Food... Well gels and stuff you have to eat! - Jeffrey Hammond
Things that somehow qualify as a meal when you're 80 miles into a race. Gels, drink mixes, chews, and other questionable life choices that keep the legs moving and the brain mostly functional.
Gel 100 by REI — One of my favorite gels for long runs and races. The Maurten Gel 100 has a unique texture that doesn't bother my stomach, even deep into an ultra when everything else starts sounding terrible. My preferred method is to take it down like an oyster—no chewing, just a quick swallow followed by some water. Simple, fast, and easy. The hydrogel technology seems to sit well in my stomach, allowing me to keep taking in carbohydrates without feeling overly sweet or causing GI issues. When you're trying to fuel for hours on end, finding a gel your stomach tolerates is worth its weight in gold, and this one has earned a permanent spot in my race kit.
Maurten Gel 100 Caf 100 by Maurten — This is essentially the Maurten Gel 100 that I already trust, but with a welcome shot of caffeine when I need a little extra motivation. It has the same unique hydrogel texture that sits well in my stomach and doesn't leave me dreading the next gel. I still take it the same way—like an oyster. Quick swallow, a little water, and keep moving. No chewing, no sticky mess, no fuss.
I especially like using these later in races, overnight sections, or whenever the legs and brain start negotiating about whether continuing is really a good idea. The added caffeine provides a nice boost without changing the texture or stomach-friendly feel that makes the original Gel 100 one of my favorites. If the regular Gel 100 is your reliable workhorse, this is the same trusted fuel with a little extra kick to help keep you moving down the trail. ☕🏃♂️
Endurance Fuel Drink Mix - 30 Servings by REI — This has been one of my favorite fueling products for long runs, ultras, and big training days. What I love most is the simplicity—carbohydrates, electrolytes, and calories all in one bottle. It takes a lot of the guesswork out of fueling and helps me stay consistent when eating real food or gels starts to feel like work.
I've used Tailwind during long training runs, races, and overnight adventures, and it has always been easy on my stomach. The flavors are light enough that I don't get flavor fatigue, even after hours of drinking it. When you're deep into an ultra and your brain is no longer making good decisions, having a bottle that delivers calories and hydration at the same time is a huge advantage.
If I could only carry one fueling product for a long day on the trails, Tailwind would be near the top of the list. It's simple, reliable, stomach-friendly, and has earned its place in my race kit over and over again.
Tailwind Nutrition Endurance Fuel Drink Mix - 1 Serving Berry by Tailwind Nutrition — How could I create a fueling list and not include a delicious Courtney Dauwalter flavor? Tailwind has been a staple in my hydration and fueling strategy for years, and this flavor is just plain fun. Like the other Tailwind mixes, it provides calories, carbohydrates, and electrolytes in a simple, easy-to-drink package that has been kind to my stomach during long runs and races.
What I appreciate most is that even after hours on the trail, the flavor stays enjoyable and doesn't leave me dreading the next sip. That's a bigger deal than most people realize when you're 15, 20, or 30 hours into an event. Whether you're chasing a PR, an aid station cutoff, or just trying to survive your latest questionable race registration, this flavor helps make fueling a little more enjoyable. Plus, if Courtney approves, that's usually a pretty good sign. 😄🏃♂️⛰️🍉
PF 30 Gel by Precision Hydration — This is one of the easiest gels I've found to take during long runs and races. The texture goes down smoothly, the flavor is mild without being overly sweet, and most importantly, it keeps my stomach happy even late into an event when fueling becomes a challenge. I appreciate the simplicity—30 grams of carbohydrates, easy fueling math, and no unnecessary extras. When you're hours into a race and your stomach starts becoming picky, this is one of those gels you can still take without having to talk yourself into it. Simple, effective, and stomach-friendly—exactly what I want from a race fuel. 🏃♂️⚡️
PF 30 Caffeine Gel by Precision Hydration — If you like the regular PF 30 Gel, this is the same stomach-friendly fuel with a little extra motivation built in. It has the same mild flavor and smooth texture that goes down easily, but adds 100 mg of caffeine to help keep the legs moving and the brain functioning when fatigue starts to set in. The gel provides 30 grams of carbohydrates along with the caffeine boost, making it a great option for late-race pushes, overnight sections, or those moments when you're questioning why you signed up for this event in the first place.
What I appreciate most is that it doesn't have the overly sweet, bitter taste that many caffeinated gels have. It goes down easily, keeps my stomach happy, and provides a noticeable boost without feeling overwhelming. For long races, I like using the regular PF 30 early on and then sprinkling in the caffeine version later when I need a little extra kick to keep moving down the trail. Simple, effective, and one of the better caffeinated gels I've used.
