A couple of weeks ago, I made a trip to National Sports to get some chews/gels. I ended up buying two packs of Clif Bloks Energy Chews, (one black cherry and one tropical punch), and two Clif Shot Energy Gels, (both were the razz flavour), while I’ve already done a review on the gels, here’s my review on the chews. Just as a head’s up, you can probably expect a gel vs. chew post in the very near future.
I decided to take one chew every 35 minutes rather than 3 every 45. There are two reasons as to why I arrived at that time interval:
- When I was taking the gels, I only used half a pack every 45 minutes and that seemed to work for me.
- The chews from Clif are HUGE.
With that said, this is what I gathered from my experience with Clif Bloks Energy Chews:
-Like it said, it’s huge. Because of its size, it makes it challenging to chew…especially while running.
-The tropical punch flavour was really tasty. I always have a huge sweet tooth, so it’s kind of nice to get that while on a run.
-Not super convenient to take while on a run since it comes in a long package.
-Digests well, (it’s also organic which is a plus)
-The caffeine gives you a quick boost without the crash
I still have one more pack of chews to go through, but I think I’m going to stick to gels after this. Question for you guys: how do you guys run and take gels or eat chews? I literally have to stop and do it…clearly I’m not the greatest multitasker!
Running Fast, Lifting Heavy Approved: I’m going to say yes, but I wish the size was smaller.
-Running Fast, Lifting Heavy
Running Fast, Lifting Heavy 
I found that slowing down when you’re first learning to multitask with gels helps a lot. Also keeping everything in the same place so it becomes muscle memory. As far as the actual swallowing/breathing bit, it’s a matter of timing. Or on the really long and hilly runs, I would fuel while walking up hills. If it means slowing down so that you get all of your nutrition and liquids, that’s more important than turning into a bit sticky mess.
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Slowing down is a good tip. I would completely stop and take my gels/chews, but cumulatively that would add around two minutes to my overall time…
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I don’t usually use chews during my races. I took one during a race because it was offered at an aid station and I found it really hard to eat because of the size. I think that chew was a clif shot too. I will typically eat Honey stinger chews before the race for that first boost of energy and then use gels the rest of the way. I’ll typically take my gels at water stations (I don’t carry water on me during runs) and I already walk by the water stations as my little break so it’s easier to eat them there. I will say that if you do want to eat and run, gels go down easier assuming you have water. 🙂
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I take science in sport gels. I used them on my debut hand marathon. They are designed to be easy rip-able and digestable. I took one every 5 miles. Just about to order their protein shake tub to be used after my run. I wouldn’t use chewing items whilst running as knowing me, I’d choke lol.
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I’ve heard good things about SIS. Are they organic? That tends to sit the best with my digestively speaking.
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Not sure to be honest. They give out free samples and a free bottle worth £14. If l run a marathon I’ll use their stuff again.
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Those chews are definitely big and harder to chew than some other brands. I do livs the tropical punch flavor though! My go-to chews are Honey Stinger (fruit smoothie flavor is my fav). They are smaller and since they are made with honey they go down smooth and practically melt in your mouth. Keep practicing eating on the run. It does get easier . Since I run ultras now I’m at the point where I can down a few slices of bacon, crackers, oranges, etc on the run! Although stopping at an aide station to take in nutrition is worth it if needed to avoid bonking! It’s no fun to run “low”.
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I just tried the tropical punch flavour on my run today and it was so yummy! I’ve tried Honey Stinger, (though not while running), but it may be worth it to try them out especially if they’re smaller. So jealous! I wish I could master the art of eatting/running!
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I think you would like them. Worth a try! It doesn’t take as much effort to chew them as a Shot Blok. It is definitely something to get used to (eating on the run).
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I tried these chews and just had too many problems with them. I liked the taste but found them to be too sticky and too hard to chew while running. As some other people have said, I agree that slowing down helps when taking in any kind of supplement on the run, especially when you’re trying out something new.
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I noticed how sticky they were today. They stick in your teeth like crazy. I timed it today to see how long it takes for me to eat a chew and guzzle some water and it took a minute and a half! Way too long. I think I’ll try a slow jog/a brisk walk the next time I do a long run.
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I have both Clif Bloks and Honey Stinger Chews. I like the flavor of the Bloks, but agree that they’re too big to eat easily. Sometimes I’ll use those before I go out for a run rather than using them during. They’re especially tricky in the winter. If they get cold and a little hard, it makes it even more challenging to eat them. When it comes to the Honey Stinger Chews, I’ll usually open a corner ahead of time and sometimes even trim down the top and bottom of the packaging to make it smaller/easier to carry. Sometimes it goes in the pocket of my hydration belt, sometimes in the side pocket of a pair of my triathlon shorts (they’re tight and the package doesn’t bounce around). I eat up to 5 chews around 45 minutes into a half marathon, and sometimes I might eat a few more later as well. Just keep practicing! I’m good with the chews so I’ve stuck with them, but I know a lot of people who prefer gels.
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I didn’t think to open a corner ahead of time…silly me. The size of the Honey Stinger chews seem smaller which could definitely make it easier for me. It’s definitely challenging finding the right balance!
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