Thank you for linking up with us! I love reading everyone’s post and learning more about you.
We got hit with some snow over the weekend. Ugh, I hate snow! You’d think that by now I would be used to it? Nope. Never. I went out on Saturday for a run but couldn’t navigate the street and sidewalk with all of the snow. Frustrated I went home. I could have gone to the gym but didn’t want to deal with running 6 miles on the treadmill.
Throughout my years of running I’ve used many different brands of fuel. I remember in the beginning I would only use Gatorade. Why not? It was there at almost every race and everyone swore by it. I didn’t know any better.
With so many brands out there, it is hard to find the “best” one. I can only tell you what I like and works for me, but maybe you are already using them or will be intrigued to try one of them.
Nuun: This isn’t exactly a fuel but I use it every single day whether I run or not. During the week my runs are usually 3-5 miles and I try to do them before work. It is way too early to eat anything so I just drink coffee and water with Nuun. I am not exactly a fan of the “new” taste from 2-3 years ago (Nuun Hydration). I still buy the old version from Amazon. My favorite flavors were Watermelon and Kona Cola. Now I like grape and orange.
Generation UCAN: Who hasn’t heard of UCAN? If it is good enough for Meb, then it is good enough for me. I remember first hearing about this from Rebecca on a trip to San Diego. She told me that her coach recommended it. I didn’t care for it back then but began using it about 3 years. It took some time to get used to this because I was used to eating a gel every 3-4 miles. With UCAN it is different. Depending on how long your run is, you drink this about 30 minutes before and then drink water for the rest of your run. I’ve heard of people drinking another serving or using a gel or some other sort of fuel for the rest of the run. “UCAN delivers smarter energy powered by SuperStarch®, a slow-release complex carbohydrate that uniquely delivers steady, long-lasting energy to keep you fueled and feeling good!” I know Elizabeth has made a gel to use on her runs. She also wrote a great review about Generation UCAN.
Huma Gels: This is an all natural chia gel. They also taste great! I’ve also used these here and there. The secret is the chia seeds. The Tarahumara runners use chia seeds for fuel on their ultramarathons. I have tried almost all of the flavors but the ones I like more are the Huma +. The Strawberry Lemonade is delicious!
Maurten: I’ve used both the gel and drink mix. The taste is sweet and the consistency of the gel reminds me of jello. There is only one version of the gel while there are two for the drink mix (Drink Mix 160 and Drink Mix 320). “The Drink Mix 320 contains nearly 14 percent – or 80 grams – of carbohydrates when mixed. That’s about twice as much carbs as was previously thought possible for the body to tolerate.” Other benefits of the drink include no added flavor and no colorants or preservatives. The drink really has no flavor but just reminds me of water and sugar mixed together.
Right now in my pantry I have Generation UCAN, Nuun, and Huma Gels. I am training for a couple half marathons and plan to use them on my training runs.
This week’s Tuesday Topic: How do you fuel for a run? You can write about this topic, or feel free to post any running related blog post. Remember to Link-up with Kim and Zenaida! Visit at least two of the other linked posts – the more the merrier! Remember to come back for later linkers!
Just plain water. And for fuel. Gu. Salted caramel or caramel macchiato.
Pretty basic.
I remember when the salted caramel came out! That one is yummy!
It’s my favorite.
I’ve never heard of Maurten and haven’t tried UCAN. I like Nuun before & after, HS Chews plus home made stuff or dark chocolate covered ginger/raisins + water during.
I actually like gels, but I take in a little bit every mile rather than a lot all at once.
I’ve read of runners taking in a little bit at a time. I could never understand that because I take it all at once. 🙂
I first heard about Maurten in the fall?
You can’t take a gel a little at a time unless you use a gel flask, which I’ve tried.
For some people it’s a stomach issue — taking in all those carbs at once can lead to stomach problems. That’s not it for me, I just find I do better with a little bit more frequently — plus it gives me something to look forward to — “next walk break you can eat something”. 🙂
Something to look forward to! 😁
I used Nuun when I first started running but about 2 years ago it started to give me GI issues so I had to stop 🙁 I hated that because I loved so many of the flavors!
I like Huma gels too. If I run out of Honey Stinger gels I will use those too.
I could be because of the new formula? I think now they use stevia? Have you tried the “older” ones? I get mine from Amazon.
I have not tried Huma gels yet. My tummy cannot tolerate gels anymore, except for the SiS gels. Sometimes, I can take a Honey Stinger gel, but their chews have been a good option for me, I really liked Tailwind, but it was too much “water” and made me have to stop even more frequently at the porta pots than usual LOL
Try the Huma gels! Many people have raved that it does not give them any GI issues. I have a few I can send you in you want.
I’m one who has never heard of Ucan but it definitely sounds intriguing! I do like NUUN though! 🙂
Try UCAN! Very different from a gel or chew.
This is the perfect topic as I try to figure out my plan for fall.
I just saw Maruten advertised on a podcast I listen to, so that’s also on my list
There are so many options out there! Definitely try out a few to find what works best for you.
If I am doing a run longer than 5-6 miles, I use fuel otherwise no. I am more of a chews person. I have a hard time w the texture of GU’s . thanks for the linkup
I also use fuel for runs longer than 6 miles. I wouldn’t make it without it.
Thanks for linking up with us!
I use NUUN every day when I work out. My favorite flavor is “orange” and “lemon-lime”.
Have you tried the Nuun Sport? Is it the same formula but different package?
I regretted not fueling at my last Half Marathon so I’m going to try some different gels during my long training runs so I don’t make the same mistake. Thanks for these ideas. As for missing your run because of all the snow, I don’t blame you. I’m not a fan of the treadmill either – I think the most I can stomach is about 8 km and that’s pushing it.
There was a time in which I would do almost all of my runs on the treadmill. Recently is when I started doing more of my runs outside and I loved it! But this weather sucks! So far I’ve done a few runs on the treadmill and it hasn’t been too bad.
Huma Gels!!! I bought some at the expo in Warsaw and ended up not trying them in the marathon (because 1) you don’t really want to use something new during a marathon and 2) I had to step out anyway because I was ill) but I DID use them during Amsterdam and really loved them! I think I had strawberry lemonade and lemon lime? That reminds me to try and order some more of these soon!!
Happy to hear you liked them!