I cannot imagine anyone NOT of already trying out the GU brand of gels but on the off-chance you have not, here is a little review by someone who has…ME! GU has been around since 1991 and since then, they have kept on improving their gels while adding new products and flavors to their line. Currently, they offer the following: Original Energy Gel, Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel, Chomps, Electrolyte Brew, Recovery Brew, and Electrolyte Tablets.
I am a big fan of GU and use three 
of their products on a regular basis (not all flavors). Out of the 12 flavors of Original GU, I particularly like the Jet Blackberry, Strawberry Banana, and Lemon Sublime flavors. They now offer a new Peanut Butter flavor which I am looking forward to trying and I may even use it to make PB & J sandwiches! (Are you hearing this GU? New flavor maybe?) As for Roctane, I love the Blueberry Pomegranate, and Cherry Lime flavors. Roctane has also come out with a new flavor called “Island Nectars” which is apparently liken to a Mai Tai (Mmmm…YES please!) The Watermelon, Blueberry Pomegranate, Peach Tea, and Cranberry Apple Chomps are super yummy!
Field Test (Original & Roctane):
While both the Original and Roctane have the same viscosity and work on the same principal, Roctane is a different beast and sure packs a punch. Not only does it contain higher amounts of all the ingredients found in the Original recipe, but it also has added ingredients to aid in maintaining longer energy levels and help with recovery.
I used to use the Original GU’s for both long runs and for when I first started racing. There is no doubt in my mind that using GU helps restore much needed energy during physical activity. Once I became more competitive, I was looking for ways to improve my endurance and that is when I decided to give Roctane a shot. I have not looked back since. Currently, I use the Original gels for all long training runs and the Roctane I use religiously for ALL my races from 5k all the way up to the marathon. I do find that the Roctane’s really help keep leg cramps at bay.
Both the Original and Roctane gels are a little thicker than certain other brands which makes it just a tad hard to swallow without water. This is not much of a problem when doing training runs since I have water on hand and can take the time needed to “refuel”. However, in racing, I have found it to be a little tricky to get it all down quickly at the aid stations without getting short of breath. This has led me to change things up a bit and now I have a technique I use during races that has helped a lot. I usually know where the aid stations are along the course so roughly 200 meters before I reach one, I start squeezing small amounts of gel and let it completely melt in my mouth. By the time I reach the station, the gel is completely gone and I am ready to wash it all down with water. No wasted breaths or time!
Field Test (Chomps):
Is it candy? You would not think these little morsels of yummyness could possibly contain Vitamin C + E, sodium, potassium, and amino acids all within its sweet chewy jujube-like texture. But that is exactly what it has. I could pretty much eat these little bad boys any time of the day! Unfortunately, I have to limit them to when I am running. I will take these with me, along with gels, when I go for very long training runs because during them, I start feeling pretty hungry and the gels just do not fill that hunger feeling. Having something that I can munch on and actually swallow helps curb that hunger and allows me to focus on my run and not my stomach.
If you have never tried any GU product, I would suggest you pick up a few different items from their line-up and test them for yourself. For detailed information on all their products just go to www.guenergy.com. To purchase them… www.runningfree.com.
