26.2 miles, 26.2 thoughts: Part 5
No, that’s right. I really do hate gels.
This year’s race-supplied gels came in two exciting new flavors: mango and razz. While I’m happy that Clif was generous enough to supply them to us runners, I don’t think I’ll be grabbing one during my next race. The thing is, no matter how awesome the flavor might be, gels are gross. Gross gross gross.
I decided to give them the benefit of the doubt this race. I was hoping that maybe the mango flavoring would mask the grossness of the gel. Annnnd….it didn’t.
Don’t get me wrong - I think Clif did a great job picking out that mango flavor. I’d probably eat Shot Bloks or drink an energy drink in that particular mango. But as a gel? Ewwww. They’re thick and sticky and coat your mouth, and even a few cups of water (I say water because I can’t even fathom why anyone would want to use Gatorade to wash these things down) can’t get rid of the slimy feeling. I totally appreciate the functional side of gels, but OH MY they are gross.
hi - i came across your blog when i was looking into running the flying pig marathon. i actually ended up running the country music marathon in nashville but i love your blog….anyway, getting back to the gels, i used the clif shot blox during my marathon (i trained with them too) because i hate the consistency of the gel and the shot blox hurt my stomach so bad during the race. i may try accelerade or something liquid next time i hate the gels but the shot blox made me so naseous and it was awful!!