9/12/2024 Expanded Nutrition - How Will You Fuel?
We’ve been to races, stopped folks on the trail, and interrogated athletes to ask what fuel people are loving, longing for, or lobbing in the trash. We listened, researched, and expanded our assortment to include your current and future favorites.
Below is a brief and, hopefully, fun overview of our current fueling line. We will update this list as the new rolls in, the old and tired out, or products become unavailable.
Do the Dutch know delicious, or what? AMACX has been pleasing palates for over a decade, but you’ve probably never heard of them. Like other endurance fueling manufacturers, they began with a focus on cycling, where there is a considerable focus on fueling science. That science, fortunately, trickles downhill for us mere runners, and now that cyclists have stopped hoarding these fine treats, you can mix in a nougat bar at the trailhead rather than suffering through another made of tasteless oats. Throw one in your vest, too, because they are soft enough to eat while on the go, but that probably won’t be the case when temps take a dip.
The Fruit chews are disguised as candy or are candy disguised as fruit chews. We’re undecided. It won’t matter when your energy dives because these will lift you right back up to where you need to be. The orange is pleasant and has the right amount of everything.
The Turbo Gels are for the runner who wouldn’t put regular gas in their Bugatti, have an espresso made by anyone but Zak, or shamefully put 2% milk over cereal. Why? They want the best of everything that keeps things running at the highest level possible.
Science first, never second. We thought tossing a couple of these back would make you win; it works for Jim. The science is why you’ll find a 2:1 maltodextrin-to-fructose blend that delivers 30 grams of carbohydrates quickly and efficiently with a low risk of GI issues. A myriad of flavor choices await, with a couple of caffeinated options that can be taken with or without water for true on-the-go fueling.
Another oat bar? Not really. The C30 Fuel Bar mixes oat flour and dates with a 2:1 glucose-to-fructose blend to fast-track 30 grams of carbohydrates into your system. The berry flavor is tremendous and a staff favorite, while the chocolate is great when you need a treat. If you can get these dialed in, you just might be first and never second.
Is simpler better? Often, it is, and it doesn’t get much more simple than Carbs Fuel. With no flavors, electrolytes, or nonsense, Carbs Fuel Energy Gels are 50 grams of carbohydrates and 200 calories, which is not fooling around. We’re not going to claim that this is a great budget-fueling strategy, but picking up a box is an easy choice at a penny per calorie. And while you’re at it, plan and hit the subscribe button for a deeper discount and monthly delivery.
The Drink Mix is also clean and flavorless, and it's a great way to mix up the fuel. Dump those crystals into your soft flask, and you'll have 300 calories from 75 grams of carbs and 500mg of sodium. So you can work hard and rest easy because you’ve got up to 90 minutes of go-juice at your disposal.
Those who haven’t had the pleasure of severely cramping, taking a sodium capsule, and experiencing almost instant relief will not fully appreciate the need to have a package of these bad boys in your running kit at all times. They are not just for emergencies, either. Drinking plain water and controlling your electrolyte and sodium intake is an excellent alternative to dialing in your body's needs during training.
Another way to get the essentials at your will is with Electrolyte FastChews. Consume a couple of the green apple flavor every 30 minutes to replenish what’s been lost during your effort, or mix it up with coconut/pineapple or watermelon. The 10ct packs are ideal for finding your favorite, then go for the bottle when you’re ready to commit.
It has been quite some time since we collectively had an instant new favorite fuel, but that happened when we tore open our first PF Gel package. The "Original," or plain, is quite nice, but the Mint / Lemon was shockingly good.
The PF Gels are also neutral and one-swallow-sized, with or without caffeine, so they are fairly efficient for regular fueling.
Precision has liquid fuel if you like to drink your way through an effort. It's the minimalist's favorite - everything you need for the day in a bottle.
These organic energy balls are a favorite of the shop and were developed just down the street from SkyRun. It is a date-based snack that's an excellent trailhead bite. They have a generous 280 calories per two-ball serving, so you can eat the occasional odd ball and have plenty of power with leftovers! What makes Odd Balls unique and amazing are the lion’s mane, and cordyceps extracts that offer clarity of mind and energy for the body. Who doesn’t need a dose of both? It is made with nuts, coconut, and zesty lemon, which adds a nice taste and brightness.
Nuun:
What is there to say? If you aren’t familiar with this taste bud enticing ten tablet tin from the mighty PNW, you might want to venture out into the world. You’re ready. A single gram of sugar with 300mg of sodium, vitamins, and minerals are packed into these tiny disks with enough room left over for flavor and sometimes caffeine, too! What a time to be alive. Drop one tablet into ~500ml of the clear stuff, and voila, you have a lightly effervescent beverage of Lemon Lime, Fruit Punch, or many other tasty flavors.
Naak:
O Canada! Naak’s home and native land!
Ultra energy drink thou dost in us digest.
We see drink mixes three*, How Grand!
The Pure Fuel, fruit purée**,
Three kinds of bars***, O Canada,
We fuel with naak for thee.
O Canada, O Canada
O Canada, we import naak for thee,
O Canada, we do so duty-free
Maurten comes to us from the north of Sweden, where the long nights keep folks indoors, so they are available to increase production. The gels are wildly popular for their ease and efficiency of intake. The Gel 100 and 160 are conveniently labeled to know the calorie count, and the Gel 100—Caf 100 has extra kick.
The Drink Mixes are hydrogel-based sports beverages with 160 or 320 calories, with the latter having a Caffeine 100 option. They are easy-drinking and have a neutral flavor that is great on its own but lends itself nicely to whatever teases your tasters.
The Solid 160 bars have a nostalgic crispy rice thing happening and come in plain or cocoa (C). With 202 calories for the neutral flavor and an additional two for the cocoa, the 160 on the label is arbitrary, so we’re pitching it our way: Maurten Solid 160, a solid 202 or 204 calories of goodness.
Running is a taker. Running takes time, energy, electrolytes, and sodium, depleting you of the good stuff. Fear not, because you can hydrate rapidly with Tailwind’s Rapid Hydration. This sodium and mineral-enriched elixir will replenish everything robbed of you during your effort.
After extended adventures, the body needs more than a salty beverage and rest. The Recovery Mix provides protein, fats, and amino acids, which the doctor orders to bring you back to baseline.
Drinking games used to mean something different. These days, the game consists of running through the night, but the theme of only drinking fluids remains. This beverage has the calories, salt, and other essentials needed to stay fueled and hydrated without solid food. There are a couple of caffeinated flavors for some needed oomph at two in the morning, and just like a toddler, if you don’t like how they are dressed up, you can get Naked.
Spring is the season of change and renewal, whether you’re ready or forced. Spring Energy’s gels use natural ingredients, aka food, and take a few more minutes to recharge your battery, but that battery will last longer and more evenly. There are several flavors; some would argue that the gels taste best.
Use the Endurance Meals for a different take on the trailhead oat bar. They have the consistency of oatmeal and come disguised in three tasty options. Over 300 calories of natural ingredients will fill you up at the start, with enough left over for a break in the middle.
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