Tri Zones Training

I've only tried Sports Beans once, but I'm interested in trying them again, since they can be divided into smaller portions easily that can be eaten more frequently than a gel.  So I'm interested in your poll too!

I too have only tried them. I know Dena and Mrs. C swear by them. I think Ill try them on my longer run this weekend and see what happens, as im getting ReALLY tired of gels. When I tried them, they were certainly tasty, and jelly beans are one of my fave candies, so I think its safe to say I liked them. I was taking them intermittently with gels, so Im not so sure of the performance benefits, but they are a nice break frm all the gooeyness..

Be not afraid of going slowly; be afraid only of standing still. - Chinese Proverb

Carolyn is the bean queen.  She has been eating sports beans for over a year I believe.

I'm not sure I like that title or not, but I do like Sports Beans.  My stomach doesn't care for most GUs. I've only found 1 GU that I even come close to liking the taste of, plus the consistency of most GUs is just YUCKY!  Sports Beans are easy for me to eat and swallow. They sit well on my stomach as long as I follow them with a drink or two of water. Also, the nutrition values are pretty  much the same, if not better, then a lot of the GUs that are on the market now.  When I did the Half Ironman I had a bag about 20 minutes before the swim. I ate another bag as soon as I got on the bike - remember I'm a strong but SLOW swimmer!  Then my nutrition plan called for a bag every other hour while on the bike and one every 5K during the run.  For my half marathon, I normally eat one every 4 miles.  I'll have some with me tomorrow if you want to try them.

I'm with Carolyn on the beans - can't handle the gu - I alternate the flavors so I don't get sick of one - and I'm a 'nibbler' -eat 2-3 beans every mile - I think it works out to close to Carolyn's ratio.  I love jelly beans ... it's a weakness.

I love them! They were my saving grace when they came out because I can't handle gels.  And I also nibble on them as I run...about 1 bag every 5 miles. I drink sports drink as well. When I ride, I munch on trail mix, sports beans and cliff bar bites.  I haven't bonked yet! (famous last words)

I like the convenience of beans.  They are great for bike rides and they don't 'repeat' on me like gels and bars.

I tried the beans on our 11 mile run last Sunday.  I should have taken 2 packages of them, at 4 and 8 miles, but it took me so long to eat them that I ended up only eating 1/2 package both times, so didn't get in the calories that I'll need for a long run.  I think I'll go back to blocks.

Thanks so much for the feedback from everyone. I appreciate all the responses.  -em