Hate Gels? Other Ways for Marathoners to Get Carbs on the Run
When I’m running a marathon, I take in 6-7 gels during the race. This provides about 200 calories of carbohydrates per hour to keep me from running strong. Depending on your bodyweight and your pace, you may need more or less than this.
I have found that gels are the most convenient form of carbohydrates for me to carry during the marathon. They are small and easy to carry in the pockets of my shorts. Keeping the gels in my shorts also warms them a little and makes them easier to eat. Some runners don’t like to carry gels in their shorts and use a belt to carry them.
Some people can’t stand the taste or texture of gels. I’ve had the opportunity to try many brands and there are some that I prefer over others. I generally like lighter flavors like vanilla, strawberry, raspberry, or citrus vs. stronger flavors like chocolate or espresso.
If you don’t like gels, there are a lot of alternative sources of carbohydrates that you can try. As with gels, be sure to test them out on your training runs to make sure they are convenient for you to carry, that you can eat them on the run without choking on them, and that they don’t upset your stomach.
Here’s a list of other carbohydrate-rich foods that you can try:
- Honey
- Maple Syrup
- Agave Nectar
- Gummy Bears
- Twizzlers
- Jelly Beans
- Sport Beans
- Honey Stingers
- PowerBar Gel Blasts
- Tootsie Rolls
- Hard Candies
- Bananas
- Go-Gurt (squeeze-pack yogurt)
- GoGo Squeez Applesauce
- Sugar Cookies
- Fig Newtons
- Energy Bars
- Swedish Fish
- Clif Shot Bloks
- Raisins
- Figs
- Cinnamon Bread
- Bagels
What gel alternatives have you found that work for you? Tell me in the comments.
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