Sweatr blog
The science behind performing on race day
Guides, deep-dives, and practical advice for runners, cyclists, and triathletes who want to get their fueling right.
Caffeine in Your Racing Gels: How Much Helps, When to Take It, and When to Skip It
A practical guide to caffeine dosing and timing in racing gels so you get the boost without the gut bomb.
How to Find Your Personal Carb Ceiling — Why 90g Per Hour Isn't Right for Everyone
The 60-90g carb advice is too vague. Here's how to find the number that actually works for your body, pace, and race distance.
Do You Even Need Gels for a Half Marathon?
A first-timer's honest guide to whether you need gels, how many, and when to take them during your half marathon.
Hydrogels, Isotonic Gels, and Traditional Gels: Which One Should You Race With?
A science-backed comparison of the three main gel types to help you pick the right fuel for your next race.
Fueling a 3-Hour vs 5-Hour Marathon: Why One Plan Doesn't Fit All
A 5-hour marathoner needs a completely different fueling strategy than a 3-hour runner. Here's exactly how pace changes everything.
How to Train Your Gut to Handle 90g of Carbs Per Hour
A 12-week protocol to build carb tolerance for race day so you can fuel harder without GI distress.
115 Grams Per Hour: What Sawe's Sub-2 Marathon Teaches You About Fueling
Sawe fueled his 1:59 marathon on 115g carbs/hour. Here's what his protocol reveals about building your own race-day fueling plan.
Real Food vs Gels: What Should You Actually Fuel With on Race Day?
Gels aren't the only option. Here's how to choose between real food and gels based on your pace, distance, and stomach.
The 3 Biggest Nutrition Mistakes Runners Make in the Final 3 Weeks Before a Marathon
Most marathoners sabotage race day before the gun fires. Avoid these three taper-phase nutrition mistakes.
How to Fuel a Half Marathon: The Complete Plan by Finishing Time
Your half marathon fueling plan depends on your pace, not generic advice. Here's exactly what to eat and drink by finishing time.
You Bonked at Mile 22 Despite a Fueling Plan — Here's What Went Wrong
Had a fueling plan and still hit the wall? These five mistakes explain why — and how to fix them before your next race.
Why Your Energy Gels Make You Feel Sick — And How to Fix It
Gel nausea isn't about the brand. It's about timing, carb load, and a gut that hasn't been trained. Here's the science and the fix.
How Many Gels Per Hour Do You Actually Need? A Marathon Fueling Plan by Finishing Time
Generic gel advice ignores your finishing time. Here is a per-hour fueling plan for sub-3 to 5-hour marathoners — plus why slower runners need more, not less.
Why Do Gels Make You Feel Sick? How to Train Your Gut for Race Day
GI distress ruins more races than tired legs. Here's the science behind gel nausea and a practical gut training protocol.
When to take your first gel during a marathon
Most runners take gels too late, wait too long between them, and end up bonking despite carrying the right number. Here's the timing strategy that actually works.