Gel flask question

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2011-04-13 3:08 PM


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Subject: Gel flask question
Do gel flasks have numbers on the side so you know how many servings are in the flask or do you just squirt some in your mouth and hope that it equals 1 serving? I like the individual packets because it is easy to keep track of how many servings you are consuming per hour/race.

2011-04-13 5:38 PM
in reply to: #3444964

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Expert
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Woodland, California
Subject: RE: Gel flask question
All of the ones I've seen have the number of servings marked on the side.
2011-04-13 6:22 PM
in reply to: #3444964

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Subject: RE: Gel flask question

I have a fuel belt flask that shows how much is left.  The markings are for when the flask is facing down.

That being said, I mix my gels with water when using a flask, which throws the markings off.  And even so, while I'm riding, I don't have enough time to look and evaluate how much gel I actually squirted into my mouth.  Especially since the flask walls will likely be coated with gel and it's hard to see how much is actually left.

As with anything...just practice and you'll get a feel for how much you need to squirt in your mouth to equal roughly one gel. 

2011-04-13 6:41 PM
in reply to: #3444964


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Subject: RE: Gel flask question
Thanks
2011-04-13 7:10 PM
in reply to: #3444964

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Ironman Arizona via Surf City, USA
Subject: RE: Gel flask question
I had the opportunity twice, to hear 70.3 IM distance champion Kate Major speak at a local tri club meeting.  How she uses GU when she races is to put what ever flavor(s) she likes into a gel flask and thin with water to make it easier to consume.  Depending on my training day and/or race, I would use about (4) and make it runny.  Kate's suggestion is to take sips every 30-40 mins and take a cup of water at an aide station to wash it down.  This eliminates having to "shoot" a whole pack in one shot, and taking in enuf water so as not to start the runs..  Been there and done that.... 

She also stressed, for her anyway, that it keeps her energy level at a more even keel and eliminates the ups and downs that can come from trying to time when to shoot the next full packet.  The packet says about every 45 minutes but everyone doesn't burn calories at the same pace, do be careful not to over-do.  Practice makes it perfect for whatever works for you..

Lori...  "Improvise, Overcome, Adapt...... Heartbreak Ridge"...

Edited by TriBabe2006 2011-04-13 7:12 PM
2011-04-13 7:50 PM
in reply to: #3444964

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Knoxville, TN
Subject: RE: Gel flask question
My flasks are marked but I don't use the marks. I don't like to take a whole serving at once. I take an undiluted squirt (I think it's close to a third of a serving) every 15-20 minutes and wash it down with water. Keeps my energy level consistent.

2011-04-13 8:00 PM
in reply to: #3444964

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Champion
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Columbia, South Carolina
Subject: RE: Gel flask question

Yes, they are marked.

My opinion:  It ain't rocket science.  One serving = "1 decent squeeze".  If you pay attention, you'll soon learn what works for you, and then the numbers on the side are pointless.

2011-04-14 1:16 AM
in reply to: #3444964

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Subject: RE: Gel flask question
The only reason I use the numbers on the side of the gel flask is to know how many servings I am putting in there in the first place....I then add water to thin it down...my flasks hold 5 servings....I never put more than 3 servings in each flask.
2011-04-14 6:02 AM
in reply to: #3444964


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Subject: RE: Gel flask question
Do you carry 2 flasks for Iron distance races or do you reload at special needs?
2011-04-14 6:11 AM
in reply to: #3445849

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Subject: RE: Gel flask question

slaterson19 - 2011-04-14 7:02 AM Do you carry 2 flasks for Iron distance races or do you reload at special needs?

 

If I were to take that much gel on the bike then yes, I'd carry two.  I personally do not like the idea of stopping at special needs (and never have, on the bike).

2011-04-14 9:08 AM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Gel flask question
The hammer brand flasks have numbers and they have them marked for upside down and right side up.

2011-04-14 10:01 PM
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Ironman Arizona via Surf City, USA
Subject: RE: Gel flask question
slaterson19 - 2011-04-14 4:02 AM Do you carry 2 flasks for Iron distance races or do you reload at special needs?


I use other stuff besides just GU..  I would carry one GU flask along with a trail mix bar and a small bag of gel blast chews...  I varied what I took in for nutrition during my IM..  On my long runs, I fill one flask and again, take a trail mix bar and a bag of gel blast chews... For my IM I had one flask on the bike and one onthe run if I chose to sip on them..

Lori

Edited by TriBabe2006 2011-04-14 10:03 PM
2011-04-15 11:54 AM
in reply to: #3444964

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Subject: RE: Gel flask question

Yes, they have numbers on the side so you can see whether you've had a full serving or not.

AND, the GU flask conveniently also holds exactly 5 scoops (2 20oz bottle's worth) of powdered GU Electrolyte Brew so you can use it for that on long rides where you won't be looping by your house.

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