FAQ: Is it possible to run a 42km with only the GT Gel (not the EnduraPowerr). If so, how do I do this? What are the pros /cons?
Yes, you can easily run your 42km (or any distance) with the GT Gel only, but you’ll still need to use the EnduraShake.
Read here for How to use EnduraShake
Note: Conversely, you can also run a 42km (or any distance) with the EnduraPower (only) instead of GT Gel , but you’ll still need to use the EnduraShake
The EnduraPower is great for folk who don’t like the texture of a gel.
The GT Gel is great for folk who don’t want to run with a water bottle – this is obviously made easy if you run with a hydration pack.
Using GT Gel only (without EnduraPower)
Pros:
- Simple to do. Only one thing to think about!
Cons:
- You’ll need to carry 2 of the little pocket bottles filled with GT Gel (not one).
- There’s a possibility of taste fatigue – especially on longer events – such as Two Oceans or Comrades. This is avoided if you switch (temporarily) to EnduraPower at various points along the way – this is particularly easy to do during Comrades as the support is significant!
- There’s a possibility of hydration neglect in the first 10kms: It is particularly important to hydrate correctly right from (before) the start, if the event is long. Neglecting to drink in the first 10 kms usually impacts in the second half of a marathon. If you use EnduraPower for the first 10kms, then adequate hydration is ensured.
How to run a 42km with GT Gel only:
Decant the GT Gel into TWO of the little pocket bottles. Fill BOTH up to the 75ml mark, (which is 2 thirds of the pocket bottle). Top the rest up with water.
The 75ml mark is the same measure that you’d use if you were running a 21km.
So 2 x pocket bottles, filled to 75mls = 42kms of energy and electrolytes.
Sip the contents of the first pocket bottle (75mls) slowly over the first 21km; and then finish the second pocket bottle (75mls) over the second half.
Best is to sip a little of the GT Gel before the start of the event, and then sip intermittently throughout, taking small sips often. Make sure that you drink sufficient water to ensure rapid absorption from the gut.
Hydration rate varies widely (according to individual requirements/ preferences, age, gender, medical history, training history, performance intensity and ambient temperature).
However it has been suggested that you hydrate according to bodyweight.
Suggestions have included 8ml-10ml fluid/kg of bodyweight/hr.
For example, if you weigh:
60kgs – Drink approx 480ml-600ml water per hour
75kgs – Drink approx 600ml-750ml water per hour
100kgs – Drink approx 800ml-1 litre per hour
Please note this is not a prescription, but rather a suggestion, to assist with rapid absorption from the gut, as well as efficient delivery of energy and electrolytes to hard-working muscles.
Note also that the significant electrolyte content of GT Gel which includes sufficient sodium, may prevent hyponatraemia (aka water intoxication)
