almost never offer it at races, so I just bring my own. I usually wear a 2 bottle fuel belt during a half, and it has a little pouch on it that I put them in.

deedlebear · March 2012

Thanks guys. my first half supplied them so i just assumed that was the norm. i have one of those belts that i use on runs longer than 8 miles but it's uncomfortable for me and none of my shorts (surprisingly) have pockets. i will probably try pinning it. Thanks for the suggestion.

jerseygirl81 · March 2012

On my last full, I fit 2 gels and 3 packs of sport beans, plus some chapstick, in my sports bra (I like to be prepared). It's become a little game for me on long runs, what can I shove in my bra?

Both fulls and 3/4 of my half races have supplied gels, but I've never used them. I'm too particular to rely on someone else.

jdbmjm · March 2012

All the halfs I've done have had fuel- usually gels, gu's or both- but I always bring my own. The last thing I want to do is try something new on race day and feel sick, especially since I'm not a fan of most running fuels. I would also not expect that it owuld be provided unless expressly stated when I signed up. All my shorts have pockets, but I have a spi belt and carry whatever I need- usually salt, some type of fuel and my car key

deedlebear · March 2012

The website did specify that there would be gels available at mile 7 but when i emailed to see what brand it was going to be (because i have heard some can cause upset stomach and i wanted to try it before i was on the course) she said they decided not to offer them.

i may try the sports bra trick or pinning it in my shorts this weekend because my belt rides up something terrible and i don't want to be constantly battling it during the race. thanks for the input.

Gels and half marathon

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