Forums >Running 101>New to running - need advice :)
NEW QUESTION: I bought some GU gels and on the top it says "15 every 45" From the icons, Im guessing they are recommending 15oz of fluids for every 45min of exertion. I cant say that I have even been close to this, but my milage has mostly been under 10K. Also, I find that 1/2 water 1/2 sportsdrink makes me less phlegmy during a run. I am running a FULL in the Spring. What is your optimal hydration method?
NEW QUESTION: I bought some GU gels and on the top it says "15 every 45" From the icons, Im guessing they are recommending 15oz of fluids for every 45min of exertion. I cant say that I have even been close to this, but my milage has mostly been under 10K. Also, I find that 1/2 water 1/2 sportsdrink makes me less phlegmy during a run. I am running a FULL in the Spring.
What is your optimal hydration method?
I drink only water on long runs and races less than a 1/2 marathon. I used to use Gu as per their recommendations and eventually discovered that it was overkill for me.
Rebuilding my aerobic base....racing next year.....nothing to see here....move along now.
levitation specialist
I don't use GU. I am toying with making my own energy drink of 1/3 cup white grape juice concentrate, 1/8 tsp salt, and 6 oz of water mixed. One 8 oz bottle lasts me 4 miles, or about 38 minutes of running. So far on my LR, I have only taken 2 bottles but am approaching needing a third. I don't start intaking until mile 6 as I figure I have enough energy on board for the first hour. I am running a half in March and figure I'll need 1-2 bottles for that race. My full is in May, I figure I will need all 4 of my bottles for that race plus I might need to grab a cup at the last fuel station.
Some people like chews or solids, I toyed with those in November & December but the chewing and opening things just messed with my pace too much. I need liquid calories instead. You just have to experiment as what works for one person doesn't work for another sometimes. Fortunately, you have time
an amazing likeness
Optimal is to drink to your thirst. Yes, that simple.
Be aware of pounding in sport drink just to onboard it, they can lead to slosh where you're adding them faster than your body absorbs them, as you note. As you feel like a drink would help in the race, you can rotate between water and sports sugar stuff.
Think of the GU package recommendation like you would the 'lather, rinse and repeat' on your shampoo bottle...
Acceptable at a dance, invaluable in a shipwreck.
NEW QUESTION: I bought some GU gels and on the top it says "15 every 45" From the icons, Im guessing they are recommending 15oz of fluids for every 45min of exertion.... What is your optimal hydration method?
NEW QUESTION: I bought some GU gels and on the top it says "15 every 45" From the icons, Im guessing they are recommending 15oz of fluids for every 45min of exertion....
Or are they suggesting a gel 15 min before a race then every 45 min during the race? (sell lots of gels) I would be hyponatremic with 15oz of fluid every 45 min unless it was an electrolyte drink. (but I'm not looking at their icons)
(added later): Read their text above the icon here:
https://guenergy.com/products/products-energy-gels/
You do need to take fluids with the carbs for digestion. Whether you really need as much as they suggest (20-30oz of electrolyte fluid per hour), I'm not convinced. But at least they have you getting electrolytes with the fluid and not just water so it reduces chances of hyponatremia.
I drink to thirst, more or less.