Figuring out how to stay hydrated, not get upset stomach and prevent muscle cramps during long runs and races has been one of my biggest challenges. In the past my muscles would ache and twitch and cause me a lot of pain after long runs. I came across e-Gel energy gels this summer used them during the Top Of Utah Marathon, took 17 minutes off my previous marathon PR and easily qualified for Boston.
I tried all sorts of hydration and electrolyte-oriented solutions over the years, and none of them made any difference. I finally did enough research to figure out that cramping is a fuel issue … the muscles need hydration, electrolytes, and *fuel* and if you don’t provide all 3 you’re asking for trouble. e-Gel and a bottle of water is the complete solution for me…
Great product for an old duffer with cramp issues. I’ve about conquered cramps with better training and good shoes but have to give most props to e-Gel. No other product I’ve used has allowed me to train for and run in events harder and for longer than the E-Gel. Several of my running amigos agree.
You da bomb! Da Cherry Bomb!
I recently completed a half-iron distance triathlon with a brutal bike course. At the end of the ride my quads started to cramp. I nursed an e-Gel over the first mile of the run and the cramps abated. I thought it may have been coincidence, but when the cramps resurfaced at mile 7 only to resolve with another e-Gel I was sold. I only drank water on the run and took e-Gel, so I feel confident that this product made the difference.
After having difficulty in races where my gastric system would ‘lock up’, I found that I simply couldn’t handle gels and electrolyte pills frequently enough to support my needs. The calorie content and large amount of electrolytes in e-Fuel were a perfect balance for my training and racing needs. Because e-Fuel mixes fast and easy, it was easier for me to increase the concentration without worrying about trying to swallow a thick, clumpy drink.
At Ironman Wisconsin I raced with 2 bottles of 4x concentrated e-Fuel (800+ calories per bottle) on the bike as my primary nutrition. Using eFuel helped me surpass my goal and register a 13 hour finish time with no cramping or stomach problems.
I was introduced to e-Gel by a fellow marathoner after I ran the Madison marathon in May. During the Madison race, as in others, I had problems with dehydration. I know I lose a lot of salt in a long race, but sports drinks don’t agree with my stomach. Only being able to drink water, it was simply impossible to get enough electrolytes with other gels.
This past weekend I ran a 50-mile ultramarathon, the second year I ran the race. Last year, I also had problems with dehydration and muscle cramping. This year, having used e-Gel in training over the summer, I used e-Gel, and ONLY e-Gel, during the race–13 packets of it–with water. Despite the day being about 15 degrees warmer than last year, I managed my hydration well AND cut over an hour off my time by being able to run ‘harder, faster, longer.’ I attribute the better hydration to e-Gel. Also, the larger pack size, and greater calorie count, were both assets during a long race.
Whenever I would do long rides in the heat I would suffer from cramping during the rides and headaches afterwards. Since I’ve been using the e-Gel and e-Fuel I haven’t had any of these issues. These products taste great and they really work. I was skeptical thinking that all the gels were the same, but there’s definitely a difference. I won’t ride without them.
I have been using e-Gels for my marathons (and long-run training) for over 2 years. I am convinced that e-Gel is the best — for sodium and potassium replacement and for the 150-calorie energy boost. The taste is pretty good, and they digest easily with water just after gulping down an e-Gel pack. Bonking (or cramping) at the 20-mile mark of a marathon due to insufficient energy/electrlyte replacement happens; but, with e-Gel, no bonking or cramping for me.
GET CRANKED! I have tried every gel, and as far as I am concerned, all of e-Gels competitors are just day old gravy. I recently entered a 24 hour climbing competition where keeping from cramps, and maintaining energy and psych levels were the key. I brought home the gold, climbing 4200 feet, and e-Gels were a big part of the reason why.
After cramping bad in my first two marathons (Chicago, Twin Cities) I decided to try your product. I have been pleasantly surprised. Along with good hydration I have not cramped in any of my training runs and completed the Houston Marathon in my best time and with no cramps ! I am now ready to train for the Marine Corp and will have e-Gel in my belt for all my long runs. A great product !!
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