for olympic and shorter races they are the only method of energy that i use. anything longer and i try to get more solid foods in on occasion and supplement it with a liquid mix. in the shorter races i will tape a gel to the top tube of my bike by the top tab so that i can just tear it off. for a sprint i have 1, olympic usually 2. i keep on in transition in case i want one during T2. i always slug down a good amount of water after taking the gel because they are pretty thick and sticky. personally i like the tri berry gu flavor the best.

To answer the question directly - HELL YES! I am partial to Hammer Gel since their viscosity is high enough to easily take in while running with little or no water. In a race longer than 1 hr, I will take a gel every 20 minutes.

I use gels for long runs (2+ hrs), and pre-race (w/ caffiene) for sprint and oly races. Haven't figured out my HIM nutrition for next year yet, but will be working them into the race. For the shorter distance tris I get by only on liquids during the race, usually Infinit and water alternating.

+1 on Cgroth's comments. I also take one an hour before an OLY and then one 10-15 mins before swim start too.

I like the chocolate or coffee flavors of any brand of gel; occassionally, for a change, I use a berry I like the clif brand the most

GU is pretty gross to me, but Hammergel goes down well and works great. The thing is you're not going to feel this sudden rocket boost or anything, but the energy will be apparent. I try to eat as much regular food as possible during the bike because I know doing so will be hard on the run, which is then where I use the gels and don't want to be burned out on them by then. You can only suck down so many before you're ALL kinds of done with them :)

I've always heard, and so practiced, that it's usually best to have one about 15 minutes before diving in for the swim, then water only for the first 20 minutes on the bike, Eat other stuff, liquid or solid until about three miles from T2, then have another gel to set you up for the first few miles of the run, and then one about every 30-45 minutes on the run, depending on how fast you're going.

I love Powergel Strawberry Banana. I have a hard time swallowing most other brands and flavors. You can take Powergel and drink Gatorade without messing up the stomach.

I take one before heading to the start line of any race, and take them throughout the race. I also use them on long runs and rides. Its necessary to keep consuming calories to keep the quality of your workout up. You may be able to get by without em, but you wont do as well and may bonk, which is never fun.

Hey Kscel what is NUNN?

NUUN is a tablet that is electrolytes and a bit of flavor (no calories) that you can add to a water bottle. Mmmmm :)

Love these now!