Power gels and sports drinks?

Question

Is it good to suck a power gel 5-6 mins before a 800 or 400m race? and when is a good time to drink sports drinks i.e gatorade

Answer 1

Gels are designed to replenish nutrients lost in long runs (intake is recommended every 45 minutes in your run, so if your running for 3 hours 3-4 gel packs will help you keep from bonking, along with sports drink/water to keep you hydrated).  I think in your case gatorade would be all you need providing you are eating a well balanced diet.

Answer 2

I don't have much experience with power gels, but from what i understand they are more for endurance events when you need carbs during a marathon, for example. But i don't know if it would hurt.

As for gatorade/sports drinks, I generally dont drink them in the hours before a race because they are a lot slower to be absorbed than water. I'd hydrate the day before with sports drinks and water, but stick to water in the 3-4 hours or so before the race.

Answer 3

GU ENERGY GEL! Check it out..i think it works great

Answer 4

eh. power gels are for long distances. definitely not 800 or 400 m races.

you could drink a bit of gatorade an hour before the run. not the whole bottle though. also, drink gatorate immediately after you run. that's what will fuel your recovery.