Concept2 Forum

Was wondering what others out there think of sports drinks/gel use during training. Although I erg, I never go longer than an hour so I do not use. However, I also bike 50-100 miles a week. I have not been using anything for 20 miles or under, but usually bring some GU/Gatorade/Accelerade drink/gels for longer.<br /><br />Do you need simply carbs for biking,erging, etc under an hour to improve energy levels?

<!--QuoteBegin-gaffano+Dec 11 2005, 10:26 AM--><table border='0' align='center' width='95%' cellpadding='3' cellspacing='1'><tr><td><div class='genmed'><b>QUOTE(gaffano @ Dec 11 2005, 10:26 AM)</b></div></td></tr><tr><td class='quote'><!--QuoteEBegin-->Was wondering what others out there think of sports drinks/gel use during training. Although I erg, I never go longer than an hour so I do not use. However, I also bike 50-100 miles a week. I have not been using anything for 20 miles or under, but usually bring some GU/Gatorade/Accelerade drink/gels for longer.<br /><br />Do you need simply carbs for biking,erging, etc under an hour to improve energy levels? <br /> </td></tr></table><br /><br /><br />I would say for an hour, assuming your not testing for an hour, water should be comsumed before and powerade or sports drinks after. Thats what my coach tells me anyways. Anything longer, I would defintely use powerade during the course of the bike workout. I'm not sure about this, but gels only replenish electrolytes, a liquid beverage is a much better choice. At least what my coach tells me.