superstarch fuel by Generation UCAN

On the hunt for the perfect fuel for training and racing –

"Disclaimer: I received samples of Generation UCAN 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!"

I have been looking for the perfect fuel for just about forever.  I’ve been a distance runner for 18 years now, and I still haven’t developed a solid training fueling and nutrition plan.  For the first few years I used gel packets which I hated.  It was more psychological than anything.  I would still run out of gas. I tried sport beans, but those just seemed like work. Then I got braces, so that didn’t work for me anymore.

I found a liquid that came in a pouch that I liked for awhile too. But that got expensive.  Then I tried electrolyte tablets which I don’t mind.  I just haven’t found anything that rocks my world.  I got the chance to try Generation UCAN, which is something that I know lots of athletes use – even Meb!
The secret to Generation UCAN is SuperStarch.  

What are the benefits?

• natural, slow-releasing carbohydrate keeps blood sugar stable
  
• delivers long-lasting energy without the spike and crash and GI distress of sugar-based fuels
  
• keeps your blood sugar stable and allows you to better burn fat, minimizing the need to refuel frequently
  
• easy on your stomach
  
• no sugar or added electrolytes
  
• gluten-free 
  

I received an assortment of flavors and a shaker bottle.

I’m currently in the middle of training for multiple half marathons, then I start full marathon training next month.  My weekly runs are between 3-6 miles, and long runs vary from 8-10 miles right now.

First, I tried the orange flavor on a hot 10 mile run. I had a few sips prior to the run, and drank about ½ to ¾ of the bottle during the run.  I used the entire packet and it was unfortunately too sweet for me, like a sweet tart. Orange is naturally sweetened with Monk Fruit Extract.  Energy level was fine though. I diluted what was left in the bottle and found it to be much better. 

Next I tried the lemon flavor, which I assumed I would like, since I am a big fan of lemon. I used it on an 8 mile run and liked the flavor, it was not sweet.  Again, felt good energy wise, but didn’t drink it ahead of time like it recommended. The texture is different than what I am used to also.  It is thicker, you definitely don't feel like you're drinking water, it's more substantial than that, it's kind of milky.

I was intrigued by the idea of a chocolate energy drink. It’s nothing I have ever tried before. I had heard of people putting it in their coffee, and I’m a coffee fan, so I wanted to try it.  First I tried it on its own (diluted) and it was like chocolate milk! Wow.  Then I tried it in my coffee and I think perhaps I just didn’t get the ratio right. I can see how that would be good though.

I haven’t  had a chance to try cran razz yet. I’m definitely going to try UCAN again once I start full marathon training in the next 2 months.  That is when I really need the extra energy, not so much on a 6, 8 or 10 miler.  Plus it’s getting hot as heck here in AZ, so I’ll end up needing to drink every last drop!

The cost of a 30 serving tub is $60. A 1-scoop serving has 60 calories, and 20 g carbs. I’m interested in trying their protein blend which comes in vanilla or chocolate, since I’m macrocounting these days and need all the protein I can get.

So for me, the jury is still out. I need it give it more of a try on a longer run, especially before my run, and see if that makes a difference.