http://www.vespapower.com/Sport-Supplements_c_1.html
http://www.generationucan.com/ourproducts.html
Anyone out there use Vespa and/or Generation U-Can? What are your thoughts, experiences, and if you have used it how did it turn out for you?
I have been using UCAN for about 6 months now and I like it. I don’t use the flavored mixes just the plain starch. I take it by itself before a workout. I also use it during longer workouts mixed with EFS. On the bike I go 60/40 EFS/UCAN. It is hard to explain why I like it. I don’t seem to run out of fuel anymore. I can consume more calories without feeling full and bloated. It simply works for me. On longer rides I used to start to feel “hungry” after 2.5-3 hours. That feeling is now gone.
There are two things I do not like about UCAN. The packaging is simply terrible. The drink mixes come in fairly large single-serve pouches. I wish they would switch to canisters just like the rest of the industry. Maybe there is something about the starch that requires this different type of packaging. Second, it does not taste good by itself. Taste obviously is a personal preference. It has a chalky taste. That said, the benefits I experience outweighs the negatives.
Order the “starter kit” and try it.
I agree with Frosty on the UCAN. It really helps keep the energy steady. A couple weeks ago I had a packet of chocolate before a 50 mile ride and 1 packet of lemonade during. I then did a short 500m open water swim and rode 15 more miles, all with steady energy. Here’s a review I wrote when I first tried it: http://neoendurance.blogspot.com/2010/09/product-review-generation-ucan.html
Nice write-up. What I found interesting is your comment about not feeling hungry. Glad to hear I am not the only one. I thought that maybe that is just something I imagine. Would be fun to have UCAN chime in if they have a theory as to why.
I keep using UCAN just as I described above with good results.
The Generation UCAN website has some data about insulin response when using the product. In short, it keeps your blood sugar more stable so that’s why we don’t feel so hungry. If you haven’t tried the new Cran-Raz flavor (sweetened with Stevia instead of sucralose) give it a try. It’s pretty good!
instead of creating a new thread i figured I’d bring this one back up.
What is the difference between the 2? Are they similar or completely different?
A friend of mine said that she really felt a difference when using Vespa compared to the standard endurance nutrition practices. So despite the cheesy Japanese marketing efforts, I decided to give it a shot. I followed all the advice according to the website http://www.vespapower.com/ and just took one of the standard packets 45 minutes before a 4 hour ride. Typically after about 2 and a half hours in the saddle I have a mix of boredom, fatigue, and loss of focus settle in. I didn’t feel any of that yesterday. I had an even energy level throughout and after the ride I felt just the same as if I went out for a 2 hour ride. However, the weather was quite a bit nicer than usual yesterday so I’m wondering if it was the Vespa or just the placebo effect.
Anyone else give it (or U-Can) a shot? I’m considering for an upcoming 70.3 and marathon.
I tried the UCAN stuff and it just did not work for me. I was using it for several long rides (5+ hours) and even tried to do a 1/2 IM with it, with no success. Made my stomach hurt, which NEVER happens for me. I am probably just messed up, and for a reference point, I use Gatorade, Snickers bars, Payday bars, Mtn Dew and GU for IM distance racing and just GU for half IM stuff. So safe to say i have a non-traditional fueling plan (aka pur sugar). I felt like the UCAN stuff was not getting into my system well, like straight sugar seems to.
And it tastes pretty bad.
Just my experience.