GU Energy Original Sports Nutrition Energy Gel, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Kosher, and Dairy-Free On-the-Go Energy for Any Workout, 24-Count, Strawberry Banana

My long runs aren't that long in the scheme of things - about 7 miles. However I am just beginning to do 5+ miles regularly and now working to push beyond that. The nature of my work sometimes lead me to not eat the right carbs during the day to ensure I have energy for a run in the evening. I eat a GU about 15 minutes before I head out, with 4 oz or so of water and that gives me enough boost to get going. About 30 minutes in I eat another one and so far that's always led me to have the fastest splits of my run at the end, when that second GU gets into my system.It tastes good to me - more pronounced banana than strawberry. It's thick for sure and so I normally swish it around in my mouth before trying to swallow it. Then of course I always follow with a swig of water.Solid product. Works well for me. When I get through this box I'm excited to try some other flavors.

Been using GU gels for two years now, I really love this flavor and the salty caramel flavor. I like the thick texture of the gu gels. I take one at the corral before starting the race and one every 3 miles ( depending on the race). The size it’s perfect I could just put the gels on my handheld water bottle or in my bike short pockets.

If I'm ever doing 15+ miles on the bike I make sure to bring a few of these. It's nice that these ones don't have caffeine, because sometimes I just have an espresso and don't want to have too much caffeine. Easy to pack, definitely give me more push and energy on longer rides.

I use these for long exercise. I don't want caffeine. They keep me going and really perk me up when I feel a bonk coming on. Taste fine. I recommend picking a brand / flavor and getting used to it and sticking with it. And don't even think of eating it when you're not exercising.

Typically cramps, soreness and fatigue are all delayed while taking GU and recovery is enhanced. It brings my legs back to life if I start running without taking one then take one in during the run. For short 5 mile runs I just take one before the run for 10 mile runs I take one before and one about 45 minutes to an hour into the run. My times have definitely improved as GU give just enough energy to push a little harder. I'm making better times and pushing through the wall better with the help of a GU here and there.Additional note: I did a weight workout and core workout then thought I'd run a 5 mile tempo workout. I took a GU before I ran but legs fatigued badly at 3.5 miles from the weight workout before I imagine and not fully recovered from the solid 10 mile run the day before. For running, I find GU really supplements the energy when the body is rested and ready to push for a good run rather than after a hard work out and just trying to get in a good run time after the body is still not recovered.

Packed some of these in my cycling jersey for the 3 gap event today. I'm pretty sensitive to caffeine on the bike, but these were not too strong. I'd usually prefer non-caffeinated, but these are making me think otherwise. After leaving the highschool and arriving at Turners corner I was already suffering a bit. I took one of these sugar packets and in a few minutes felt better. My legs were noticeably less sore within 1/2 an hour as a result of some caffeine, and my sugar levels came up nicely. Too much caffeine makes my heart race and actually slows me down dramatically on the bike. This was just the right caffeine level for me. I used a few more of these throughout the 60 mile 6000ft of climbing event and can say I was noticeably stonger at the finish than at the start. I had a good dinner and breakfast last night and this morning, but must have still needed to replenish some glycogen stores. I'm also an insulin dependent diabetic, so I love that this has some fructose in it also to help with balancing my blood sugars.

GU products are excellent. I find that my workouts are better when I take these energy gels before and during my cycling. Energy is must when in the saddle for a few hours. These are a small, convenient energy boost.

I know it's a matter of taste...but just when I thought my favorite flavor was Salted Caramel, a friend introduced this to me and I now this is my favorite. Unlike the Salted Caramel, where it would take my a bit to eat the whole packet, this flavor I can do it immediately.