Hi everyone. I am just curious if any of you take some kind of energy tablets, and if so, do they actually work? I am looking for a little extra boost of energy while I am running. Is it unhealthy? Any feedback would be great... and also the name of the tablets or whatever, and where you got them (if you recommend them). Thanks.

I use dextrose tablets - they're called Dextro Energy, and I much prefer them to gels because they have a chalkier consistency and aren't so sticky or sickly. Also they're smaller so I have more but spread out throughout my run which helps break it up when I'm doing 20 milers. Lucozade do something similar too, but I don't know whether you have those in the US.

Do they make a real difference? Are they loaded with calories?

They're not too many calories each, and I definitely burn off more than I take in at the rate I take them, but they're a good quick hit of sugar. Dextrose gets into your bloodstream very quickly, so it's fast acting.

I've only got half a packet in my bag - they're 364 calories per 100g, 91g of carbs of which 81g is dextrose (out of 82g of sugar). The ones I have also have vitamin C, but that doesn't help my energy on the run. I don't know how much each tablet weighs, I've not got the half of the pack that has the weight on so I can work it out... But I can't see the packet being much more than 50g (if that), and I rarely get through a full packet, even on a 20 miler, so calorifically it's not a big problem. I only use them if I'm running more than about 13.

what about drinking some black coffee before hand? It can boost stamina and help burn some extra fat: http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/3122319.stm

I drink coffee if I am feeling lazy before a workout and it helps me a lot...

What about dates?

I'm not a runner, but I did eat dates while I was giving birth. lol You know how they always compare birthing to running? haha..

I don't care for the gels too much either, but have taken to using Clif Shot Blocks, which are similar to gummy bears...you can eat them easily as you run, so a little easier to deal with than the gels.