Thx for the review. I use SIS Beta fuel. Expensive but still cheaper than Maurten and apparantly the same functionality. One disadvantage is that its very hard to mix without getting clods in it.
The FOD Runner yes you buy it in sachets. It is based on the same principal as Maurten, this far the only 2 that i know that work like that. I love it , give it a try
gengar678 nice thanks for the info, I’ll look into it. I don’t tend to use fluids, which I know is bad but fluids tend to make my stomach cramp. However I need to try some for some longer races I might have planned later this year
Thought you'd like the Maurten! you're right, it does give you sustained energy, it's the feeling you can just run and run, which other gels don't seem to give. Reading the blurb it's about the nutrients being released later, in the intestine rather than the stomach, which makes sense for the delayed reaction and the non-GI issues. It's definitely one of a kind, unfortunately very pricey too, which makes it unsuitable for every longish run! Affordable for races though! I never write reviews - but I felt I needed to in this case, at Sigma sports online, the first time I tried it, was so impressed! The powdered mix is also good, I use half a packet a time to make it last!
Yes you were right! I've got to say the sustained energy was a really plus side of this gel. Honestly, I know its pricey but if it works then im happy to pay the money to use it...not so much in training but certainly in races!! Glad you get on with it too!
@@TheFODRunner I'm the same, I'll always keep a stock of it in, but it's for race day only, apart from when I just need it!! Also think the Wiggle cola caffeine gels are good, for shorter term energy, and they are very reasonably priced.
@@TheFODRunner Hammer makes some good products (especially their recovery drink after long runs). Definitely should give them a go if you get the chance, Andy.
I like SIS Salted Strawberry. It seems there must be a specific ingredient or 2 in SIS that does not sit well with you. Have you spent any time trying to sort that out?
Yes so I had some allergy tests last year and was told I had candida and the things that were super aggravating it was wheat, yeast and sugar, hence the gels being an issue. Now that’s cleared up my stomach is still a bit sensitive and it seems the more “natural” gels I’m ok with like huma, spring energy but the more lab based gels like sis are no good.... doesn’t explain why Maurten was ok but could be that’s because it’s a hydro gel? Who knows 🤷♂️
At the moment it’s working out very well in my latest marathon training block, the CAF version is also good! I’m able to take around 4/5 gels per long run now without stomach issues 💪
Nice video Andy, been interesting to hear your thoughts especially on the Maurten gels, I wonder how much of the, how good they are is down to the marketing and sponsored athletes they have. The power of the mind is incredible, it would be great to somehow get a blind test so you can't tell what is what. But the taste and texture from gel to gel are quite noticeable. Really enjoying these, cheers again :)
Yes mate a blind test would be good but I just felt ace on that run I did with them.... it could of been the fact it was the 3rd 20 miler on the bounce but then I felt noticeably better and was able to progress thjngs at the end, I’m sure they had something to do with it 🤔
@@TheFODRunner by the way my comment wasn't at all negative and I didn't disbelieve your findings. Just curious to know as I've heard a lot of talk about them, mainly with pictures of Eliud and his sub 2 project. Don't know if you've watched space jam, and remember 'Michaels secret stuff' :)))))
Running with Marc I know mate it’s fine, i didn’t take it as negative. You are 100% correct, if the best use it then mentally we think it’ll work for us.... I tried to blank that out when I was testing it to be honest but at the end I felt on top of the world! Haha yes I do, now when I look back I reckon that was a subliminal message 😂😂
I'm glad you liked the Maurten gels. Any difference noticeable with the CAF version though? Looking forward to hear about unived...I think Maurten has a subtle citrus flavour,,,
If your stomach can handle it, I don’t see why not but ideally I’d consider taking one normal one caffeine and repeat…. You might just have more ebs and flows in the race if you take all caffeine as your body keeps getting the caffeine hits!
Awesome best of luck! I’ve been used unived gels for the past couple of years, they’ve been fantastic for me and seen me through 2/3 marathons. I love maurten but I throw up after the 3rd one 😂
Interesting. I don't have much gel experience, but have found the SIS sit well in my stomach. I must either have a strong stomach, or they just treat different people differently
They treat people very differently mate, I know loads of people who use them and get on well with them. To the people who they don’t get on with, id certainly tell them to try Maurten because there’s no flavour and gentle on the stomach
@@TheFODRunner I have the impression (maybe incorrectly) that Maurten is a little expensive. Do you have a preferred supplier for gels, or just shop around?
