This is a very crucial step in my preparation. I have never taken the time to try out different gels and energy drinks, but with the training intensifying by the week, and the major event coming up in June, it is important that I feed properly on the bike and my runs during training. This learning process will take a while, and my workouts are the best way to figure this all out! One thing is certain, I am very picky and so is my stomach! Some flavors (chocolate, coffee, or peanut butter) I already know are a "no-go" for me! no Bueno! And so are hard energy bars and shock blocks - Both make me drool and are hard to swallow while running or biking - Not a big fan! The Cliff bars are too sweet, and have a strong taste to them that I cannot stomach. No go either!
I was very skeptical about the gels, but I decided to give it a second chance and opted to try one out in the last 30 minutes of my long ride of Wednesday. I didn't want to sit on it for too long in case I didn't like it, or in case my stomach couldn't take it. I was pleasantly surprised to see that not only did it give me the extra boost my legs needed (and by boost, I mean sugar), but it wasn't that bad at all! I'm going to try it out for few more rides, and in different conditions to see if I really like it. I'll also give it a shot on my long run on Sunday.
What did it try on Wednesday? With a 4 1/2 hr ride scheduled, I figured that I'd break it out by hour, and test a different drink each hour. I also opted to take in an energy bar later (3rd hour), keeping the gel for the last 30 minutes of my ride.
21 oz of Hammer Heed - lemon lime - in the first hour - Very good and light. I really like the taste and texture of it, light in sugar, and easy to drink. It did not feel too powdery, and I can definitely see it being mixed with some energy drinks like the Tropical Citrus Vitamin water - That could be a great combo!
GU Roctane Ultra Endurance - Tropical Fruit - for the second hour - I like it! a bit sweeter than the first drink, and definitely more powdery than the Hammer Heed drink, but it is rich in calories and in Carbohydrates. It gave me the sensation that I was feeding and drinking at the same time. Perfect drink to take in the second hour of the ride when my body needs more than a simple energy drink. I would probably not go with this drink only. I think I would need something less rich to compensate and feel fully re-hydrated.
Honey Stinger Waffle - Vanilla flavor - in my 3rd hour - what can I say - Perfect food when I know I'll be out for a while. Not very convenient to open and eat on the bike, but perfect for when you take a quick break to refuel at one of the cafes on the 9W!
I stopped and got a Gatorade - Orange flavor - for the 3rd hour of my ride - Phew! So intense in sugar, and soooo good for the entire body! I didn't want to tap into my water at that point, and so I opted for a Gatorade! It totally made up for it! I also had a Hammer almond Raisin bar - Not sure what it did to me, but nonetheless I liked the taste of it, and the fact that it was really easy to chew and swallow. I didn't feel like it got stuck on my stomach - I'm going to give it a shot for few more rides before I decide to go with it or dash it
Honey Stinger Gold gel - honey flavor - was the great surprise of the 4th hour of my ride! Sweet? mega sweet for sure! gooey? definitely! I ate it and took few sips of water with it. It gave me that extra boost I needed to finish my ride strong. And it definitely helped out! Let's see how that goes in my next few rides (tomorrow), and on my long runs. I'd be curious to see if I can take it on the runs, but I don't see why not!
I'm loving doing all these trials and errors and learn more about my body, what I can stomach, what I like most, and what I should avoid. This is a completely new experiment to me, and working on finding out the right balance in my nutrition should help me in my performances on race days! Exciting stuff!
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