GU energy gel

I have written about GU before, but have not done a formal review of the individual products that I have used. This is the first of many more that I have planned to write. My experience with energy gels has been short, but I am certain that I can't imagine my training with out them now. I first heard of energy gels while doing research on what it takes and what to expect when you are training to become an ultra-runner. It made me curious, but figured that it must be a product special to racing. Also, there was not a whole lot of information on how or when to use an energy gel. I understood that it was a liquid of sorts with the necessary carbohydrates and vitamins to prolong your strength and glycogen stores during a race or heavy activity.

It wasn't until I was registering for my first marathon that I finally had a name of a product to actually do some real research on the elusive energy gel. The name of the product that was to be distributed during the race was called GU. I Googled the website and found a local retailer where I purchased my first packets of GU energy gel along with a variety of their other products. Before I get into this review to far I need to give those of you a little background on this endurance sport staple.

Here is a small snippet from their about page:

"From 1991 until today, athletes the world over have come to the same conclusion: GU works. Our Berkeley-based sports nutrition company started with our original GU Energy Gel, a revolutionary and more effective method to keep athletes fueled during exercise. Since then, GU has continued to improve the recipe, incorporating the latest scientific research into its products. In 2001, GU Electrolyte Brew (formerly Gu₂o) was launched as the perfect hydration companion to GU Energy Gel. 2008 saw the introduction of Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel, followed by Chomps Energy Chews and GU Recovery Brew in 2009. Every product is formulated to further GU’s mission: to help athletes go faster and longer than ever before. "

I have found that GU's mission has proven to be true for me. GU has made me go faster by allowing me to get the nutrients I need to make the extra effort easier to put up. It has made it easier for me to go longer by having caffeine in most flavors to help me focus on the task at hand. The caffeine actually does have this effect for me as most of my runs start before 6 in the morning. I really didn't think that it would make that big of a difference, but it did a great job and I can tell when I take the ones without caffeine and probably should have used one with. As for flavors all of the GU flavors have been very good. The chocolate tastes like chocolate, the berry flavors, which have turned out to be my favorite taste like they should too. All of the gels have a similar consistency with the exception being the two chocolate flavors, chocolate outrage and mint chocolate. These are both a little bit thicker than the others. Over all I would have to say that I have benefited from the use of this great product.  It may not be for everyone, but those of you who are looking for a way to fuel yourself during your runs or other activities GU is the best gel I have found so far.