Calling all August and September subscribers and gift box recipients! Please take a quick moment and let us know what you thought about one of our featured products: LaceLocker. We hope you were all as excited as we were to have LaceLocker featured in your boxes for August and September!
As always, if you have any questions or comments about the products featured in our box. Contact Us.
Whether you’re masterminding subtle hints for your own wish list (wink, wink) or hunting for the perfect gift for the runner who has literally everything, don’t sweat it—we’ve got you.
These are the gifts they’ll actually use, love, and will probably brag about on their next group run.
Spoiler: you won’t find shoes here. Why? Because shoe shopping for someone else is a one-way ticket to Gift Fail City unless they already told you exactly what they want. (And if they did, what are you doing here?)
Think essentials, game-changers, and just the right amount of fun to keep them crushing miles (and looking good doing it).
For the Runner Who Has It All
The RunnerBox
Starting at $34
Yeah, we’re tooting our own horn here. But when Runner’s World says you’re the best, you don’t argue—you just deliver.
Curated gift box for for any athlete on your list? Check.
Subscription for the gift that keeps giving? Double check.
Trust us, this will have them smiling faster than their GPS finds satellites.
For the Runner Who Likes to Stands Out
A Sprints Hat
$32
Find me a runner who doesn’t want a Sprints hat, and I’ll drop and give you 20. These hats are vibes. Lightweight, comfy, and so fun they might just outrun everyone—just to show it off.
For the Runner Who’s Always Injured
Maji Foot and Calf Massager
$24.95
If you’re tired of hearing, “Can you rub my feet?” after every long run, here’s your solution. This massager is so good, you’ll probably never hear that question again. Win-win.
For the Runner Who is Rough Around the Edges
Avanza Cream for Rough Feet
$24
No more “Why do my heels sound like sandpaper?” or “Is this just how feet are now?” Just smooth, soft magic, baby. Foot-care game = leveled up.
For the Chocoholic Runner
FlavaNaturals Performance Chocolate
$5
It's chocolate that makes you a better runner. (OK, the “makes you a better runner” part isn’t technically verified, but it’s chocolate and it's good for you, so does it even matter?)
For the Runner Who Always Gets Sick
TruLean Greens and Wellness
$1.80/sigle (great stocking stuffer) or $54.99/bag
What’s the one thing runners want more than PRs? To NOT get sidelined by a cold. This greens + wellness combo is the superhero they didn’t know they needed for a sniffle-free winter.
For the Picky Runner
A Fuel Goods Gift Card
Starting at $25
Because the best gifts are the ones that don’t require a gift receipt. Let them pick for themselves—they’ll thank you with every perfectly fueled mile.
From stocking stuffers to next-level surprises, this guide is your ticket to winning the holiday gifting game for every runner on your list. Now, let’s make their miles merry and bright!
Ever felt that sudden, crushing fatigue halfway through a ride? That heavy-legged, fuzzy-brained moment when you realize you've completely bonked? You're not alone. The best cycling gels can help.
Consistent fueling is one of the easiest ways to improve your cycling performance. But how? Science-backed cycling gels are your friend!. This guide breaks down what makes an effective gel, what to look for, and how to fuel smarter in the saddle.
What Are Cycling Gels and Why Should You Use Them?
Energy gels are basically a super-concentrated shot of carbs — your body’s go-to fuel source. When you’re pushing it at medium or high intensity, your body munches on its stored carbs, called glycogen. But guess what? After about 60–90 minutes of hard riding, that tank starts to hit “E,” and you begin to slow down.
Carb gels swoop in like a superhero. They deliver a lightning-fast burst of energy that your stomach can suck right up and ship straight to those hard-working muscles. Plus, they’re ultra-portable, you barely have to chew them, and they’re easy to digest — a massive win when you're crushing the pedals.
The Fueling Numbers
When cycling, how many carbs you need per hour depends on the intensity and length of your ride. The old-school “30–60g/hour” rule is still a good starting point, but endurance science — and countless bonk-free riders — now back a higher range for longer or harder efforts:
30–60g/hour: Great for shorter spins or endurance rides under 2 hours.
60–90g/hour: The sweet spot for most cyclists training or racing 2–4 hours.
90–120g/hour: Advanced fueling for long races and back-to-back efforts — but only if you’ve trained your gut to handle it.
Pro tip: Your stomach is just as trainable as your legs. Start with smaller amounts and work up to higher carb intake over a few weeks of training.
A single energy gel typically delivers 20–25g of carbs, making it an easy building block toward those hourly targets. Combine gels with other fuel sources — like chews or carb-rich drink mixes — to customize your intake and keep energy steady.
How to Choose the Best Cycling Gels
Finding the top cycling gel for your body comes down to a few factors:
Carb Count and Ratio: The Power Punch
The main purpose of an endurance gel is energy, so look at the total grams of carbs per package. Stop the bonk in its tracks and refuel ASAP with the biggest carb hit.
Also, check the carb type. Pro-level gels mix glucose (or maltodextrin) with fructose. Why? This dynamic duo lets your body soak up way more energy (up to 90g an hour!) compared to glucose alone. A ratio of around 2:1 (glucose:fructose) is the gold standard for long-distance fueling.
Texture: Slurp or Sip
Some cycling gels are thick, so you’ll need a good gulp of water to wash them down. Look for thinner and more watery isotonic gels if you’d rather just slurp and go.
