Cheater

I'll admit it, I've been cheating.


Cheating on my Vanilla Bean Gu.

It has served me well for the past 7 years, but now there are so many newer, more tempting products out on the market, that I figured it was time for a little experimentation. In fact, I've been moving from one product to another for the past few months - trying them out, tossing them aside if I don't like them, then quickly moving on to another. User.

So here's the run down:


Jelly Belly Sport Beans





I tried these 1st....I mean, they're jelly beans! Who wouldn't like these? Yummy flavor, but the lemon lime jelly beans left a nasty residue on my teeth that seemed to last for days. And, I didn't notice much difference in my energy levels after consuming.


Cliff Bar Shot Bloks




Okay taste, but too gummy for me. I don't like the consistency - it makes them hard to chew and they stick to my teeth (I was trying to get them off my teeth for the remainder of my run). And, I think the blocks are a little too big in size. Again, I didn't notice much difference in my energy level. I do like the newer packaging - definitely makes them easier to carry!

Luna Moons - Watermelon and Pomegranate

I like the size of these - easier to pop in your mouth and chew. They taste yummy - I prefer the watermelon flavor over the pomegranate, but that's just me. I had 2 awesome runs with these, so I think they work!

Bee Stingers - Cherry Blossom & Fruit Smoothie

This was my overall favorite! The chews are a little on the large side, but the 2 flavors I've tried - cherry blossom and fruit smoothie - were super yummy! And, the consistency was good and easy to chew. I have had at least 3 great runs with these in various temps, so I know it wasn't just a fluke because we were having nice weather.

Gu Roctane - Blueberry Pomegranate

The consistency and flavor alone made me want to gag. I didn't notice any major difference in my energy level compared to regular Gu...although, I have several friends who swear by these! I'll pass thankyouverymuch!

Gu Chomps - Blueberry Pomegranate

For some reason the blueberry pomegranate flavor in the energy chews doesn't bother me as much in this form. I do really like these chews! I felt great before, during and after my run. My only complaint is that they are a little large.

Sharkies - Berry Flavor

These are cute and they taste great. At first. I noticed a bit of a yucky aftertaste after chewing them. And, I didn't get a "boost" of energy from them either.

I still have a few more new products to try - Hammer Gel, Perpetuem (energy drink from Hammer), Cytomax, etc. I am reluctant to try new gels, because it took me awhile to find my Vanilla Bean Gu...some of the other gels, like Chocolate Gu, are sooo much thicker and more difficult to choke down.

And, keep in mind that these are just my opinions on these products - there were some products I hated, but my running peep absolutely swears by! What works for me might not work for you, and vice versa. In other words, take my opinions with a grain of salt and try some of these for yourself!