I didn't want to hijack the carb-loading thread, but I was really happy to find other distance runners on SBD!

How do you fits the gels into your daily eating? I am still on P2. When I do my long runs I wasn't sure if I could still have a gel or not as they are high in basically everything we are trying to avoid!

Glad to hear other SBD runners still use them. Do you notice any side effects? How else do you fit in the grain servings? When I go a hard run (like a speed day) I feel like I can't get enough carbs in later in the day. Since I on P2 the whole grain servings are still limited...I just go by how my body feels and give it what it needs (which is usually less than I want!!)

Just curious to see other tips/tricks of distance runners on SB. What have you found works for you to fuel your workouts but yet stay OP.

I don't use gels frequently.

I eat my grains later in the day, and I carefully weigh/measure so I'm not overeating them. I also get carbs from other sources, fruits, veggies and beans mainly.

I've found that since going whole foods in my thinking that I haven't needed the "fake" stuff very frequently - gels, protein bars, etc.

I've been digging on Kind bars lately. They do have honey in them, so they would be limited, but if I'm dragging and need something NOW, they work in a pinch.

I feel like if I'm running for 2 hours or more, I want something to eat halfway through. I like the gels because they're small, easy to digest, and fairly low calorie.

I use Hammer Gel- which only has 2 g of sugar. They're not great to have- but they help. If it's less than 2 hours- I don't need anything. My diet is pretty good for my energy requirements. I don't need to change my diet much at all. I do use a little carb loading the night before the race, though.

Hammer Gel Montana Huckleberry
Supplement Facts
Serving Size 1.7 tablespoons (32.9 g)
Amount Per Serving % Daily Value
Calories 90
Total Carbohydrate 22 g 7%*
Sugars 2 g †
Sodium 20 mg 1%
Potassium 10 mg <1%
Alanine 2.3 mg †
Isoleucine 2.3 mg †
Leucine 4.6 mg †
Valine 2.3 mg †
*Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
†Daily Value not established.
Ingredients: Maltodextrin, Filtered Water, Energy SmartŪ (Fruit Juice, Natural Grain Dextrins), Huckleberries, Natural Huckleberry Flavor, Citric Acid, Potassium Sorbate (as a preservative), Amino Acids (L-Leucine, L-Alanine, L-Valine, L-Isoleucine), Salt, Potassium Chloride.
This product is processed in a facility that also processes Dairy & Soy products.