The nice folks over at Gu sent me a mixed box of stuff to try, and I suckered in some Gu-virgins to test it out. The day the box arrived, I was super excited and wanted to try it out right away. This was when Julie was visiting, so we decided that we would suck one down and then head to the gym to run. I know this isn't exactly the intended purpose of Gu, so just hush. We each tried one - I had a "Chocolate Outrage" and she had "Vanilla Bean." She really liked the vanilla, and I was surprised to LOVE the chocolate - it tastes like brownie batter (in a good way).
I'm excited.
...and we headed off to the gym. Before we even got out the door, I had a pretty significant digestive reaction, but that might not be just thanks to the Gu. Once we got to the gym, I felt fine - but started feeling a bit jittery. As soon as I got started on the treadmill, the jitters went away, but came back once I got home. Oops - I gave up caffeine two years ago, and didn't read the small print that said "2x caffeine" before I sucked mine down. But did I ever fly on that treadmill - 3 miles @ 8:42 pace. The heart palpitations and speed-talking lasted for about 2 hours afterwards.
Knowing that I didn't test this under the best circumstances, I decided to give it a try on a few long rides. Now, I'm still figuring out my nutrition on the bike. I've learned that I don't need anything (although I drink nuun, but that's more due to the heat) on rides shorter than 20 miles/90 minutes. I've been taking in nutrition about every 15 miles on the bike on my longer rides, and while this may be more often than I need, it's been working out well for me. On the last two long rides I had, I took a Gu (and the better part of a bottle of water) at about the 30 mile mark. I usually feel some tummy sloshing for a few minutes while everything settles down, but it seems to be a great source of fuel for me and is working really well. The other times I take in nutrition, I take in something a bit more solid, to balance it out. I also don't have crazy heartbeats if I'm on the bike for at least an hour after taking one with caffeine, and then there's no need for the poet to peel me off the ceiling when I get home. Two thumbs-up for Gu.
I also asked (made) the poet try one before he went on a longer run, and now he wants to take one every time, because he thinks it made him faster.
And the exciting part...giveaway time!
Here's how:
1. Become a follower or tell me that you are - leave a comment.
2. Tweet about this - including @thisamazingday in the tweet and I'll add a comment for you when I see it!
3. Tell me what you use to fuel on long runs or rides and how much/how often - leave a comment.
3 super awesome chances to win! I'll pick a winner Monday morning!
I like my chomps--had to give up the GU gel after a few years because I can't stand the consistency anymore--but I really want to try that GU brew stuff. Who's a stalker now? (Number one never wins :( )
ReplyDeleteOh, I'm a plain Gu gal myself. It's not my favorite stuff but I haven't come up with a better alternative that I don't have to chew. I usually carry some if I am running 2+ hours, and re-fuel with it every 70 minutes or so. If I'm running 4+ hours, I'll do one every other hour.
ReplyDeleteBTW, I live in Nova too!
I'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteI usually use Jelly beans, but I was a vanilla gu fan for a while. On runs over 15 miles I will sometimes have half a powerbar too.
ReplyDeleteI follow RELIGIOUSLY, one might say OBSESSIVELY. (Still want to 5k with me??) I use Gu already so I'd be thrilled to have a free stash. On a 7-10 miler, I'll do one at about 6 miles; on long runs, every 5 miles. Lots of water before and after. Tri-berry, orange and chocolate outrage are my preferred selections.
ReplyDeleteI use Gu, Shot Bloks and Sport Beans . . . a veritable buffet, of course. In that order - the "sweet stuff" at the beginning, and the Sport Beans when I can hardly stand sugar late in a run. And Nuun for hydration/electrolytes.
ReplyDeleteI take in about 100 calories (one Gu/3 Shot Bloks/a whole package o' Sport Beans) every 45 minutes to an hour.
+entry katekirk twitter!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower
ReplyDeleteI use GU on all my long runs--vanilla bean is my go-to flavor
ReplyDeleteI used the tri-berry Gu at the philly tri last year - forgot the guy recommended taking it with LOTS of water - but it was yummy!
ReplyDeleteps - I did my first Denver 5k last night at the gym! It was a run/walk, of course, totaled about 2 miles running overall. Max heartrate a new high: 195! Yay altitude!
I'm a follower.
ReplyDeleteI take a vanilla Power Gel on my long runs around every 45 minutes.
ReplyDeleteFollowing you! :)
ReplyDeleteI tweeted about your giveaway!
ReplyDeleteoops, forgot to add, I'm a follower :)
ReplyDeleteFollowing!
ReplyDeleteI don't think I could ever chew and run at the same time so I've never tried anything but gels.
ReplyDeleteI like GU because it's the smallest package gel so it's easiest to fit in pockets. Vanilla is my favorite. I usually take one at 40 minutes.
If I take a gel before I start running, it's Accel.
I follow you on google reader, haven't done any long runs yet but anticipate being a Gu consumer in the future, and tweeted about your giveaway (but have my tweets private, so it might not show up - not sure: @kattehcat).
