Let’s start with a short and simple disclaimer: people react to products in different ways. What works for me, may not work for you.
However, I can attest the following products have worked wonders during my training.
If you’re considering running long-distances, already struggling while trying to train for longer runs, or you’re just needing an extra boost before a workout, this article should be a good jumping-off point.
Whether through candy-like chewables, candy-like jelly beans, or … goo … (just wait), I’ve ran more miles than I could ever fathom, even crossing the finish line at my first marathon in L.A. last year. Plus, it helps that all these products taste awesome!
That all being said, let’s get goin!
Josh Helmuth is the editor of CraveOnline Sports.
5 Running Energy Boosters
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Glukos
Of all the products I've tried, Glukos is the only one that has truly blown me away.
Not only is it free of dairy, gluten, caffeine, high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweetener, but it's packed full of enough natural glucose to help you sustain some of the toughest workouts imaginable.
Glukos comes in many different forms; the bars and the gummies are my favorite. Just half of a bar or a few chewables will allow me to pump out a tough 30-minute workout plus a 4-5 mile run after a hard day at work.
No matter which way you ingest, they all taste Uh-Mazing.
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GU energy gels
I'll be the first to admit that "GU" didn't seem all that appetizing at first. But they're not only really easy to consume while running, but as you can see, they come in an almost infinite variety of flavors.
GU comes in other forms as well, but consider the liquid form first just to see how your body reacts. You can get caffeine powered GU. Even a maple-bacon flavored GU. No matter what your heart desires, they all come packed with essential carbs and electrolytes.
Instead of a 'goo,' imagine it more like frosting -- a really nutritious frosting that can give you instant results.
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Jelly Belly sport beans
Okay, if you're looking for something that simply tastes like heaven, this is your gold medal winner right here. In fact, these "sport beans" taste so good some people think they're a huge con. I mean, come on. It's like the Jelly Belly people got together and said "Hey! We should market our jelly beans to runners! Because....sugar!"
But seriously, these Jelly Bellies, which really do just taste like Jelly Bellies, are packed with
- Carbohydrates
- Electrolytes (sodium and potassium)
- Vitamins B1, B2, & B3
- Vitamin C
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PowerGel
https://www.powerbar.com/Products/powergel-orange-dream
Made by PowerBar, this gel is very similar to GU: carbs, huge variety of great tasting flavors and they are easy to down while on the go. The only difference? PowerGel energy gels claim to have the most sodium of any leading gel on the market.
More sodium = more electroylytes
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Clif Shot Bloks
http://www.clifbar.com/products/clif-shot/shot-bloks
These gummies got me through the LA Marathon last year.
Just three pieces pack 100 calories, 24 grams of carbs and 50 mg of sodium. They're 95 percent organic and you can also get them with caffeine as well. And just like the other products, they taste awesome.
