How do you describe the taste of Chargel? 

It's the perfect balance of refreshing flavor that has a mild fruity flavor - it’s not too strong or overwhelming, which I really appreciate about Chargel. I often find sports nutrition drinks to be too sweet and strong, and often need to be watered down. 

Can you share insights into the role of Chargel in maintaining your energy levels during races/competitions?  

I usually have Chargel about an hour leading into a race to top up on last-minute fuel. I find with pre-race nerves; it can be hard to eat just before race time. It’s a good way to top up the carbs before a tough competition and have enough fuel for the beginning of any race distance.  

Do you have specific timing or a set routine for consuming Chargel before a race or competition?  

I consume Chargel usually 30 minutes to one hour before a race or sprint-distance triathlon. My main use of Chargel is in training. Especially because it’s difficult to intake enough fuel when exercising 25-30 hours per week. If I have a big day, I'll consume Chargel in the morning and then use it to top up my fuel supply later in the day. I always bring it to a hard session to have on hand in case I need an extra energy boost. It’s easy to quickly grab, consume, and reseal for later. Plus, I can reseal it and bring it to the next session when needed. It’s so convenient. 

Can you share a specific instance where using Chargel made a noticeable difference in your performance levels?  

I'm better fueled in general when I have a Chargel in my pocket. It’s always on hand so I don’t fall into a deficit. If I’m getting hungry on a hard training day, it’s easily accessible and will give me the energy I need to get through the session. 

What is a goal that you're currently working towards and how is Chargel helping you achieve that goal? 

Right now, I'm training to qualify for one of the biggest races of my career, and the qualification race is in about 1 month. I’m putting in pretty big volume right now. It's nice to have a nutrition product that has a lot of carbs to get me through these high volume and high-intensity training days. 

Do you use Chargel as part of your post-race recovery routine? If so, how does it contribute to your recovery process? 

I use Chargel often in my day-to-day training environment because I'm going from one session to another into another and need recovery and fuel in between. 

What factors do you consider when choosing an energy product? 

It needs to be something that tastes good, has a good consistency and is easy to use. Also, I have a sensitive stomach, so I seek nutrition that is easy on the stomach, digests well, and won’t upset my stomach if I have a hard training day. I also look for products that are high in carbohydrates and provide energy.  

What advice can you give to athletes who are looking to consider incorporating energy gels into their routine? 

If you plan to use energy gels or energy drinks in a competition, you must practice fueling with the same products during training, that way your stomach gets used to them. I think a lot of people try things for the first time on race day and they forget that you need to train your stomach too.  Fueling during hard sessions or long days is important – you need to kind of replicate that same environment that your body will be in during race/competition day. 

Are there any other situations or circumstances that you see yourself using in Chargel? 

I often bring it with me to the gym or pack when I’m doing other sports too, like a ski or snowboarding trip, or a long day surfing at the beach. Chargel is something I also consume while doing non-triathlon activities when I’m out all day having fun.  

How do you structure your training regimen to maintain peak performance? 

I think it's always a learning process. As an athlete, you learn what to do and what not to do just from your personal experiences. I have a coach and training partners so my day-to-day life at camp is very structured. Often, the hardest thing for me is simply to get out the door. Having a group of people to train with on high-intensity days makes the hard sessions feel much easier. I also like to prioritize the lighter days.  For instance, I have two easier training days a week where I make sure I actually relax and check out mentally and physically. Otherwise, it's easy to get burnt out when you're 24/7 in a full-time training environment. You don't experience normal life like most people. Having a support system and prioritizing rest on easy days helps keep balance both mentally and physically.  

What are you doing differently to train for the year ahead/any competitions this year? 

I finished last year with an injury, so I've been easing into this year. I’ve built the volume carefully so that I can get back to a normal training load and stay healthy. My main priority is to focus on recovery, eating well, feeling well and prioritizing sleep. 

Are there specific rituals or habits you follow before a game or competition? 

I'm not a superstitious person, I pretty much just have the same routine before every race. I eat simple foods, I put my hair in braids with this gel called the Unicorn Snot that one of my friends gave me, which is the only weird thing that I do and makes my hair glitter. Other than that, I make sure that all my things are prepared. That way, once I'm at the race, I don't need to think about anything. I also always have a good playlist on. 

How important is it for you to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates before and/or after a training or race session? 

Afterwards, it's extremely important to consume carbohydrates. I also complement that with more protein because that's how your body repairs itself a bit quicker. That's generally my focus after the race, whereas before it's more focused on carbohydrates. 

How do you stay physically and mentally fit during the off-season?  

In the off-season, I unplug. I think a lot of athletes are afraid of getting unfit. This off-season since I was injured, I took a long time off. I noticed that as the season goes on when I take a proper off-season, I perform better. The start of the season may be a little rocky, but as the season goes on, I have a lot more longevity. The start of this year’s training has been a bit of a grind, but as the weeks go on, I hope that I peak at the right time and am not as fragile as I was at the end of last season. 

Can you describe the importance of having a strong support system in running and how it contributes to your success? 

It’s extremely important - it can be friends, family, mentors, anything or anyone that you have. I think having a strong support system, especially in the sport of triathlon, is important because, unlike most sports, we're constantly training all day. Most other sports have the luxury of doing one or two training sessions a day, we do three to four, and that can make the other daily chores and nuances during our day challenging. For example, doing this many sports/activities daily requires wearing more clothing, and thus extra laundry. We train so much, we also need extra food, which means extra grocery shopping and cooking. Having people around you to help with these little things can make a huge positive impact on your ability to recover as an athlete. 

Are there any athletes that you look up to or consider as a role model? 

My favorite cyclist is Wout van Aert - I think he's a well-rounded athlete and there's nothing he can't do. I kind of see myself as a well-rounded athlete too, but not at the same level as him. My favorite female athletes include Katia Neiwiadoma, Jolanda Neff and Loana Lecomte. 

What qualities do you think are essential for success in your sport? 

I think I'm a gritty person. I work a lot harder than a lot of people (sometimes a blessing, other times a curse). In college, called me the hardest worker on the team. Which I now see as a common trait for most triathletes. This is why it’s important, for me especially, to have a coach who knows when to hold me back. This way I don’t push myself too far beyond the limit. Another important attribute is to work on your deficits. Most triathletes come from other single sport backgrounds. For me, that was swimming. I had to let go of my expectations of paces in the pool so I could focus on biking and running. Lastly, it’s important to surround yourself with like-minded people. I have a good community around me full of driven people, athletes, and friends who are involved in high-performing sports. 

Are there any new rule changes or innovations in running that you find particularly interesting or challenging? 

This year I'll be doing my first middle-distance race, called T100. I will be getting a time trial bike which will be a new challenge in a Time Trial bike position, unlike the races I’m used to which are on a traditional road bike. Getting used to this type of bike position as well as fueling for longer distances will be very important as this- brings a new challenge to me personally. 

Get to know all the Chargel Athletes