ReplyDeleteLove you blog!
+entry ultrarunnergirl twitter!
ReplyDeleteThis is a work in progress for me. I started with Power Bar gels, then switched to Clif gels, always with caffeine, always flavors like chocolate and espresso. After 15 miles, they're not bad ... I think if I tried one without working out, I'd openly weep.
ReplyDelete+entry amy reinink twitter
ReplyDeleteI cannot do Gu anymore - they just make my tummy hate me even more :( But I did love your story about being all jittery while out running! LOL!
ReplyDeleteGlad you found something that works ;)
I'm a total follower... however, I can be directive, when necessary.
ReplyDeleteGU Chocolate Outrage is by far the best, with Strawberry Banana coming close. Just gotta have some water to chase it down. Beyond that, I like to bring a couple packs of Trader Joe's Simply Almonds, Cashews, and Cranberries. They are perfect for a run or bike and come in small 200 cal packs.
We are twins. I won't enter since I don't want to take a winning chance away from others.... however!
ReplyDeleteI only use Gu if I'm running over half marathon distance, usually. Otherwise I just make sure to eat something 1-2 hours before a run (unless it's 5 miles or less). If I'm running any distance over half marathon, I'll usually eat a Gu around mile 10. This past half marathon was the only time I've ever eaten Gu during the race--it was killer hot and I needed the electrolytes.
So I am now officially a follower (though I've been reading you for months!)
ReplyDeleteMy longest run so far in my training is 7 miles - until that day I'd never before felt the need to fuel myself during a run. In the beginning of my training I really struggled with side ache pain which I eventually linked to water and food sloshing around in ma belly, so I'm wary... I'm excited to try some Gu (hopefully!) and I'm going to buy one of those nifty hand-held waterbottles for running. We'll see how it goes... Woo Hoo!
ReplyDeleteI already follow you like the blog stalker I am. Don't ALL the cool kids follow you?
ReplyDeleteI'm not a Gu-er. But people just RAVE about the flavors. (apple pie, really? I can eat apple pie filling on a long run?) Currently I use Clif Shot Bloks. I like that they are organic and not full of too much junk. Plus, I enjoy the gummy bear consistency Plus, they are easy to carry around!
im.a.follower. (pretty sure you knew that already, but i thought i would remind!) :)
ReplyDeleteaaaaaaannnnnnnd i HEART gu. vanilla bean makes me want to explosively vomit everywhere but espresso love and tri berry are my true loves. ive also used peanut butter sandwiches on my long runs.
ReplyDeletestrange, i thought i was a follower already...but i am for sure now!
ReplyDeletei fuel with gu. favorite: roctane pineappe and mint chocolate. both are without caffeine cause it gives me the same buzz :)
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower.
ReplyDeleteI take a GU every five miles when I'm running longer than 10 miles. Love that stuff. ;o)
ReplyDeletei am a follower of your blog! :D
ReplyDeleteso far on my long runs i have just been carrying a water bottle along with me... its getting kind of annoying lol...
ReplyDeleteI am follower!
ReplyDeleteOn my long runs, I use the vanilla gu, but water down a bit. I also have some gummies from the grocery store.... just to have sugar burst
ReplyDeleteOn long runs I fuel with rage and cramps. But Gu would be a better choice I believe *Smile*
ReplyDelete...And I did not say it made me run faster, I said it allowed me to run for longer than 45 minutes without rage (or cramps).
I would follow you anywhere.
-The Poet
I'm a new follower and love your blog!
ReplyDeleteI use different kinds of fuel depending on the weather...I love using Gu in the winter when it has a thicker texture..I just can't get it down in the summer when it's hot and the texture reminds me of warm flavored snot..I love the chocolate and the Gu Roctane blueberry pomegranate flavors the best. In the summer, I use Sharkies or Honey Stingers...and I usually fuel up about every 4 miles. On shorter runs, I usually just eat something like toast with peanut butter without gels or chews.
ReplyDelete+entry danielle twitter!
ReplyDelete+entry poetguru twitter!
ReplyDelete+entry Lindsay twitter!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteI've never actually tried GUs, but I've used GU chomps which made my stomach feel not so great...I also was stupid and tried them DURING my first half-marathon...not so smart!
ReplyDeleteLately I've been using Powerbar Energy Gel Blasts on my long runs, but I'd love to mix it up!
I'm a new follower!
ReplyDeleteFor refueling after a run, I like EAS myoplex shakes. Today I picked up some Gatorade G1 to try before my long run on Saturday. We'll see how that works out.
ReplyDeleteAnd now I am a follower! (Didn't realize I hadn't already been following, since I make sure to get my fix daily)
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower. I read your blog and tweets. I use vanilla and strawberry banana Gu on long runs. I take one every 45 min and chase it with water. I only use the non-caff ones because I quit caffeine in January. Its been rough but so worth it. Hope I win!
ReplyDelete