I went to Performance yesterday morning and was surprised to see that they had a display of the new Clif Shot Electrolyte Replacement and Recovery Drinks. I just saw these in a magazine or catalog last week and was wondering when I would have my first opportunity to try it. Ask and you shall receive.
The electrolyte replacements come in Crisp Apple and Lemon Lime. Since I’m always looking for new flavors I thought I would try the Crisp Apple. I had some trepidation, however, I was guessing it was going to be a little over-powering.
As soon as I got home I mixed up a batch to prepare for my planned mountain bike ride (I’m racing the Xterra West Championship in Temecula on the 15th). The electrolyte replacement is simply that, sodium and potassium and not a lot otherwise. If memory serves me correctly it’s 150mg sodium and something like 50-80 mg potassium per serving and 19g carbs. So to boost the carb content I mixed it with CarboPro, 200g carbs per serving.
At first taste, I was fairly impressed. Tastes a lot like an apple Jolly Rancher, but not insanely sweet. Actually it’s a fairly light taste with a hint of apple jolly rancher. I mixed it per the instructions, 3 scoops per 24 oz. So, ok it tastes fine just after mixing while standing in my kitchen, but how will it be an hour into the ride. Am I going to be totally disgusted and sick of apple??? Actually, I gotta say, I was pretty darn happy with it throughout the entire ride. I had packed this into my camelback and didn’t take any other water. Usually, I will grow weary of my electrolyte/energy drink half way through a ride and long for plain water. That didn’t happen yesterday, every drink was actually pleasant.
My previous mix of CarboPro and Amino Vital has served me fairly well, and I kinda like the flavor, but I do get a little sick of it and my mouth starts to feel a little weird after drinking too much of it. My concern with that mix is the minimal amounts of sodium and potassium. While I have never actually cramped with CarboPro and Amino Vital, I have certainly come right up to edge of what feels like a potential race jeapordizing cramp, especially in my quads. Will Clif Shot Electrolyte Replacement be the answer? Don’t know yet, but I’m gonna give 'er a shot. Gotta tell ya it tastes damn good!