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| Lots of GU choices! |
To be fair, while I've run 7 marathons and a 50k, I still don't feel I've dialed down my nutrition needs for training for races. I've tried gels, chews, energy drink tabs, candy, regular foods, etc. I will also say that I'm not a huge fan of gels in general, however, I know they serve their purpose and they have helped me finish races feeling much better than any other option. They give you the energy you need to keep moving.
Some people cannot stomach gels and must have other choices. I've done pretty well with gels and chews overall. My experience with gels has been to take 3 of these during a marathon and I also switch to chews when my stomach might not be feeling well. This has nothing to do with GU in general but just that after I get past running 20 miles, my stomach does not accept much more. The chews taste more like candy to me so I can stomach them better while running. I also tend to use one gel during a half marathon race, although when training for that distance, I don't typically use much nutrition during training (a mistake on my part)
Out of all the gels I've ever tried, GU has the most choices I've ever seen in the market. I can't believe the number of flavors they come up with and it's fun trying new flavors. Personally, I'm not a huge fan of really fruity flavors. For me they don't sit as well in my stomach. I tend to go for flavors like Peanut Butter, Peanut Butter and Chocolate, and Expresso. I also really like their Salted Caramel flavor and I like using this one especially when it's really cold out. It tastes more like Caramel when it's harder like real Caramel.
On my last run, I tried Maple Bacon. One thing I will say is that while GU does a great job trying to match the flavor to the real thing, you need to be realistic in your expectations. Maple Bacon GU is not the same as eating real bacon dripped in maple syrup. Haha, if only! It does, however, give you the taste of it and it really helps if it's a flavor you like.
GU also have many different types of energy gel such as their Roctane that gives you more electrolytes in the gel. GU Energy's drink tabs are also great for hydration and have a great flavor to them. I like these for after a long training run or race to help me recover too.
Overall, whatever you choose to use while running, nutrition needs to be a big part of your training especially as you train for a marathon distance or longer. Give some flavors a try and don't give up if you try something you don't like initially. With all the flavors available, you are sure to find a couple that you like and will help you as you run long distance.
Interested in learning more?
Go to the GU Energy Labs website.
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I want to thank GU Energy Labs for sending me the samples to test out for this review.
Have a great day and....Keep Running!!!!
Disclosure: I received the GU samples in the picture above for review. All opinions are my own and I was not required to give a particular opinion other than an honest one.
I didn't know they have a Cherry Lime flavor. I'll have to check that out. Salted Caramel is my favorite, but sometimes you need a different taste to shake it up a bit.
ReplyDeleteI agree that a little variety is always good.
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