The Hotlegs Runner Gear Review & Giveaway: GU Energy | The Hotlegs Runner

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Gear Review & Giveaway: GU Energy

Today I am going to review and giveaway something that I am addicted to love so much.  And I know I am not alone.  A lot of other athletes out there can attest to the effectiveness of these awesome energy products from GU.
GUThe Legend of GU
 Athletes the world over have come to the same conclusion: GU works. Our Berkeley-based sports nutrition company started with original GU Energy Gel, a revolutionary and more effective method to keep athletes fueled during exercise. In 2001, GU20 was launched as the perfect hydration companion to GU Energy Gel, and in 2008, the introduction of Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel continued GU’s mission: help athletes go faster and longer than ever before.

My Review


GU really does work! During the first few months of running I did not know about GU at all.  I was running short distances at that time.  When I signed up for my first half marathon, I tried out a different energy gel.  I was actually choosing between GU and "that" other energy gel brand.  I didn't choose GU.  Boo!

Sadly, that brand I chose did not help me at all.  I was tired during my first half marathon experience and didn't feel anything when I took it.

I ran two other half marathons without any energy gel.  I had my friends to pace me and I thank them for my PRs.  But just like my first half mary experience.  I. felt. exhausted.

GU
On my fourth half marathon and my first race event here in the U.S., I was advised by my friend/coach Carina to take GU.  So, I took these energy gels while training and during the race.  And talk about perfect timing, I was sent some GU products to sample!  Woot!

So what do I think of it? I LOVE IT!

When I took it the first time, I felt a surge of energy through my body, like I just drank 10 cups of coffee!  My favorite is the Roctane, you see, which has twice the caffeine of the regular one.  I only use it during long distances, speedwork and sometimes, during tempo runs.  It really fuels my run and when I don't take it during those runs, I feel slow and sluggish.

That being said, I'd like to thank GU for all my PRs and for keeping me energized during my wonderful first full marathon experience last December.

I was also sent some  GU Brew which I took days before my long runs and immediately right after to balance electrolytes.  It can also be taken during runs, but personally I have not tried it yet.  I love my water. Haha!

GUThe non-Roctane GU comes in lots of yummy flavors...

My favorite are Vanilla Bean and Strawberry Outrage.  They are easy to take and digest and never upset my stomach in any way.

GUI also got to try the GU Chomps.  Personally, I am not a fan since I despise having to chew while running.  But comparing it to another product brand which I tried, I find the GU chomps easier to chew.

Evidently, I am a GU devotee. I cannot imagine running long distances without my GU.  It gives me the energy I need to run fast, strong, and to endure long runs and hard training.  Thank you, GU!

Giveaway


I will be giving away 1 GU Performance Energy Sampler to one lucky reader.

The Performance Energy Sampler has everything you need to get serious about your endurance nutrition. The Sampler box includes:
9 GU Energy Gels - includes each flavor of the workhorse of endurance nutrition
3 Roctane Gels - when you really need to dig deep on that long training run, ride or race
2 Chomps Packets - mix things up a bit with this delicious and chewable form of energy
2 GU Electrolyte Brew Packets - a great tasting, balanced electrolyte mix to improve hydration
1 GU Recovery Brew Packet - use after workouts to recover faster and perform better the next time out
The Sampler includes details on each product and ideas for using them together to achieve your goals.

This costs $23.99 but it can be yours for free!

Please note that this is open to U.S. residents only. BUT, If you live abroad and want to have this shipped to a U.S. address of a relative or friend, then you are welcome to participate.

I will announce the winner this coming Sunday, Jan. 16.

Please remember to leave a SEPARATE comment for EACH of the things below.  1 comment = 1 entry.  I suggest you do everything specified below to increase your chances of winning.  If you do all 11, that's 11 entries!


