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.
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!
The 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.
I 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
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
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.
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.
I am a follower :)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the GU in espresso love! Seriously, it tastes SO GOOD!
ReplyDeleteI "liked" hotleg runner on facebook
ReplyDeleteChocolate Outrage regular Gu is my favorite, mostly because it tastes just like chocolate syrup.
ReplyDeleteI "liked" GU Energy Labs on facebook ages ago :)
ReplyDeleteYou are totes magotes on my blog roll!
ReplyDeleteYou are on my blog roll
ReplyDeleteI 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 :)
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower
ReplyDeleteI follow GU on Twitter
ReplyDeleteVisited GU website and torn between Vanilla bean and Espresso Love Gu Energy Gel
ReplyDeleteI like Hotlegs on Facebook
ReplyDeleteLike Gu on Facebook
ReplyDeleteYou are on my blogroll
ReplyDeleteI used Gu in my both my half marathons and it helped me cross that finish line!
ReplyDeleteFollower!
ReplyDeleteI am twittering about your giveaway
ReplyDeleteI am a mandarin orange lover. The GU Brew is awesome too.
ReplyDeleteI follow your blog.
ReplyDeleteI follow!
ReplyDeleteI would love to try the Chomps!
ReplyDeleteI like you on FB.
ReplyDeleteI like GU on FB.
ReplyDeleteYou're on my blog roll!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower;;)
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDeleteI 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!
I follow you!
ReplyDeleteI 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.
ReplyDelete(By the way, I can't chew and run either, but I use chomps just before a race like a 10k).
I like you on facebook.
ReplyDeleteI like GU on facebook.
ReplyDeleteYou're on my blogroll.
ReplyDeleteWill add a link to my blog.
ReplyDeleteMy 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).
ReplyDeleteI am a follower (I'm in BC, but can pick it up in WA if I win).
ReplyDeleteI like mint chocolate the most, but really want to try cherry-lime roctane.
ReplyDeleteI already like GU on fb.
ReplyDeleteYou're already on my blogroll.
ReplyDeleteGU 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!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower!
ReplyDeleteI recently discovered GU, and my favorite flavor is Chocolate Outrage - OMG, so delicious!!!
ReplyDeleteI am a NEW follower! excited because I am a running addict!
ReplyDeleteI am following you on twitter! (jkhmiller)
ReplyDeleteI already follow GUEnergyLabs! :)
ReplyDeleteI retweeted your tweet :) ...are you getting tired of me commenting yet? I LOVE my Gu!
ReplyDeleteGu 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!
ReplyDeleteI posted on my blog!
ReplyDeletehttp://jessicakimmiller.blogspot.com/
I just visited the Gu site before this because I was out! My favorite flavor by far is mint chocolate!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower
ReplyDeleteI love espesso love. Yum
ReplyDeleteI like gu on fb
ReplyDeleteI follow gu on twitter
ReplyDeleteI follow you on fb
ReplyDeleteI never would have finished my half without chomps. I was so sick and the chomps helped me.
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is the tri-berry flavor! Mainly because I haven't got a chance to try any of the other flavors!
ReplyDeleteI am following you on Twitter!
ReplyDelete@tucsnheatrunner
I am now following GUEnergyLabs on Twitter!
ReplyDeleteI now like the Hotlegs runner on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteI now like GU Energy Labs on Facebook!
ReplyDeleteYou have been on my blog roll!
ReplyDeleteI posted this giveaway on my Twitter!
ReplyDeleteI have never used GU, but based on your recommendation.. I would like to try the roctane!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter
ReplyDeleteI follow GU on twitter
ReplyDeleteI posted a link on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI posted a link on twitter!
ReplyDeleteI have relied the chewy stuff, so I would like to try the GU gel
ReplyDeleteI follow hotlegs on twitter
ReplyDeleteI follow you on FB
ReplyDeleteYOu are on my blog roll http://jallen.blogspot.com/
ReplyDeleteI am a follower! :)
ReplyDeleteSharing on twitter @Blonde_pony
ReplyDeleteIt's the GU Mint Chocolate flavor that I like most! :)
ReplyDeleteI Like HotlegsRunner on FB! :)
ReplyDeletesharing on FB
ReplyDeleteI Like GU on Facebook! :)
ReplyDeleteThe race that GU gel helped me was in my very first triathlon! :) I beat Sheerwill's time because of it! hehehe...
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower! :)
ReplyDeleteI'd love to try out the Roctane stuff...its on my "to do" list!
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter!
ReplyDeleteI "like" you on FB.
