Ok, I used Perpeteum during IMWA and during my training and it is fantastic. Since it worked so well, nutrition wise (and GI), I really do not want to change. The problem is I am now training for IMNZ and the taste of Perpeteum is getting to the point of making me gag while training with it. This has not been the case in the past and I actually enjoyed my Perpeteum treat.
Anybody got any Perpeteum mixture ideas/recommendations they use to tolerate the taste or add variety?
My recipe for IML involved a mix of Perpeteum & Gatorade (taken with many Thermolytes). I used to use Perp and Accelerade but it was too much protein.
Here’s the recipe:
Try mixing in some Hammer Gel.
Don’t mix with just water, throw in a splash of Country Time lemonade. It cuts the “aaaugh” taste.
My recipe for IML involved a mix of Perpeteum & Gatorade (taken with many Thermolytes). I used to use Perp and Accelerade but it was too much protein.
Here’s the recipe:
Really!?! I’m pretty sure Hammer products (Hammer Gel and HEED excluded) are not compatible with simple sugars like say… Gatorade. No wonder you didn’t feel so good 
I use Hammer and I love the stuff. I’ve found in the past that switching over to Sustained Energy after a while helps. I also know someone who adds HEED to their Perpetuem to give it some flovor. I’m excited to try the new **Caffe Latte **flavor Perpetuem. That could help add some variety.
Use code BHEN-S and get %10 at Trisports.com
Brad
Hammer also makes a product called “sustained energy”. Look into it. It doesn’t have any real flavor. Anything with flavor makes me nausous during IMs. I switched to this because it was the only product I could find with no sugars. Anything sweet during an Ironman beating locks up my stomach.
That is interesting to know about Perpeteum and simple sugars. I had the thought of mixing in some cool aid, gatorade, or some other powder to the mixture. Having second thoughts now. Anybody else with the powder combo experience?
Drop a Nuun Tablet or two in it. But make sure you leave the bottle top open, or you’ll get a face full of perpetuem/nuun when you go to pull it open with your teeth while riding.
I wonder if the new flavor will actually have a flavor. Since the orange flavor really doesn’t.
I don’t mind Perpetuem’s flavor, but I also like mixing a little Chocolate or Raspberry HammerGel with Sustained Energy.
X2!!!
i wish it weren’t so, but I’ve never been able to handle it even WITHOUT using Gatorade…especially in warm races. I may try some of these offered blends.
Mixing perpeteum with anything containing simple sugars is the equivalent of pulling the pin and swallowing a grenade. The warning on the label is there for a reason…
Since you already know it works for you in a race situation, just don’t have it at every workout all of the time during the next few weeks. Either don’t use it till race day, or just use it one day per week (preferably long ride day - race practice) to keep your body used to it. As an alternative for a couple of weeks try something different to give your taste buds a break. e.g. 1/2 coke and 1/2 water (just like in the last part of a long ride!), Ensure - premixed bottle from k-mart / Walmart washed down with water, or any sports drink you like the taste of.
I’m also a convert to Perpetuem, but I don’t drink it every day.
I’ve been trying to put a whole bunch of gels in a gel bottle and use that for my long rides. It works while on the bike but when I start the run part of my brick, my stomach sure disagrees. When I use perpeteum, I do not have these GI issues. I will try some of your other suggestions for training for now. Thanks.
One word for you… Infinit
I love HEED and mix whey protein in. It works for me in any distance. I also use Hammer Gel and love it. I have used Perpetuem and Sustained Energy in the past and my opinion is tasty and Perpetuem should never be used in the same sentence. A drink only works if you can drink it. I simply can’t drink them, even ice cold. As they warm it gets even worse. I can’t stomach the taste of powdered soy protein. It might as well be asparagas to me. Ironically I drink soy milk in my cereal, but it’s not that nasty concentrated soy protein flavor of powdered soy. Plus the texture of Perp, and S.E is like chalk. I’ve tried the gel mix in, HEED etc…No go. There’s my 2 cents for what it’s worth.
X2 for Infinite. Was a hammer fan until I got a little ill on a long ride, couldn’t stomach the taste of perpetum for a while. Infinit mixes a whole lot eaiser and I can adjust how much flavor is in the mix. Sustained Energy is another pretty good option very bland and no real aftertaste.
There’s usually more to the nausea issue than just the product. You need to look at the amount of fluid and other stuff you were eating and drinking before simply blaming the product. That applies to all foods and drink during rides or events.
As a general guide, if using Perp you should be aiming to drink at least 500ml of water/hr, more when it’s hot. Also be aware that when it is hot you’ll probably need to cut back on the calories (reduce the amount of perp per hour).
That said, Hammer do a non-flavour Perp (or did last time I looked). We als add instant coffee to the mix quite often, especially for the pre-race or pre-swim bottle in the morning. In general terms you can mix and match Hammer products - Perp + gel + HEED without any problems. Just ensure that you have taken into account the different calorie counts to ensure you don’t overload.
Funny I had the same experience, worked fine for 3 years and now I just can’t do it…just starting to train long enough to need protein in the mix again now and thinking of trying sustained energy and crystal light, I heard that combo works well…
I have not heard about the Crystal Light and Sustained Energy combo, I will have to give that a shot.
yeah haven’t tried it yet but the guy who recomended it said that those little individual packets of crystal light come in all different flavors, he is an ultra guy so i figure it must be good on the stomach if it works for him running for 24 hours straight?!?!!?