"How You GU'in?" - Review & Giveaway

In perfect Joey form, I ask you this:

How you GU'in?

My first GU was the night before my first half marathon: the Seattle Half in November of 2009.  Since GU was to be distributed on the course, I figured I give one a try.  I even have a picture as proof!

Carb loading at The Rock

My first impression with the flavor (Lemon Lime) was that it tasted like Jell-o, but had a gooey consistency that I thought was a little weird.  Not my favorite, I must admit.  However, Tall Mom Mel introduced me to Mint Chocolate GU that following December and, well, the rest is history.  My favorite flavors are the ones that I can pretend are pudding or frosting: Vanilla Bean, Mint Chocolate, Espresso Love, etc.  I swear, give me one of these GUs and I could slather it all over a muffin--they're good!

Now let's talk energy.  

When I take GUs, especially the ones with caffeine, I feel a little kick within minutes.  They give you just the right amount of get-up-and-go without feeling like you have a full tummy.  Now, GUing on the run can be a little tough.  You have to open the package (and in cold weather, it's a lot harder to do with frozen hands!), then squeeze the stuff from the package without getting it all over your hands and face (it takes a few tries! Really!), then you have to swallow it, all while maintaining a pace and breathing.  Yes, breathing.  You MUST remember to breathe.  You see, it's really tough for me to GU on the Go because I almost always choke on the stuff due to its consistency.  BUT, that's just me.  There are plenty of people I know that don't have a problem with this at all.  I guess it's an art form.

I was thankful and happy when I got to try out GU Chomps as an alternative to the GU Energy gel during my long runs.  Oh. My. Goodness.  MUCH better!  I can eat the energy chews so much easier while running, and I don't have the fear of choking and looking like an idiot with brown GU all over my face...or on my butt (true story!  It doesn't look, um, like energy gel when it's on your pants).  The Chomps are just like gummy candy, and they taste fantastic.  It's just the right amount of sweet.  My favorite flavor is Watermelon.  Mmmm.  I drooled on my keyboard.

GU Roctane is like the sassy older sister of the GU energy gel.  It contains everything that the original GU gel has, but with increased amino acids that slow the build-up of lactic acid in muscles as well as other ingredients that keep your body going longer and promote a quicker recovery.  Plus, the flavors are more on the crazy side (Cherry Lime! Pineapple! Vanilla Orange!).

GU Recovery Brew is a great protein/electrolyte/carb/vitamin packed powder that is taken within 30 minutes after training or racing.  It replenishes energy stores and rebuilds muscles, as well as helps you recover from that badass workout you just did.  I tried the Orange Pineapple, and although the flavor sounds fruity, it's not overly intense, but a more bland version so you don't feel like gagging after drinking it.  It definitely helps!

PHEW.  That's my spiel.  You made it!

Now, onto the fun stuff...a GIVEAWAY.

Up for grabs is an assortment of GU products, 

like the picture above.

Here's the scoop on how to win:

(Please leave separate comments for each entry)

Mandatory entry:

First you must be a follower of my blog, then check out the GU Energy site...tell me one interesting thing you learned.  Leave one comment. (1 entry)

Additional entries:

• "Like" Run, Zoë, Run! on Facebook (1 entry)
• Follow GU Energy on Twitter (@GUEnergyLabs) (1 entry)
• "Like" GU Energy Labs on Facebook (1 entry)
• Link to this giveaway on your blog, Twitter (include @RunZoeRun), or Facebook.  Let me know in a comment (1 entry each)
• Easy to Tweet about this giveaway by clicking the "Tweet" button below
• Tell me "How you GU'in?" (1 entry)

Tweet

The giveaway will end at midnight Tuesday 3/22, with the winner picked via Random.org or Miss Goober if she feels so inclined.  Winner announced on Wednesday the 23rd.  OutsidePR will ship the GU directly to winner. :)

**Note:  All reviews are based on my own personal experience with the specific product that I was provided with.  I received these products free of charge from GU Energy/OutsidePR and was not compensated for my review. Product in giveaway provided courtesy of GU Energy Labs.**