Psychological effects of energy gels: An investigation into runners’ energy gel choice and consumption strategies in marathon running | Intellect Skip to content
1981
  1. Home
  2. A-Z Publications
  3. International Journal of Food Design
  4. Volume 7, Issue 1
  5. Article
Volume 7, Issue 1
  • ISSN: 2056-6522
  • E-ISSN: 2056-6530
file format pdf download PDF

Abstract

Marathon running is a physical and mental activity. Runners consume high-energy food products to fill their glycogen stores for maintaining their marathon performance. This makes consuming carbohydrates, mainly in the form of energy gels, an essential part of marathon running. While previous research demonstrates significant physiological effects of these high-energy food products on performance, their psychological effects, which could benefit from and shed light on food design studies, have been underexplored. This article explores these effects with two participant studies, a narrative study ( = 10) and a survey ( = 39). The inquiries start with understanding the psychology of marathon runners and examining the psychological effects of energy gels on marathon running. The results showed that the marathon runners follow a self-identified energy gel consumption strategy during marathon running. Several qualities of energy gels influence these strategies and the meanings marathon runners attach to energy gel consumption. The findings elucidated a novel area of food design research by unveiling the nature of the non-nutritional interactions between runner and energy gels consumed in marathon running.

© 2022 The Author(s) Published by Intellect Ltd.
This article is Open Access under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International licence (CC-BY 4.0), which permits unrestricted use, distribution and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. The CC BY licence permits commercial and noncommercial reuse. To view a copy of the licence, visit https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
Loading

Article metrics loading...

/content/journals/10.1386/ijfd_00036_1
2022-04-01
2024-04-19
Loading full text...

Full text loading...

/deliver/fulltext/ijfd/7/1/ijfd.7.1.59.html?itemId=/content/journals/10.1386/ijfd_00036_1&mimeType=html&fmt=ahah

