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Running Nutrition & Performance Blogs — Ascend

Learn about energy gels, electrolytes and almost everything in the space of nutritional supplements to get your PBs in your next race.

Flat lay of fat sources and carbohydrate sources side by side — nuts, avocado and dark chocolate on one side, banana, oats, dates and an energy gel on the other — illustrating the two primary fuel systems the body uses during endurance activity
Energy gels
Fat vs. Carbs: Which Fuel System Does Your Body Use During an Endurance Activity?

Your body runs on two fuels — fat and carbs — but not in equal measure. Here's how each one works, when your body switches between them and why that matters on race day.

Indian male runner consuming an energy gel during a long training run, illustrating the importance of practising race-day fuelling to train the gut for endurance events
Energy gels
Why Should Your Endurance Training Include Gut Training as Well?

Your legs are trained. Your mind is ready. But is your gut? Here's why neglecting gut training is one of the most common — and costly — mistakes endurance runners make.

Runner consuming a hypotonic gel during a short training run, illustrating how diluted, easy-to-absorb gels suit lower-intensity or shorter duration exercise
Energy gels
Hypertonic vs Isotonic vs Hypotonic Gels: What's the Difference?

Hypotonic, isotonic, hypertonic — three types of gels, three very different jobs. Here's what sets them apart and which one your gut will thank you for on race day.

A professional walking on a hot city street with visible sweat, showing that electrolyte loss happens outside of workouts too
Electrolytes
Should You Consume Electrolytes When You Are Not Working Out?

Your brain connects electrolytes to sport. But your body loses them anytime it sweats — and that happens more often than you think.

Energy gel packet and sports drink mix bottle side by side, representing the two primary fuelling tools for marathon runners and when to use each
Energy gels
Energy Gels vs. Sports Drink Mixes: What to Use and When

Gels or drink mixes — which one wins? Neither. They do completely different jobs. Here's how to use both to build a fuelling plan that actually holds up across 42 kilometres.

A plain glass of water beside a glass with electrolyte powder being mixed in, illustrating the difference between water-only and electrolyte hydration
Electrolytes
Is Water Enough for Hydration or Do You Need Electrolytes?

Plain water quenches thirst. But during endurance activities, it may not be enough — and too much of it can actually work against you. Here's what you need to know.

Indian marathon runner tearing open an energy gel mid-race, illustrating the importance of on-the-go carbohydrate fuelling during a marathon
Energy gels
Do You Need to Consume Energy Gels While Running a Marathon and Why?

Your body can only store enough carbs for 2–3 hours of running. The marathon takes longer than that. Here's why energy gels aren't optional — and how many you actually need.

Indian marathon runner pulling out an energy gel early in a race, looking strong and composed — illustrating the importance of fuelling on schedule before fatigue sets in
Energy gels
Should You Consume a Gel Even When You Think You Don't Need It?

Feeling good at kilometre 10? That's exactly why you should take your gel now — not later. Here's the science behind fuelling before you need it.

Indian endurance runner post-race, seated and recovering, pouring an electrolyte drink from a bottle into a cup, visible sweat on face and arms, warm outdoor light. Candid documentary-style sports photography, authentic fatigue and recovery expression.
Electrolytes
What Is Sweat Rate? How To Calculate It & Rehydrate Accordingly?

Knowing your sweat rate is the difference between guessing your hydration and getting it right. Here's the simple formula every fitness enthusiast should know.

Dark running shirt with visible white salt marks after a long workout, showing electrolyte loss through sweat
Electrolytes
Why Do I Get White Lines on My Body and Clothes After a Workout?

Those white marks on your skin and kit after a run aren't dirt. They're salt — and they're telling you something important about your hydration.

Close-up of a runner's arm with sweat droplets mid-run — illustrating electrolyte loss through sweat
Electrolytes
What Are Electrolytes & How Do They Power Every Move Your Body Makes?

Think of your body as an electrical grid. Electrolytes are what keep the current flowing — here's how.

Indian male athlete mid bench press rep with visible sweat, representing electrolyte loss during gym workouts
Electrolytes
Do You Need Electrolytes If You're Working Out at the Gym?

Even in a chilly, air-conditioned gym, your body is sweating — and losing more than just water. Here's what you need to know.

Simple Yet Complex: Understanding Carbohydrates
Energy gels
Simple Yet Complex: Understanding Carbohydrates

Carbs don't just give you energy — they are your engine's primary fuel. Here's the fascinating science of how they power every step of your run.

Does Caffeine Improve Performance In An Endurance Sport?
Energy gels
Does Caffeine Improve Performance In An Endurance Sport?

Caffeine doesn't give you energy like food does. It changes how your brain perceives effort — and that changes everything on race day.

How are Electrolytes different from ORS and Sports Drinks?
Electrolytes
How are Electrolytes different from ORS and Sports Drinks?

Think of electrolytes, ORS and sports drinks like tools in a toolbox — a screwdriver, a wrench and a hammer. All useful, but for very different jobs. Here's how to choose the right one.

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