Do I need gels or sports drink?

kittykate

I'm running about 4-5 times a week, mostly 5-8k runs and usually one or two 10-12ks which take me just over an hour. Am thinking I might get up to 15k and don't know whether I need to take a sports gel or drink or something with me.  At the moment I don't carry anything when I run which I love, so don't really want to mess around with bottled but don't know if I'm going far or long enough to justify a gel???

Cal Jones

No. You really only need them for runs of more than 2 hours.

kittykate

Thanks 

Cal Jones

The reason for that is that your glycogen levels are generally depleted after two hours. I've done a few half marathons without gels, but I use them for marathons and marathon training runs of 16 miles plus. So 15K should be fine. Good luck with your training.

Dubai runner

I never use gels, completed dubai marathon 4 weeks ago on water only. I personally don't think you need them.