How to Combine TORQ Energy Jellies with Gels for Ultra Running

Ultra running demands more than just grit and good shoes. It requires a carefully planned nutrition strategy that keeps your energy levels steady over hours of continuous effort. One of the most effective ways to fuel a long run or ultra marathon is to combine different forms of carbohydrate intake — specifically, TORQ Energy Jellies and energy gels. Each has its own texture, absorption rate, and practical advantages, and by layering them intelligently you can avoid flavour fatigue, manage stomach comfort, and sustain performance from start to finish.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through exactly how to combine TORQ Energy Jellies with gels for ultra running. You’ll learn when to reach for a jelly versus a gel, how to time your intake across different race phases, and why this dual-fuel approach is a game-changer for endurance athletes. Whether you’re training for your first 50K or eyeing a 100-mile finish, these practical tips will help you stay fuelled and unbonkable.

Why Combine Jellies and Gels?

Both TORQ Energy Jellies and energy gels deliver a fast-acting source of carbohydrates, but they differ in texture, convenience, and how quickly you can consume them. Gels are designed for rapid intake — you can squeeze one down in seconds without chewing, making them ideal when you need a quick energy hit during a hard effort or when your stomach is feeling full. Jellies, on the other hand, require chewing and offer a more gradual release of energy because you eat them piece by piece. This makes them perfect for longer, steadier sections of an ultra where you want to top up your fuel stores without overwhelming your digestive system.

By combining both, you create a flexible fueling system that adapts to the changing demands of an ultra. You might use a gel during a steep climb or a surge, then switch to jellies during a flat recovery section. This variety also helps prevent flavour fatigue — something every ultra runner knows can derail a race. For example, you could alternate between a Lime & Lemon Flavour TORQ Energy gel for a citrus kick and a pack of Build-a-Box of Jellies in a different flavour to keep your palate interested.

• Gels provide rapid, concentrated carbs for immediate energy needs.
• Jellies offer a slower, more enjoyable carb intake that can be spread over 15–20 minutes.
• Layering both helps maintain a steady blood sugar level without sudden spikes or crashes.

Timing Your Fuel: When to Use Gels vs. Jellies

The key to successful ultra running nutrition is timing. In the first hour of a race or long run, your body still has stored glycogen, so you don’t need to start fueling immediately. However, from the 60-minute mark onward, you should aim to consume 60–90 grams of carbohydrate per hour. This is where the gel-and-jelly combo shines. Start with a gel during the second hour — for instance, an Orange & Banana Energy Gel — because it’s quick and easy to take while you’re still feeling fresh. Then, around the 90-minute mark, open a pack of jellies and nibble on them over the next 20–30 minutes.

As the race progresses and your stomach becomes more sensitive, jellies can be easier to tolerate than gels because the chewing action stimulates saliva production and aids digestion. In the later hours, you might find that gels feel too sweet or heavy. That’s the perfect time to rely more heavily on jellies. For example, you could carry a Build-a-Box of Jellies in your vest and take a few pieces every 15 minutes, supplementing with a gel only when you need a quick boost before a climb or a technical section.

• First 60 minutes: no fuel needed (rely on pre-race meal and stored glycogen).
• Hours 2–4: alternate between one gel per 45 minutes and jellies every 20 minutes.
• Hours 5+: favour jellies for gentler digestion; use gels only for surges or climbs.

Practical Packing and Carrying Tips

Carrying both jellies and gels in an ultra requires some organisation. Gels are compact and easy to tuck into a running vest pocket, but jellies come in slightly larger packets. A smart strategy is to pre-sort your fuel for each aid station segment. For the first 10K, carry two gels and one pack of jellies. For the next section, swap one gel for an extra jelly pack. This way you never run out of either type. You can also use a Single Measure Canister to pre-portion your gels or even your jelly pieces if you prefer to decant them into a smaller container.

Another practical tip is to consider the weather. On a hot day, gels can become runny and messy, while jellies stay firm and easy to handle. Conversely, in cold conditions, gels thicken and are harder to squeeze out, whereas jellies remain chewy and pleasant. If you’re running in cooler temperatures, you might want to carry more jellies and fewer gels. On a warm day, you can rely on gels for quick hits and use jellies as a more substantial snack. Always test your combination in training before race day to see what works for your stomach.

• Pre-sort fuel by segment to avoid fumbling mid-run.
• Use a Single Measure Canister to portion gels or jellies for easy access.
• Adjust your gel-to-jelly ratio based on temperature and personal tolerance.

Sample Fueling Plan for a 50-Mile Ultra

To give you a concrete example, here’s a sample fueling plan for a 50-mile ultra using a combination of TORQ Energy Jellies and gels. This plan assumes an average pace and a goal of 60g carbs per hour. Adjust the quantities based on your body weight and intensity. Before the start, have a solid pre-race meal. Then, at mile 6 (approximately 1 hour in), take your first gel — try a Lime & Lemon Flavour TORQ Energy gel for a refreshing start. At mile 10, open a pack of Build-a-Box of Jellies and eat one piece every 10 minutes until the pack is finished.

At mile 18, take another gel, this time an Orange & Banana Energy Gel for a different flavour profile. At mile 22, start a second pack of jellies. Continue this pattern — gel every 8–10 miles, jellies every 10–12 miles — through mile 40. In the final 10 miles, when fatigue is highest and digestion is hardest, switch to jellies only, taking small pieces every 15 minutes. This keeps your energy steady without overwhelming your stomach. Remember to drink water alongside every gel and jelly to aid absorption.

• Mile 6: Lime & Lemon Flavour TORQ Energy gel.
• Mile 10: Start Build-a-Box of Jellies (one piece every 10 minutes).
• Mile 18: Orange & Banana Energy Gel.
• Mile 22: Second pack of jellies.
• Mile 40+: Jellies only for gentle final fueling.

Combining TORQ Energy Jellies with gels is a proven strategy for ultra runners who want to maintain steady energy without flavour fatigue or digestive distress. By understanding when to use each product and how to pack them efficiently, you can create a custom fueling plan that adapts to your race conditions and personal preferences. Start experimenting in your long training runs to find the perfect ratio for your next ultra. Ready to build your own fuel mix? Explore the Build-a-Box of Jellies to create a personalised selection that keeps you moving strong from start to finish.