XRCEL Athlete Fuel Extended Release Carbohydrate - BlackBerry 12 Pack, Liquid Sports Drink, Drinkable Sport Supplement, Glucose Supplement, Sports Recovery Drink, Patented Extended Release

I came across this product when I attended the Charleston marathon expo the day before the marathon. (held on January 17, 2016) I broke the cardinal rule of marathons/races, 'don't try anything new on race day'! I listened to the no pressure 'sales pitch' by the xrcel representatives and bought 3 bottles for the race next day. Glad I took the leap of faith! I used them in the Charleston marathon and decided to order it via Amazon for the recent Washington DC Rock and Roll marathon. (and all subsequent marathons after this)Their information and website detail all the advantages of the product. I shall give my own personal experiences so that you can hopefully decide whether the product is right for you.- I can't eat anything the morning of the race. I am one of those people whose digestion is slower and anything eaten on the morning of race day leaves a swishy/swishing very uncomfortable feeling in my stomach and throat. So, despite the common held belief that you should fuel 1 or 2 hours before the race, I previously couldn't take anything... until now! This product has the consistency (not taste) of buttermilk or extra creamy chocolate milk. So, it feels and tastes like a well prepared 'thick' sports drink. Only when you take it can you understand what I am talking about. It is easy to drink, not 'thin' like your usual sports drinks and not thick like the GU gels commonly used by runners! So, this product can be used as a substitute to the bagels, donuts, peanut butter and jelly sandwiches that other (fortunate) runners take in the morning of the race without negative stomach upsets while racing/running.- I know the product manufacturers want you to take this product exclusively. However, if you use the Gatorade and water provided at the water stations at various points in the race, salt sticks, GU gels and/or pickle juice or mustard for your running (to prevent cramping, I personally suffer painful cramping if I don't use those products) this product works well when used in conjunction with those products, at least it worked for me. No stomach upsets at all.- the fuel did give me a much needed boost in the latter stages of the marathon. When I took it in the Charleston and Washington DC marathon, I felt way better and stronger than I had done in my previous 3 marathons when miles 20-26 were run on empty. I didn't change anything else and I am certain the boost was given by the xrcel fuel drink. Whether you are a fast 2 hour runner needing that extra energy boost to keep up with the blistering pace, or a slower runner (like yours truly) needing energy to get to the finish line, this fuel drink should be part and parcel of your running fuel list.- The manufacturers recommend using the product 15 minutes before an activity, halfway through the activity and at the end as a refuel and recovery drink. I have taken photos of the bottle to show you its size compared to a regular water bottle. It is easy to hold in your hand for use on mile 13.1 as you get ready for the 2nd half of the marathon. It's also small enough to place in a hydration belt.- I chose the blackberry version while ordering on Amazon but I took all 3 versions while in Charleston and they all tasted great. The manufacturers should have a 'mixed variety' pack to entice everyone's taste buds.- They are pricey but the fuel works just like the website describes it.

i would use these for marathon / triathlon distance races. i would take one prior to a half marathon or triathlon and another at mile 13 or after the swim/Bike portion of a triathlon. I never had cramps from these so that' s one benefit and my electrolyte levels felt solid when i took Xrcel.The taste is fine - a bit thicker than a liquid but not like a gel. if you are with a cycling jersey or triathlon belt, you can easily store in back pocket or in your tri-belt. the size is not too clunky.Highly recommend for anyone who does long distance races.

Provides needed energy to compete at the highest levels in USAV Open Nationals, National Sr. Games, and World Sr. Games age group volleyball, but without the jitters and subsequent trouble sleeping caused by traditional energy drinks.

No dislikes cycling