While it’s always important to stay hydrated and properly fuelled during runs, warmer conditions and longer workouts make it even more critical to be appropriately topped up.
So, to help you get the most out of your summer running and avoid hitting the wall, we’ve put together a list of some of the best hydration and fuelling options available today.
Best for runners seeking an easy-to-digest energy boost
GU Energy Gel
A great-tasting energy gel
Tucked into a shirt pocket, the GU Energy Gel is ready for deployment any time your energy levels start to wane. The gel consists of a tasty carbohydrate blend for a quick energy boost, while the addition of antioxidants and amino acids reduce tissue damage and delay muscle fatigue. Finally, the 20 to 40 mg of caffeine added to some flavours provides an extra energy lift on longer runs.
Best for runners seeking an alternative to energy bars and syrupy gels
Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews
Easy-to-use energy chews for before or during your run
Honey Stinger’s Organic Energy Chews are perfect for keeping your energy levels topped up during longer runs. The chews are naturally flavoured and easier to consume than traditional energy bars, and less sweet than syrupy energy gels. The chews are made with 95 per cent organic ingredients, are gluten and dairy-free and have no trans fats and no partially hydrogenated oils. Honey Stinger also packs these chews with electrolytes, making them ideal for use before or during your run.
Best for runners seeking an easy-to-digest and slightly fizzy hydration drink
Nuun Sport Electrolyte Replacement
A delicious electrolyte drink mix
These lightly flavoured electrolyte tablets are ideal for replenishing electrolytes during or after longer, more challenging runs. Simply drop a tablet into about 500 ml of water, wait until it dissolves, and you have a refreshing, slightly fizzy hydration drink. The drink contains no preservatives or artificial sweeteners and now uses only non-GMO dextrose and stevia. For those seeking a bit more kick, Nuun adds 40 mg of caffeine to some flavours.
Best for runners seeking additional energy, as well as caffeine and additional sodium
Clif Bloks
Tasty energy chews
These easy-to-digest energy chews are packed with 95 per cent organic ingredients to deliver the energy runners need during longer workouts. Unlike some companies that use a similar formula for all their energy chews, Clif provides runners with a choice; there are flavours that contain no caffeine, some flavours that have 25 to 50 mg of caffeine, and finally, a number of flavours with two or three times the amount of sodium.
Best for runners seeking a delicious all-natural energy boost
Clif Bar Energy Bar
A great-tasting energy bar
With their all-natural ingredients and unique blend of simple and complex carbohydrates, Clif bars deliver an easily digestible energy boost that tastes like real food. While Clif bars contain no wheat or dairy products, they contain nuts and seeds and trace amounts of dairy; runners with these allergies may want to take note. The big win with Clif bars is the wide range of delicious flavours and the incredible real food texture and taste, both of which are a welcome change from some of the more processed bars or the nut-heavy birdseed-like bars on the market.
Best for runners seeking to reduce muscle cramping, heat stress and fatigue
Saltstick Caps Electrolyte Replenisher
An easy-to-use electrolyte replacement
These simple capsules are packed with the ingredients you need to ensure you maintain balanced electrolyte levels when training in warm conditions. Each capsule has zero calories and contains 215 mg of sodium, 63 mg of potassium, 11 mg of magnesium and 22 mg of calcium, as well as 100 IU of vitamin D to help your body absorb the included calcium. This unique mix closely mirrors and replaces the electrolytes runners lose during training, ensuring faster recovery and fewer issues during your run.
Best for runners seeking a natural hydration and electrolyte replacement
Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix
An all-natural sports drink
Made with all-natural ingredients and containing only natural fruit for flavouring, Skratch Labs Sport Hydration Drink Mix is a delicious way to ensure you stay properly hydrated. The unique non-GMO formula is gluten-free, dairy-free, vegan, and kosher and has an optimal blend of carbs and sodium, delivering faster hydration than if you were drinking plain water. Finally, the natural ingredients combined with the light fruit flavouring minimizes the risk of an upset stomach.
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