Until recently, athletes used during energy races, and even Coca-Cola. But thanks to modern scientific advances, new products are gradually replacing previously used energy preparations. The goal of athletes now is their proper selection.
Currently, running gels have gained the greatest fame. This article will discuss the types and methods of using medicines.
Characteristic
An energy gel is a chemical derivative of glucose that is designed to maintain energy and strength in marathon races. The structure of the drug includes the following components:
- caffeine;
- taurine;
- sugar;
- ascorbic acid;
- tocopherol;
- fructose.
The taste of the gel is sweet, dense mass. Therefore, it is recommended to drink it with water.
Why use an energy preparation?
To saturate muscles while running, you need fats, carbohydrates. According to doctors, the energy in the body of a healthy person is enough for a three-day marathon at a speed of twenty-five kilometers per hour. But fat, for example, is considered not the most effective "fuel", it slowly dissolves.
Therefore, carbohydrates are considered the main source of energy during running. They accumulate in the muscles in the form of glycogen. It is a polysaccharide that is formed by monosaccharide (glucose) residues. It is deposited in the form of granules in semi-liquid cell contents, usually in the liver and muscles.
When and how often to take?
Some athletes take drugs before the race. There is nothing dangerous and harmful in this, especially from the point of view of digestibility, but medical experts recommend a hearty breakfast with low carbohydrate foods, and then just take sugar for three to four hours - and that’s all, other energy sources will not be needed anymore .
If a person uses an energy gel for a race at the beginning of a distance, then there is a high probability of its assimilation. So, the first dosage of the gel must be taken forty-five minutes after the start of the race. Between the first and second use of the drug, it is imperative to rest.
As a rule, it is better to use the drug once an hour, but not more often. This is due to both the sensitivity of the body and the unwanted rapid penetration of sugar into the blood. In the absence of proper preparation, as mentioned earlier, nausea and dizziness may develop.
If an athlete used energy gels for running during training, as well as preparing for a marathon, then during the race you need to take them according to the same pattern. And be sure to drink it strictly only with water.
Without fluids, the drug will be absorbed longer and will not penetrate the blood so quickly. But in rare situations, athletes with experience recommend, especially for beginners, to use herbal products for long runs.
So, those who are going to run a marathon for the first time should refuse to take gels for running, and it is better to drink more water, and also take a banana with them to the race. You can also make an energy drink yourself.
Types of gels
The following energy gels are recommended as strength-enhancing drugs:
- SiS Go Isotonic Gel.
- Powerup
- Squeezy Energy Gel.
"Sis Gow Isotonic Gel"
This gel was made by a British company as one of the first liquid energy preparations - isotonic, which does not need to be washed down with water. It has a liquid consistency.
The manufacturer recommends taking the gel thirty minutes after the start of the marathon, and then every twenty-twenty-five minutes in one serving. But the maximum content should not exceed three gels in one hour. These medicines are also made with caffeine.
In this situation, the manufacturer advises using one gel per hour before or during exercise, but no more than two gels per day. In addition, the caffeine preparation is not intended for children under sixteen years of age and for pregnant women.
"Power"
The structure of this energy running gel contains three types of carbohydrates: fructose, maltodextrin, dextrose.
The gel has different tastes due to the content of natural juice: orange, blueberries, cranberries, lime, cherries. The manufacturer of the drug recommends using this gel every thirty to forty minutes, adjusting the serving. But minors and pregnant women should abstain from admission.
Squeezy Energy Gel
This energetic running gel is recommended for use during increased physical training. It does not contain caffeine, lactose, gluten and dyes. The manufacturer recommends using the drug one sachet every thirty minutes of training. Minors and women in the position of the gel should not be used. Also, this medicine must be washed down with water.
Where can I get the drug?
You can buy energy medication in certain online stores. It is up to the athlete to decide whether to take the running gels during training and marathons. They can both help and have a negative impact, especially for insufficiently informed athletes.
Opinions
It's no secret that the human body receives energy from carbohydrates, as well as fats. Increasing activity in running, the athlete increases the consumption of carbohydrates and reduces fat intake. The faster a person with a high pulse runs, the more energy is consumed. When carbohydrates begin to end, the athlete's body switches to the dissolution of fats.
Triglycerides have a huge supply of energy, but it is not suitable for a quick run. Therefore, carbohydrates are still considered the main supplier of energy during running. They accumulate, usually in the muscles, in the form of glycogen. If a person is not a professional athlete, then he needs to use a gel, because only in this way the body can accumulate glycogen.
According to reviews, energy gels for a marathon are the newest means to give greater endurance during a race. They provide instant supply and assimilation of carbohydrates to gain strength, and also supply the human body with sodium and potassium.
Experts recommend isotonic gels for athletes to use during heightened training and the marathon.