114: Food vs Gels - How To Optimise Your Long Run Fuelling
Apr 5, 2025
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Discover the debate between energy gels and solid foods for long runs. The hosts dive into nutritional benefits, share personal running achievements, and emphasize experimenting with fueling strategies tailored to individual needs. Insights on hydration, carbohydrate content, and the role of caffeine add depth to the discussion. The excitement of Parkrun tourism and mental strategies for motivation are also explored, along with highlights of standout running gear and community events. Tune in for practical tips and lively anecdotes!
The podcast emphasizes the importance of testing individual fueling preferences, whether using gels for convenience or solid foods for digestibility during long runs.
Hosts discuss the power of mental preparation, highlighting the use of personal mantras to maintain focus and cope with fatigue in races.
Deep dives
The Go Wild Campaign and Runner's High
The Go Wild campaign launched by Puma emphasizes the benefits of running, highlighted by a re-recorded track by Afro Man that celebrates the runner's high. The speaker discusses the inevitable enjoyment experienced after runs, regardless of the struggle during a workout. This theme of never regretting a run resonates deeply with many runners who acknowledge the mental and physical rewards of completing a challenging session. Through events like 10k races and community runs, Puma has fostered an inclusive running culture that encourages athletes of all levels.
Open Ear Headphones and Safety
The discussion about Shox Open Run Pro 2 headphones centers around their unique open-ear design that combines bone and air conduction technologies. This allows runners to enjoy their music while remaining aware of their surroundings, which is crucial for safety during runs. The headphones serve as a practical choice for race day, allowing users to experience both their favorite audio content and the motivational atmosphere of the event. A promotional code and a limited-time offer for a special edition headset elevate the excitement for potential buyers.
Fueling for Runs: Gels vs. Food
The podcast explores the important topic of fueling during longer runs, comparing the use of gels and solid foods. For runs lasting over 90 minutes, it's crucial to replenish energy stores to avoid depleting the body's glycogen levels and to enhance performance. The hosts agree that individual preferences dictate whether runners should choose gels, which provide convenience and quick energy, or solid foods that might be easier for some to digest. Testing different options during long training runs is key to finding what works best for each athlete.
Personalized Race Strategies and Mantras
The hosts share insights on personal race strategies and the significance of developing mental mantras to guide runners through challenging moments. They discuss the balance between preparing mentally and physically for races, emphasizing the power of a good mantra in maintaining focus when fatigue sets in. During their discussions, they reflect on their own experiences and mantras that help them cope, reinforcing that every runner can benefit from mental preparation. The conversation highlights the diverse personal experiences and approaches that define what makes an effective race plan.
Are you tuning into this podcast during a long run? Are you properly fuelling? And if so, with what? Join Andy, Rick, and Sarah as they explore the ins and outs of optimising your long run fuelling. They’ll break down the nutritional benefits of gels versus real food, what gels are actually made of, and how each option stacks up in terms of convenience. Tune in to learn how to fuel smarter and make the most of your run!
The Running Channel Podcast tackles one big topic each episode, amongst helpful tips and light-hearted chat on the latest news in the running world. Hosted by Sarah Hartley (amateur runner) and Andy Baddeley (former pro runner) alongside Rick Kelsey (recovering runner), the TRC Podcast is friendly, jargon-free, and the perfect accompaniment to your runs.
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