[ericd256]

Today i used my first shot block on a run. I ended up having 2 on the 6 miles i did today. 1 at mile 2 and 1 at mile 4. The running group also gave us 1 gu but i am saving that for next weeks 8 miler.<br>
The only problem i had with it was i was afraid i might bite my tongue trying to run and eat at the same time. So basically i let it sit in my mouth and start to disolve and then carefully trying to chew and swallow it.<br>
Does anyone have this problem and is there anything i should know about the GU before next week.<br>
Just in case it matters it was the Margarita flavor, the Gu is Vanilla Bean.

 

[pcsronbo]

2 things<br>
1. Try in training, never racing or "key" workouts - in case it upsets your tummy<br>
2. Drink with them both, else it may sit in your tummy like a brick and not be absorbed

 

[Cashmason]

Make sure you swallow a couple sips of water not sports drink after the gu.<br><br>
Empty GU packets are sticky. Open it near a trash can. They can be super sweet.<br><br>
Margarita flavored shot blocks I think have lots more salt than other flavors.<br><br>
3 blocks = 1 Gu packet. Usually 6 blocks per packet.<br><br>
Practice chewing one walking around, so you get confident enough to chew it running. You want to be comfortable on race day with your nutrition.

 

[niemsco]

I've never taken something that I had to chew while running, but I was thinking about trying the blocks this year. How was the taste? How was the digestion?<br><br>
I've been doing GUs for the past several years. Just suck em down, basically, but make sure you follow them down with water. They are not all that tasty in my opinion (I've had vanilla bean), which is why I'm searching for something with a bit of taste, hence the blocks. Good luck with the GUs! They at least are kind to my digestive system.<br><br>
Been thinking about Jelly Bellies actually. I love those!

 

[Brew_Dad]

Skip the Shot Blocks for running. Gu with water works really well. With some practice, you can open the GU, eat it, drink some water, and fold the entire mess up and stash it in your pocket without breaking stride.<br><br>
Shot Blocks are great for the bike however, where the choking factor is minimized and they can be eaten with only one hand.

 

[Thor]

If that's what it takes to get a few calories in (providing you need them), then by all means pop your shot block or Gu in your mouth and hold it there. The substance will disolve in your mouth and absorb into your body and the blood stream.<br><br>
When I race I often stuff a quarter of a Powerbar or even squeeze a packet of Gu in my mouth, but because I am pushing pace too hard I can't chew without introducing more fatigue and slow down, so I let it sit in my mouth. I'll just leave it there and do what I can over the next mile or two or three, especially on the bike with Powerbar, and it's all good. Better that way than not at all.

 

[ericd256]

Scott -They didn't taste bad. I have some free samples comming from clifbar. So i am going to try more flavors. If you want to try a free sample just call customer service off their website. They said the samples should be at my house in a week or 2.<br><br>
BrewDad- Good idea about saving them for the bike, i like that idea i willhave to see how i handle the Gu next week though.<br><br>
Cash- i figured if i could chew gum and walk then i could eat and run but its not as simple as that it seems.<br><br>
ron - i had about 6 oz with each one.

 

[4boysmom]

I can't stand ShotBlocks! I end up picking them out of my teeth for the next couple miles. BLECK!!!<br><br>
I tried the beans on a ride once. Package: one. Me: zero. Ended up spilling most of 'em.<br><br>
So, I stick with boring old gels...

 

[wyrillco]

I like shotbloks. Gu/gels gave me severe tummy troubles.<br><br>
I also like the sport beans. I put them in a snack ziploc baggie so that I can close it back up.<br><br>
But everyone is different on what they can tolerate while running. The gu gave me stomach cramps something terrible, but he bloks work great.

