One gel that I discovered to help me get through long distance runs were Hammer Gels (Raspberry). I can have a sensitive stomach during a race and I found that Hammer Gels work well with that. Plus the flavor is not too overpowering and it does its job by boosting my energy level.
Kristi
Nutrition is an important part of training. My favorite snack before any long run is a CLIF Bar Mini. I found them at HEB and love them. They are about half the size of a normal bar, which is perfect for pre-run nutrition. When I’m running longer distances, more than 6, I snack on Gu Energy Gel. I’m partial to the berry and citrus flavors, but I know a lot of people who like chocolate. Huma Chia Energy Gel is another favorite. I use gels about halfway through my long runs to make sure I stay hydrated and energized.
Susan
The Honey Stinger 🍯 waffles are so yummy and light on the stomach. You can eat them before, during and after a run without getting an upset stomach. I usually carry one with me on my long runs for an easy bite when I get hungry. They give me the energy to finish my run. My favorite is the vanilla flavor.
Alma
Clif Shot Double Expresso – I look forward to enjoying a cup of coffee after my run, so this is nice treat while running! The gel isn’t too sweet and the constancy is just right for me.
Sabrina
My favorite sports drink is Gatorade Lemon Lime flavor. During longer runs, Clif Bar’s Black Cherry Flavor Shot Blok with Caffeine helps my energy level to finish. Post run, I love a shot of Wheat Grass to recover from feeling so drained especially during summer runs.
Sharon
Wild Cherry Gatorade Zero to drink and Clif Shot Bloks to keep me going.
Robert
My favorite sports nutrition product is HĂśMA gel! They are a more natural gel made with chia seeds and super light on the stomach. It took me a long time to figure out what fueling method would be best for me on the run and I have loved hĂĽma ever since trying them, now i won’t resort to anything else! The flavors are all great but I personally love the mango, lemonade, and raspberry 🙂
Nicole
I like Skratch Lab drink mix, not too sweet, easy to drink and really seems to help stay hydrated with electrolytes. For long distance relays, eg Ragnars, I always pack peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Easy to digest, eat on the run and a quick energy boost!
Ian
I only use 3 sports nutrition products: Clif Bloks, Nuun, and Stinger waffles. Clif Bloks I use for my runs, Nuun (Strawberry Lemonade to be exact) for my electrolyte addition to water during runs and bike rides, and Stinger waffles for bike rides. I have a sensitive stomach when it comes to eat and drinking during exercise and horrible race nutrition habits (I definitely under-do it) however these 3 products have done wonders for me. I can feel them giving me the extra oomph I need and they don’t upset my stomach at all.
Lauren
My favorite sports nutrition product is Nuun hydration. They have tabs and mixes that you add to water to hydrate and replenish electrolytes. It comes is a variety of flavors and they have a variety of products with different benefits like immune support, energy, endurance etc. The product is effective at keeping me hydrated without causing any digestive issues.
Airon
For a race or run 13.1 miles and shorter, routine for me to have Clif bar (specifically Peanut Toffee Buzz)
Love that it has caffeine and does the job for my fuel. I have to also suggest the use of Hammer Gel (specifically Montana Huckleberry) Although not so easy to find out of most of the Hammer Gels, it’s my favorite out of all them. Easiest gel I’ve found for my stomach I believe because they’re natural products free of added sugars, artificial colors, flavors, chemicals and preservatives.
Scott
When it comes to nutrition and running, you must fuel your body not just on race day – do it every day! Staying hydrated with water and eating healthy meals with lots of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will boost your overall health and enhance your athletic performance. On race day, I keep a couple Hüma Gel (https://humagel.com/) packets with me. They are my go-to because the ingredients are simple – pureed fruit, sea salt, ground up chia seeds, and brown rice syrup – and since there is extra water added, they are not as goopy/sticky as other products. They are very gentle on my tummy too! I feel good about supporting the company, which is veteran owned and focused on using natural ingredients.
Amber
My favorite nutrition product is a good old fashion potato with salt. I like it diced and ready for me to grab and eat. Potatoes are beneficial to runners because it provides a good source of energy.
Cassandra
In my training I use ‘Nuun’ for hydration. I was first introduced to Nuun by one of my friends after I was complaining of cramping during my summer trainings. They have a ton of different flavors– which taste great both pre and post run. (My favorite is Strawberry Lemonade)
Mark
My favorite sports nutrition product is Nuun. It gives me the needed electrolytes for runs and it tastes good. Also, there is no sugar.
Nina
Clif Shot Bloks, they feel like the ones with caffeine give you the right jolt. I put them in the back of my mouth when I see a water stop and then take them down with that.
Iram
I first had Nuun at a race years ago (mistakenly thought it was gatorade) and it has quickly become my favorite running drink. I love Gatorade/Powerade too; however, the sugar was oftentimes negating my exercise and sometimes just too sweet for me post-run. Nuun is very convenient to order online and the tablets are easy to place in a ziplock in a pocket for on the go needs. I would highly recommend Nuun for the post-race recovery when it feels like you need more than just water.
Liza Kate