Another (running-related) sustainable swap🏃‍♀️🌎

A few months ago, I saw an advert from High5 (other gel providers are available!) for their reusable gel flask – basically it’s a small soft-flask that you can top up from a big bottle of energy gel to reduce single use plastic waste.

Long story short – I tried it and it’s great.

In all aspects of my life, I try to be as sustainable as I can be – I try to run or cycle places rather than drive. I have reusable cups and bottles for all purposes (even a foldable cup I can take on long runs for post-run coffee). When out and about, I always carry a tote bag and a bamboo cutlery set with me. As I’m typing this, I realise it might sound a bit crazy, but I really do try to avoid single use plastics or non-recyclable materials where I can. Making small swaps where we can often add up to making a big difference! So when I first saw a reusable gel pouch being advertised I was intrigued.

I’m not going to lie, when I first saw the concept, my first thought was “eww that’s going to be messy” so didn’t go for it straight away. It’s only when I realised it would solve some of my issues with conventional energy gels I decided to give it a go.

On longer runs, especially in the warmer months, I would usually take one or two gels with me. I started to realise that downing a whole gel in one go wasn’t sitting well with me. I tried to think of ways I could store half a gel on me but couldn’t think of anything that wouldn’t be a faff or a mess! But then I remembered the ad for the gel flasks I’d seen a few weeks prior and it gave me the push to give them a go.

I know people are very particular about different brand, flavours, and types of running nutrition, but luckily for me, the orange gels from High5 are the only ones I’ve ever actually liked. So I bought the bundle of the small flask (they do a small at 150 mL or large 250 mL) with the big bottle of orange gel (550g).

From the first time I used it, I instantly found it way better than conventional gels – it wasn’t sticky, there weren’t any spillages, and it was way easier to open than trying to tear open a gel packet. Most importantly for me, it meant I could have regular small amounts throughout my run where I could easily and cleanly put it back in my pocket.

Using this was a game-changer when I did Leeds half marathon this May. I’d used the flask for about 6 training runs so I knew I was happy using it without any faff. On previous races, I’d had entire gels at a time and felt a bit queasy, or I had half a gel and threw the rest away. On this race, I was able to have small amounts regularly without sticky hands or struggling to open gel packets.

In terms of cleaning, I already have a cleaning kit for my water bladder with a range of brushes, so I use those with normal washing up liquid after every use. The only downside is, if you don’t end up using the amount you put in the flask each time, you end up throwing a bit away.

Basically, I’d really recommend this if you’re already using gels regularly and looking for a sustainable swap.