ReplyDeleteI've liked GU on FB.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower of your blog
ReplyDeleteI like the Mandarin Orange flavor
ReplyDeleteI am following you on FB
ReplyDeleteI "liked" GU on FB
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Twitter
ReplyDeleteI follow GU on twitter
ReplyDeleteI posted a link on FB to your website
ReplyDeleteI added you to my blogroll
ReplyDeleteGU helped with my first triathlon in April 2010
ReplyDeleteMy 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.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower
ReplyDeletei use their plain GU for each race. And its usually the lemon-lime flavor.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter
ReplyDeletei follow GU on Twitter
ReplyDeleteI like Hotlegs Runner on FB
ReplyDeleteadding giveaway to my blog
ReplyDeleteI 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!!
ReplyDeleteI follow!
ReplyDeleteI love their Cherry Lime Roctane. Second place would go to Vanilla Bean!
ReplyDeleteI follow GU on facebook!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower of your blog.
ReplyDeleteI love all of the GU chomps!
ReplyDeleteI am following you on facebook.
ReplyDeleteI am following GU on facebook.
ReplyDeleteI follow
ReplyDeleteGU fueled the 2009 RNR Va Beach Half and helped me reach a PR :)
ReplyDeleteI already like GU on facebook
ReplyDeleteI've only had the strawberry GU, but would love to try Espresso, chocolate, or vanilla bean
ReplyDeleteI follow you on twitter
ReplyDeleteI follow GU on twitter
ReplyDeleteI follow GU Energy Labs on Twitter.
ReplyDeleteI like Hot Legs Runner on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI like GU on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI posted this giveaway on Twitter. @cosmickty
ReplyDeleteI posted this giveaway on my blog.
ReplyDeleteYou are on my blog roll.
ReplyDeleteGU helped me get through my first half-marathon under my goal time. I hope it will help me PR at my next one!
ReplyDeleteI like the vanilla flavor best, but would really like to try the Roctane.
ReplyDeleteI am a follower of the blog.
ReplyDeleteEspresso Love is my fav GU!!
ReplyDeleteI follow GU on Facebook!!
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the roctane products- especially Pineapple- which i attribute to my half PR :)
ReplyDeleteGu 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!
ReplyDeletei liked hot legs on face book
ReplyDeleteadded the giveaway to my blog
ReplyDeletei liked gu on facebook
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower
ReplyDeleteI want to try the peach tea chomps!!
ReplyDeleteI like GU on FB
ReplyDeleteGU helped fuel my Freeze Your Thorns of Virtual 5k and I got a 5k treadmill PR!!
ReplyDeleteI am a follower, just not very prompt at reading everything in my reader...
ReplyDeleteI am pretty plain, I like the plain flavors best.
ReplyDeleteI follow you, I also tried following @hottierunner but they don't exist yet sadly.
ReplyDeleteI follow @GUEnergyLabs
ReplyDeleteI like you on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI like GU on Facebook
ReplyDeleteI 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 :)
ReplyDeletePosted about it on my 26.2 Quest Facebook Fanpage
ReplyDeleteI tweeted about it @virtual4now - Direct Link
ReplyDeletei am a follower of your blog
ReplyDeletethe only gu product i have tried is the mint chocolate energy gel. and it was YUMMY!!
ReplyDeletei am a follower on twitter
ReplyDeletei am following @guenergylabs on twitter
ReplyDeletei "like" hotlegs runner on facebook
ReplyDeletei "like" gu on facebook
ReplyDeleteshared on facebook
ReplyDeleteshared on twitter!
ReplyDeleteshared on my blog!
ReplyDeleteyou are on my fave blog list on my blog!
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!
ReplyDeleteI love the Espresso love! Mmmm.
ReplyDeleteI already follow you on Twitter
ReplyDeleteI follow Gu on Twitter
ReplyDeleteI like you on FB
ReplyDeleteI like Gu on FB
ReplyDeleteI posted your giveaway on my blog
ReplyDeleteI posted your giveaway on FB
ReplyDeleteI posted your giveaway on Twitter
ReplyDeleteGu helped me run my PR at the 2010 Cleveland Marathon. (And may help with with a new one in 2011!)
ReplyDeleteI'm a follower!!!
ReplyDeleteI love the Watermelon GU Chomps.
ReplyDeleteI tweeted ~ windyrunner
ReplyDeleteI posted the giveaway on my blog.
ReplyDeleteI follow you on Twitter ~ windyrunner
ReplyDeleteI follow GU on Twitter ~ windyrunner
ReplyDeleteI like you on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteI like GU on Facebook.
ReplyDeleteYou are already on my blog roll :)
ReplyDeleteThe 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.
ReplyDelete