Mandatory:
1.  Must be a FOLLOWER of my blog. I'm doing this because it's my way of thanking you for being one! =) Click the Follow button located at my right sidebar. And let me know that you are following already by posting a comment here like, "I am a follower" .  I am always happy to see new people following. = 1 entry

2.  Visit the GU Website. Let me know which of their products you like most. Post it on my comments again. = 1 entry


Extra Credit
3.  Follow me on Twitter (@HotlegsRunner) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
4.  Follow GU on Twitter (@GUEnergyLabs) and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
5.  Like the Hotlegs Runner on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that you already do. = 1 entry
6.  Like GU on FACEBOOK and leave a comment that lets me know you already do. = 1 entry
7.  Post this giveaway on your blog, Twitter and/or Facebook linking back to here.  Let me know when you've spread the word. Leave a comment for EACH. = 3 entries
8.  Add me to your blog roll. = 1 entry 
9.  Answer this: Which race event did GU help fuel your run and reach that PR?

Good luck!
Disclaimer:  I did not pay for this GU products.  They were sent to me and in exchange, I post an honest review of it.  I was not compensated nor was I encouraged by the manufacturer to post a positive review.  This review is based solely on my experience with this product.

JuliePosts you might have missed this week:

174 comments:

  1. My favorite is the GU in espresso love! Seriously, it tastes SO GOOD!

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  2. Chocolate Outrage regular Gu is my favorite, mostly because it tastes just like chocolate syrup.

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  3. I "liked" GU Energy Labs on facebook ages ago :)

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  4. I ran my first half marathon the "Salt Lake Half Marathon" last year on April 17, 2010! I finished in 2:16:00. I took 2 GU's and they really helped me :)

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  5. I have trouble remembering to fuel myself, even when I pack Gu. I remember on my first marathon, before I hammered out a Gu intake schedule, feeling like total ass around mile 13. It was waaaaaaaaay too early to feel that bad. Then, BOOM, a Gu station. I grabbed one, chowed it down, and, seriously, it was like magic. My legs felt lighter, and I didn't want to take a nap anymore. Proper fueling is soooooo important, man.

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  6. Visited GU website and torn between Vanilla bean and Espresso Love Gu Energy Gel

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  7. I used Gu in my both my half marathons and it helped me cross that finish line!

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  8. I am twittering about your giveaway

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  9. I am a mandarin orange lover. The GU Brew is awesome too.

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  10. I follow your blog.

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  11. I would love to try the Chomps!

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  12. I usually only use vanilla gels. I do like chocolate powergels but they are super thick, so I think I would try their chocolate outrage gu.

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  13. I am a follower of your blog, and I follow you on twitter AND Facebook. Also, I already before even reading this was a fan/follower of Gu on Facebook and twitter.

    I must say that my favorite Gu products (that I have tried) so far are the Vanilla Bean and the Tri Berry. The Vanilla Bean just helped me this past weeked to run my first ever Sub 4 hour marathon at Walt Disney World!

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  14. I really want to try the cherry lime Roctane. I don't really like the other Roctane flavors - I stick with chocolate outrage and vanilla bean. So I'd love to try that.

    (By the way, I can't chew and run either, but I use chomps just before a race like a 10k).

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  15. I like you on facebook.

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  16. I like GU on facebook.

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  17. You're on my blogroll.

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  18. Will add a link to my blog.

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  19. My second half. My first, I died at mile 9... I learned about GU in the months in between. I crossed the finish line of half #2 feeling great (which was when I decided I would take on a full).

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  20. I am a follower (I'm in BC, but can pick it up in WA if I win).

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  21. I like mint chocolate the most, but really want to try cherry-lime roctane.

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  22. GU has helped at all my races - and since there have only been 3 (2 halfs and a full) it was PRs each time! Going for a new marathon PR in May... and they're sponsoring the race! Yay!

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  23. I recently discovered GU, and my favorite flavor is Chocolate Outrage - OMG, so delicious!!!

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  24. I am a NEW follower! excited because I am a running addict!

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  25. I am following you on twitter! (jkhmiller)

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  26. I retweeted your tweet :) ...are you getting tired of me commenting yet? I LOVE my Gu!

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  27. Gu helped fuel me for ALL of my races and training runs! It was especially helpful for my DC National Marathon 2010 when I thought I was going to pass out!

