Gu

The nice folks over at Outside PR sent me some Gu products to try. I have been experimenting with different products and am now reporting back to the masses……all 13 of my loyal readers!!! When people think about Gu the first thing that comes to mind is probably GEL….but Gu is soooo much more than just the energy gel!!!! Visit {this} page for some interesting FAQ about all the Gu products

Gu gel…..strange and funny stuff. You will NEVER forget your first gel experience….you can never be quite prepared for it can you ??? I tried Gu gel several months ago when my mileage started ramping up. I knew I needed the electrolytes, but I’m very sensitive to fluctuating glucose levels, so that was my main reason for trying it. When the glucose starts running out……..all hell breaks loose for me. The gel did the job for me for a while, and the caffeinated packs really added some pep in my step. I will spare you the details, but I soon found out that gel + running is just not for me, but I did enjoy it while I used it. The flavors were, in general, pretty good with vanilla, chocolate, and espresso love being my favorites. I know Gu gel works for TONS of people, but sadly it does not work for me. I SO wish it did, because its the most convenient thing I have found to carry during a run and easy to get down. Maybe one day I will be able to gel again.

Up next were the Gu Chomps. Honestly I have yet to try them during a run. After having the “issues” with the gel, I was a little afraid the Chomps would do the same thing. I mainly eat them for snacks or eat them post run for the electrolytes. They are really tasty, I LOVE the cran-apple flavor. They are pretty sticky and gummy and get stuck in my teeth. But I think they would work pretty well on a run, no after taste, not overly sweet. I may be brave and try some during a run soon.

Now, I really like the Gu Electrolyte Brew!! I had been using a tablet form of electrolytes during long runs, but the pseudo-carbonation the tabs created got on my nerves. This is just a powder you mix in, shake and drink. Yum-O!!!! All the flavors were great. I was skeptical about the blueberry-pomegranate flavor but it ended up being my favorite, very light and refreshing. I will definitely be getting some more of this stuff!!!!

And finally the Gu Recovery Brew. I had been using good ol’ chocolate milk for my recovery drink. I was very excited to try this stuff because I am never happy about the amount of fat in chocolate milk. There is ZERO fat in the recovery brew, just 250 calories and 8 grams of protein, plus all the other necessary amounts of electrolytes. I do wish it came in more flavors. Right now it only comes in strawberry-watermelon and orange-pineapple. The orange-pineapple was my favorite of the two. It goes down pretty easy, a little thicker than the electrolyte brew, but not heavy or overly filling like milk can be.