Training & Nutrition - Gels and tummy problems.

Today I went out for a 2 hour ride at a normal pace (14-15 mph). Before leaving I had one Powerbar Vanilla gel (no caffeine) and about 12 oz of water. At the one hour mark, I downed a Powerbar Green Apple gel (1x caffeine) along with plenty of water. Shortly after getting home, lets just say I had to "take the browns to the superbowl". So I'm thinking, is taking too much gel is like a diahrettic? I drank what I thought was plenty of water inbetween gel feedings.

Anyone else experience this?

Some people say caffeine is a diuretic. It doesn't affect me that way but it may you. Do you normally use gels?

I never use gels so I don't know much, but all the guys I know that use gels say to make sure you also get some solid food into your stomach or else eating just the gels and water causes problems.

Gels == Blech!

Some people say caffeine is a diuretic. It doesn't affect me that way but it may you. Do you normally use gels?

Not too often. If I'm out of Gator/Powerade, I'll take a few along for the ride. I guess it might be because of an empty stomach. I usually don't eat much before a ride more than 30 miles. Usually just water and a bagel.

I wouldn't take/eat anything on a 2-hour ride. I usually have a gel along in case my ride goes unexpectedly long, or if I really am feeling bonkish, but I almost never need to resort to it on a ride that short. I certainly wouldn't take one before the ride.

Caffeine is a digestive tract irritant.

Eat whole foods.