I usually hit a wall during long cycling rides or marathons. How do the gels and drinks in this 'Sustained Energy' collection stop that dreaded energy crash, and what's the difference between them and something for Short Distance Fuelling?

Our 'Sustained Energy for Training & Racing' collection is specifically designed to provide a steady release of energy, preventing the sharp peaks and subsequent crashes you experience with quick-fix sugars. Unlike products focused solely on immediate power for Short Distance Fuelling, these endurance gels, drinks, and bars contain a blend of carbohydrates (like maltodextrin and fructose) and sometimes electrolytes. This combination is formulated for slower absorption, delivering consistent fuel to your muscles over longer periods. Using them proactively, before you feel your energy dipping, is key to maintaining performance and avoiding that 'bonk'.

When I'm out for a multi-hour run or on a long bike commute, when should I start taking these energy gels or sipping the endurance drinks to get the most benefit?

For optimal sustained energy, it's best to start fueling proactively, not reactively. Aim to consume your first energy gel or start sipping your endurance drink about 45-60 minutes into your activity. After that, continue to take fluids or gels every 30-45 minutes, depending on the intensity and duration. Our real-food bars can be great as a mid-activity snack or even before longer sessions for a more complex energy source. Listen to your body, but the goal is to keep your energy levels topped up before they dip significantly, which is different from the immediate boost needed for Short Distance Fuelling.

I'm a triathlete and need reliable fuel for both training and race day. Are these products suitable for all three disciplines (swim, bike, run), and how can I use the real-food bars effectively without feeling too heavy?

Absolutely! Our 'Sustained Energy' products are versatile for all endurance disciplines. For swimming, focus on pre-race fueling with a bar or drink if needed, and rely on gels/drinks during long training sessions. For cycling and running, they are ideal for on-the-go fueling as described earlier. To use real-food bars effectively without feeling heavy, opt for smaller bites during your activity rather than whole bars at once, especially for swimming or running. They provide a mix of carbs, protein, and fats for more comprehensive energy, making them excellent for keeping you going during long, sustained efforts, and are a more substantial option than typical Short Distance Fuelling choices.

I'm worried about stomach issues during long races. How do the energy gels and drinks in this collection compare to other brands, and are they easy on the stomach for marathon running or triathlon?

We understand that stomach comfort is crucial for endurance athletes. Our 'Sustained Energy' gels and drinks are formulated with specific carbohydrate blends and electrolytes chosen for efficient absorption and digestibility. Many athletes find them significantly easier on the stomach than options that rely heavily on simple sugars, which can often lead to gastrointestinal distress. We recommend practicing with them during your training sessions – just like you would with any nutrition strategy, including those for Short Distance Fuelling – to find what works best for your individual digestive system. This trial period will build your confidence for race day.

Collection: Short Distance Fuelling

Short distance fuelling — up to ~3 hours. Clean complex carbs, steady energy, no sugar spikes. Trusted by runners, cyclists and triathletes for nearly 40 years.

Shop HEED → Shop Hammer Gel → Shop Hammer Bars →What to Use & When

Foundation fuel (up to ~3 hours): HEED Sports Drink — hydration + complex carbs + 6 electrolytes in one bottle; citric acid-free; no added sugars
Extra calories or higher intensity: Add Hammer Gel — fast, portable energy; easy to digest; pairs perfectly with HEED
Longer training sessions approaching 3 hours: Hammer Bars — 100% organic real-food fuel; soft, easy to eat on the move
Electrolytes: Endurolytes — pair with any fuel to replace minerals lost through sweat
Going beyond 3 hours? Switch to Perpetuem for sustained multi-hour fuel
After your session: Recoverite to support recovery
Read our FREE 5 Secrets to Success guide

Why Short Distance Fuelling Matters

Even events lasting 1–3 hours place significant demands on your body's energy stores. Starting with a smart nutrition plan and maintaining steady calorie intake helps preserve glycogen, delay fatigue and support sustained power output. Hammer Nutrition's short-distance fuels are designed to help you maintain pace, power and concentration — without the energy highs and lows of high-sugar sports nutrition.

Sport-Specific Notes

Runners: HEED + Hammer Gel for 10K to marathon; Gel in the closing kilometres when intensity rises
Cyclists: HEED in the bottle; Hammer Gel for decisive climbs or criterium efforts; Bars for longer training rides
Triathletes: HEED on the bike; Hammer Gel for transitions and run leg; gentle on the digestive system across all three disciplines

Drink Drinker or Water Drinker?

Drink Drinkers — use HEED for combined fuel + hydration; simpler, fewer products to carry
Water Drinkers — drink plain water; take calories separately via Hammer Gel or Bars; more flexibility in hot weather

Read the full Drink Drinker vs Water Drinker guide →

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Starter Kits — new to Hammer? Sample gels, drinks, electrolytes and recovery products before committing to full sizes
All Electrolytes — Endurolytes, Endurolytes Extreme, Fizz and more for all conditions

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I love Hammer Products... they never upset my stomach and I’ve got a sensitive one. Their products are great and reasonably priced. Plus, you can’t beat the customer service, I’ve never had a company call to make sure I like their products and do I have any questions? What!!! Nice added touch & I’ll continue to use this company. Thanks for going above & beyond.

Quality products without anything artificial. No gimmicks. No hype, just pure supplements that do why they say they will. My favorite products, in no particular order: Cola Fizz, Fully Charged, Perpetuem (Strawberry and Caffe Latte), Hammer Gel (Peanut Butter Chocolate), Chocolate Recoverite (Vegan now), Tissue Rejuvenator, and Essential Mg.

When you want proven, well-planned, and CLEAN athletic nutritional products, HAMMER is second to none. I LOVE the protein bars; both whey and vegan. Other amazing items I use regularly are Endurolytes Extreme capsules, Recoverite, Perpetuem Solids, and several of their wonderful supplements.

Their motto - Fuel Right, Feel Great - is totally accurate! Hammer does its research and provides supplements to optimize my training. I’m 68 years old and can race at the top level in master's events BECAUSE I follow their advice: Fuel Right, Feel Great.

Collection: Short Distance Fuelling

Why Short Distance Fuelling Matters

Sport-Specific Notes

Drink Drinker or Water Drinker?

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