What are energy gels?
Easier on the stomach than bars or drinks, energy gels provide a super concentrated source of carbohydrates that get absorbed very rapidly into your body, providing a lighting quick source of energy to your working muscles.
Why are they useful?
The average person has only 65-85 minutes worth of energy in the body
that is stored as carbohydrate. Once this source is depleted, blood
glucose levels drop, fatigue sets in and performance falls. Because
we have such limited stores in the body, it is imperative that carbohydrate
be ingested during exercise in order to perform at the highest levels
possible.
How much is enough?
During exercise, consuming 45-60 grams of carbohydrates per hour will
help to maintain blood glucose levels and improve performance.
45-60 grams of carbohydrates is equivalent to 2 servings of Carb-BOOM.
(Each packet of Carb-BOOM! contains 26-27 grams of carbohydrate.)
It is recommended that 1 packet be eaten every 30 minutes during continuous
exercise.
What’s the story with caffeine?
Caffeine can be advantageous to endurance exercise by sparing glycogen
stores, helping muscle contractions and providing that little extra
mental perk so needed during a grueling race. Vanilla Orange is the only Carb-BOOM! flavour that contains caffeine, with
approximately 50 mg per packet. This is roughly equivalent to ½
cup of regular drip coffee.
Useful Tips for Race Day
-
If you have trouble eating breakfast on race morning (due to nerves, etc), try consuming 2 gel packs about an hour prior to the start of the race. (Some athletes have even spread it on bagels)
-
Consume your first gel packet 1 hour into the event
Eat successive gels every 30-45 minutes thereafter -
Water, water, water! Make sure to drink at least a cup of water with each gel to wash it down and help with hydration levels—it helps to time gel consumption with water stops/aid stations on the course. Try to make sure you’re taking in 25-40 ounces of fluids per hour to maintain adequate hydration levels
