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chews vs gels

Chews and gels can be very helpful when pounding out the miles to maintain your nutritional needs.  Fueling yourself with carbs and electrolytes during longer runs and races will prevent you from running out of energy and help boost your performance.  
That's good to know, but how do you know how often to take them or which kind you should take.  All of this depends on your preference.  Try as many as you can during training and figure out what works best for you.  Stick with that.


Personally, I enjoy chews best, but I'm not completely sold on a brand.  I tried Honey Stingers last year and really liked them because they are smaller.  I also chew Clif Chews as well, but I think this year I'll go with the Honey Stingers.  
I took me years to figure this out.


Some people swear by gels.  I don't like the feeling of eating chews (while it's in my mouth).  I always want to spit it out.  Not the point.


The general rule is to take about 100 calories an hour of running.  I generally do not follow this rule.  I usually take in less than that.  Again, try different things and figure out what's best for you.


Here's a reference article you can use.


Some people even eat candy.  I haven't tried this strategy, but have a feeling I wouldn't like it.
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