References

  1. Andersen, J. J.. ( 2019;), ‘ The state of running 2019. ’, https://runrepeat.com/state-of-running. Accessed 1 June 2022.
  2. Beck, K. L.,, Thomson, J. S.,, Swift, R. J., and Von Hurst, P. R.. ( 2015;), ‘ Role of nutrition in performance enhancement and postexercise recovery. ’, Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 6, p. 259.
     [Google Scholar]
  3. Bompa, T., and Buzzichelli, C.. ( 2015), Periodization Training for Sports, , 3rd ed.., Champaign, IL:: Human Kinetics;.
     [Google Scholar]
  4. Bowen, G. A.. ( 2008;), ‘ Naturalistic inquiry and the saturation concept: A research note. ’, Qualitative Research, 8:1, pp. 137–52.
     [Google Scholar]
  5. Burke, L. M.,, Hawley, J. A.,, Wong, S. H., and Jeukendrup, A. E.. ( 2011;), ‘ Carbohydrates for training and competition. ’, Journal of Sports Sciences, 29:sup1, pp. S17–27.
     [Google Scholar]
  6. Burke, L. M.,, Jeukendrup, A. E.,, Jones, A. M., and Mooses, M.. ( 2019;), ‘ Contemporary nutrition strategies to optimize performance in distance runners and race walkers. ’, International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 29:2, pp. 117–29.
     [Google Scholar]
  7. Campbell, C.,, Prince, D.,, Braun, M.,, Applegate, E., and Casazza, G. A.. ( 2008;), ‘ Carbohydrate-supplement form and exercise performance. ’, International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 18:2, pp. 179–90.
     [Google Scholar]
  8. Chase, S. E.. ( 2003;), ‘ Taking narrative seriously: Consequences for method and theory in interview studies. ’, in Y. S. Lincoln, and N. K. Denzin. (eds), Turning Points in Qualitative Research: Tying Knots in a Handkerchief, vol. 3, Blue Ridge Summit, PA:: Alta Mira Press;, pp. 273–98.
     [Google Scholar]
  9. Close, G. L.,, Hamilton, D. L.,, Philp, A.,, Burke, L. M., and Morton, J. P.. ( 2016;), ‘ New strategies in sport nutrition to increase exercise performance. ’, Free Radical Biology and Medicine, 98, pp. 144–58.
     [Google Scholar]
  10. Costa, R. J.,, Knechtle, B.,, Tarnopolsky, M., and Hoffman, M. D.. ( 2019;), ‘ Nutrition for ultramarathon running: Trail, track, and road. ’, International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 29:2, pp. 130–40.
     [Google Scholar]
  11. Coyle, E. F.. ( 2004;), ‘ Fluid and fuel intake during exercise. ’, Journal of Sports Sciences, 22:1, pp. 39–55.
     [Google Scholar]
  12. Coyne, I. T.. ( 1997;), ‘ Sampling in qualitative research: Purposeful and theoretical sampling – Merging or clear boundaries?. ’, Journal of Advanced Nursing, 26:3, pp. 623–30.
     [Google Scholar]
  13. Georgakopoulou, A.. ( 2006;), ‘ Thinking big with small stories in narrative and identity analysis. ’, Narrative Inquiry, 16:1, pp. 122–30.
     [Google Scholar]
  14. Hansen, E. A.,, Emanuelsen, A.,, Gertsen, R. M., and Sørensen, S. S. R.. ( 2014;), ‘ Improved marathon performance by in-race nutritional strategy intervention. ’, International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 24:6, pp. 645–55.
     [Google Scholar]
  15. Hargreaves, M.,, Hawley, J. A., and Jeukendrup, A.. ( 2004;), ‘ Pre-exercise carbohydrate and fat ingestion: Effects on metabolism and performance. ’, Journal of Sports Sciences, 22:1, pp. 31–38.
     [Google Scholar]
  16. ineos195challenge ( 2019), Instgram, 17 September, https://www.instagram.com/p/B2glvtgjyld/?hl=en. Accessed 22 June 2022.
     [Google Scholar]
  17. Jeukendrup, A. E.. ( 2010;), ‘ Carbohydrate and exercise performance: The role of multiple transportable carbohydrates. ’, Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care, 13:4, pp. 452–57.
     [Google Scholar]
  18. Jeukendrup, A. E.. ( 2017;), ‘ Periodized nutrition for athletes. ’, Sports Medicine, 47:1, pp. 51–63.
     [Google Scholar]
  19. Joutsela, M.,, Latvala, T., and Roto, V.. ( 2017;), ‘ Influence of packaging interaction experience on willingness to pay. ’, Packaging Technology and Science, 30:8, pp. 505–23.
     [Google Scholar]
  20. Kimber, N. E.,, Ross, J. J.,, Mason, S. L., and Speedy, D. B.. ( 2002;), ‘ Energy balance during an ironman triathlon in male and female triathletes. ’, International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 12, pp. 47–62.
     [Google Scholar]
  21. Koehler, K.. ( 2016;), ‘ Nutrition for marathon running. ’, in C. Zinner, and B. Sperlich. (eds), Marathon Running: Physiology, Psychology, Nutrition and Training Aspects, Cham:: Springer;, pp. 47–67.
     [Google Scholar]
  22. Kruger, M., and Saayman, M.. ( 2013;), ‘ Who are the comrades of the Comrades Marathon?. ’, South African Journal for Research in Sport, Physical Education and Recreation, 35:1, pp. 71–92.
     [Google Scholar]
  23. Loughran, M. J.,, Hamilton, D., and McGinley, M.. ( 2013;), ‘ Motivations and perceived benefits of marathoning: An exploratory study. ’, Athletic Insight, 5:1, p. 113.
     [Google Scholar]
  24. Mattocks, K. T.,, Dankel, S. J.,, Buckner, S. L.,, Jessee, M. B.,, Counts, B. R.,, Mouser, J. G.,, Laurentino, G. C., and Loenneke, J. P.. ( 2016;), ‘ Periodization: What is it good for?. ’, Journal of Trainology, 5:1, pp. 6–12.
     [Google Scholar]
  25. McGannon, K. R., and Smith, B.. ( 2015;), ‘ Centralizing culture in cultural sport psychology research: The potential of narrative inquiry and discursive psychology. ’, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 17, pp. 79–87.
