Energy gels

[Blitzzz (RIP)]

As an old timer , my opinion is one doesn't need to develop any artificial dependency on "Energy Product". focus more on increasing you operational endurance with all available nourishment . You will not have access to these products in the real operational environment. While our physical requirements are high, relying on energy substitutes can not be good later in the real world where you wouldn't have them and must rely on you internal strengths.

Just man up gentlemen.
With tough love Blitzzz


PS..Save the money and drink beer and coffee.

[craigepo]

If my "real operational environment" becomes combat zone-esque, it is a good sign that a "Red Dawn" sort of scenario has occurred, and everybody needs to begin their escape and evasion plans.

[Masochist]

Originally Posted by craigepo

If my "real operational environment" becomes combat zone-esque, it is a good sign that a "Red Dawn" sort of scenario has occurred, and everybody needs to begin their escape and evasion plans.

Being in court doesn't count as "combat zone-esque" at times?

[mpb1335]

After re-reading this thread and seeing what everyone else has been posting, I realized I failed to mention another energy source that I've found has worked pretty well, FRS. Its a non-caffeinated energy drink, relying heavily on quercetin, an antioxidant found in fruit. After drinking one of these before a run or workout, I've found that my overall energy levels have remained higher throughout the duration of the activity, as opposed to relying on energy drinks such as Red Bull or Monster. Additionally, FRS makes a chewable version that could be utilized while running, in lieu of having to carry the 12 oz can with you. The chewables work just as well as the drink, although they are rather pricey (grabbing a few from the free sample bowl at GNC is usually cheaper).

[Masochist]

Originally Posted by mpb1335

After re-reading this thread and seeing what everyone else has been posting, I realized I failed to mention another energy source that I've found has worked pretty well, FRS. Its a non-caffeinated energy drink, relying heavily on quercetin, an antioxidant found in fruit. After drinking one of these before a run or workout, I've found that my overall energy levels have remained higher throughout the duration of the activity, as opposed to relying on energy drinks such as Red Bull or Monster. Additionally, FRS makes a chewable version that could be utilized while running, in lieu of having to carry the 12 oz can with you. The chewables work just as well as the drink, although they are rather pricey (grabbing a few from the free sample bowl at GNC is usually cheaper).

A can of FRS has 48mg of caffeine (about the equivalent of half a cup of coffee). *

* SOURCE: http://www.frs.com/frs-frequently-asked-questions

[Masochist]

That being said, I have tried the RTDs and concentrates and like its high antioxidant and Vitamin B/C content. Plus it's made mostly from fruit juice concentrates. As with anything else, know your caffeine tolerance and hydration levels. The "recommended intake" is 2-3 cans per day, however I've found myself slightly dehydrated drinking three in a day and "buzzed" after drinking two within a few hours of each other. Possibly more caffeine than listed, or possibly due to me having a low caffeine tolerance. FRS is just about the only source of caffeine I ingest. I haven't had a soda in more than two years, don't drink coffee and rarely have tea or an "energy drink" like Red Bull (maybe half a dozen times/year). I mainly stick with milk, water and fruit juices ... and the occasional beer, of course.

[MtnGoat]

One thing I like to drinka nd this started out way before anything hitting the media.. is coconut jucie.

I like Vita Coco Juice

Why do I like Coconut juice. Well I picked it up in Jamaica back in 1994. Coconut juices are very high in potassium, and it also has some other useful nutrients like magnesium. Some people have used coconut juice as an energy drink, to promote hydration and replacement of electrolytes. Coconut water has also been used as an intravenous fluid, especially in military conflicts, (history buffs.. look it up) where medical supplies can sometimes be difficult to obtain, particularly in remote areas. Its great for hung overs too.

Just don't drink to much in one sitting, or you will be doing some sitting.. On the toilet.

[Masochist]

Originally Posted by MtnGoat

One thing I like to drinka nd this started out way before anything hitting the media.. is coconut jucie.

I like Vita Coco Juice

Why do I like Coconut juice. Well I picked it up in Jamaica back in 1994. Coconut juices are very high in potassium, and it also has some other useful nutrients like magnesium. Some people have used coconut juice as an energy drink, to promote hydration and replacement of electrolytes. Coconut water has also been used as an intravenous fluid, especially in military conflicts, (history buffs.. look it up) where medical supplies can sometimes be difficult to obtain, particularly in remote areas. Its great for hung overs too.

Just don't drink to much in one sitting, or you will be doing some sitting.. On the toilet.

