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Michele H.
Michele H. Sendmail

Substitute for Gu???

posted over 1 year ago | Report

For the past few years I've successfully eaten Gu (and a few other types of gels) on long runs. My first full marathon is 2 weeks away, and Gu/gels are making me gag! Last week I thought it was a fluke, but it happened this week as well. I seem to be able to eat sport beans and chews.
Is there a specific number of beans or chews that will = the energy and electrolytes of a Gu?

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22 posts

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  • Auwon
    Auwon Sendmail

    Do you use the GU chomps? I use those on my long runs, I can't stand the gels. I like the beans but I think they can be overly sweet. Power Bar has these energy bites I would like to try, has anyone else tried them on runs?

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Roland B.
    Roland B. Sendmail

    Recently I've switched to 1/2 a banana and 2 fig newtons instead of a gu. Works out really well, but it's cumbersome to carry 6 banana halves and 12 cookies on a marathon run...

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Gwyn
    Gwyn Sendmail

    I've tried those little Power Bar Energy Bite things. I have to say, taste wise, they are WAY better than expected. But energy wise, I wasn't convinced. Worth a try though as they might be perfect for someone. Especially because the flavor was so decent for that type of thing.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Bryce H.
    Bryce H. Sendmail

    I have used Sports Beans and Honey Stingers and my stomach can handle both especially the Honey Stingers

    i also use Hammer Sustained Energy along with Hammer Heed

    posted over 1 year ago | edited over 1 year ago

  • Catherine O.
    Catherine O. Sendmail

    I like Clif Shot Bloks. They're like really big gummy candies. A package has 6 blocks. Half the package - 3 blocks - equals a gu. I also can't stand most gus/gels, but can handle chocolate or coffee flavored ones. Alternately, pretzels, bananas, dry cereal, choc. covered coffee beans, etc. are options, but you probably want to try those out before using in the marathon.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Joy R.
    Joy R. Sendmail

    Another vote for the Cliff Shot Blocks. I can stomach Gu - and I really like the Roctane - but with the blocks because I can pop one in my mouth every so often I don't feel like I get the swings in energy like I do with Gu. I find the Gu chomps to be a little harder to chew and a little more difficult on my stomach than the Shot Blocks. I liked the beans, but they made me really thirsty.

    Tip with the blocks, if you go with them, is to cut the end of the package with scissors before the race and just fasten with a small piece of tape. Opens easy when you need one :)

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Sole Of Foot
    Sole Of Foot Sendmail

    I have found real food sits well with me. My favorite is PB&J's. Experiment on longer training runs and if there is something that works you can have friends or family provide periodically durring the race. Good luck.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Andrew W.
    Andrew W. Sendmail

    I use Shotblocks as well. Each bar comes with 6 blocks. I take 2 every 20 minutes or so after the first hour. Works very well for me in sustaining my energy levels.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Kevin P.
    Kevin P. Sendmail

    Little Debbie Star Crunch (the small ones)

    150 Calories
    22 Grams Carbs
    Cost = about $1.50 a dozen

    Gu

    100 Calories
    20 Grams Carbs
    Cost = $1.00 each

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Jordan G.
    Jordan G. Sendmail

    I have been taking Hammer Gel on my longer runs. You can get a small handheld flask that has 5-6 servings. Each mile I would take a small sip. It did the trick for me. Works well.

    I have read in a lot of forums that it really depends a lot on what your stomach can tolerate, so experiment with different types of products until you find one your stomach and taste buds does well with.

    I have also eaten the power gel gummies, strawberry banana, those things are delicious. I'd eat those as a snack if I could. :)

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Jimmie T.
    Jimmie T. Sendmail

    I can't stand GU. Fig Newtons for me.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Elissa B.
    Elissa B. Sendmail

    I tried my first GU gel (vanilla bean) on my 8 mile run and HATED it! Just have to find what works for you. For me it's jelly belly sports beans and Nuun tablets to keep me better hydrated!

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Elissa B.
    Elissa B. Sendmail

    I tried my first GU gel (vanilla bean) on my 8 mile run and HATED it! Just have to find what works for you. For me it's jelly belly sports beans and Nuun tablets to keep me better hydrated!

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Paul R.
    Paul R. Sendmail
    in reply to what said:Do you use the GU chomps? I use those on my long runs, I can't stand the gels. I like the beans but I think they can be overly sweet. Power Bar has these energy bites I would like to try, has anyone else tried them on runs?

    Power Bar bites are awful. Like chewing wax

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Paul R.
    Paul R. Sendmail
    in reply to what said:Do you use the GU chomps? I use those on my long runs, I can't stand the gels. I like the beans but I think they can be overly sweet. Power Bar has these energy bites I would like to try, has anyone else tried them on runs?

    Power Bar bites are awful. Like chewing wax

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Lisa A.
    Lisa A. Sendmail

    I like the Gu Chomps. Works just as well without giving me that funny feeling a half hour later. Gatorade Pre-Game Fuel works pretty well...though I had that weird funny feeling a half hour later. I think one pack of the Chomps is 2 hours of energy...4 before and 4 during your run!

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Michele H.
    Michele H. Sendmail

    Thanks for all the input! I took lots of Shot Blocks on the marathon. Around mile 7 or 8, Clif Shot Gels were available. I took 1 chocolate and 1 vanilla, deciding it was worth a try since they were free. Amazingly, I didn't gag! Maybe during my final long runs I was more stressed than I realized, and the gag reflex was temporary. I was glad they worked, but am also glad to have all of your ideas, in case I get a gel aversion again.

    posted over 1 year ago

  • Katie S.
    Katie S. Sendmail

    I'm glad that I saw this thread. I can't do the GU gels - gag reflex problems! I agree the beans are too sweet - I've been getting horrible stomach cramps with those. I think I'll have to try the shot blocks!

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Reverend Run V.
    Reverend Run V. Sendmail

    Gu gels make me gag, and the beans make me want to puke, but I can do Power Bar gels.

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Samantha C.
    Samantha C. Sendmail

    Love the Cliff Shot Blocks!!

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Gil R.
    Gil R. Sendmail

    I hate gummy bears but I love Cliff ShotBlocks! I could just sit and snack on 'em. They go down easy. Nothing like Gu (gag).

    posted about 1 year ago

  • Morey B.
    Morey B. Sendmail

    Cliff shot blocks for me. I find the Gu Chomps too chewy. they get stuck in my teeth.

    the Gu gels work- but I've never eaten one without getting my fingers sticky. Plus, a whole gel is a bit large for me to eat all at once.

    posted about 1 year ago

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