SubscribeSport Gel Personal Research
I’m using this page to track my testing of different sports gels. Specifically, I’m making the assumption that they all provide energy, but that some will be tolerated by my guts better than others. I’m collecting this information primarily for myself in preparation for the summer tri/IM season, but figure that it may be useful for others as well.
Most of my testing will be done on an empty stomach 15-30 minutes before my morning 1.5 hr swim. I’ll note any test result that don’t adhere to these conditions. Each gel will be tested multiple times to try to ensure statistical accuracy.
The initial testing will focus on gels with caffeine, I may look at other products (drinks, uncaffeinated gels, etc.) after my initial round is complete.
| Product | Test Date | Results | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hammer Gel Espresso | 01/24/11 | Some reflux, but I think from last night’s late spicy food | Retesting of HammerGel proved it to be the most flavourful, most easily handled gel that I tested. I’ve standardized on Hammer Gel Espresso for my gel source. |
| Carb Boom! Vanilla Orange | 01/26/11 | A few citrus burps, one at lap 24, another in the high 90’s, generally tolerated ok. | |
| 02/11/11 | No tolerance issues. | 2nd test was long-swim w 2 gels: 1 pre-swim and 1 during swim. | |
| Clif Shot Mocha | 01/28/11 | Not 1 burp. Had 1 before swim and 1 45 minutes into 2 hr session. All good. | |
| Powerbar Strawberry Banana | 02/02/11 | Well tolerated. | Very runny compared to others – good from flask, poor for 1 handed single-serving use. Not as good tasting as others. |
| 02/15/11 | Perhaps some tolerance issues, though I think I just didn’t wash it down well enough. | During 2nd test I found the fruit flavors burned my throat. The 2nd test was a run test. | |
| Gu Energy Gel Jet Blackberry | 02/04/11 | Well tolerated. No issues at all. | 1 before swim and 1 50 minutes into 2 hr session. |
| Clif Shot Strawberry | 02/07/11 | No issues. Felt sluggish this morning. Probably nothing to do with the gel tho. | For a fruit flavour, not bad tasting. |
| Gu Energy Gel Mandarin Orange | 02/09/11 | No tolerance issues | Taste meh |
| 02/15/11 | No tolerance issues | Citrus flavour burned throat. |