I love coconuts and coconut juice, and try to get fresh ones whenever I can. I drink the milk and use the meat for fruit smoothies. I have no idea what is added to the VitaCoco, but it's way too sweet for my liking, to the point it almost causes me to vomit. And it's not the natural sugary sweet, but it tastes like it has added artificial sweeteners.

Decided to post into this thread because it delves into hydration.

I appreciate posts #15, #17, and #23. Very spot on, and coconut water is great, as per the reasons mentioned with electrolytes.

I personally do not take energy drinks, or drink gatorade or sportsdrinks, mainly because of the sugar content.

I also do not drink enough water, well, because of the taste. Dining out, I love having a glass of ice water brought to me, and probably since I have just finished working out, the waiter or waitress usually has to bring me about 5 before I am back to normal...sometimes they just bring me two glasses at a time. At home, however, I just don't drink enough water.

And I'll keep some water on hand in my truck while I am working, but I may or may not drink it, even though I should be drinking it.

For the most part I have been drinking milk (a lot) and juice- both high in sugars.

Here is how I have upped my water intake, and basically it is just flavored water. I have a 15 ounce empty juice bottle, and a 20 ounce empty water bottle. In the 20 ounce bottle, I will put orange juice, or hawaiian punch, or store bought lemmon aid..., also all high in sugar.

I will pour about 3-5 ounces of this into the 15 ounce bottle, and then fill it with water from a gallon jug (or the tap if at home) which I also have in the truck. Thus I dilute it significantly and I can also measure how much I am drinking. I will usually drink 3-4 of these (the diluted 15 ounce bottles) on the road and working outdoors, and another 3-4 in the evening, plus whatever milk and juice I might drink during breakfast or dinner.

So the 20 ounce "concentrate" yeilds me about 4 or 5 of the 15 ounce bottles that I mix with water.

This way I am hitting my body weight divided by two goal, plus a little extra. And I am drinking more fluids throughout the day, adding mostly water.

I've heard before that we humans are in a constant state of dehydration. I'm not sure if there is any truth to that, but it makes sense.

I think it important, though I am not an MD, Medic, or Navy HN (corpSe man), to begin hydrating a day ahead for the day to come, especially when working out, training, or competing in events. I think this especially holds true in the hotter months of summer, and for those who might work or spend much of their time outside in the elements.

[greenberetTFS]

When I was working the graveyard(10-6-am)as a security guard at the front gate,I took the Markers Mark brand..........A little red/black bottle that was a 5 hour energy drink(berry favorited)that was half the price of the original brand....($25 for 24 bottles)and they worked on me very well.......... Really only needed one bottle since the first 3-4 hours on my shift was very busy but it did taper off quite a bit after that...

Big Teddy

[Cake_14N]

I have used this device in the past (LINK) and it works very well.

Just a couple of cuts in the hose from your camelback and you can insert the Goo injecter ( Wow, opening it up for some rude comments here.. ) You can control the concentration of additive as well. I used the goo they sent with the device as well as some regular gel I bought at a cycling shop. Both worked well. But, in my opinion, just drinking more water probably helped me more than the goo or gel.

Camelback makes enough quick connectors so that you can rig you hydration bladder to either use this device or not.

Cake

[booker]

Originally Posted by craigepo

I have taken to solely running trails when running. LOTS of hills on my various routes.

I must be getting old, but when I get near the ten-mile mark, I am dragging. I am wearing a water bottle, which helps, but not enough.

I am curious if anybody has any experience using these energy gel things. Specifically:
(a) which brands/flavors don't make you vomit when running;
(b) which brands actually work by keeping energy levels up;
(c) should caffeine be avoided in the energy goo(several of the brands add caffeine);
(d) what is good timing for taking the stuff;
(e) would I be better off filling my water bottle with Gatorade-type drink.

Check out Hammer Nutrition (out of Whitefish, MT), they have a lot of good educational material on their site that will answer a lot of your questions. They also have some very knowledgeable people manning the phones - I've gotten some really good answers from them that way as well.

I would stay away from Gatorade, it will create an acidic environment that you are trying to avoid, especially in endurance events. I typically don't do gels unless it is a multi-hour run (even then I will eat real food as Mtn Goat alluded to above), but I do take Hammer's Endurolytes, which are extremely helpful. You can do capsules, mix a powder, or do a fizz type of thing. The electrolytes may be the first thing to try, it will make a big difference if you are usually using just plain water.

A good resource for endurance fueling is Tim Noakes' book Lore of Running. I personally stay away from gels, because most of the runs I do are at an aerobic pace that doesn't require additional carbohydrates - if you run at the correct pace you will preferentially burn fat stores. Phil Maffetone has some good stuff on his website that will explain this far better than I.