Maurten Hydrogel Evaluate – Consuming 6 Power Gels for a Marathon

I lately ran a marathon fueled completely with Maurten Gel 100 Hydrogels. I’ve examined the power gel in a number of coaching runs and an ultramarathon, so I wished to see how the power gel would carry out in an precise marathon, kind of a gown rehearsal for my purpose marathon on the finish of February.

Earlier than we get into my current marathon expertise with Maurten Hydrogel, listed below are some takeaways and highlights from a full product evaluation we wrote up after utilizing it for a 65km highway ultramarathon. (Learn full evaluation)

1. Maurten Hydrogel is a 40 g power gel with 100 energy and 25 g of carbohydrates, with glucose and fructose at a 1:0.8 ratio as the first sources of sugar. The corporate claims that the gel’s carbohydrates are encapsulated in a hydrogel, bypassing the abdomen to the intestines, the place they are often absorbed sooner and with out inflicting gastrointestinal misery.
2. The gel additionally supplies 35 mg of sodium and 21.6 mg of calcium. It’s mildly candy with a singular consistency much like jello that’s not fairly fully set.
3. Maurten made power gels “extra tasteless” as an alternative of including extra flavoring in an try to unravel the unsolvable gel taste problem. In a roundabout manner, the corporate kind of did present a very good resolution.
4. Costs for Maurten merchandise are on the upper finish. It’s USD43.5 for a field of 12 Gel100 and USD50 for a field of Caf100.

My recreation plan

I signed up for the Taipei Metropolis Marathon on December 18, 2022, a B race. If my coaching block was going effectively, I’d attempt to PB (2:58:31). If not, I’d deal with it as a moderate-to-marathon effort, long-distance exercise with some high quality combined in.

I introduced six Mauten Hydrogels. One for pre-start and the remaining to devour each 25-Half-hour.

Pre-race

I awakened three hours earlier than the 6:30 am begin. I had a cup of espresso, honey water, a banana, and half an apple for breakfast. The race venue was a brief cab trip from my place, so I had ample time to do some gentle stretches and end packing up.

The climate was good for marathon working. 9-12 diploma Celsius with a transparent sky. Barely windy in spots, however nothing too out of the odd for Taipei Metropolis.

Fifteen minutes earlier than the beginning, I took my first Maurten Hydrogel.

0-10km

I wished to common 4:10-4:12 per km. I hit the tempo for the primary 10km, but it surely felt extra labored than it ought to be. It wasn’t the perfect coaching block (that’s one other story for one more time), so I knew a private finest was wishful considering.

I took the primary power gel Half-hour into the race and the second after one hour. My abdomen grumbled across the 10km mark, however every thing settled. No humorous abdomen emotions the remainder of the best way.

To the midway mark

I accomplished the primary half marathon in slightly below 90 minutes, nearly 2 minutes slower than my focused tempo. I might have pressured the difficulty, however I made an “government choice” to sluggish it down and deal with the remainder of the best way as a long-distance run.

Some would name that good. Internally, I assumed I used to be maybe mentally weak.

I took the third gel shortly after I crossed the half-marathon timing mat. I didn’t really feel a notable surge, however at no level was I low on power both. Maurten Hydrogels sustained my power stage.

By means of 35km

I took the fourth and fifth power gels throughout this phase. I used to be working at a tempo 10-15 seconds slower than my true marathon effort, so it wasn’t too taxing. However I additionally couldn’t go a lot sooner (or mentally, I didn’t wish to damage).

It goes to point out that power gels usually are not little baggage of miracles. In case you didn’t prepare effectively and good and keen to embrace the discomfort, nothing you eat on race day will get you over the hump.

The power gels set effectively. Maurten’s delicate and impartial style was nonetheless nice, however I discovered myself wanting one thing totally different to combine issues up.

To the end

Extra spectators got here out to cheer us on for the final 3km, lifting my spirits. I picked up the tempo, which confirmed that I had extra to present and was doubtless too sort to myself.

Some takeaways:

1. I examined Maurten Hydrogel in a 65 km highway extremely throughout the summer season. I additionally ate six gels for that race however spaced them out to about 45-50 minutes per pack. Packing six Maurtens into three hours brought on a slight style fatigue. Sooner or later, I’ll combine in a single power gel of a special model to present my style buds a change of tempo.
2. I’ve observed one factor concerning the packaging. Each the highest and backside of the packaging are the identical width. You may’t distinguish them by contact. Once you’re going at a better depth and carrying a pair of gloves, you need to pay nearer consideration to the place the rip is positioned. A tiny inconvenience when your focus ought to be on sustaining a working rhythm.
3. Maurten Hydrogel is straightforward on the abdomen. Consuming six gels in such a slim window can tax the gastrointestinal system, however I skilled no points.
4. As talked about above, power gels aren’t miracles. They will maintain your power ranges and forestall bonking however can’t aid you go sooner.

General, Maurten continues to work effectively for me. It’s a palatable gel that gives power and doesn’t upset my abdomen. I’ve the sports activities fueling half dialed in. Now again to the lab to work on my health and psychological recreation.