Science in Sport Review

Science in Sport

Product Review

Disclaimer: I received SiS isotonic 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!The latest product I've gotten the opportunity to test is a sample of energy gels from Science in Sport. I've used Science in Sport in the past but this was my first experience with a few different brands and flavors of their gels.My first experience with Science in Sport was at the expo for Rock 'n' Roll Philly last fall and their booth is actually where I met my now coach who is an ambassador for the brand. SiS is the current on-course nutrition at Rock 'n' Roll Races so they were also my gel choice for the RnR DC Marathon this spring as well.If you've never used gels before on your run, the basic idea is that it's a fast and easy way to get carbs and electrolytes into your system mid-run. Getting enough fuel can be a challenge during tougher and longer workouts so you need something you can digest efficiently. That's where Science in Sport comes in.

Isotonic Gels

One of the most common issues runners have with gels is with the consistency. Sometimes they're just too thick or tacky to be able to consume quickly and they need to be washed down with something. By creating the first isotonic gels, Science in Sport has designed a line of energy gels meant to be consumed without any additional water.This makes them perfect for races because they're a lot easier to eat quickly and you don't need any additional fluid because it's all contained in the gel. Because of the added water content, the nutrients in the gel also digest more quickly and efficiently so there's a lot less risk of any kind of bloating or discomfort.

Types

As I mentioned, I'd had experience with Science in Sport from my last couple of Rock 'n' Roll Races but I'd only ever had their traditional Isotonic Go Gels. This was my first experience with their +Electrolyte and +Caffeine blends.

Go Gel

As I mentioned, I'd run with their Go gels in the past in training and during my last Marathon and Half Marathon PRs. The Go Gel is primarily designed as a fuel source during endurance sports to replenish your carbohydrate stores. A simple, quick, and efficient form of fuel to keep you energized and offset fatigue during a workout or race.

+Electrolytes

Similar to the Go Gel, the + Electrolyte blend has the same carbs you need on the run but also has the added benefit of replacing the electrolytes you lose through your sweat. The flavors of the +Electrolyte gels are also AWESOME; Salted Strawberry and Lemon Mint. The Lemon Mint is especially refreshing during these hot summer runs.

+Caffeine

Lastly, I got to try out the +Caffeine gels which pack a punch. As with the other gels, they've got the 22 grams of carbohydrates but also pack a whopping 150mg of caffeine. As someone who doesn't consume too much caffeine regularly, I only used these gels for particularly brutal workouts. I am planning to save a couple for my ultramarathon though. Especially after sunset to give me the boost I need to make it to the finish.

Packet Size

The last thing I wanted to touch on is the size of the gel packs. Because of the added water content, the gels are a bit larger than your traditional energy gel. Personally, this hasn't been an issue for me because I'm usually wearing a hydration pack on the runs that are long enough for me to want a gel so I just carry them in there. If I were in my running shorts they may feel a bit bulky in the small pockets.

Final Thoughts

Since Rock 'n' Roll made the switch to using Science in Sport gels on course, they've quickly become my go-to choice lately. I can't overstate how delicious the new Lemon-Mint flavor is! That'll be hard to beat for me. The gels may not fit as easily into a tight pocket but, like I said, that's pretty easy to work around.I would definitely recommend them, especially if you're in the market for an easily digestible fuel source for your runs. And, for a limited time you can save 25% on your order if you use the code TRYSIS25 on their website.Cheers!