Tolerance: Tummy Testing
Although high-quality gels use gut-friendly ingredients, every cyclist’s stomach is different. Try out different options while training to find out what works best for you. No regrets: Never try a new gel on race day!.
Caffeine vs. No Caffeine: Cruise or Boost
Need to crush a hill or power through the final miles? A gel with 25mg–100mg of caffeine can be a game-changer.
Strategic power tip: Most riders stick to non-caffeinated options for the main part of the ride and save the caffeinated heroes to pack a punch for the finishing stretch.
Dietary Requirements: Everyone’s Included
Need something specific? Gels suit almost every requirement: gluten-free, vegan, nut-free, organic, sugar-free, and more. Fueling should be easy for everyone!
Taste: Happy Mouth, Happy Ride!
If it tastes bad, you won't use it — it’s that simple. From fruity explosions and creamy vanilla to rich chocolate and flavor-free options, find a taste you genuinely enjoy.
Top Picks: Popular Carbohydrate Gels for Cycling
Although the best cycling gel for you comes down to personal taste and other must-haves, best-sellers include:
Product
Total Carbohydrate
Ingredients
What Athletes Love
Best Use Case
Maurten GEL 100 / Maurten GEL 100 CAF 100
25g
Water, Glucose, Fructose, Calcium Carbonate, Gluconic Acid, Sodium Alginate (Caffeine in caffeinated version)
Hydrogel technology for easy digestion, no water needed, complies with varying dietary requirements, caffeinated version available
Intense training and races
Precision Fuel - PF 30 Gel
30g
Maltodextrin, Water, Fructose, Gelling Agent (Pectin), Acidity Regulator (Citric Acid), Calcium Lactate, Preservative (Potassium Sorbate)
High carb content, no water needed, light flavor
Intense training, long rides
Carbs Fuel Energy Gel
50g
Water, Maltodextrin, Sucrose, Fructose, Acidity Regulators (Citric Acid, Sodium Citrate), Sodium Chloride
Easy to carry, affordable, high carbs
Training
Huma Plus - Strawberry Lemonade
21g
Grape Juice Concentrate, Brown Rice Syrup, Lemon Juice, Strawberry Puree, Water, Powdered Chia Seeds, Strawberry Concentrate, Sea Salt, Coconut Water Powder, Natural Caffeine
Flavor, all-natural ingredients
Training, long rides
Fueling Strategy: Tips for Using Energy Gels on the Bike
Want to get the most juice out of your pocket fuel? Follow these three golden rules:
Fuel early and often: Take your first gel about 45 minutes into your ride. After that, aim for one every 30–45 minutes, depending on the carb count of your other fuel sources.
Hydrate: Unless you're using an isotonic gel, always chase the gel with a few big swigs of water or a sports drink.
Train your gut: We’ll say it louder for the people in the back: Never try a new gel or flavor on race day! Your stomach deserves a rehearsal, too!
Find Your Best Cycling Fuel
The best cycling gel for you tastes good, doesn’t upset your stomach, and reliably delivers the boost you need, when you need it. Use My Fuel Finder for free, personalized recommendations, and find your best cycling gel mate that makes you feel strong, energized, and ready to power through the distance.
Or to get easy, curated fuels handpicked by the pros delivered every other month — shop the RiderBox.
When we started Fuel Goods, we had one goal: make it easier for athletes to fuel the way they deserve — with intention, insight, and joy. Not chaos, not guesswork, and definitely not the one-size-fits-all approach that’s dominated endurance sports for too long.
So when we met Emily Hawgood, we felt it immediately. The spark. The alignment. The “yes, she gets it” moment.
The Kind of Athlete Who Lifts the Sport
Emily doesn’t just race — she radiates. Originally from Zimbabwe, now lighting up the international ultra and trail running scene, she’s the rare kind of athlete who leads with both grit and grace. Whether she’s chasing podiums at Western States or cheering for the person chasing cutoffs, she brings the same energy: give your all, and lift others while you’re at it.
That’s exactly what we believe in at Fuel Goods.
Fueling Smarter, Together
At Fuel Goods, we’re obsessed with helping athletes understand their fueling — what works for their physiology, their training, and their goals. Emily’s approach to racing mirrors our approach to building: test, learn, adapt, and trust the process.
What Comes Next
This partnership isn’t about putting another logo on a singlet. It’s about pushing the sport forward. Together, we’ll be exploring how smarter fueling can unlock potential, create community, and redefine what’s possible for endurance athletes around the world.
As Emily says:
“Fueling is such a critical part of racing — and it’s something I’ve learned the hard way through both success and setbacks. Having a platform that gives athletes confidence in their nutrition is game-changing.”
We couldn’t agree more.
Welcome to Team Fuel Goods, Emily — let’s make fueling easier, smarter, and more inspiring than ever.
Want to Fuel Like Emily?
She's created a store loaded with her favorites. Shop Emily's Team Store
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Imagine your fuel arriving right when you need it, no reminders, no reordering—just perfect timing. Our Autoship program allows you to get fuel delivered on a schedule that works for you while you sit back and save.
Benefits:
Savings every timeSave 20% on your first order and 5% on every order after that. It's like getting rewarded for sticking to your fueling routine.
Choose your own scheduleSet up your deliveries to align with your training so you're always dialed
Never run out of your essentialsNo more panic-fueling with subpar nutrition because that's "what you had"
Hassle-free adjustments anytimeNeed to pause, skip, or switch things up? You've got the flexibility to make changes whenever you need—because life (and training) happens.