Review and GIVEAWAY!

So as many of you know, I was sick for a week and haven't been able to do much activity. This was killing me because on Saturday I received a FedEx package filled with my first review product from Devon at OutsiderPR. I couldn't wait to get up and do something as it was and now this package kept calling my name..."try me, get up, get better..." I received samples of GU Chomps and GU Gel.

Here is B and I sorting the fun treats!

As I try some of the flavors and products out I will write what I think...in the meantime I will be running my first giveaway! First, about the product....then scroll down to hear the review and how to put in for the give away!GU Chomps

GU Chomps deliver the premium ingredients and performance benefits you've come to expect from
GU Energy products:
• Amino acids for added focus, rippin' energy and speedy recovery.
• Vitamin C + E, those mighty antioxidants that combat tissue breakdown.
• Sodium and potassium to restore electrolyte balance.
• Exclusive blend of complex and simple carbohydrates.

GU Energy Gel

Energize:
A shot of fast-acting natural fructose (fruit sugar) goes straight to work building your energy levels back up while the maltodextrin is quickly absorbed and sent to your muscles. Vital electrolytes keep your blood chemistry in line and hydration levels stable. Calcium keeps your muscles humming and caffeine adds an extra kick to your power.
Sustain:
Complex carbs in the form of maltodextrin (70-80% of the complex/simple carbohydrates blend) help you maintain glucose levels over time. Citrates (potassium citrate, sodium citrate and citric acid) help speed the conversion of these carbs into energy molecules and mitigate performance-sapping acid build-up in muscles. Branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, valine and isoleucine, serve as another fuel source, aid in recovery and can improve mental performance and reduce fatigue by limiting the central nervous system’s production of serotonin. Histidine, an essential amino acid, acts alongside the citrates as a buffer that helps neutralize lactic acid build-up in muscles.
Recover:
Antioxidant vitamins C & E defend muscles from assault by free radicals. Chamomile works as an anti-inflammatory during and after exercise. Ginger soothes the stomach. Sea salt supplies a host of minerals

GU RoctaneRoctane
* GU's superior mix of complex and simple carbohydrates that provide quick and sustained energy, electrolytes for replenishment and caffeine to tap more power and diminish pain.
*increased the amount of histidine, an essential amino acid, to act as a buffer and slow the energy-sapping acid build-up in muscles.
*mixed in higher levels of citrates (potassium citrate, sodium citrate, and citric acid) to help speed the conversion of carbohydrates into energy molecules and, like histidine, help mitigate acid build-up.
*added more of the branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) leucine, valine and isoleucine to serve as another fuel source, aid in recovery and help maintain mental focus and reduce fatigue by limiting the central nervous system's production of serotonin.
*added a new ingredient, the amino acid complex Ornithine Alpha-Ketoglutarate (OKG) which limits the body's tendency to break down muscle protein tissue during extremely hard training and racing days. OKG keeps you going longer and promotes a speedier recovery.

I am going to break the reviews into a few different posts. I can't be eating a bunch of chomps and gel during the day or Scott will really start to lose his hair. (quietly lmao).
The first product I tried was GU Chomps in the Bluberry Pomegranate flavor. At first bite I wasn't sure about it, it seemed like it had no taste but after a few chews...I realized hmm this may actually be a good thing. I am used to to eating Clif Shot Bloks for my long runs. I liked them but sometimes it was way too sweet and would hurt my stomach. I preferred the lighter taste of the GU and it didn't bother my stomach like the Bloks.

A habit I learned from the Hub...smell it before you taste it! lol

Notice how I needed TWO arms to hold it up before I took the GU...lol after I could hold it up with just my pinky!

My Thoughts
*GU Chomps are lighter/smoother on taste which I think is a good thing especially on a long run. They remind me a lot of Welches Fruit Snaks.
*They seemed easier to chew
*Was able to take 3 and powered through a swim workout( BTW 16 LAPS without stopping..which, if you've been reading is really good for me!)
*I like to chew and these do the trick without getting stuck in your teeth
*My only suggestion would be to have a sort of ziplocky thing ont he packaging if you don't finish it all at once.

Now your turn! To enter the GU samples giveaway please
1. Post if you have ever tried a GU product and what you thought of it, favorites etc. (1 Entry)
2. Become a Follower of (running)In the Right Diretion (1 Entry)
3. Like GU on Facebook and mention this giveaway (1 EXTRA Entry)
4. Tell about this giveaway on your blog! (1 EXTRA entry)
May 1st deadline!