VegetablesGoOff yes they are expensive but I’ve found a website called xmiles.co.uk where you can order every type of gel individually which is really great if you just want to try some
Hi Andy, Couldn’t tell from the video but are you trying the SIS Isotonic gels or electrolyte? I had many GI issues with their electrolyte gels but solved when using the isotonic ones. They are much lighter.
Great review Andy! Maurten sounds great for race day but a little too pricey to use many of them in training runs, I think. How was the caffeine kick in the Maurten?
Definitely too pricy for training runs! It was great, those two gels lasted 20 miles and felt amazing at the end! Felt buzzing in that second half as well hence the progression in pace 👌
I haven’t no, the main ones I’m missing in this test are torq, GU, cliff and a couple of people have mentioned hammer. I wanted to not do too many as wanted to test and get videos out whilst people can still experiment with their marathon fueling. I’ll do another batch test later in the year with these fuels 👌
SIS sits well on my stomach and I'm planning to buy the one with caffeine in it to give me that extra kick when I'm feeling fatigue. Does it actually work or just psychological? Loving your videos, Andy! Keep 'em coming!
Awesome glad it works for you! It works well for a lot of people. Yes try the caffeine one, the caffeine one works well for people who don’t have much caffeine on a day to day basis.... if you’re used to caffeine the “kick” you get can be slightly less but still effective 👌thanks so much for the feedback
@@TheFODRunner I love my coffee's so can't wait to try them when I get one! Also, how many gels should I consume when doing a long run (20-35k?) Normally I take 2. Is that enough or should I take more?
NV if you’re going nice and easy that’s perfect, however if you turn it into a long run workout and are pushing hard then maybe an extra one might be worth it
Ok so this isn't a joke, but have you tried Baby food pouches? If you look at the ingredients, they're all very similar to SiS etc, insofar as they all have similar levels of calories/carbs and almost as much protein per pouch, but all from natural ingredients. Taste amazing by the way too! The pouches are a little larger as they have this stupid plastic screw top, I guess to make it easier for mum/dad and the baby, but it does make them twice the size of a normal gel. Cheaper than Maurten too! You should add one to this test for shits n giggles...
Believe it or not, yes I have! Went down like a dream, tested them out just before Xmas on a long run with Lee and James.... they thought I was joking but I took two pouches over 15 miles. I’d use them on an ultra for sure but not a marathon or half, a bit too much faff unscrewing that’s cap at high speeds! But yes, they are the real deal
No worries, I have a super sensitive gut so its important I find a gel that works! So far, Maurten is worth a go if you struggle with gut issues....I know UNIVED works for me but thats for next weeks video!
Thx for the review. I use SIS Beta fuel. Expensive but still cheaper than Maurten and apparantly the same functionality. One disadvantage is that its very hard to mix without getting clods in it.
Ah ok nice. Not ever tried the beta fuel, is that a drink mix?
The FOD Runner yes you buy it in sachets. It is based on the same principal as Maurten, this far the only 2 that i know that work like that. I love it , give it a try
gengar678 nice thanks for the info, I’ll look into it. I don’t tend to use fluids, which I know is bad but fluids tend to make my stomach cramp. However I need to try some for some longer races I might have planned later this year
@@TheFODRunner this is a gel like substance after adding the water unlike all the other sportsdrinks
Thought you'd like the Maurten! you're right, it does give you sustained energy, it's the feeling you can just run and run, which other gels don't seem to give. Reading the blurb it's about the nutrients being released later, in the intestine rather than the stomach, which makes sense for the delayed reaction and the non-GI issues. It's definitely one of a kind, unfortunately very pricey too, which makes it unsuitable for every longish run! Affordable for races though! I never write reviews - but I felt I needed to in this case, at Sigma sports online, the first time I tried it, was so impressed! The powdered mix is also good, I use half a packet a time to make it last!
Yes you were right! I've got to say the sustained energy was a really plus side of this gel. Honestly, I know its pricey but if it works then im happy to pay the money to use it...not so much in training but certainly in races!! Glad you get on with it too!
