How To

How to Carry Gel During a Marathon

Contributor
By Elizabeth McGuire
eHow Contributing Writer
(6 Ratings)
Wash that gel down with water.
Wash that gel down with water.

When it comes to staying fueled during a marathon, sometimes the hardest part is figuring out how to carry all the sugary gel, gu or blocks you need. As veteran marathoners will tell you, everyone figures out a favorite system and then swears by it. Here are some ideas to help you find one that works for you.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy
Instructions
  1. Step 1

    Wear running shorts with pockets on the back. Go to a specialty running store and you’ll likely find a few brands, including the popular Race Ready shorts.

  2. Step 2

    Wear a fuel belt that serves as a holster for your gel containers. Many of these belts also have room to stash a key or cash.

  3. Step 3

    Put your fuel in a small Ziploc baggie and pin inside your shorts. Or alternatively, pin individual gel packets that can be ripped directly from your shorts without unpinning.

  4. Step 4

    Wear a Camelbak hydration pack and tuck your fuel packets in the pockets.

  5. Step 5

    Maneuver one or two packets into the small key pocket of your shorts.

  6. Step 6

    Station reliable family and friends at various points along the course.



    *Note: This is risky. It’s too easy for you to miss them or for them to get stuck in traffic.

  7. Step 7

    Clip your fuel packets to your shorts using small binder clips.

  8. Step 8

    Carry a hand-held water bottle holder with a zippered pocket on the outside. You can fit one or two packets inside.

Tips & Warnings
  • During your months of training, experiment with various methods and see which one works best for you.
  • During the race, get out your gel before you reach a water stop. It’s too difficult to juggle the food and a water cup, unless you completely stop and regroup.

Comments  

greg1234 said

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on 9/18/2009 I am getting ready to run my first marathon. I was wondering how to handle this since my training at the park had me back at my truck every 1/2 mile, I haven't had to carry them before.

Please check out my website. www.sweepsplay.com

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on 3/18/2009 I think that all the tips are good and relevant advice. I personally carry 1-2 GU's just in the regular pockets of my shorts. I used to be afraid that they will be jumping up and down with each of my stride, but in fact they hold pretty well in the place and I had no trouble whatsoever. Additionally it is very easy to reach right into these big pockets even when you are dead tired.

tundranut said

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on 3/14/2009 Good article. Enjoyed it, thanks. 5*

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