Hammer Gel/ Endurolyte vs Cytomax

[michelem]

Someone at my LBS suggested mixing the gel in my water as an experiment. I do like the lightly flavored gel and the flask option hadn't occurred to me.

Funny thing, the Hammer advice guy -- Steve Born -- suggested the same thing to me when I was marathon training. Stuff that had worked great for distance cycling (Perpetuem) did NOT work well for me for distance running. I tried Heed and ended up getting very swollen hands and feet and vomiting -- UGH!!!

In fact, the faq on Hammer fuels (what they are and how to use them) says, "You can use Hammer Gel in your water bottle (it mixes completely in solution), in the Hammer Flask, in a one–serving pouch, or to flavor other products and foods."

So, there ya go!


As far as the sodium thing, I'm with you in that I am very salt sensitive (I won't even eat frozen plain boneless skinless chicken breast after I've cooked it with nothing added because it tastes too salty to me)!

According to Hammer, "Research reports fit-acclimatized athletes need only 50% of the sodium required to maintain serum sodium levels as do unfit-unacclimatized subjects. The more fit and the more trained & heat-exposed, the less sodium is required. "

Also, "We believe that lowering the sodium intake in your diet will positively affect your athletic performance as well. The body is very adept at storing sufficient amounts of sodium so you will start your workouts and races with plenty of sodium 'on board' and ready to serve you. The difference is that, unlike people who consume a high-sodium diet, an athlete who adopts a low-sodium diet will not lose sodium at the same high rates; it will utilize those stores more efficiently and conserve them more thoroughly."

Hope this helps!

[Catrin]

Funny thing, the Hammer advice guy -- Steve Born -- suggested the same thing to me when I was marathon training. Stuff that had worked great for distance cycling (Perpetuem) did NOT work well for me for distance running. I tried Heed and ended up getting very swollen hands and feet and vomiting -- UGH!!!

In fact, the faq on Hammer fuels (what they are and how to use them) says, "You can use Hammer Gel in your water bottle (it mixes completely in solution), in the Hammer Flask, in a one–serving pouch, or to flavor other products and foods."

So, there ya go!

Thanks for the confirmation - I KNEW that I had seen somewhere that one can use Hammer Gel in this way but perhaps I had just dreamed it or something

Thanks also for the info on sodium - I don't want to get too much, but need enough. For now I think I will hold off on the Endurolyte outside of very hot days and see how that works. Both Heed and Cytomax both have at least basic electrolytes so that is probably enough outside of 90+ degree weather.