Whether you already love ’em or you’re not quite sure yet, long runs are a key part of every marathon runners journey.
Long runs aren’t just about pushing yourself hard and getting your form perfect. They’re actually the best time to practice your fuelling strategy ready for race day!
When you go on those long runs, your body relies heavily on its glycogen stores to keep you moving. As you power through those miles, your glycogen reserves slowly start to run out. This is when fatigue sets in, your performance dips, and you might even come face-to-face with that infamous “wall” you’ve heard about.
Think of it this way: just like a car needs fuel to run efficiently, your body needs a steady supply of energy to perform at its best during a marathon. Proper fuelling is crucial for your performance and maintaining stamina throughout the race.
Throughout your training, you’ll have plenty of long runs scheduled on your plan. This is the perfect opportunity to experiment with various fuels to figure out what suits you best. Remember, it’s all about finding the right energy source that keeps you going strong and feeling fantastic during those runs! What works for someone else might not work best for you – so you need to figure this out!
There are varying marathon fuel sources, with Energy Gels being especially popular among runners. They are convenient, easy to carry and consume during a run, allowing you to refuel on the go without interrupting your pace or needing to stop.
So, let’s dive into the fantastic Maurten range and see how it can take your performance to a whole new level!
Maurten’s Hydrogel Technology – The Science Behind It
Maurten is a brand that is leading the way in sports nutrition, revolutionising endurance running like never before! What makes Maurten truly special is their use of hydrogel technology, bringing you cutting-edge solutions for fuelling your body with carbohydrates during exercise.
Now, you might be wondering, “What’s hydrogel technology?” Well, it’s like magic for your tummy! Maurten’s hydrogel is created from natural alginate and pectin, forming a protective gel in your stomach that surrounds those precious carbohydrates.
Here’s the best part: this hydrogel ensures a controlled and efficient delivery of energy. That means you’ll enjoy a steady release of fuel to power you through those long runs, without any digestive discomfort. Because, let’s be honest, none of us want that!
Maurten Gels
Maurten offers two types of energy gels, each designed to cater to different preferences and running needs. The first is the Maurten Gel 100, which contains a high concentration of carbohydrates encapsulated in their unique hydrogel technology. Built with just six ingredients — no added colorants, preservatives or flavours it provides a steady release of energy.
The second is the Maurten Gel 100 CAF 100, which includes both carbohydrates and 100mg caffeine (that’s the equivalent of 1,5 espressos) for that extra boost. Both gels are a game-changer for runners, delivering optimal performance fuelling that’s gentle on the stomach, thanks to the hydrogel technology.
The Gel 100 and Gel 100 Caf 100 have a firmer, more gel-like texture – they aren’t a sticky syrup like most traditional gels on the market. It does take some getting used to, but stick with it!
Maurten Drinks
Maurten’s drink mixes, like the Maurten Drink Mix 320, have become increasingly popular among elite athletes and weekend warriors alike. Usually drunk a few hours prior to your long run – this mix contains a high concentration of carbohydrates, 80g per 500ml serving, which allows you to maximise your intake and fuel up effectively. It’s as simple as mixing the powder with water, and you’re set to go.
Maurten Solid Bars
As an alternative to drinks and gels, Maurten also have two Solid bars. This is what I use when I am out on the trails, the pace is more relaxed and I can actually chew food! Solid 225 is a sweet and natural tasting, fast and light carbohydrate-rich, low fibre and Solid C – my personal favourite as it contains cocoa!
What do all these numbers mean?
The numbers indicate the amount of carbohydrates you’ll be consuming when you take one serving of the respective product.
- Maurten Gel 100 and Gel 100 CAF:
- Gel 100: Contains 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
- Gel 100 CAF: Contains 25 grams of carbohydrates per serving, along with added caffeine for an extra boost.
- Drink Mix 160 and Drink Mix 320:
- Drink Mix 160: Contains 40 grams of carbohydrates per serving when mixed with 500ml of water.
- Drink Mix 320: Contains 80 grams of carbohydrates per serving when mixed with 500ml of water.
Getting started
Maurten offer a starter pack which is a great option for runners. It allows runners to try out Maurten’s range of fuel sources before committing to larger quantities. Each kit includes 1 x Drink Mix 320, 1 x Drink Mix 160, 2 x Gel 100, and 1 x Solid 225. It is a great way to test the products! You can buy it here
