Monday, September 21, 2020

All Fueled Up with SiS


Disclaimer: I received a supply of Science In Sport gels to review as part of being a Bibrave Pro. Learn more about becoming a Bibrave Pro (ambassador), and check out Bibrave.com to review, find, and write race reviews.

Ever find a product that felt like a perfect fit, right from the start?

As a runner, I had my go-to brand of gels that I used for fuel. I used them for many training runs and races, for many years, with never any glitches. I don't know if their formula(s) changed, or if my body chemistry (for lack of a better metaphor) was altered...but in recent years, those gels were no longer compatible with me or my fitness needs.

It felt like starting over when I began my quest for a new fuel. You know the drill...trial and error with various other forms of fuel (different gels, chews, powders), some with water (and some without), before running (or during a run). Yadda Yadda Yadda.

I had tried the SiS gels a couple years ago, and was really excited to try some new varieties. Let me sum this up in four words...These Gels Are Great!


A unique feature about these gels is that they are isotonic, meaning they do not need additional water for your body to absorb them. Most other gels (at least the plethora of ones I have tried) need water to accompany the gel. The SiS gels are much easier to swallow, even with a dry mouth, since they are a much "thinner" consistency. 

 I was given three varieties of gels to try. Since I'm currently entertaining #RunnerSidelined status, I had to sample all of these via the bike (instead of on foot). 


The first gel I tried was the berry-flavored Caffeine SiS Gel. This was the perfect fuel for one of my post-workday 10-mile bike rides. Incidentally, this particular ride was after an unusually long and stressful day at work. I was meeting a friend for a ride, so I didn't have time to eat anything, and my energy level was MIA. The berry flavor was on-point, and my ride went well...I'd call that a success! 


The second gel I tried was the salted strawberry-flavored Electrolyte SiS Gel. We were going on a mid-morning 20-mile ride, and the temps were rather balmy, so I anticipated some "glistening and glowing" would be happening (spoiler - I was correct LOL). This sustained my energy and helped in keeping me hydrated on a hot morning under the sun. OMG, the salted-strawberry flavor was nothing short of a-m-a-z-i-n-g!  


Finally, the last one to try was the tropical-flavored SiS Gel. This was another after-work ride for me, on a hot day, and this gel kept me going strong for 17 miles. The flavor was refreshing...kind of mix of pineapple and coconut. Yum!


All three varieties of these SiS gels worked well for me. My energy felt good, and my tummy didn't have any post-workout distress. Believe me, I've used other gels for fuel and it hasn't been pretty, nor the least bit pleasant, afterwards.

So, in summary, I have to give these a thumbs-up. My only regret, and it's a miniscule one, is that I wasn't able to test these new (to me) varieties while on a run. I didn't have especially hot conditions (but it always feels cooler on the bike LOL), and these rides, while longish, weren't super intense endeavors.  


By the way, if you're interested in trying any of these for yourself, check out the Science in Sport site HERE (not an affiliate link), and code BIBRAVE20GEL will save you 20%.

What do you use for fuel on your long runs or bike rides? Have your fueling needs changed over the years? Have you tried SiS gels before?

Here's some more reviews of the SiS gels from fellow BibRave Pros:

Steph, Sara , Amanda , Scott, Shannon, Ken, runirvana, Megan, Kim

I'm linking this with Kim and Zenaida for the Tuesday Topics Link-Up


I'm also linking with Debbie, DeborahLisaLaura and Jenn for the Runners' Roundup


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31 comments:

  1. I started off with SIS gels when I first started running longer (going past half-marathons) and I did like them, although I had some flavours I wasn't so keen on, of course (salted strawberry sounds amazing!). In the end I moved on to other brands, but simply out of practicality, because it takes me so long to do a marathon or mara training and the SIS, being more watery, were bigger packets and more to carry. So I went for the smallest possible unit for the most calories. But SIS got me through my first marathon!

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    1. Yes, the packets are a bit bigger than some other gel packets...but not needing the extra water to drink with them is a huge bonus for me ;-)

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    2. Yes, that is a really useful point as it's hard to get used to sip gel / sip water. I seem to have an iron constitution where gels are concerned though so do OK. I always recommend people try SIS first, though.

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  2. Aaah you had me at "do not need additional water". I've come to the conclusion that I need more fuel on long runs, but I've been stumped on how to carry more water to wash it down. You just gave me the missing piece!

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    1. These gels have been a great fit for me. Not needing the extra water is HUGE ;-)

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  3. The one reason why I hate gels is their horrible gooey and gluey consistency. I remember once nearly choking on one because I didn't have any water handy.

    All the more reason for me to try the SiS gels! It sounds good that they are more liquid and thinner than the usual gels. Nice!

    Btw, I really like your bike shirt in the last photo.

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    1. I agree, the thick gels are not user-friendly LOL And, with their thick texture, if the flavor is questionable, UGH...the flavor lingers forever.

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  4. I do really like SIS gels. But they are too big to put in my pocket. I stick to the smaller packages like GU.

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    1. GU was my go-to for years...but my tummy does not like it anymore, especially about an hour after the finish line.

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  5. Love your review! I really like these gels because they aren't too thick and the flavors are all pretty good (there are only 2 that I dislike).

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    1. I have never tried a flavor that I didn't like. Of course, there are some flavors that I like more than others...like the salted strawberry ;-)

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  6. I have used them for cycling before and really liked them. Salted strawberry sounds good.I will have to give that one a try too

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  7. I've never tried this brand! I have been so bad about taking fuel mid-run and need to get back in the habit. Maybe I'll give these a try! I like that you can take them without water.

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    1. I really appreciate the fact that you don't need the extra water...who wants to carry all that heavy stuff anyways, right? ;-)

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  8. I've heard of SIS gels but never tried them. I've been more interested in the newer gels like SIS and Maurten I should look into them, especially the electrolyte ones!

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  9. I have tried these! They were good but I need more hydration than they provide.

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  10. I've heard great things about SIS gels but have never tried them myself. Great review - and it's good to know that the flavors are on point and not too sweet!

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  11. I haven't tried SIS, although it's also been years since I used gels. Right now I actually just use saltstick chews, because I haven't run longer than 9 miles in forever & really don't need much for that.

    Sounds like these were a winner for you.

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  12. I've heard great things about these gels. I had no idea you did not need additional water. I haven't been doing long runs so I haven't had a need for gels or something like that, but this summer I used Tailwind and like it.

    Glad SIS is working out for you!

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    1. These really have worked out well for me...with running (prior to my injury), and especially with biking

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  13. Good to know! I've seen these gels, but I haven't need to use any kind of fuel in quite some time. It's nice to have options for when that time finally comes! Salted strawberry sounds yum.

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  14. I think I tried SIS once when it was a sample in a race goodie bag. I liked them but I'm not using gels too much these days as I've been trying different options that contain more protein/fat, which seems to sustain me better these days.

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    1. Fuel is such a personal thing. It took me awhile to find these ;-)

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  15. SIS gels are my go to for long runs and cycling! They really make fueling so simple.

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    1. Yes, they are so convenient, especially with not needing any excess water!

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