Gel packet hack?

Running
1

Sometimes I struggle to rip open gel packets during a marathon (sweaty hands, fingers, etc)

I tried pre-cutting the tops but my pockets become a goopy mess.

Any suggestions?

2

You are cutting too much, just a tiny cut is all that is needed, not all the way through, works fine.

1 Like
3

Pre-slice, then put them in a Zip-Lock - zipping it is up to you; you’re just adding a barrier layer, so ya don’t gunk yer pocket

4

Buy a gel flask, and make your own. No mess and way easier!

2 Likes
5

Teeth.

Bite, yank, spit, gooo

2 Likes
6

This just in … just when we thought everything was getting DE-regulated

7

When the title said “graphic” I had a different definition in mind. something more profane, and offensive.

2 Likes
8

I have to agree on the Strawberry Banana flavour GU. I get a variety pack and between that and Salted Watermelon are the ones I attribute to mental toughness training.

1 Like
9

Anytime I struggle with tearing the gel pak open due to sweaty hands, etc. i have just bit down on the tab with me teeth and torn. That always has worked for me. I also have made homemade packs before. I just put the gu in plastic wrap and tie it off. The plastic wrap is even easer to tear with your teeth. :slight_smile:

10

My mom - in some of her clearer moments - would scream at me “Teeth are NOT tools!!!”

For that reason (regarding gels, anyway) I would always make sure I knew where something with sort of an edge might be: a key I’m holding while running, a stick I might find, a sharp corner on my bike

Just a clever monkey, I’d be

11

I am NOT going carry anything sharp or with an edge on it to race with me. Tearing it with your teeth takes half a second. I know that you are making that $300 equipment upgrade to save you 5 seconds so why would you waste time fumbling around in a tool kit on the bike, looking for a sharp stick (cave man tool?), etc. I can understand the teeth not tools things. I am not suggesting that be the primary method for getting to your gu. I have only had to resort to the teeth 2-3 times during races when in desperation. On a training workout I am fine with parking my bike looking for tools and slowly savoring a gu pack for 5 minutes.