magic fuel showdown

Winter base time to consider fueling options.  Longer distances for 2011, multi-day events. If I can get in more than 100 cals/hr...say closer to 200-300 cals/hr...see room for improvement on the uber long. Here are two candidates I am trying over the next month or two.

Enduromax from QC Max Muscle. One serving 12-16 oz. of fluid, 240 calories, carbs from maltodextrin like most gels.  A bit of caffeine, some whey powder to give it protein.  Some potassium, magnesium,calcium to replenish electrolytes.The rest of the laundry list of ingredients...beyond me. Liquid form....good/bad. So far, I have not (often) broken my rule of just water in the bottle and whatever food is on the course. Runs about $40 for 20 servings.  This product was at turn around aid station at the Wildcat 50k.  Comes in Lemon Lime only.

Other candidate is Perpetuem Solids from Hammer Nutrition.  Perpetuem has been around a long time.  Bob Nelson first introduced me to it back at Howl at the Moon several years ago.  Up to now, another soy/whey based protein powder product.  Now available in 100 calorie chews or solids.  I like the idea of a solid, stable food source I can stick in the pockets.  Unclear as to how big or digestable these are.  Heard compared to "plugs of tobacco." Could cut them up, but hard enough to digest a small Clif bar at 20 deg F. Ordered all three flavors - Caffe Latte (with caffeine), Strawberry Vanilla, Orange Vanilla.  Around $0.30-$0.50/chew....somewhat more cost effective per calorie than gels (say $1.00/100 cals ea.)

Another report in a month or so when friends and I have had a few long runs to stomach test.

-Larry