GU Energy provided the Performance Energy Sampler free of charge for me to use to review and the opinions that follow are mine.
My expereince with GU started somewhere around 1992. I recall my friend Mark (Roach) introducing me to this gel called GU. He offered it to me while we were in the middle of a 13-mile trail run. I thought it was interesting, but being old school, I was skeptical. Later, I started using GU for my other long runs and later when I started competing in triathlon. I can't tell you how many long runs, long rides, and events GU products have gotten me through. I tried different gels over the years, but GU seemed to have just the right boost, texture, and taste, and it became my brand of choice.
In 2006 I saw an add from GU in Triathlete Magazine. They were accepting applications for people to represent their product and spread the word of GU. I was rather excited about this possibility. I composed my first "athletic resume" and hopefully submitted it to GU. A few weeks later I learned I was accepted into their ambassador program and of course I was elated.
Since this time GU has provided me with their product both free and at a reduced rate and it has been a great partnership as I spread the word of the value of GU products, and I am able to continue to use my favorite sports nutrition product at a reduced rate to fuel my passion.
Over the years GU has evolved and has devloped a sports drink. Orginally called GU20 and most recently GU Brew. They now offer both an electrolyte and a recovery drink option in a variety of flavors. Honestly, at first I still preferred Gatorade for my electrolyte replacement (remember...old school), but after using it a few times, I really appreciated the taste and its function. I found it to be much "lighter" than Gatorade, which makes it easy to go down and it satisfies my thirst.
The GU Brew recovery drink I tried for the first time this year and it seems to help. I use this almost exclusively for after long or hard efforts. For me, it is prudent to mix it before my workout so it is readily available when I return.
GU also developed a product called GU Chomps. These have a "fruit snack" or "gummy" texture, but they are bigger and contain the same type of boost one would get from taking two GUs. What I like about the Chomps is that they're a nice alternative to GU gels when I feel like I've had my fill of gel for the day, or if I simply want to change it up a bit. From my experience they are easy to chew and they go down well.
Roctane is another item GU has created which is a "Super GU" of sorts because it packs a bigger punch than the average GU. I use these for critical events or workouts. I trust the "normal" GU gels, but this one gives me a mental edge.
Another cool feature of GU products is they offer a large range of flavors. A few weeks ago on Facebook, GU asked what "our" favorite flavor of GU was and the responses indicated a wide variety.
Recently GU sent me a promotional package of what they will be offering athletes in stores. It is a GU, Performance Energy Sampler. It provides GU gels of all flavors and types, GU Chomps, and GU Brew (both Electrolyte and Recovery). Furthermore, inside the package it provides a couple suggestions for combinations for how you might use it. Truly, the combination of GU you use on a given day varies, but until you try it out, you just don't know what might work for you or how you might respond.
GU has afforded me many opportunities, so am I partial? ...heck yeah. However, as I have mentioned before, I have tried many other gels and nutrition products, and I suggest you do the same when you get samples in race "goodie bags," etc. You might just discover, as I have however, that GU is the superior brand.
So, if you have not tried all of GU's products or are curious about the different flavors, I recommend you give the GU, Performance Energy Sampler a try. It will be on shelves in your local running stores soon.
Get your GU on and get out there!
Peace,
~Sam
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