Michael Voelker

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.