Light and Powerful Gatorade Endurance

        
"Disclaimer: I received a supply of Gatorade Endurance formula and gels to review as part of being a BibRave Pro. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!"

As I write this review, I am a week out from my first ultramarathon. Over the course of my training, I have been experimenting with various supplements, gels, powders and just fueling in general to get me through this race.  That’s why when I received the opportunity to review the brand new Gatorade Endurance formula flavors, I jumped at the chance.

As part of my training, I decided to run a marathon. For that race, I was using a “superstarch” type of product for fuel. I also used some really thick gels that I picked up at the expo.  Well, I got pretty tired of both of them during the race.  Once the liquid was warm, it was disgusting since it was a little on the thicker side.  And the gels? That felt like a commitment to open one of those thick packets and work on getting it down.

Even though the new endurance formula is specially formulated for well…endurance events…I tried it out for the first time on a shorter run here in AZ. It was very warm out and I was glad that I had it with me.  The watermelon flavor honestly tastes JUST like fresh watermelon, maybe with a hint of salt. Really light flavor, but enough electrolytes to carry you through!  It has 2x the sodium and 3x the potassium of regular Gatorade.

Ok so now I needed to put it through more of a test. I took it on my last “long” training run – 12 miles. Again, it was a super warm morning and I knew I would need an extra boost to get me through. I brought 2 gels with me – the new Mango flavor. I had been keeping them in the refrigerator ever since they had arrived.  I filled two flasks – one scoop each and added water.

I had also ran 12 miles the previous Sunday..I don’t know if it was definitely due to the Gatorade endurance, but I cut out a good 20 minutes from my overall time from week to week. I ended up just using one gel instead of two – didn’t need it.  I did not feel the urge to take all the walking breaks that I did before, and I had basically the exact same weather conditions. I would consider that a win for Gatorade Endurance!

Halfway into my 12 miler, I tried a gel. This gel was the polar opposite of what I tried at my last marathon. Really light – actually tasted like mango – and it didn’t have that fake gel flavor or texture. Yesss!

Each serving of Gatorade Endurance formula Thirst Quencher Powder has:
-90 calories
- 22 g carbohydrates
- 0 fat
- 140 g potassium
- 300 mg sodium
- 13 g sugar
Available flavors: orange, lemon lime, watermelon and cherry

Compared to the other product I was using, this has more potassium and more sodium – all good things – but also more sugar. The new formulation contains no artificial sweetener or flavors and has a lighter flavor designed for athletes training/racing for prolonged periods of time. In addition, Gatorade Endurance Formula now offers a multi-carbohydrate blend to help endurance athletes maintain performance and lower the risk of stomach discomfort during a hard training session or race.

Each serving of Gatorade Endurance gel has:
-80 calories
- 20 g carbohydrates
- 0 fat
- 90 mg sodium
- 6 g sugar
Available flavors: mango, apple pear, blackberry and vanilla
A 21 pack sells for $29.99
 
This was only a 2 week test, but it was enough to convince me to use it in my ultra, and for my long runs in the future.  I will definitely be buying more when this runs out! It truly is #FormulatedForFarther!