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From: Ed
Category: Category 1
Date: 8/28/01
Time: 11:49:55 PM
Remote Name: 198.81.16.158
A while back I posted about using the energy gels such as Hammer Gel, GU and Cliff Shot. Some have noted that the gels don't last as long as an energy bar and that is correct. The way I like to use the gels, is to take a hit(I use a gel flask to prevent having messy empty packs to carry out) at the start of a big climb. This keeps your energy level high and give you a boost to make the climb. I have found it works as well for chasing mule deer & elk as it does when I am running ultramarathon trail races. In a 100k race I did last month I went thru about 2 1/2 gel flasks of hammer gel, or 12- 14 servings. This was over 62 miles with about eleven thousand feet of elevation gain and ten thousand feet of descent. I also ate jerkey, turkey sandwiches, fruit, and crackers; so the gel is not a substitute for solid food. Be sure to try the different flavors before a big trip as I like some and dislike others.
In hot weather it is also important to take in enough sodium. This can be in the form of salty food or electrolyte caps. The sodium is the key electrolyte. Potassium levels don't usually drop without sodium depletation. Without enough sodium you can actually become water logged. The fluid won't absorb and the blood electrolyte balance becomes diluited. Ed