Disclaimer: I received the Generation UCan product to review as part of being a BibRave Pro Ambassador. Learn more about becoming a BibRave Pro (ambassador), and check out BibRave.com to review find and write race reviews!
So this is a fun one. This is easily one of the coolest products I've come across in a while.
I've always been a user of Clif Shot Bloks for fuel during runs of an hour or more. They really are more habit than anything. However, I definitely feel like nutrition for runners hasn't changed or advanced much in many years. I think Generation UCAN is out to change that. Let me quote a really great article Fleet Feet Chicago posted to help explain what it is best. "Generation UCAN's revolutionary nutrition delivers steady, long-lasting energy without the spike and crash of sugar-based fuels, but did you know the origins of UCAN had nothing to do with running? The unique SuperStarch carbohydrate in UCAN was originally developed for kids with a life threatening blood sugar disease. This one-of-a-kind energy source now fuels top runners like 4x Olympian Meb Keflezighi and everyday athletes looking to stay healthy and fit."
Basically, UCAN is built to give you consistent energy without the spike you get when ingesting gels or bloks. You can take it 30 minutes before a run and be fueled for up to two hours. If you'll need it for more than two hours, you should take it every 75-90 minutes (though I'm a bit unsure of how this would work during a marathon... how do I mix a new serving?...)
So this is a fun one. This is easily one of the coolest products I've come across in a while.
I've always been a user of Clif Shot Bloks for fuel during runs of an hour or more. They really are more habit than anything. However, I definitely feel like nutrition for runners hasn't changed or advanced much in many years. I think Generation UCAN is out to change that. Let me quote a really great article Fleet Feet Chicago posted to help explain what it is best. "Generation UCAN's revolutionary nutrition delivers steady, long-lasting energy without the spike and crash of sugar-based fuels, but did you know the origins of UCAN had nothing to do with running? The unique SuperStarch carbohydrate in UCAN was originally developed for kids with a life threatening blood sugar disease. This one-of-a-kind energy source now fuels top runners like 4x Olympian Meb Keflezighi and everyday athletes looking to stay healthy and fit."
Basically, UCAN is built to give you consistent energy without the spike you get when ingesting gels or bloks. You can take it 30 minutes before a run and be fueled for up to two hours. If you'll need it for more than two hours, you should take it every 75-90 minutes (though I'm a bit unsure of how this would work during a marathon... how do I mix a new serving?...)
My first experience with UCAN was a 6 mile run. It was perfect because I was feeling a little sluggish beforehand and definitely needed a boost. I tried the Cran-Raspberry flavor and found it really tasty and drink-able. During the run, I felt all-around better and more energized than I had before I took it. If I wasn't trying to taper for a race, I could have ran way more than six miles! I definitely felt just as described-- energy without the sugar spike or crash later. It was consistent, which is a nice feeling. I then tried it out on my Soldier Field 10 Miler. I had the exact same experience as my prior run-- consistent energy! It was a weird feeling to not take Bloks or anything before or during the race... but definitely a welcomed change.
As time has gone on and I've tried more of the flavors, I've definitely found they are all very different. I think it's clear from conversations with my fellow BibRave Pros that there are clear favorites and some we prefer to pass on. All personal preference, of course! I find the chocolate hard to stomach with just water. Again, all personal preference :)
All-in-all, I'm really excited about this product. I admit to being a little skeptical at first, but it's new, and that is to be expected. I will continue to try it out and see how I can best fit it into my training. I encourage you to give it a whirl, too! And, if you use code "BIBRAVE" on the Generation UCAN website between now and 6/30/16, you'll save 15%. Let me know what you think!
As time has gone on and I've tried more of the flavors, I've definitely found they are all very different. I think it's clear from conversations with my fellow BibRave Pros that there are clear favorites and some we prefer to pass on. All personal preference, of course! I find the chocolate hard to stomach with just water. Again, all personal preference :)
All-in-all, I'm really excited about this product. I admit to being a little skeptical at first, but it's new, and that is to be expected. I will continue to try it out and see how I can best fit it into my training. I encourage you to give it a whirl, too! And, if you use code "BIBRAVE" on the Generation UCAN website between now and 6/30/16, you'll save 15%. Let me know what you think!
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