November 4, 2025

Top 6 Gift Ideas for Marathon Runners

by Laura Jorgensen in Articles

Have you got a runner in your life? Maybe their birthday is right around the corner. Or you've drawn them in your office Secret Santa. Or perhaps you want to celebrate that special someone just because. Whatever the reason, you're on the hunt for the best gift for runners — the perfect present idea they'll use run after run. This guide has you covered. Here are the top six gift ideas for marathon runners.

1. Fuel Goods’ Runner Box

A marathoner eats like it’s part of the job. That's because it is! The RunnerBox by Fuel Goods makes it easy to send smart fuel that tastes amazing and is packed full of energy. Each box includes real-food snacks and energy boosters tested and hand-selected by runners. You'll find a few hydration and recovery options, too.

There's over $50 of premium, curated fuel and gear in each box, as well as a cheeky discount and Instant Fuel Cash to spend right here at Fuel Goods!

Gift the runner in your life a one-off or a subscription.

2. Running Sunglasses

If you've ever run a couple of miles, you know firsthand how frustrating it can be constantly shoving your sunglasses back up your nose. A pair of running sunglasses solves this problem. A good pair stays put, cuts glare, and doesn’t fog up mid-run. Lightweight performance shades with grippy frames give runners what they need: sun protection without the bounce.

For a higher-end option, explore Oakley's collection of running sunglasses. On the cheaper side, goodr offers tons of award-winning glasses in a bunch of fun colors and styles. There's something for everyone!

3. Recovery Gear

Recovery is as much a part of the running journey as training. You can't get better if you don't give your body plenty of time and support between runs. Give the gift of recovery with a massager or two. The Fuel Goods Massage Ball is firm and a really great option for ironing out those stubborn knots in calves or thighs. The Maji Massager takes it up a level. It’s shaped for deep muscle work and travel-friendly enough to live in a gym bag.

4. Running Hat

Hot weather, cold wind, or mid-race sweat — a reliable hat can handle it all. Sprints OG Hats combine fun prints with no-nonsense function. Each one uses lightweight, breathable fabric and features adjustable sizing.

Whether your runner wants to wear pickles, doughnuts, turtles, or bright colors on their head, these hats keep sweat out of their eyes and their personality on full display.

5. Hydration Bottles

Race training burns through fluids. A bottle that’s easy to carry, squeeze, or sip on the go makes rehydrating less of a chore. Fuel Goods stocks a few standouts, including the HydraPak SkyFlask™ Speed and the compact Hydrapak Soft Flask. Both fit in belts or vests, too.

For daily use or protein mixes, the Fuel Goods Protein Shaker does the job.

6. Running Socks

Shoes are important. Most runners know that. But never underestimate the power of a good pair of socks. Marathoners need socks that won't bunch or twist on the go and don't wear out after two washes.

Check out Balega Running Socks. They're engineered for high-impact performance with designs backed by 20 years of research.

Shop Gift Ideas for Marathon Runners Now

The RunnerBox by Fuel Goods makes thoughtful gift giving as easy as can be. Explore the cool gift ideas for marathon runners listed in this article, and discover the ideal snack, recovery tool, clothing item, or piece of equipment for the runner in your life. Ready? Get set. Shop!

October 28, 2025

Best Cycling Gels: Your Guide to Fueling Smarter on the Bike

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.

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October 10, 2025

Why We Partnered with Emily Hawgood

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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August 18, 2025

Breaking Down The August/September RunnerBox

Words I like: New. Fresh. Understood the assignment. Words I don’t like: Overpaying. Stale fuel. Empty miles. For those of you new here: Every other month we pick 10–12 of our favorite products and put them straight into The RunnerBox. It's the best deal on our website. 💸 You get over $50 of our favorite fuel + gear 🔥 Plus $10 Fuel Cash to spend on anything at Fuel Goods. 🏃 Plus HUGE member discounts across our site. Runner math = you never pay full price for fuel (The only math we like.) Get The Runnerbox® Here's everything we picked for this edition. BRAND NEW TO THE WORLD 🌀 Tailwind Recovery - this updated formula just hit shelves. More protein. Better flavor. Easier to mix. 🧇 Honey Stinger Peanut Butter Waffles - We dropped these on the marketplace last month. They flew. The waffles you already love + peanut butter. Dangerous. 🍊 Honey Stinger Citrus Chews - Not one flavor. Not two. THREE. Think a pack of Starburst for runners. I'm obsessed. OTHER GEMS WE LOVE 🍎 Näak Ultra Energy Purée – When Courteney found out Spring was a crock, she went hunting. She found Naak. If you have a senstive gut, you'll love this. 💪 ADDRA Protein Bar – Made with leucine (the amino that tells your mucles to rebuild.) Has cookie dough vibes. 💧 N2 Hydration Mix x 3 - Zero sugar. Ocean-sourced minerals. I heard seaweed and thought nope. Turns out… delicious. 🧼Fuel Goods Performance Towel – Ordered becuase we couldn't get Courteney to stop using her shirt. Loved it so much we thought you'd need it, too. 🦶 HEALI Cooling Therapeutic Tape – Kineisology tape leveled up with menthol and magnesium. I've been sticking it everywhere. 🥜 B’Cuz Granola Bites (3-pack!) – Hide them, or you’ll have none left. Just ask Michael. 🧼 Defense Bar Soap – Made for athletes. Fights grime + sweat, still gentle on skin. Those are the picks. The fuel we're using. The snacks we're hoarding. The gear we're fighting over at HQ. And it's all boxed up and ready for your long run. Get The RunnerBox today. Fuel On, Laura P.S. Not ready to subscribe? You can still grab any of these products individually But… you’ll miss the $10 Fuel Cash + discounts. Just sayin'.

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