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2008-09-19 4:45 PM

Veteran
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Subject: First gel today

LBs suggested I eat gels during workouts because If I try them during a race theres a chance I might throwup.   So I went with the mocha coffee power bar gel with x2 caffenine and it was GREAT. 

 

Which one is your favorite and do you think the coffee one is ok or do you feel the caffenine crash associated with normal coffee after 40-50 minutes.  I never drink caffenine because I hate the crash I get from it but during a workout the short burst is kinda nice but im worried about the CRASH. 

Advice and knowledge please bring it.

 

Ben



2008-09-19 5:02 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Extreme Veteran
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Carlsbad, CA
Subject: RE: First gel today

After reading a bunch on here about gels, I bought some at a recent trip to the LBS.  They're pretty cheap, so I bought 4 each of about 5 different flavors, all Gu.

Tried one 15 minutes before heading out on a ride and said to myself, "Well, I won't be doing *that* again!"

Couldn't stand it, personally.  I much prefer a bar while riding.  If anyone wants 19 free assorted Gu gels, let me know  

2008-09-19 5:18 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Elite
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Subject: RE: First gel today
Vanilla Orange CarbBOOM! Yes I am biased and yes I/they screwed up my last shipment and its the only flavor I have. Two big bottles and 30 individual gels.
2008-09-19 5:36 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Master
1993
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Riverside, IL
Subject: RE: First gel today
Personally, I think they're all pretty icky and gross, BUT...if I had to choose I'd say that I'm kinda partial to the vanilla or chocolate/mocha flavors. I've tried tons of different gels, and just cannot stomach the "fruity" flavored ones...with 1 exception - Hammer Gel Banana flavor. That one I can tolerate. I also don't mind Honey Stinger Gold (honey flavor). I actually prefer the gummy-type energy chews (Luna Moons, Sharkies, Clif Shot Bloks, Powerbar Gel Blasts) over gels anyday!
2008-09-20 3:51 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Pro
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the Alabama part of Pennsylvania
Subject: RE: First gel today
I've switched mostly to blocks, because they are tasty and less messy.  But I used to prefer chocolate GU, honey stinger, and some brand of espresso/cappachino (I don't remember the brand, but I got it free once at an event, and bought a bunch more)
2008-09-20 4:42 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Champion
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Michigan
Subject: RE: First gel today

I enjoy the GUs but I prefer the performance of GU Roctane. It is made more for endurance and has buffers for the stomach....the taste?? Not that good, but if it works, who cares?

And about the crash....I find that if I take the gels every 30-45 min I'm fine. I need the calories anyway.  If you do that the crash won't happen til after and I generally have an adrenaline rush after racing so I don't ever really experience it.



2008-09-20 5:15 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Champion
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Checkin' out the podium girls
Subject: RE: First gel today
Caffeine supposedly delivers glucose to the muscle more effeciently than without. I like Clif Gels best; Strawberry + caffeine is my steady diet for longer workouts and races. Bars sit like bricks in my gut. I don't like the chocolate or vanilla flavors; too strong and sort of thick feeling. The fruit ones are more easy on the pallete. Always take a hit of water when possible to thin down the gels and get them into the bloodstream faster.
2008-09-20 7:26 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Master
1610
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Kirkland, WA
Subject: RE: First gel today
i like gu the best and  i like vanilla, lemon-lime and tri-berry (or something to that effect) the best. . hammer raspberry is pretty good too. i like gels because they are easy to take in -- it always jacks my HR up to try and eat a bar while riding/running and it is a little more tough.
2008-09-21 3:43 AM
in reply to: #1685119

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Master
1718
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Loughborough, England
Subject: RE: First gel today
I can't say I *like* any of them but I struggle to eat solids during a race so I don't have a choice.  I usually go with the more fruity flavours.  I've never had a problem with a caffeine crash after using gels with caffeine in.
2008-09-21 8:17 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Expert
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Barrington Area, IL
Subject: RE: First gel today
The Strawberry-Banana GU is HORRIBLE!!!

I am looking for one that I can live with as well.

I had a bar in transition on my first tri and it was a little tough.
2008-09-22 8:03 AM
in reply to: #1685119

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Pro
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McKinney, TX
Subject: RE: First gel today

I love 'em.  I normally stay with the chocolate, coffee or vanilla flavored, but I haven't tried the fruity flavors yet.  I haven't found a brand that doesn't work with my stomach. 

For a while, I was making my own.



