Gu Energy Gel Review
Back in 1991, GU started a sports nutrition revolution with the world’s first energy gel for runners, cyclists, triathletes and more. Fast forward to today and you’ll find GU has expanded their energy products offerings: Gu Energy Gel, Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel, Bu Brew and Gu Chomps. This whole lineup of energy supplements come in many forms and flavors, which I will get into below.
Gu Energy Gel
First up is the original Gu Energy Gel. This little energy gel packet may be small, but definitely has just what you need when you are midway through your weekly, Sunday long run or need a pick-me-up during your 100-mile bike ride (something I have yet to accomplish). The carbohydrates found in the Gu Energy Gels offer that extra boost of energy when your body starts running out. In addition to the carbohydrates, Gu Energy Gels are packed with electrolytes and even vitamins C & E which are great way to restore fatigued muscles during any strenuous workout.
Gu Energy Gels come in many different flavors ranging from fruit, coffee, chocolate and for the less daring ‘Just Plain’. I have heard of runners who do not like energy gels because it does not sit well in their stomach, I suppose it is something that should be tested out during a training run so that it doesn’t happen during a race! But I happen to love the fruit flavors, it has just enough sweetness to make it takes like candy, but offers the energy that my body needs during a long run. I offered some to other runners and received rave reviews for the chocolate and coffee flavors as well. So it definitely is a matter of personal preference, so test away and find the flavor that’s right for you!
Gu Roctane Energy Gel
“Roctane’s advanced formula amplifies GU’s original Energy Gel recipe and adds new ingredients to boost your chances of success.” The secret ingredient in the Gu Roctane that is different than the original Gu Energy Gel is the increased amounts of histidine, an essential amino acid that acts as a buffer and slows the energy sapping lactic acid build-up in muscles. There are also other important ingredients that are added including various amino acids which help with the recovery process as well.
I took a Gu Roctane Energy Gel in my last half marathon[LINK], which helped me to improve my time on the same course I ran the year before. I took a Vanilla Orange flavor, which really did taste just like a creamsicle (if it were melted into a goo and stored at room temperature!) But the energy gel definitely helped give me that boost of energy I needed to finish those last couple of miles.
Gu Electrolyte & Recovery Brew
The Gu Electrolyte and Recovery Brew are energy drinks are another great way to refuel. They are filled with sodium, potassium, carbohydrates, protein, amino acids and vitamins! They aren’t overly sweet which can turn some runners off. They help you replenish your energy stores and rebuild muscles after an intense workout, plain and simple. They come in plain and mixed fruit flavors; the one I enjoyed most was the strawberry melon. I couldn’t have asked for a better tasting drink to help my body recover mid and post-run.
Gu Chomps
The Gu Chomps remind me of a compressed and concentrated version of the Gu Energy Gels. They are like little fruit gummies that are packed chock full of amino acids, vitamins, sodium and potassium as well as both simple and complex carbohydrates. The first ones I tried were Strawberry Gu Chomps. I had planned to meet some friends to go play basketball and was running late. I usually have a granola bar on my drive to the basketball courts, but decided to give the Gu Chomps a try. I think it was a combination of me being hungry and the great taste of the Gu Chomps, but I finished them right away. I really felt like I had more energy than usual, especially the day after running my half marathon when I should have been resting. The thing I don’t like about energy chews is that they require more energy to consume. It’s not a big deal if I’m eating it on my way to a game of basketball or my next race. But it just feels like more work than necessary during a run or race, so I would prefer an energy gel over the chomps in that situation.
You put your body through a lot during any physical exercise; the key is to minimize as much pain during that time as possible. GU energy gels, chews and drinks provide the energy, carbohydrates, proteins, vitamins and more that you need to make your workout or race that much bearable. So you can focus at the task at hand and compete at your highest potential.
