With time and practice, every runner learns what types of fuel best energize and support their training. I’ve tried a lot of different brands, had success with some and failures with others. Here are a few of my favorites!

  1. GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Drink Mix in Tropical Flavor. This is my primary fuel during the summer and when the mileage in my Saturday long run starts to creep up. It’s a great mix of carbohydrates, sodium and potassium & the amino acids and caffeine offer a huge boost too. I sweat a lot – A LOT – and this helps me replenish my electrolytes. I also have a high tolerance for caffeine, so the more caffeine, the better (for me).
  2. GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Energy Gel in Sea Salt Chocolate. I love GU energy gels – actually, I should say that I love chocolate-flavored GU energy gels. I’ve tried GU in other flavors and I’ve learned that I strongly dislike the fruity flavors. Chocolate though? Bring it on. The family of GU Roctane energy products has higher levels of amino acids, sodium and caffeine, which makes this a staple for long and/or sweaty runs. Some people may not react well to the caffeine, but I haven’t had any GI issues with this product. It’s key to consume it with some water to decrease the likelihood of stomach upset.
  3. GU Energy Gel in Campfire S’mores. Campfires? S’mores? Hell yes. Even when I’m not actually camping, I can pretend I am. This is an energy gel with a lower amount of amino acids and sodium. It’s still a bit on the chocolate-y side with respect to flavors, but it’s different enough that it helps combat flavor fatigue when I’m using it on my long runs. I also use this gel when I train in the evenings, in the off-chance that having caffeine later in the day will disrupt my sleep.
  4. Nuun Sport + Caffeine. Hydration! Electrolytes! Caffeine! This is my go-to for my early morning easy runs.
  5. Nuun Sport. Hydration! Electrolytes! This caffeine-free version is my go-to when I have evening runs and I’ll add a few to my water bottle throughout the day. It’s good motivation to hydrate properly.
  6. Nuun Endurance + Caffeine Mix in Strawberry Lemonade. Hydration! Electrolytes! Caffeine! Noticing a pattern here? This one is for slightly longer and tougher morning runs, like my pace runs. I normally don’t eat anything if my runs are 5-6 miles since I run first thing in the morning. However, if I’m doing a pace run, I turn to this.
  7. GU Roctane Ultra Endurance Protein Recovery Drink Mix in Chocolate Smoothie. A delicious chocolate-flavored smoothie mix with carbohydrates, protein and sodium that I blend with frozen fruit after my long runs.
  8. 365 Everyday Value Magnesium in Cherry Fizz. Taking magnesium after tough workouts can help your muscles recover. Magnesium can also help your muscles relax, which for me, also means helping me sleep better. Sometimes it’s really hard to fall asleep because my mind keeps thinking about my day or thinking about what I have to do. I also take melatonin and the combination of melatonin and magnesium helps me fall asleep and stay asleep so that I can properly recover from my training.

Different people will have different sports nutrition needs and preferences. These are just a few items that I like and have found to support my training!