Homemade Mocha Energy Gel Recipe
Well, I'm back to report that the homemade energy gel trial was a success!
Monday morning's workout was 4 x 1600 meter intervals at 7:00~7:30/mile for a total of 6.5 miles. About 15 minutes before heading out the door, I took in 1/4 cup of energy gel. Before most weekly training runs, I don't eat anything but I was antsy to try this recipe out (and I was extra hungry yesterday morning)!
Overall, the taste was great and the energy gel didn't bother my stomach at all. Whew... GI distress is the worst, especially during speed workouts. I look forward to using this in the upcoming half marathon!
Speaking of my upcoming half, I just switched from the Blue Ox Half Marathon to the Wild Hog Marathon which is coming up on September 27th. This race is closer, we won't need to have hotel reservations, and my best friend is going to watch little man! Win, win, win.
Here is my energy gel recipe if you are looking to try it yourself:
What is your go-to long run fuel?
Linking up at Tuesdays on the Run, Pin It Thursday and Fitness Friday.
Monday morning's workout was 4 x 1600 meter intervals at 7:00~7:30/mile for a total of 6.5 miles. About 15 minutes before heading out the door, I took in 1/4 cup of energy gel. Before most weekly training runs, I don't eat anything but I was antsy to try this recipe out (and I was extra hungry yesterday morning)!
Overall, the taste was great and the energy gel didn't bother my stomach at all. Whew... GI distress is the worst, especially during speed workouts. I look forward to using this in the upcoming half marathon!
Speaking of my upcoming half, I just switched from the Blue Ox Half Marathon to the Wild Hog Marathon which is coming up on September 27th. This race is closer, we won't need to have hotel reservations, and my best friend is going to watch little man! Win, win, win.Here is my energy gel recipe if you are looking to try it yourself:
Homemade Mocha Energy Gel
- 8 dates, pitted
- 1/2 c. honey
- 1/4 c. maple syrup
- 1 T. cocoa powder
- 1/8 c. brewed coffee (optional)
Chop the dates into slices.
Soak the chopped dates in water for about 1 hour in the refrigerator.
Drain extra water off dates and pour into food processor. Add honey, maple syrup, cocoa powder and brewed coffee. Process until smooth.
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Approximately 1/4 cup of energy gel is equal to one serving for the long run. Store in the fridge until you are ready to run.
To use on the run, store in a snack-sized ziplock (the below baggie was a bit big). I'm sure everyone will have their own unique technique for this, but I plan to bite/tear off the corner of the bag and eat it like that. **Update** I did order a set of Mygreen Travel Bottles to try for carrying the gel!
One last thing. Be sure you don't spill any energy gel on your clothes, the color of this gel may look a bit awkward on your shorts...
What is your go-to long run fuel?
Linking up at Tuesdays on the Run, Pin It Thursday and Fitness Friday.
I had no idea you could make your own gels! ( I guess I'm not surprised since I guess you can make anything theses days). I blame this on Pinterest...lol
ReplyDeleteLike you said, you can make anything these days! Thanks, Pinterest... I decided to try my hand at making my own gels because the GU gels get so expensive to buy (and we have to order them online here).
DeleteGels have always worked best for me during the run and I thought there HAS to be an alternative to make these more budget-friendly.
Interesting. I can never do store bought gels because I can't stand the consistency. This looks much better than an ooey gooey helping of stuff I can't swallow.
ReplyDeleteThe store-bought gels (GU gels specifically) had always been my go-to for races, but the consistency is a bit thick and slimy... and sticks to everything.
DeleteThe best part of making your own gels is that you KNOW what ingredients are in them. And if you are a super healthy person, you can substitute the maple syrup (agave nectar or molasses?) with a healthier option - I just like the maple flavoring :)
My local running store sells gel containers that would work really well for this too!. You might check around for something like that if you take it on the go a lot. I have always wanted to try to make my own but haven't yet. Your recipe looks so easy and good.
ReplyDeleteGreat idea! We don't have any running stores around here, but I did order 3 little containers off Amazon now. Thanks for the suggestion!
DeleteI am so not a gel fan! Usually too sweet and I don't like the texture. I like bars and trail mix.
ReplyDeleteIt is an interesting texture - especially the GU gel packets! Bars work well before the run for me. Haven't tried trail mix yet. I'm sure that's a great one for your ultras!
DeleteThis looks good! I I would have never thought to make my own gel. I'll have to save this!
ReplyDeleteDefinitely give it a try! It's so easy to customize, too. I saw a lemon-lime gel recipe on a runner's blog that sounded interesting, though I'm more into chocolate and coffee these days :)
DeleteI love the idea of homemade gels. At least you know what in in them and can tweak the recipe until you love it! Thanks for linking up with us!
ReplyDeleteExactly! These gels have been a fun experiment! Maybe someday I'll get crazy and make some new flavors :)
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