I think as long as you train with it in race like conditions, use what works. However, that being said, I recently started to use Hammer products which are probably more expensive than some products but I've found that even though things were going OK with some of the more conventional fuels (gatorade, etc.), my performance improved after switching. In other words it set a new baseline.

It probably depends somewhat on your goals also. If I wanted to be competitive in a race, I probably wouldn't worry about spending a little extra on a product that has proven itself through training.

Good luck!

Oh, another thing... we are the nutritional sponsor for Olly Freeman, who just won the London Tri and we sponsor the AVP Pro Beach Volleyball Series....

Just an FYI...

shell

I've never tried Hammer, but I've had good luck with Accelerade (fruit punch), Endurox for recovery(orange), and I've tried Gu2O and Cytomax a few times to keep from burning out on Accelerade. I lose a TON of salt, so I have to keep up with the electrolytes. Salt tablets (Lavasalts) help if you tend to look like a potato chip after a long workout. So to make a long post short, they're worth every penny!

Thanks for all the input !

I think I may try and find a good deal on the accelerade endurox combo online somewhere and give it a shot, althought the hammer products sound good too.

Thanks again

I switched to Accelerade a few months ago and noticed a HUGE difference, Stronger on my long rides and runs. I also dont get sore like I used to. Day after IMC I felt great (ok, maybe this means I could have pushed harder...or the ice bath after had something to do with it .eheheh). Any way I used it through the bike ride on the race. I am pretty much back to normal and am back to short running now ( its only been 2 days) I do notice that it makes me retain water more than gatorade or Gu2O has, there is more sodium in it I think.

I've tried some of the freebie Gatorade Endurance in a race goodie bag and found it didn't go down well for me. I've been using Hammer products for a few months now with a lot of success.

I usually use water, fruit punch or lemonade. If I want extra electrolytes, I'll add a pinch of Morton Lite Salt (50/50 sodium and potassium). Assuming your muscle glycogen is at capacity, you don't really need any extra energy for the first two hours of endurance activity.

thehitman

accelerade is ok--they are all kinda icky after a while. I use the orange flavor seems to be the best on the tummy.

Cytomax during my events and Endurox for recovery. Also, I like to dilute all my sports drinks to 50% the recommended concentration. Seems to make them go down easier.

I would think that if you dilute the sports drink, you would need to consume twice as much to get the same amount of nutrients

(I assume that is why you are drinking them in the first place - instead of water anyway)

rr

The latest fad in western Europe is to add basamico (deep red Italian vinegar) to your water. It's the rave for long distance endurance sports. The gigathletes swear by it. Especially if you have cramps when you are forced to eat during a long race. I haven't had to courage to try it, and would rather use it on my salad, but if you are thirsty enough, then maybe you could get it down. You could try salt water like Lance did, but that didn't go too well with Floyd. I usually just drink plain water with a calcium magnesium tab. On race days, diluted apple juice, though everyone can hear me coming for meters away. In the water it acts like a turbo engine. Just kidding!