This is a list of what keeps me going during both racing and training. I've tried lots of things over the years and these are my absolute must haves and I don't go without a full stock of them in the house.
Tailwind
What is it & how do you use it?
A dissolveable powder containing all of you energy and electrolytes in one. You mix 2 scoops with 500ml of Tailwind and that gives you one hour of energy. The premise behind it is that it's all that you need out on the trails so you don't need to carry gels, salt tablets, hydration tablets etc. 2 scoops equals 200 calories, so if like me you burn through your calories a bit quicker then you may need to subsidise with something else. I wouldn't recommend adding more than 2 scoops as it makes it really sweet.
How's the taste?
Pretty sweet but nowhere near as sweet as gels and I've happily drank 3.5 litres during a 7 hour ultra without any complaints especially if you through something savoury in to break it up.
Pros:
Taste - I really like the range of flavours and love the caffeine versions (buzzing!)
Ease of use - great that you just need the one thing on a run
Drink as you go - I drink a lot when I run so I like that I can just continually sip this and get all the goodness and the thirst quenching
Cons:
For long races it's not as easy to manage as gels, though one way around this I've found is to pre fill 500ml bottles and carry them empty in my pack and filling them with water as I need. The other way around it is to buy some of the two scoop sachets to carry and empty into your bladder.
Where can I get it?
I like to buy local where I can and Fast Gear in Sydney CBD is my go to. You can also buy online http://www.tailwindnutrition.com.au/
What is it & how do you use it?
A dissolveable powder containing all of you energy and electrolytes in one. You mix 2 scoops with 500ml of Tailwind and that gives you one hour of energy. The premise behind it is that it's all that you need out on the trails so you don't need to carry gels, salt tablets, hydration tablets etc. 2 scoops equals 200 calories, so if like me you burn through your calories a bit quicker then you may need to subsidise with something else. I wouldn't recommend adding more than 2 scoops as it makes it really sweet.
How's the taste?
Pretty sweet but nowhere near as sweet as gels and I've happily drank 3.5 litres during a 7 hour ultra without any complaints especially if you through something savoury in to break it up.
Pros:
Taste - I really like the range of flavours and love the caffeine versions (buzzing!)
Ease of use - great that you just need the one thing on a run
Drink as you go - I drink a lot when I run so I like that I can just continually sip this and get all the goodness and the thirst quenching
Cons:
For long races it's not as easy to manage as gels, though one way around this I've found is to pre fill 500ml bottles and carry them empty in my pack and filling them with water as I need. The other way around it is to buy some of the two scoop sachets to carry and empty into your bladder.
Where can I get it?
I like to buy local where I can and Fast Gear in Sydney CBD is my go to. You can also buy online http://www.tailwindnutrition.com.au/
Hammer Vegan Protein Bars
What is it & how do you use it?
Perfectly balanced and tasty vegan protein bars - like a thick peanut butter wrapped in chocolate. They're perfect for after a big race or training run. I also take them as snacks when I'm out and about and may not have access to good vegan snacks.
How's the taste?
I really like the taste compared to other brands. The texture might be a bit thick and dry for some but I really don't mind it and I like how it doesn't stick to your teeth.
Pros:
Yummy and a perfect balance of protein and carbs post run
VEGAN! Whoop.
Goes great with Zebra Dream salted caramel ice cream (coconut milk based)
Cons:
Texture might be off putting for some.
Where can I get it?
Fast Gear in Sydney or online: https://www.hammernutrition.com.au/
What is it & how do you use it?
Perfectly balanced and tasty vegan protein bars - like a thick peanut butter wrapped in chocolate. They're perfect for after a big race or training run. I also take them as snacks when I'm out and about and may not have access to good vegan snacks.
How's the taste?
I really like the taste compared to other brands. The texture might be a bit thick and dry for some but I really don't mind it and I like how it doesn't stick to your teeth.
Pros:
Yummy and a perfect balance of protein and carbs post run
VEGAN! Whoop.
Goes great with Zebra Dream salted caramel ice cream (coconut milk based)
Cons:
Texture might be off putting for some.
Where can I get it?
Fast Gear in Sydney or online: https://www.hammernutrition.com.au/
Nuun
What is it & how do you use it?
Nuun hydration tablets come in a range of products but they're basically hydration tablets with all your salts and mineral replacements for exercise (active range) which I take after training run (when I haven't been drinking Tailwind) or there's also a daily plus vitamin range that I use when I'm being general active (or when I'm hungover!!).
How's the taste?
Pretty awesome. I really like these. I've tried quite a few other types and these are by far the best. They're not salty or gritty, they're like a light squash. Lemon & Lime, Strawberry Lemonade and Orange are my favourite.
Pros:
Taste - love the taste and the range of flavours
Ease of use - drop a tablet in 500ml water and drink. Easy peasy.
Cons:
For racing you also need to carry food for fuel and water to wash the fuel down - note that when taking gels you need to drink around 500ml of water to break down the carbohydrate. I've read that washing them down with electrolytes can cause stomach issues.
Where can I get it?
Fast Gear in Sydney stocks some flavours but I usually buy in bulk online from iherb.com More product info can be found on Nuuns site: http://www.nuun.com.au/
What is it & how do you use it?
Nuun hydration tablets come in a range of products but they're basically hydration tablets with all your salts and mineral replacements for exercise (active range) which I take after training run (when I haven't been drinking Tailwind) or there's also a daily plus vitamin range that I use when I'm being general active (or when I'm hungover!!).
How's the taste?
Pretty awesome. I really like these. I've tried quite a few other types and these are by far the best. They're not salty or gritty, they're like a light squash. Lemon & Lime, Strawberry Lemonade and Orange are my favourite.
Pros:
Taste - love the taste and the range of flavours
Ease of use - drop a tablet in 500ml water and drink. Easy peasy.
Cons:
For racing you also need to carry food for fuel and water to wash the fuel down - note that when taking gels you need to drink around 500ml of water to break down the carbohydrate. I've read that washing them down with electrolytes can cause stomach issues.
Where can I get it?
Fast Gear in Sydney stocks some flavours but I usually buy in bulk online from iherb.com More product info can be found on Nuuns site: http://www.nuun.com.au/
Hammer gels
What is it & how do you use it?
Whilst I use Tailwind predominately when I have used gels in the past Hammer are my go to gels. Take one every 45min and wash down with water to break down.
How's the taste?
They are so much more natural and fresh than other brands. I personally really dislike Gu, it taste like sweet glue. Hammer gels are a lot easier to swallow and I've never had a bad stomach from them. They also have caffiene versions and a massive range of flavours.
Pros:
Taste - love the taste and the range of flavours
Cons:
For racing you also need to carry water to wash them down and then electrolytes for your salts.
Where can I get it?
Fast Gear in Sydney or online: https://www.hammernutrition.com.au/
What is it & how do you use it?
Whilst I use Tailwind predominately when I have used gels in the past Hammer are my go to gels. Take one every 45min and wash down with water to break down.
How's the taste?
They are so much more natural and fresh than other brands. I personally really dislike Gu, it taste like sweet glue. Hammer gels are a lot easier to swallow and I've never had a bad stomach from them. They also have caffiene versions and a massive range of flavours.
Pros:
Taste - love the taste and the range of flavours
Cons:
For racing you also need to carry water to wash them down and then electrolytes for your salts.
Where can I get it?
Fast Gear in Sydney or online: https://www.hammernutrition.com.au/