@@TheFODRunner I'm the same, I'll always keep a stock of it in, but it's for race day only, apart from when I just need it!! Also think the Wiggle cola caffeine gels are good, for shorter term energy, and they are very reasonably priced.
Sandra Rowland yes stock up on them but use them sparingly! I think I’ll be ordering more once I’ve done the final test next week 👌
i also get GI on most except Hammer Nutrition.Great video because since you have GI who better to test.
Someone else recommended hammer 👌
@@TheFODRunner Hammer makes some good products (especially their recovery drink after long runs). Definitely should give them a go if you get the chance, Andy.
Used high 5 in the past stomach didn’t like them cramps and other issues, only ever run with a bottle of lucozade,
Yes I don’t know many people who get on with high 5, I used them when I started running and went off them very quickly!
I like SIS Salted Strawberry.
It seems there must be a specific ingredient or 2 in SIS that does not sit well with you. Have you spent any time trying to sort that out?
Yes so I had some allergy tests last year and was told I had candida and the things that were super aggravating it was wheat, yeast and sugar, hence the gels being an issue. Now that’s cleared up my stomach is still a bit sensitive and it seems the more “natural” gels I’m ok with like huma, spring energy but the more lab based gels like sis are no good.... doesn’t explain why Maurten was ok but could be that’s because it’s a hydro gel? Who knows 🤷♂️
I have a problem with sis gels. I also have a problem with diet Pepsi. I think it has the same chemicals.
thanks for the video. How's Maurten working out for you? Did you find caffeine version to be as gentle on the stomach as non-caffeine one?
At the moment it’s working out very well in my latest marathon training block, the CAF version is also good! I’m able to take around 4/5 gels per long run now without stomach issues 💪
Nice video Andy, been interesting to hear your thoughts especially on the Maurten gels, I wonder how much of the, how good they are is down to the marketing and sponsored athletes they have. The power of the mind is incredible, it would be great to somehow get a blind test so you can't tell what is what. But the taste and texture from gel to gel are quite noticeable. Really enjoying these, cheers again :)
Yes mate a blind test would be good but I just felt ace on that run I did with them.... it could of been the fact it was the 3rd 20 miler on the bounce but then I felt noticeably better and was able to progress thjngs at the end, I’m sure they had something to do with it 🤔
@@TheFODRunner by the way my comment wasn't at all negative and I didn't disbelieve your findings. Just curious to know as I've heard a lot of talk about them, mainly with pictures of Eliud and his sub 2 project. Don't know if you've watched space jam, and remember 'Michaels secret stuff' :)))))
Running with Marc I know mate it’s fine, i didn’t take it as negative. You are 100% correct, if the best use it then mentally we think it’ll work for us.... I tried to blank that out when I was testing it to be honest but at the end I felt on top of the world! Haha yes I do, now when I look back I reckon that was a subliminal message 😂😂
I'm glad you liked the Maurten gels. Any difference noticeable with the CAF version though? Looking forward to hear about unived...I think Maurten has a subtle citrus flavour,,,
Yes it was really nice! It had a slight zing of something but it was really subtle. I noticed the CAF gel had slightly more zing but minimal
Hi mate does it matter if you use all caffine maurtons?.
If your stomach can handle it, I don’t see why not but ideally I’d consider taking one normal one caffeine and repeat…. You might just have more ebs and flows in the race if you take all caffeine as your body keeps getting the caffeine hits!
Hi Andy, I'm running Seville in a couple of weeks and just curious to whether Maurten are still your go to? Cheers Dave
Awesome best of luck! I’ve been used unived gels for the past couple of years, they’ve been fantastic for me and seen me through 2/3 marathons. I love maurten but I throw up after the 3rd one 😂
@@TheFODRunner cheers for the quick response, great to see you coming through the injury.
Hello, how would you plan to use it in a 42 k, all with caffeine or mixture? thank . From Argentina , for running chicago 2021 in 52 day
Hello! I take a gel every 25 / 30 minutes and I save the caffeine for around 18 miles, if I have too much caffeine my stomach isn’t happy!
