After totally bonking on my ride two weeks ago, I knew I had to get a lot smarter about nutrition for these longer rides this year. I asked around for recommendations, got some great suggestions, and also did some research on my own.
I ended up ordering Hammer's Sustained Energy because of the natural ingredients and (supposedly) it's better for naturally lean/high metabolism body types versus Perpetuem. I also like that I can mix it with other flavors, so I also ordered a bottle of Hammer Gel. Did some research on that too and all the online reviews were giving thumbs up to Raspberry flavor. So, Raspberry it is. I have my fingers crossed that Sustained Energy doesn't turn out to be gross... a few reviews talked about it being a bit chalky.
So I ordered two products from Hammer, and yesterday I got a delivery in a huge box. Opened it up to find... samples!! A lot of them. I love samples.
Plus a free gel flask, the Hammer magazine, some promo stuff, a customer ID magnet and a well-written letter welcoming me to "the family." I must say, as a consultant who has been in the brand-building space for a couple decades, this is all really well done. I have yet to try any of these products, but I WANT to like them :-) And they're obviously confident in their products to give away so many freebies.
So... I have a ride on tap for this weekend, and I'll try out my Sustained Energy/Raspberry combo and report back!
Do you use Hammer or something else? What is your favorite fuel on the bike?
The raspberry is really good. Haven't tried the sustained energy but I know some people who use it regularly. I know a lot of people hate HEED, but I don't know why? I won a big container of it at a race last year and thought it was great. No issues at all. I think I'm less picky though than some people when it comes to fueling while training. I can eat the bark off a tree on a bike ride and think I'd be ok. ;)
Posted by: Michelle Simmons | 02/03/2011 at 10:01 AM
Nice!! I just ordered a bunch of the First Endurance stuff to try out for my distance training/racing this year. Look forward to hearing how the Hammer stuff goes - I know people who love it but I've heard Perpeteum horror stories too :-)
Posted by: Molly | 02/03/2011 at 10:19 AM
Just don't over-fuel. I bonked a few weeks ago on a 3:30 hard ride over Alpine Dam having. Coming back at about the same workout this past weekend, I added a banana and a bar to the mix and felt great throughout the workouts. There is a fine line to walk, so don't overcompensate after a bonk.
Posted by: Clydesdaletriathlon.blogspot.com | 02/03/2011 at 10:23 AM
Never tried Hammer, I use Nuun usually. If I owned a company, I would always include samples - such a great surprise!
Posted by: Kovas | 02/03/2011 at 11:29 AM
I have tried Hammer - I switched to EFS back in June last year. It just worked better for me. So cool you got samples!
Posted by: Mandy | 02/05/2011 at 02:16 PM
You have to look in my blog back in January..I have a post with a picture almost just like this. Too funny. Right now I use HEED or water on the bike. :>)
Posted by: Lisa | 02/06/2011 at 08:18 AM