Energy/Electrolyte Replacement for Athletes

[meaniejean]

I don't know if there are any other endurance athletes on here, but I am a runner, currently training for my second marathon, and I have been looking for carb/electrolyte replacement for training and race day.

I found the following website a couple of weeks ago and have been thinking about trying this stuff out:

www.medioncorp.com/hm/ediscs/inside.php?sid=66

If anyone else gets a minute, could you double-check that these look like they would be okay. In the past I have used something called GU, but they have fructose and have always made me spaced out and nauseated - not very helpful on a long run!

Thanks!
Sandra

[Tammy]

I always go by the ingredients listed. This has:

Ingredients: Dextrose, Maltodextrin, Sodium Citrate, Citric Acid, Natural Flavor, Salt, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Magnesium Citrate, Zinc Citrate

NO fructose, resistant starches, artificial colors, flavors or preservatives

I always question the Natural Flavor, but since this says NO fructose right on the ingrediet label, I would give it a try for Regina. I'm as sure as I ever can be with something new that it should be fine.

[meaniejean]

Thanks, Tammy. I didn't think I saw anything questionable, but the other day I missed "spices" on a package and poor Sawyer was off for a few days.

I am SO hesitant to try anything right now as I am recovering from a birthday lunch out at a restaurant. But, I am really excited to have found these. I was not sure how I was going to stay fueled up during the long runs and all the races ever have is gatorade.

I have to special order them and then I think I will try them in a couple of weeks when I feel "normal" again. I'll let you know how it goes. They have all sorts of electrolyte products.

[CK]

I just sent an email to the company since I wanted to ask to see if they contain gluten. I am curious about the natural flavoring. I'll see what they have to say. This is the first supplement I've seen that actually says no Fructose. Thanks for bringing it to our attention. I have been looking for an electrolyte product.

[charlie]

If they are safe it would be useful also to know how safe they are for kids, maybe good for flake-outs.

[meaniejean]

I finally ordered some of the eLoad Energy gels. I got the mild tangerine flavor.

I tried one out this morning on a run and it was fantastic. I don't love the taste, but it is very mild and it actually did give me energy to keep going. Most of the time when I have tried to use gels in the past they have only served as electrolyte replacement - they never actually gave me energy - and I have always had nausea and stomach pain from using them. No symptoms so far! I am so excited! I finally understand why people use energy gels!

They also sell a powder that can make an energy drink. I think I am going to buy some to keep around for GI illnesses as a sort of pedialyte. They have eDiscs also that seem like they might be kind of like glucose tablets with electrolytes.

If anyone is interested, I bought them from www.performancefuel.com and had a good experience with ordering/shipping. I bought a box of 20.

I'll let you guys know if I start to feel sick later - maybe I shouldn't get too excited yet ; )

-Sandra

[mazian]

I would be interested to see how you are going. Can you have any vege at all normally? Everyone seems to have different tollerances?

[meaniejean]

Amanda,

I have continued to do very well with the energy gel I purchased. I am actually quite infatuated with it!

I seem to handle some spinach, a bit of potato, celery and some cucumber in small amounts (like a dill pickle or two). I generally just stick to meat, dairy and homemade bread, though.

-Sandra

[mazian]

Sandra,

Thanks for that. We might just see if we can get it here.

Amanda