CocoHydro Review

I’m a big fan of all types of coconut water not just because of the health benefits, but I just like the flavor.

I found this while walking around REI and decided to give it a try. I was pretty impressed, while nothing beats a fresh coconut, this can be a great alternative. For those people who love drinking it on a constant basis the cost can add up quickly. This pack costs $1.75 and can make two 8 ounce servings. 

One of the benefits that I see with it in powder form is that you can adjust to suit your taste. I’ve talked to a few people that feel like the coconut waters available they can’t seem to get the taste for it. I would recommend them this product.

They have flavors available like Pomegranate Raspberry and also Pineapple, but I like to stick to the Original flavors of any coconut water. For the coconut water purist this product may not be for you, but I think this is an awesome alternative. I would recommend this product to anyone.

Taste: 7 out of 10

Submitted by Miles

Brooks Pure Cadence 2 Shoe Review

I bought the second version of the Brooks Pure Cadence line because I was really happy with the first version. You can read that shoe review Here. 

I wanted a shoe that I would use specifically for tempo runs or faster. I really like the shoe, it's light and comfortable. I haven't gone over 7 miles in them because I do feel as I became more and more tired and my form suffered it was causing come stress on my achilles tendons became tight and were sore for a few days after. A new design on the Pure Cadence 2 is a ‘burrito’ style attached tongue that is essentially a part of the lateral upper that wraps over the medial side of the foot is what I didn't like. I feel like I have to tie my shoes really tight in order to feel comfortable in them, even that sometimes I feel like I'm sliding in them. 

As far as the new design, I really like how Brooks moved their logo from the side of the shoe to the front/top of the toe box. It really looks pretty awesome. 

Overall I really still like the shoe. I'm a little under 100 miles, but they still feel good.

The shoes are on average for the price $100-$120.

Submitted by Miles

Jelly Belly Sport Beans Review

After getting tired of eating energy gels during a race, I've now decided to go with the Jelly Belly Sport beans. As of now they are pretty easy to get down during a run. The one thing that I would say is to make sure to have the package open before you head out because it can throw off your concentration a little trying to tear off the tab while running.

Carrying Ability: Easy to carry multiple packs during a run. They are pretty light and won't bounce around much in your shorts while running. (8 out of 10)

Does it work: You're not going to get any real energy shot, but do feel like they help with a little energy during the run. They are easy to get chew and get down without any water. I did have to drink a little water as my run gets longer and I'm chewing them, but I'm sure that would be the case for anyone. (7 out of 10)

Overall Thoughts: I'm happy with the product and I would recommend this to anyone interested. There are about 15 jelly beans in the back and I like putting about 5 beans and in my mouth at a time and chewing them. I usually eat a package about every 30-35 mins if I'm headed for a longer run.

Taste: The assorted package contains lime, orange, fruit punch, and berry. Overall (7 out of 10)

Submitted by Miles

Product Review: Organic Honey Stinger Waffles

During a few of my training runs I used the Honey Stinger Waffles. I really liked the flavor of the two that I tried(vanilla & strawberry). They were a little difficult to eat while on the run due to the fact that they'll crumble easily. I ate the waffles when I felt sluggish during my long runs rather than a quick energy boost. I did feel like they helped me carry through the finish. Also I did find them a little on the sweeter side, but I've never been a person to like sweets. I did need some water to get them down. I haven't seen any other products on the market like this one. For the taste I give them (7 out of 10)

Carrying Ability: They are a little big, but they are thin(think iphone). They aren't exactly easiest to carry in a pocket during the run. (5 out of 10)

Does it work: I did feel like it replenished my body a little of what I lose on the run. I would use them only for your "longer" runs. I don't think you'll need more than 1 with you. (7 out of 10)

Overall Thoughts: I liked the flavor, I did feel like they work. The waffles were a little on the sweet side for my personal taste. You'll have to adjust the way you eat them due to the way that it will crumble, but I will definitely buying be more and using them again for my long runs. I'm happy with this product 

Submitted by Miles

Product Review: Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz

After a race(half-marathon) while I was using some gels and things like that to fuel me during the run I thought that I should try some different types of products and start to write a few reviews on each.

I found these while shopping online for some supplements I needed. The name caught my eye right away. I figured these would get me during a difficult grinding run.

I have to say that the "ballz" have a soft center and are easy to chew, but the flavor is questionable. (3 out of 10) You get a little hint of chocolate that I could describe would taste like a tootsie roll, but once you get past that they are pretty tough to get down. 

Carrying Ability: If you are the type of person that doesn't like the feeling of carrying things, this one might not be for you. They are a little bulky, I don't have a problem carrying items, but with these I had to carry my pouch to hold more than 1 or 2 packs. (3 out of 10)

Does it work: This energy balls are caffeinated and I didn't feel a boost(as a runner I'm looking for a more "sustained energy" feeling). I thought that they were just okay, but I did have to choke them down with some big sips of water.

Overall Thoughts: Kickbutt Amped Energy Ballz left me with something to be desired. If you work well with caffeine these might help, personally I wouldn't recommend them. As a runner they are too tough to be carrying around and if you're in a race they aren't easy to get down if you don't have any water or anything available.

Submitted by Miles

Pre Workout Supplement Review

I had high hopes for these workout boosters. I found out while taking them that I have a high tolerance for caffeine. I took the recommend amount a couple of times and after finding out they had little to no effect on me. Then I doubled up on the dosage to the same result. It would be delayed or have little effect on me.

If you are sensitive to caffeine I think these will both be fine.

MusclePharm Assault

Good flavor and easy to mix. On double the dosage I did feel a little boost, but towards the end of the workout.

N.O. Xplode 2.0

Good flavor and easy to mix. This no effect on my what so ever