Anyone who thinks energy gels are a fake-out fad is mistaken. How on earth can an athlete perform without the proper amount of calories and carbohydrates, and not have a belly full of food? Why not a belly full of food? Because way too much blood will in your stomach trying to digest the food. Your legs will be robbed of blood and your body will be less able to exchange those deoxgenated blood cells with oxyginated ones. Why not a Snickers Bar or a Pop Tart? Pretty much the same reason, not to mention the big insulin spike up and the big spike down from the onslaught of refined sugars.

GU and Powergel are products consisting of around 100 calories and around 30 grams of carbohydrates. Gels come in a variety of flavors such as chocolate (by far the most popular), vanilla, and a bunch of fruity flavors. They are of the consistancy of pudding and should be washed down with a swig of water.

If you haven't used the stuff, try it. It's awesome. You'll be able to train at a higher level and increase your chances of achieving new personal records. Gels will bring you back from the dead. Obviously, one would be unwise to crack, bonk, knock, shatter, or explode, due to running out of carbs and calories, so to stay steady during a long race or training session, pop a gel every 40 minutes. Gels have really changed the way we can all survive a long endurance event. It's only $1.25 per 1.4 ounce package and many of the hydration systems have a 'gel flask' attached so that you'll be ready for anything.