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  28. I posted on my blog!
    http://jessicakimmiller.blogspot.com/

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  29. I just visited the Gu site before this because I was out! My favorite flavor by far is mint chocolate!!!

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  30. I never would have finished my half without chomps. I was so sick and the chomps helped me.

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  31. My favorite is the tri-berry flavor! Mainly because I haven't got a chance to try any of the other flavors!

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  32. I am following you on Twitter!
    @tucsnheatrunner

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  33. I am now following GUEnergyLabs on Twitter!

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  34. I now like the Hotlegs runner on Facebook!

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  35. I now like GU Energy Labs on Facebook!

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  36. You have been on my blog roll!

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  37. I posted this giveaway on my Twitter!

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  38. I have never used GU, but based on your recommendation.. I would like to try the roctane!

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  39. I have relied the chewy stuff, so I would like to try the GU gel

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  40. YOu are on my blog roll http://jallen.blogspot.com/

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  41. It's the GU Mint Chocolate flavor that I like most! :)

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  42. The race that GU gel helped me was in my very first triathlon! :) I beat Sheerwill's time because of it! hehehe...

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  43. I'm a follower! :)

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  44. I'd love to try out the Roctane stuff...its on my "to do" list!

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  45. I follow you on twitter!

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  46. I "like" you on FB.

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  47. I've liked GU on FB.

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  48. GU helped with my first triathlon in April 2010

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  49. My first experience with GU was during my first half at the Women's Half Marathon in St Petersburg, FL. They had a station around mile 8 I tried the Vanilla bean and it was great it fueled me up and I finished in 2:16:31. So now I don't run without it and I'm always looking forward to trying new flavors.

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  50. i use their plain GU for each race. And its usually the lemon-lime flavor.

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  51. I have used GU on most of my races. I PR'd at RNR new orleans last year and I am hoping to do it again in February!!

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  52. I love their Cherry Lime Roctane. Second place would go to Vanilla Bean!

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  53. I am following you on facebook.

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  54. GU fueled the 2009 RNR Va Beach Half and helped me reach a PR :)

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  55. I've only had the strawberry GU, but would love to try Espresso, chocolate, or vanilla bean

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  56. I posted this giveaway on Twitter. @cosmickty

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  57. GU helped me get through my first half-marathon under my goal time. I hope it will help me PR at my next one!

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  58. I like the vanilla flavor best, but would really like to try the Roctane.

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  59. I LOVE the roctane products- especially Pineapple- which i attribute to my half PR :)

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  60. Gu helped me PR in my 5th half- Charlotte Thunder Road back in December. I normally will take 2 gus during the race, but the pineapple roctane at mile 6.5 was all I needed and kept me going!

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  61. I want to try the peach tea chomps!!

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  62. GU helped fuel my Freeze Your Thorns of Virtual 5k and I got a 5k treadmill PR!!

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  63. I am a follower, just not very prompt at reading everything in my reader...

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  64. I am pretty plain, I like the plain flavors best.

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  65. I follow you, I also tried following @hottierunner but they don't exist yet sadly.

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  66. I have used it in so many races and have yet to PR :) so I will have to say my next one, the Publix Georgia Marathon this March :)

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  67. the only gu product i have tried is the mint chocolate energy gel. and it was YUMMY!!

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  68. i am following @guenergylabs on twitter

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  69. i "like" hotlegs runner on facebook

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  70. you are on my fave blog list on my blog!

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  71. Gu helped me run my PR at the 2010 Cleveland Marathon. (And may help with with a new one in 2011!)

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  72. I love the Watermelon GU Chomps.

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  73. I posted the giveaway on my blog.

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  74. I follow you on Twitter ~ windyrunner

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  75. I follow GU on Twitter ~ windyrunner

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  76. You are already on my blog roll :)

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  77. The 2010 Seattle Rock-n-Roll 1/2 Marathon. The course fuel in 2009 made me sick so I packed GU chomps with me last year and I set a new PR for that particular race. I can't wait for 2011.

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