2008-09-22 8:12 AM
in reply to: #1686004

Champion
6539
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South Jersey
Subject: RE: First gel today
I use Vanilla Bean GU, which does have caffeine (I like it for the flavor). I've been using that same flavor for a few years now and have raced every distance, including IM, with it. I've never had a "caffeine crash." I actually don't take as many gels on the run (barely took any during my IM run) and still didn't have a crash. I don't drink coffee or soda or anything, so most of the caffeine in my diet comes from GU.
2008-09-22 8:13 AM
in reply to: #1685119

Extreme Veteran
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Subject: RE: First gel today
Like socks or no socks, bucket or not, gels/blocks are personal preference. What some like, others dislike. Listen to your body.
2008-09-22 8:34 AM
in reply to: #1687650

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Champion
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Charlottesville, Virginia
Subject: RE: First gel today
I prefer Hammer chocolate Gel.  All the other kinds I tried were way too sweet.
2008-09-22 8:33 PM
in reply to: #1685119

Veteran
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Subject: RE: First gel today
I dont take any caffeine except when eating these gels.  I hope it doesnt mess me up during a race ( I can forsee myself pushing really hard on the bike or swim and having nothing left for the run) something along those lines, but I should be mentally strong enough to expect and counter that,  But come race day you never know... Maybe I should take caffeine before my bike rides... But I hate the crash and ... argg I dont know..
2008-09-22 8:39 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Master
1993
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Riverside, IL
Subject: RE: First gel today
I don't normally take in caffeine, either. The only time I eat/drink caffeine is if I have iced tea (I'm not a coffee drinker) or a piece of chocolate. But then again, I usually don't have the same reaction to it like most other people do. I don't seem to get that "buzz" or energy burst from caffeine the way most folks do. Sometimes I sure wish I did, though!


2008-09-22 9:26 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Champion
6503
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NOVA - Ironic for an Endurance Athlete
Subject: RE: First gel today

Ummm, read my signature!!! LOL.  But I live for my morning cup (or two) of coffee.  The buzz from my coffee lasts about 3-4 hours.

I would be careful if you are not used to caffeine.

2008-09-23 7:08 PM
in reply to: #1685149

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Veteran
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Subject: RE: First gel today
Poster Nutbag - 2008-09-19 6:02 PM

After reading a bunch on here about gels, I bought some at a recent trip to the LBS.  They're pretty cheap, so I bought 4 each of about 5 different flavors, all Gu.

Tried one 15 minutes before heading out on a ride and said to myself, "Well, I won't be doing *that* again!"

Couldn't stand it, personally.  I much prefer a bar while riding.  If anyone wants 19 free assorted Gu gels, let me know  

 Uh am I the first person to take you up on "free" GU? Let me know and I'll PM you my address and send you some cash for the shipping.

-Chris

2008-09-24 9:27 AM
in reply to: #1685119

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Elite
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Preferably on my bike somewhere
Subject: RE: First gel today
You'll get used to the taste. I have found that 4-5 hours into a ride, they have a wonderful LACK of taste. I have actually stopped taking them BEFORE rides because I figure I should have enough energy in me to keep me sustained for an hour. If I am out for more than an hour, I'll consume them at :45 minutes and every 40-45 minutes thereafter. I try to mix in some solids on the 2+ hour rides. SOrry I can't help on the running aspect of calorie consumption...
2008-09-24 12:00 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Elite
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Cheesehead, WI
Subject: RE: First gel today

CHOCOLATE! Hands down the creme de la creme of gel flavors!  And during my 1/2 mary last weekend, they were handing out Shot Bloks during the race - YUMMY! Love the cherry flavored ones. (sort of like licorice but softer and not so sweet).

I've tried 'fruity' flavors and don't like 'em. I've even given some goodie bag gels to my 5 yr old thinking if he likes 'em, maybe I'd like em. BUT no dice...

2008-09-24 12:13 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Extreme Veteran
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Carlsbad, CA
Subject: RE: First gel today

Hey chrisemt,

Actually no, you are not the first.  What was meant as somewhat of a joke turned into a few people asking for them ... which I gladly sent to the first person in line   Great deal, as I would have hated to just throw them out!

And Ben, after not liking the gels, I've really taken to the Clif Shot Bloks.  Much easier to get down (really, not bad at all), and the caffeine rush is fantastic! 



2008-09-24 2:53 PM
in reply to: #1693343

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Cycling Guru
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Fulton, MD
Subject: RE: First gel today

I'm biased ......

I use Gu Lemon-sublime and Tri-berry for training.  And Gu ROctane for racing.

I have zero problems with them or with GI issues.  I also will take them on the 1/2 hour in longer racing.

2008-09-24 3:21 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Extreme Veteran
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Kansas City, MO
Subject: RE: First gel today
I do black cherry Cliff's Shot Blocks (w/caffeine) and Powerbar Tangerine Gel (w/2x caffeine) and like both.  Flavor is ok and no problems digesting either.
2008-09-24 7:33 PM
in reply to: #1693959

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Master
1993
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Riverside, IL
Subject: RE: First gel today
ColdRingo6 - 2008-09-24 3:21 PM

I do black cherry Cliff's Shot Blocks (w/caffeine) and Powerbar Tangerine Gel (w/2x caffeine) and like both.  Flavor is ok and no problems digesting either.


Ooooh...black cherry shot bloks...now those sound yummy!!! I'll have to look for those the next time I'm stocking up on nutrition.
2008-09-24 7:41 PM
in reply to: #1685119

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Veteran
241
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Atlanta, GA
Subject: RE: First gel today
Im a Hammer gel Apple Cinnamonamon type of boy. It tastes like Apple Pie!!!
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