Interesting. I don't have much gel experience, but have found the SIS sit well in my stomach. I must either have a strong stomach, or they just treat different people differently
They treat people very differently mate, I know loads of people who use them and get on well with them. To the people who they don’t get on with, id certainly tell them to try Maurten because there’s no flavour and gentle on the stomach
@@TheFODRunner I have the impression (maybe incorrectly) that Maurten is a little expensive. Do you have a preferred supplier for gels, or just shop around?
VegetablesGoOff yes they are expensive but I’ve found a website called xmiles.co.uk where you can order every type of gel individually which is really great if you just want to try some
@@TheFODRunner thanks!
Hi Andy,
Couldn’t tell from the video but are you trying the SIS Isotonic gels or electrolyte?
I had many GI issues with their electrolyte gels but solved when using the isotonic ones. They are much lighter.
Hi mate! Yes I was using the isotonic ones as I prefer the gel consistency to be more liquidy rather than gloopy... sadly I didnt get on with them!
The FOD Runner aggh the gut is a mysterious thing! Enjoying the series, thank you !
@@samsmith453 It is isnt it!! Thank you!
Great review Andy! Maurten sounds great for race day but a little too pricey to use many of them in training runs, I think. How was the caffeine kick in the Maurten?
Definitely too pricy for training runs! It was great, those two gels lasted 20 miles and felt amazing at the end! Felt buzzing in that second half as well hence the progression in pace 👌
The FOD Runner I like to hear that, I’m going to have to give them a try! Are you going to try the powder at all?
Travel Runner I’m not keen on drinks so probably not but 100% you must try the gels!
Did you pick up any of the Torq gels?
I haven’t no, the main ones I’m missing in this test are torq, GU, cliff and a couple of people have mentioned hammer. I wanted to not do too many as wanted to test and get videos out whilst people can still experiment with their marathon fueling. I’ll do another batch test later in the year with these fuels 👌
As the first commenter, I say Maurten Gel is the truth!!
I got on with them really well 👌
@@TheFODRunner Maurten is usually my go-to for marathon races. Spring Energy has been for weekend long runs.
SIS sits well on my stomach and I'm planning to buy the one with caffeine in it to give me that extra kick when I'm feeling fatigue. Does it actually work or just psychological? Loving your videos, Andy! Keep 'em coming!
Awesome glad it works for you! It works well for a lot of people. Yes try the caffeine one, the caffeine one works well for people who don’t have much caffeine on a day to day basis.... if you’re used to caffeine the “kick” you get can be slightly less but still effective 👌thanks so much for the feedback
@@TheFODRunner I love my coffee's so can't wait to try them when I get one! Also, how many gels should I consume when doing a long run (20-35k?) Normally I take 2. Is that enough or should I take more?
NV if you’re going nice and easy that’s perfect, however if you turn it into a long run workout and are pushing hard then maybe an extra one might be worth it
How many marathons have you ran, mate?? 50??? That’s amazing you have so many medals in the background.
Haha only 7 marathons but probably not far off 50 half’s! Plus 10ks and stuff 👌
Ok so this isn't a joke, but have you tried Baby food pouches? If you look at the ingredients, they're all very similar to SiS etc, insofar as they all have similar levels of calories/carbs and almost as much protein per pouch, but all from natural ingredients. Taste amazing by the way too! The pouches are a little larger as they have this stupid plastic screw top, I guess to make it easier for mum/dad and the baby, but it does make them twice the size of a normal gel. Cheaper than Maurten too! You should add one to this test for shits n giggles...
Believe it or not, yes I have! Went down like a dream, tested them out just before Xmas on a long run with Lee and James.... they thought I was joking but I took two pouches over 15 miles. I’d use them on an ultra for sure but not a marathon or half, a bit too much faff unscrewing that’s cap at high speeds! But yes, they are the real deal
Bloody hell Andy you are getting fast
Haha thanks mate much appreciated. Slowly but surely
Thanks so much for testing for us who have gut issues
I haven’t been able to use gels fortunately I can eat bananas while running.
No worries, I have a super sensitive gut so its important I find a gel that works! So far, Maurten is worth a go if you struggle with gut issues....I know UNIVED works for me but thats for next weeks video!
Taking sis all day. Gi issue is your personal issue not the product
It is indeed my personal issue 👌
Sis was the worst gel I have ever taken on my stomach.