In the world of long-distance running, energy is key, and for me, Huma Gel has become my fuel of choice. Running gels are essential for many of us during long runs, providing the quick-release carbs we need to keep going. With so many options out there, it can be tricky to find a brand that meets all the needs—taste, digestibility, and convenience. After trying a variety, I keep coming back to Huma Gels, and here’s why they’ve become a staple in my marathon training and racing.
Why Use Running Gels?
For long runs and intense races, running gels are a quick and convenient way to replace the carbs that we burn through. When glycogen stores are depleted after about 60-90 minutes of running, taking a gel helps replenish those energy reserves, reducing fatigue and maintaining performance. For me, I like using gels on any run over 1.5 hours or whenever I feel low on energy. They’re especially useful for races over 10K, where I can’t afford an energy dip in the middle of a race. Having tried Huma early in my running journey, it’s now my go-to brand.
My Journey with Huma Gel
I came across Huma Gel by chance. While training for my first marathon, I was on the lookout for a gel that was easy to digest and stumbled upon Huma online. I decided to give it a try, and it ended up being the first gel I ever used consistently throughout my training. Over time, I’ve experimented with others—Gu, Honey Stinger, Maurten, and SiS—but Huma remains my favorite.
Now, I mainly use Huma gels for longer runs, and in races, especially when I feel like I need an extra carb boost. I’ve found them to be the most reliable, even on longer runs when my stomach feels particularly sensitive. Plus, the all-natural ingredients in Huma gels mean they sit well in my stomach, even after taking multiple throughout a marathon.
What I Love About Huma Gel
Here’s why I think Huma Gel stands out from other brands:
- All-Natural Ingredients: Huma gels are made with simple, natural ingredients like fruit puree, chia seeds, and brown rice syrup. This makes them easy to digest, with none of the artificial flavors or sweeteners that can sometimes cause an upset stomach. The natural ingredients also mean that each gel feels less like a synthetic product and more like actual food, which is a huge plus when I’m in the middle of a tough run.
- Perfect Carb and Calorie Balance: Each Huma Gel packet contains 100 calories and 23 grams of carbs, which is pretty standard for running gels. I like that this is just the right amount to fuel my run without being overwhelming. It keeps my energy levels steady without making me feel overly full.
- Great Taste: Since Huma gels are made from real fruit, they taste like real food, more like fruit puree than the sometimes overpowering artificial flavors of other gels. For a marathon, where I’m taking multiple gels, this makes a big difference; I don’t get sick of them as quickly and am actually able to enjoy the taste rather than dread it. Huma has eight original flavors, and I can honestly say I enjoy all of them: Strawberries, Blueberries, Mangoes, Apple Cinnamon, Lemonade (25mg caffeine), Raspberry (25mg caffeine), Chocolate (25mg caffeine), and Café Mocha (50mg caffeine).
- Variety of Flavors: In addition to their original line, Huma also offers Huma Plus, which has double the electrolytes and includes flavors like Strawberry Lemonade, Lemon Lime, and Chocolate Peanut Butter. I’ve tried these flavors as well, and it’s nice to have options. This is especially helpful in races, as switching flavors can break up the monotony and keep you looking forward to your next gel. Though Huma Plus is a bit harder to find in Canada, it’s worth it if you can get your hands on it.
- No Need for Water: With most flavors, Huma gels don’t require immediate water intake, which is a benefit if water stops aren’t conveniently placed. This allows me to take a gel whenever I need it without worrying about washing it down immediately. That said, the Chocolate and Café Mocha flavors can be slightly thicker and are better with water if possible. In colder weather, the consistency can thicken a bit, but this is pretty standard for most gels.
What Could Be Improved
If there’s one drawback to Huma gels, it’s the size. Compared to some brands like Gu or Maurten, the packets are larger, which can be a hassle during races. On my first marathon, I carried eight gels, which was definitely noticeable, and reaching for them in my running belt sometimes felt cumbersome. In my case, I might just need to improve my pace so I can carry fewer gels next time! But apart from the size, I have no complaints.
Tips for Using Huma Gel (or Any Gel)
If you’re considering adding gels to your running routine, here are a few tips that have worked for me:
- Take one gel about 15 minutes before starting a long run or race.
- During your run, aim to take a gel every 30-45 minutes to keep energy levels steady.
- Always test gels in training before using them in a race. Even the best gels can cause unexpected issues if you’re unfamiliar with them on race day.
Conclusion
To sum up, Huma Gel has everything I look for in a running gel: natural ingredients, great taste, a good balance of carbs and calories, and a wide variety of flavors to keep things interesting. For anyone who struggles with gels that taste overly artificial or cause digestive issues, Huma is well worth a try. It’s great news that Running Free now stocks Huma gels online and in-store, so they’re easier to find than ever here in Canada!
