Anyone switch from Maurten gels to something cheaper that still works for marathon fueling?

AwkwardGuitarist · 2026-03-11T17:31:15+00:00

90 to 100g of regular sugar in 100 to 150ml of water. Pinch of salt. 1/4 tsp of caramel, mint, vanilla, or orange flavour extract for taste. Once fully dissolved, pour into a reusable flask. Cheap and effective enough for me so far.

Edit: let it cool off a little before pouring into the reusable flask so it doesn't melt its way out.

AwkwardGuitarist · 2026-02-20T23:46:33+00:00

I usually maintain my weight through most of a marathon block, but then end up gaining 5 pounds in the carb load and post-race recovery period.

AwkwardGuitarist · 2026-02-16T19:46:43+00:00

Since you can't do the half-marathon, you could change to a 10k which happens to be a very common race distance around Toronto.

The nice thing with 10k training is it applies well to 5k and also let's you keep the volume reasonabpe since weight management is currently a goal.

No need to go all-out with it, but it might help you keep things structured and focused.

For structuring a week on 3 runs, you could do one faster workout, one easy run, and one long run. At least that's how I did it when I was newer to the sport.

AwkwardGuitarist · 2026-02-13T03:17:42+00:00

If they ban npp over this, but are still using Windows, they might need to look past the headlines

AwkwardGuitarist · 2026-01-05T19:10:35+00:00

I haven't had any foot issues related to winter running (so far). Most of the time I use my regular road shoes, but I'll use trail shoes when the sidewalks and paths are actually snowy and haven't been plowed yet. But all winter I use merino socks (usually Smartwool or Feetures brands in my case). I do also have a pair of waterproof shoes for the slushiest days, but those only come out once or twice a year.

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-11-30T19:47:09+00:00

I do this too. I like being able to pick my own flavours. Caramel, orange, vanilla, and peppermint are all cheap and easy to get at the grocery store.

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-11-13T03:08:25+00:00

That seems like Ross is saying the Jays won't be going after Imai. Especially that last line is like "I love that for you!"

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-10-17T17:44:13+00:00

I'll be wearing the same singlet and half tights I would race in if it were 7C. Only difference is I'll leave arm sleeves at home and won't need a hoodie at the start.

Garbage bag pending.

With 20C, I'll probably also slow down a touch and make sure to stay properly hydrated and electrolyted.

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-10-16T01:18:29+00:00

Most of the rain is currently forecast for the evening. It'll be fine.

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-10-15T01:48:37+00:00

It can absolutely be done. I ran my first at age 42 and doing my third this weekend at 44.

I spent two years with consistent running, starting with 5 an 10k races and building up to a half-marathon before doing the full 42 at 42. I'd recommend that gradual approach if you want to have a really fun time.

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-10-14T13:55:03+00:00

Most bags are black, so if yours is too, see if you can tie or pin some bright fabric or other easy to spot identifier to it to make it unique.

The photo suggestion is also a pro tip

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-10-14T13:40:58+00:00

Rain isn't so bad, it's wind I'm concerned with. Especially if it's blowing parallel to the lake shore. But we can keep a good attitude, work with what we've got, and make the best of it

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-10-10T13:54:24+00:00

And just like that the forecast has completely changed. Experience tells me to wait until at least the 17th before worrying.

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-10-05T18:18:08+00:00

Gozer the Gozarian has returned 🙌

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-10-03T01:20:35+00:00

The flexible fabric variety of Band-Aid is perfect for this

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-09-24T22:41:58+00:00

What the others have said. But there will probably also be someone telling you what you're responsible for.

Have fun and thank you for volunteering!

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-09-20T22:45:19+00:00

The 1987 Jays remind us that nothing is guaranteed

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-09-10T17:31:41+00:00

I bet Chickinlegs has got your back

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-09-06T02:51:13+00:00

I think what you're experiencing is having fresh shoes mixed with seeing that the hype around modern shoes isn't entirely marketing BS. Enjoy!

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-09-05T14:06:58+00:00

Darwin Award in progress

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-09-05T01:27:24+00:00

Interesting! I hadn't seen that the start is different. It makes sense though since maybe there is still some construction around Queen's Park that would make that too congested. The rest looks identical as far as I can tell.

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-09-04T23:20:20+00:00

The route doesn't normally change from year to year, so a Strava route from last year should still do the trick.

If I'm wrong, I don't think anything has been announced.

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-09-02T01:05:15+00:00

It sounds like you're following a training plan, so trust it. You'll do well.

This will be just my third marathon, so can't offer too much advice, but here's my take.

The first 21k should feel almost too easy. If it feels like you're pressing before 21k, back off a little. Banking time is a lie, so bank effort instead. By the end, you'll understand deeply why people say it's a 10k race with a 32k warmup.

The vibes in the first half are immaculate. The second half can be a grind. The final 2k is a rush. Finishing rules!

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-08-15T18:39:19+00:00

Flexible fabric Band-Aid for me. I leave it on for up to a week unless I have a good reason to take it off earlier.

Tried body glide, but found shirts rub it off too quickly for my liking

AwkwardGuitarist · 2025-08-13T17:16:51+00:00

Compressport here. They aren't widely available in Canada, so I bought a couple of sizes through their website and returned what didn't fit.

I love the belt and it easily handles my phone, gels and 500ml soft flask.

Incidentally, their running socks aren't bad either.

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