You should not need gels or any other kind of fueling or food if you’re running less than 18-20 miles. I can understand bringing along water, but people taking 2 or more gels even though they’re only running a half marathon are definitely overdoing it.
I agree that people way overdo gels and water for shorter distances, but 18 miles is probably a bit high. Personally I’ll bring 1 gel and probably plant a water bottle for 12 miles.
I’ve seen people with full hydration vests for 4 mile runs though and have no idea what they are thinking.
I guess everyone is different, but I don’t typically bring anything if I’m running a half or shorter. As long as you adequately hydrate beforehand, and you haven’t been starving yourself, you should be fine.
You should not need gels or any other kind of fueling or food if you’re running less than 18-20 miles. I can understand bringing along water, but people taking 2 or more gels even though they’re only running a half marathon are definitely overdoing it.
I agree that people way overdo gels and water for shorter distances, but 18 miles is probably a bit high. Personally I’ll bring 1 gel and probably plant a water bottle for 12 miles.
I’ve seen people with full hydration vests for 4 mile runs though and have no idea what they are thinking.
I guess everyone is different, but I don’t typically bring anything if I’m running a half or shorter. As long as you adequately hydrate beforehand, and you haven’t been starving yourself, you should be fine.