Do you GU?

Okay, I hope I'm calling it by the right name. I was fitted for new running shoes the other day and the sales girl was so helpful!! She gave me several great tips and ideas for my training program and running the marathon. She suggested GU (with water) every hour, during the marathon. I was wondering if anyone uses GU and what your thoughts and tips are on the product.
 
I have to admit I ran with Gatorade for the first time on Saturday (16 miler) and what a difference it made! I was a little nervous about the constant burping, but it wasn't a major issue.
Also, I did NOT stop at any aide station for my half last year. I know I was probably wrong to not stop. However, it was so crowded that I felt I would be in trouble if I stopped and waited for water.

Any suggestions on hydrating and fuel during long runs (13 or more)???  

Yes I do.
Initially I mixed it down with water, but now I can take it straight up as well.

I have both the gel flask that I use (you can buy the GU in volume and refill the container)
and I have a bottle that hold water with another little container inside it that holds the gel.
The valve on it is dual action.  When the valve is down and you drink from it you get GU when the valve is up you ge****er or whatever your bottle is filed with.

http://www.hydrapak.com/products/bottles/gel-bot

Thank you! I'm going to check it out. I'm so glad I asked.

i use clif shot gels (basically the same thing as gu) and poweraide zero... i use a hydration belt that holds them all.  i take one gel every 5 miles for a marathon and maybe every 4 miles for a half marathon.  i take them slightly less frequently during training (typically every 6 miles for runs of 12 miles or more).

I believe the race I will be running provides Clif Shots at mile 19, so I will check those out as well. I'm trying to test the products that will be provided. Thanks for the information!

I use packets of GU when I run 8 miles or more.  usually half a pack every 4 miles.  If I'm on an event I handhold my water and sip regularly and take a gatorade from an aid station every 5-7 miles.  If I'm on a training run, I make a mix of water/gatorade and carry that in my handheld water bottle.

my GU is caffeinated.  I think it gives me a great boost.

Thank you! I saw the caffeinated ones. I might check those out too. Thanks for the helpful information.

On long runs (and my marathon) I do GU (pronounced "goo") at miles 8, 14, and 18, slowly and with water (though I probably should have taken more during my marathon last week). If I'm going 12 or less, I find I need nothing bu****er.

I always carry my 20 ounce water bottle with me, no matter what mileage I run, because it definitely helps me to last longer and works my arms like you wouldn't believe!

However, I knew water stops would be available every two miles or so during the race, so I skipped the bottle and did just fine.

You may not need to hit every water stop--just pay attention to how you feel.  You're going to do great!!

Thank you! I think that sounds like great advice! Thanks again.

I don't gu when I run (it upsets my tummy) but I do on the bike. When I run I use water if it's a 5k or less and Infinit sports drink if it's 10k or more.

I can only drink about half a cup of water so I do hit every water stop in a running race and carry my own liquid if it's going to be longer than 30-45 min.