Gels - fueling your run

Another week's training almost over!  I use a thick black marker pen to strike through that week on the schedule - very satisfying!
Our long Saturday run this week jumped up to 12 miles and we returned to the road after a few weeks of cross country.  Luckily the weather has been very mild so no ice problems, although it was very gusty this morning.
Apart from increasing your distance each week, the long run also gives you an opportunity to test out how much water and food you need to take on.  I eat a good breakfast before I run but even so after an hour or so's running, you need to give your body some extra energy.  Whilst a bacon sandwich is appealing, it would be quite hard to eat on the go.  You need something that's easy for your body to digest, which is where energy gels come in.  You do need to see how gels affect you before taking them in a race situation.  I took a Lucozade one at last year's Reading half marathon and, despite having used them for London last time without problems, got terrible stomach cramps. 
This year, I'm trying SIS Go Gels - currently tropical flavour as they were the only ones I could find in our cupboard but I may change to blackcurrant when I buy new ones!

You don't actually need to take water with these, which is also an advantage.  On longer runs, I do carry water.  I've been having a problem with my hand held water bottle for a while in that it kept leaking.  This was lovely in the summer (as I ran it sprayed us with water to keep us cool) but not appreciated so much as I soaked my fellow runners today!  Luckily, Sarah was on hand and actually closed it for me - ooopppss!
The actual run went well.  We covered the 12 miles in 2 hours 10 minutes.  Most of our runs are pretty scenic but this one has a part at 6 to 7.5 miles which takes you through an industrial estate.  Of course, it had to be here where the wind was worst and right in our faces.  We unintentionally sped up here (trying to get that bit over with!) and did marathon pace for that part.  Not part of the original plan but good training.
Well done to Sam who ran 2 miles further than she'd ever run before - and sprinted up the final hill!