     [Google Scholar]
  26. Miro ( 2020;), ‘ Miro: An online visual collaboration platform for teamwork. ’, https://www.miro.com. Accessed December 2020.
  27. Nikolaidis, P. T., and Knechtle, B.. ( 2017;), ‘ Effect of age and performance on pacing of marathon runners. ’, Open Access Journal of Sports Medicine, 8, p. 171.
     [Google Scholar]
  28. Nunnally, I., and Bernstein, J.. ( 1994), Psychometric Theory, , 3rd ed.., New York:: McGraw-Hill;.
     [Google Scholar]
  29. Ogles, B. M., and Masters, K. S.. ( 2003;), ‘ A typology of marathon runners based on cluster analysis of motivations. ’, Journal of Sport Behaviour, 26:1, pp. 69–85.
     [Google Scholar]
  30. Peeling, P.,, Castell, L. M.,, Derave, W.,, de Hon, O., and Burke, L. M.. ( 2019;), ‘ Sports foods and dietary supplements for optimal function and performance enhancement in track-and-field athletes. ’, International Journal of Sport Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism, 29:2, pp. 198–209.
     [Google Scholar]
  31. Phillips, S. M.,, Turner, A. P.,, Sanderson, M. F., and Sproule, J.. ( 2012;), ‘ Carbohydrate gel ingestion significantly improves the intermittent endurance capacity, but not sprint performance, of adolescent team games players during a simulated team games protocol. ’, European Journal of Applied Physiology, 112:3, pp. 1133–141.
     [Google Scholar]
  32. Pugh, J. N.,, Kirk, B.,, Fearn, R.,, Morton, J. P., and Close, G. L.. ( 2018;), ‘ Prevalence, severity and potential nutritional causes of gastrointestinal symptoms during a marathon in recreational runners. ’, Nutrients, 10:7, p. 811.
     [Google Scholar]
  33. Raglin, J. S.. ( 2007;), ‘ The psychology of the marathoner. ’, Sports Medicine, 37:4&5, pp. 404–07.
     [Google Scholar]
  34. Samson, A.,, Simpson, D.,, Kamphoff, C., and Langlier, A.. ( 2017;), ‘ Think aloud: An examination of distance runners’ thought processes. ’, International Journal of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 15:2, pp. 176–89.
     [Google Scholar]
  35. Schifferstein, H. N. J.,, Fenko, A.,, Desmet, P. M. A.,, Labbe, D., and Martin, N.. ( 2013;), ‘ Influence of package design on the dynamics of multisensory and emotional food experience. ’, Food Quality and Preference, 27:1, pp. 18–25.
     [Google Scholar]
  36. Smith, B.. ( 2010;), ‘ Narrative inquiry: Ongoing conversations and questions for sport and exercise psychology research. ’, International Review of Sport and Exercise Psychology, 3:1, pp. 87–107.
     [Google Scholar]
  37. Smith, B., and Sparkes, A. C.. ( 2009;), ‘ Narrative inquiry in sport and exercise psychology: What can it mean, and why might we do it?. ’, Psychology of Sport and Exercise, 10:1, pp. 1–11.
     [Google Scholar]
  38. Stevinson, C. D., and Biddle, S.. ( 1998;), ‘ Cognitive orientations in marathon running and “hitting the wall”. ’, British Journal of Sports Medicine, 32:3, pp. 229–34.
     [Google Scholar]
  39. Thomas, D.,, Erdman, K., and Burke, L.. ( 2016;), ‘ American College of Sports Medicine joint position statement: Nutrition and athletic performance. ’, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 48:3, pp. 543–68.
     [Google Scholar]
  40. Vaismoradi, M.,, Turunen, H., and Bondas, T.. ( 2013;), ‘ Content analysis and thematic analysis: Implications for conducting a qualitative descriptive study. ’, Nursing and Health Sciences, 15:3, pp. 398–405.
     [Google Scholar]
  41. Wilson, P. B.. ( 2016;), ‘ Nutrition behaviors, perceptions, and beliefs of recent marathon finishers. ’, Physician and Sportsmedicine, 44:3, pp. 242–51.
     [Google Scholar]
  42. Wrigley, C., and Ramsey, R.. ( 2016;), ‘ Emotional food design: From designing food products to designing food systems. ’, International Journal of Food Design, 1:1, pp. 11–28.
     [Google Scholar]
  43. Zach, S.,, Xia, Y.,, Zeev, A.,, Arnon, M.,, Choresh, N., and Tenenbaum, G.. ( 2017;), ‘ Motivation dimensions for running a marathon: A new model emerging from the Motivation of Marathon Scale (MOMS). ’, Journal of Sport and Health Science, 6:3, pp. 302–10.
     [Google Scholar]
  44. Karahanoğlu, Armağan. ( 2022;), ‘ Psychological effects of energy gels: An investigation into runners’ energy gel choice and consumption strategies in marathon running. ’, International Journal of Food Design, 7:1, pp. 59–78, https://doi.org/10.1386/ijfd_00036_1
     [Google Scholar]
http://instance.metastore.ingenta.com/content/journals/10.1386/ijfd_00036_1
Loading
Psychological effects of energy gels: An investigation into runners’ energy gel choice and consumption strategies in marathon running
International Journal of Food Design 7, 59 (2022); https://doi.org/10.1386/ijfd_00036_1
/content/journals/10.1386/ijfd_00036_1
/content/journals/10.1386/ijfd_00036_1
Loading

Data & Media loading...

  • Article Type: Article
Keyword(s): energy gels; gel consumption strategy; high-energy food products; marathon experience; marathon running; psychological effects; sports nutrition

Most Cited Most Cited RSS feed

This is a required field
Please enter a valid email address
Approval was a success
Invalid data
An error occurred
Approval was partially successful, following selected items could not be processed due to error