[H.I.D. KEVIN]

I've used Gatorade forever, and before that I used watered down grape juice with a bit of salt [somebody posted it here years ago as a great drink]. They both have worked fine for the average ride, but I'm getting geared up a 50 mile race soon. I'd like to do more than just finish this time!

Anyways, is the Accelerrade\Endurox combo a good way to boost performance?

Thanks
Kevin

 

[randomsurplus]

you better try that first, not at the race. I say that because, unlesss your body is used to hte protein, let me tell you, you will be going POOOOO alot. It sucks whe u get the runs 4 hours into a ride, and still have 4 hours left

 

[H.I.D. KEVIN]

Oh, I'll try it many times 1st!

 

[dgangi]

Try it first

I've used Gatorade forever, and before that I used watered down grape juice with a bit of salt [somebody posted it here years ago as a great drink]. They both have worked fine for the average ride, but I'm getting geared up a 50 mile race soon. I'd like to do more than just finish this time!

Anyways, is the Accelerrade\Endurox combo a good way to boost performance?

Thanks
Kevin

As the previous poster said, you better try Accelerade first before you use it at a race. Accelerade has a pretty nasty taste (IMHO) and it REALLY upsets my stomach. It may upset yours too.

There are people who swear by Accelerade and then there is some scientific evidence that it does nothing beneficial. It didn't seem to make a difference in my performance except to make me want to hurl.

I found that electrolytes were better than either Gatorade (too damn sweet), Accelerade, or a number of other sports drinks for endurance rides. Electrolytes add NO taste to water and they keep you feeling hydrated and fresh (which in turn keeps your muscles in peak performance). Add to this your favorite Gu shots and I think it's the best combination.

The electrolytes I used were made by E-lyte: www.elytesport.com

Thx...Doug

 

[H.I.D. KEVIN]

I looked at that link, and the Accelerrade was tops of the rest, but the Elytes appears to be better, less the protein. I'm going to give it a try. Thanks.

Any other suggestions?

Kevin

 

[dgangi]

And the awful taste

Elytes appears to be better, less the protein

...and less that AWFUL taste. When I used Accelerade in the past I kept burping that crap up. It damn near made me want to puke.

When I switched to E-lyte, it was like night and day because it was just like drinking water (it adds no taste to the water whatsoever). Plus, since it has NO residue, you can throw it in your Camelback!

Thx...Doug

 

[mtbykr]

accelerade

i think accelerade works (tastes horrible though) and endurox (post ride) works great, but even worse taste. the new powerbar drink, endurance i have heard works well (chris carmichael designed it--lance's coach) i use hammergel and love it, you can mix that in your bottle with your water--and they are rumored to be having their own drink out soon (called heed) that i am sure will be worth checking out.

Just my $.02

 

[Homebrew]

Try these...

You might consider trying Perpetuem or Sustained Energy from E-Caps/Hammer Nutrition. They have less protein and more carbs than Acclerade. They also claim that whey isn't the best while exercising and that soy is better.

http://www.e-caps.com/products/detail.cfm?div=Products&cat=Hammer&det=Perpetuem 8 Serving&sku=P8

http://www.e-caps.com/products/deta...=Hammer&det=Sustained Energy 8 Serving&sku=SE

Of course, I mix my own during ride drink using maltodextrin, soy protein XT, and Gatorade. They have everything you need to make your own drinks at the Protein Factory.

http://www.proteinfactory.com/store/

If it's really hot, I might mix in a couple electrolyte tabs. I use the Essential Electrolytes from NutriBiotics, $6 a bottle at my local Whole Foods.

http://www.nutribiotic.com/Electrolytes.htm

 

[dusty]

Gatorjuice

I've used the powerbar endurance and recovery stuff and accelerrade, but I doubt for 50 miles either of these work better than gatorade and they are way more expensive. In fact if you look closely at the "scientific comparisons" gatorade is close to the top in terms of absorption, calories and electrolytes. What a lot of people overlook is that powdered gatorade has dextrose and sucrose, which should extend your elevated blood sugar. The gatorade in the bottle seems to have sucrose and/or high-fructose corn syrup so the spike might be greater but it also falls off faster. Are you carbo-loading in the days before your big rides? A bagel w/cream cheese or a breakfast burrito with water 45-60 min. before a big ride then full strength gatorade at a rate of a bottle (about 20 oz.) an hour starting an hour into a ride works for me, but my long rides are usually in the 3.5-4.5 hr. range.