Over the years I’ve tried just about everything in terms of endurance nutrition. I’ve had good success with lots of different choices from chomps to blocks to gels to gu’s. But after 10 years of endurance training, they really did start to take a toll on my tum. When i stopped taking them, I saw almost immediate improvement. In my last few races, I’ve taken them but not with the best results in the world.
Last summer I started experimenting with making my own gel. I started with a chia seed and water base and over the last few months, I think I’ve finally found something that really works! Yippee. Today I used it on an 11 mile run, taking a serving at mile 5 and a serving around mile 9. No stomach upset during or after the run and no sense of bonk whatsoever. Woo Hoo! I thought about posting a picture, but quite frankly, it is NOT pleasant looking at all. It sort of looks like poo, but tastes delicious. I swear!!
Homemade Endurance Gel
2 tbsp chia seeds
2/3 cup of water
1 scoop VEGA ONE chocolate Protein powder (I have also used raw cacao powder and agave but I like the result with the Vega One.)
2 shakes of cinnamon
2 pinches of salt
Directions: mix chia and water until it forms a light gel. Mix in the protein powder, cinnamon, and salt. Add an extra dash or two of water if it becomes too thick. Transfer to fuel belt flask and refrigerate until use. (The transfer profess can be a little messy if you don’t use a funnel, but just use your hands and embrace the mess!)
When consuming-uncap the flask and push out about 1/2 tbsp servings that you can pop into your mouth from the flask. I take about three “pops” as a serving. 2 oz was plenty for my 11 miler today.
Happy Running!
RunSingTeach 