The Science of Smart Fueling: Why Neversecond Powers the Monumental Marathon

Dr. Blake Dircksen PT, DPT, CSCS

October 15, 2025

The Science of Smart Fueling: Why Neversecond Powers the Monumental Marathon

The Science of Smart Fueling: Why NeverSecond Powers the Monumental Marathon

Every runner knows the feeling: the legs are willing, the lungs are steady - but suddenly, the energy just… disappears. It’s not fitness that failed. It’s fueling.

For marathoners and half-marathoners preparing for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon in November, that moment doesn’t have to happen. This year, runners will have access to NeverSecond’s C30 Energy Gel, C30 Caffeine Gel, and C90 High-Carb Drink Mix - available on course at official aid stations.

Here’s why that matters - and how this systemized approach to fueling is changing the way endurance athletes perform.

Why Fueling Matters

During long races, your body relies heavily on stored glycogen for energy. After about 90 minutes, those stores begin to run out - leading to the dreaded “bonk.” The solution is simple but scientific: replace carbohydrates before and during the race to keep energy levels consistent.

NeverSecond built their entire fueling system around this principle. Their goal: precision, not guesswork. Every product delivers a clean, consistent amount of carbs and sodium, so you know exactly what you’re taking in, mile after mile.

A Smarter System: The NeverSecond Numbering

NeverSecond uses an easy-to-follow numbering system:

C30 Energy Gel → 30g of carbs per serving
C30 Caffeine Gel → 30g of carbs + 75mg caffeine
C90 High-Carb Drink Mix → 90g of carbs per bottle

That’s it - no confusing formulas or mystery blends. The system makes it simple to plan your fueling based on the “grams of carbs per hour” approach that elite runners and sports scientists recommend.

Multiple Transportable Carbohydrates = Better Absorption

Not all gels are created equal. Many rely on a single carbohydrate source, which limits how quickly your body can absorb energy.

NeverSecond uses a 2:1 ratio of maltodextrin to fructose, allowing the body to absorb up to 90g of carbs per hour - nearly double what’s possible with single-source fuels.

The result:

Faster energy delivery
Less stomach distress
More consistent pacing late in the race

That’s why professional marathoners, Ironman athletes, and world-class cyclists rely on NeverSecond - and why you’ll see it fueling thousands of runners across Indianapolis this November.

Caffeine: The Legal Performance Edge

Caffeine is one of the most researched performance enhancers in endurance sport. It reduces perceived effort and can increase focus and reaction time - critical when fatigue sets in.

The C30 Caffeine Gel offers 75mg per packet - a measured dose that gives runners a mental and physical boost without the jitters.

Pro tip: Take a caffeine gel about 15–30 minutes before your goal surge or final 10K. You’ll feel it when you need it most.

Available on Course - and at Athletic Annex

The Indianapolis Monumental Marathon will feature NeverSecond products at aid stations, free for all participants.

But here’s the key: don’t wait until race day to try them. Your gut is trainable - and just like you’d practice pacing, you should also practice fueling.

Swing by Athletic Annex to grab your NeverSecond C30 Gels and C90 Drink Mix now. Practice with them during your last long runs so your body knows exactly what’s coming on race day.