GU Energy Gels

Hey all you hardcore athletes out there! When I started training for my first triathlon, I heard all about GU Energy Gels…and tried them and have been using them ever since…

My favorites are the Orange and the Tri-Berry…but either way, they have become an integral part of my endurance training…

How many of you use GU or maybe another energy gel, what’s your favorite, and how do you consume them (any particular time, interval, mixed with something [I’ve even blended one or two with water as a post-workout recovery], etc…)

I am all about the GU Clock. One every 45 mins during makes all the difference.

noel, anyplace local that sells these? i tried using caffeine before lifting to slow glycogen depletion and be able to lift more/longer… which works great… but i think i would like these gels better

How are those things for us looking to lose fat and not bulk up?

GU is a great pre, during & post workout supplement…each gel pack contains 100 calories plus some caffeine…they run about a buck and a half each…during extended workouts, I usually consume 3 gel packs…for example:

1) 15 minutes before I begin my workout (usually I use these during cardio workouts…not so much during weight training…although I’m sure you could use it for that as well…)

2) about 45 minutes into my cardio I consume another one…

3) if I’m still going past the 90 minute mark (and are continuing to exercise for some time after that – for example during a triathlon routine or long distance bike or run, I’ll consume one more…

4) once in a while I will consume one or two as a post-workout recovery…but usually not…these really are designed to give you that extra “oomph” during extended, long-distance/time workouts…particularly cardiovascular exercises/training/races/etc…

kaliyooguh – I’ve had a hard time finding these in the Charleston area…but I’ve had the most success at the Dick’s Sporting Goods in Summerville (near the big movie theater)...right now, they have a pretty good selection (minus the 30+ gels I bought from them yesterday lol)

jimlivingston – as for using them while losing fat…I’ve lost 20 lbs. over the last month and have consumed at least 20 of these gels in the process…don’t eat them as snack food (although you would probably have a hard time doing that as they have the consistency of REALLY thick maple syrup…and definitely don’t taste the best apart from a hard workout)...but as for them making you bulk up…not at all…providing your workouts are intense…and that your diet is healthy…and of course that your calorie intake doesn’t top your calorie burning…

One more thing…if you are planning to tryout GU Energy Gels and are entering any kind of race or competition, MAKE SURE YOU GET USED TO CONSUMING THEM PRIOR TO YOUR RACE…particularly if you are using them while running…it takes a bit of getting used to…especially trying to breathe, run and swallow all at the same time…lol…

Hi! I may be a little late on this post, but here it goes…
I run about 3-4 marathons a year and a bunch of half marathons. I buy GU in bulk, it’s cheaper. I’m hooked on the “JUST PLAIN” and “VANILLA” flavored ones. I usually have one about 10-15 min before I have a run over 8 miles, then one every 35-45 min during the run, and one after the run with a whey protein shake and an ice bath. On runs under 8 miles, I don’t do anything special, but maybe a whey shake after if I ran particulaly fast. I don’t use any GU for gym workouts.
I definitly agree with noeldelisle- it’s pretty hard to swallow that GU if your mouth is dry and you are huffing and puffing through a run so get used to it before hand. May I suggest opening a Gu packet before you reach a water stop, grabbing water, squeezing Gu in mouth, then drinking water. Much easier….