 

[pcsronbo]

BTW - wasn't your run today fairly hard? I can't remember your pace. How did you feel after? If you felt drained, consider eating some more. You consumed 67 caloires, over 1:15 right? I have found that I need 250/hr on my hard runs (yes even under 90min which is the normal rule of thumb on consumption). So I'd start with a Gu right before and then one every 20min (or 30min depending on what I can remember)<br><br>
You likely burned around 1200 (~200/mile x 6), consumed 67, net 1133 burnt.<br><br>
Just something to consider.

 

[pcsronbo]

yeah me too, can't handle the consistancy.

 

[mmoonptdeux]

Agreed, at least with the margarita flavor. I sampled one at the San Francisco Marathon expo last year and had to find a garbage can so I could try to "gracefully" spit the thing out. I've got some strawberry and cran-razz flavors to try from a more recent schwag bag tho', so I'm not adverse to giving them a second chance.<br><br>
As far as the JB sport beans, I like those - to keep 'em in the pack, I fashion a sticky tab out of scotch tape to fold it tightly as the contents get smaller

 

[ericd256]

Ron i was running about 13-15 min miles. I was about 3 minutes faster than my 10k in july. I actually felt good after finishing it. I was over dressed though. It warmed up faster than i was thinking it would.

 

[ericd256]

I need to find me some sports beans to try also.

 

[pcsronbo]

they r yummy<br><br>
but got that whole chewy thing going on, so i won't race with 'em.<br><br>
Rock on w/ that pacing. Progress!

 

[Dougie Fresh]

The real key to shot blocks:<br><br>
To get to the outside hitter if you're a middle make your first step a crossover step and then pivot and plant with your outside foot. Make sure that you square your shoulders to the net and that you jump straight up. You don't want to drift into the net. Don't forget the opposite hitter sets the block. Don't watch the ball but keep your eye on the hitter's shoulder. Bend your knees with your hands up, palms facing the net and to your side. You want to get as much penetration over the net as you can not necessarily height. Pike at the top of your jump using your core and reach. It's a good idea to at the last second to look down a bit so you don't take a ball off the face. Pull your hands back over the net and come down with your hands at your side read to transition.<br><br>
At least that's how I was coached to block a shot.

 

[KyKy]

<b>WY</b> that is a great idea about the snack bags; I'm gonna do that with my shot bloks and beans from now on. Thanks!<br><br><b>ERIC</b>: I love the shot bloks on runs. They are the easiest on my tummy. Can't do gus or gels, can sometimes do the sports beans but they are really sugary. I usually take 3-4 oz of water before, pop a couple in, let them soften up and then take some more water. It takes a little practice but is doable. Good luck!

 

[donskiman]

Am I missing something here? You ran 6 miles and needed these things? It typically takes 30 minutes or so for this stuff to have any effect, plus you need to carry water to wash it down. Try chewing gum while you're running relatively short distances instead. It will help keep your mouth moist. You don't have to actively chew the whole time either, just a bit every so often. I find the fruity flavors work best for me. I regularly run 12 miles or so just with the gum and no water or other fluids in training. Of course I hydrate well before and after the run, but it's bothersome to carry fluids when it really isn't necessary.<br><br>
Gels are sort of personal preference. Try out various brands to find out what works. I've has great success with Hammer Gel. I've tried Gu, Clif Shots, Powel Gel, and a few others but they upset my tummy on long runs or rides. Whatever you do, don't throw the wrapper on the ground as there's more than enough litter and we don't need to add to it.

 

[LeftRightRepeat]

I'm just gonna throw another thought at you, please don't take it as judgement.<br><br>
I never eat anything on a run until it's over two hours long. I'll bring Gatorade on a run that's an hour or more cause there I think you start to need the fluids and I think the electrolytes can't hurt... But I don't really see the glycogen depletion happening until much later.<br><br>
Just my opinion.

 

[ericd256]

don<br>
i am training for a half marathon and am just trying to get the nutrition down. I don't know if they helped but i am gona need them for an oly i have on the schedule later this year so its time to start seeing what my body can handle. I will try the chewing gum thing though thanks.