This last weekend weekend was my first seriously long training run (14 miler), in preparation for the San Diego marathon in May. Most runners know that multi-hour runs require some sort of energy gel. The typical overly sweet energy gels are not something I look forward to during marathon training. But knowing that they are a necessary component of long distance running, I went to my favorite local running store to purchase a few. GU brand’s ‘Just Plain’ caught my attention. How have I not tried this one before?! I added it to my basket containing a few other familiar fruit flavored gels. I thought to myself “this is the solution, go back to the original the O.G. of gels”. Boy was I mistaken.

Eight miles into my run, my legs are starting to feel a little heavy so I reach for the Just Plain. Wow! I was not ready. Not ready for the lack of flavor. Ugh! Not good for me at all. The combination of the consistency with the strange taste of minerals, sugar and salt just about made me gag. So I guess it’s back to flavors like strawberry kiwi and berry for me.

Just thought I would share