Energy Product Trial #1: Clif Shot Bloks

Date: 7/26/12
Start time:  6:45 AM (analysis:  too late!)
Start temperature:  77 degrees F
Sleep beforehand: > 6 hours
Food beforehand: handful of Honey Nut Cheerios
Water beforehand:  small mouthful (analysis: not enough)

Ending time: 8:25 AM
End temperature:  84 degrees F
Total Distance:  8.76 miles
Average pace: 10:50 min/mile

Product stats:
Service Size:  1 ounce/ 3 bloks (half the package)
Calories: 100
Good stuff:
 - 70mg sodium
 - 20mg potassium
 - 24g carbs
 - 12g sugars
Other bonuses:
 - package advertises 95% organic ingredients

The rundown:

These things taste AMAZING.  I bought is the Cran-Raz flavor, and they're as good as the fruit snacks I used to pack in my lunch box as a kid. I also appreciated that the serving size was only 3 blocks, which meant that, were I on a longer run, I wouldn't have to take additional items with me; I'd only need to finish the package.  It also didn't feel like a lead weight bouncing around in my stomach, since the serving was only 1 ounce.

Possible problems:  the long, awkward package is tough to carry.  I actually had to change shorts this morning, finding the one pair I own with regular pockets to carry them.  Also, the package states, "Always follow consumption with water", which would't be a problem during a race with regular water stations, but, from a runner who doesn't own a Fuel Belt, this could be problematic on casual long runs (and may account for its poor energy rating below).

Possible extenuating factors to the trial: 

 - I exercised hard the day before (trail running and lifting weight). 

 - I slept in (6:45 is too late to start a run in the hottest summer Lexington, KY has had in decades!) 

- Possibly didn't have enough water the night before (cotton-mouthed during the last 3 miles).  

(Current) Overall Rating:  6/10

     The energy delivered by the Shot Bloks was less than I would have liked, and I experienced some knee and arch pain that I think the addition of some vitamins in the formula might have prevented (this isn't a scientific analysis, only speculation.  I intend on experimenting with vitamin-rich fuels in the future, and if I find that this isn't the case, Shot Bloks' rating may change).  As I mentioned earlier, the package instructs to take water with the blocks, so I will be repeating the experiment with water (especially since I still have half the package).


The Skinny:

PROS:
 - Small serving size (one package contains two servings)
 - Great taste
 - Organic ingredients

CONS:
 - Awkward packaging
 - No listed vitamin content
- Must take with water for recommended best results


Final Analysis: I'm going to give them another try.  The heat of the morning and my inability to take water with the blocks might have contributed more than I think.  Stay tuned for the update!