Gear

GU Electrolyte Brew

GU - $25/canister

With no fancy additives and chemical formulas, GU Electrolyte Brew provides a simple and effective mix of complex and simple carbohydrates and electrolytes. Each serving makes 21 oz of drink and contains 640 mg of sodium, 50 mg of potassium, 34 g of carbohydrates and 140 calories. The Blueberry Pomegranate flavour is tasty, slightly salty and not too sweet. An excellent choice for long bouts of moderate or intense running or racing.

Fast Charge

Amino Vital - $46-60 per canister

Pro

Amino Vital - $46-60 per canister

Endurance

Amino Vital - $46-60 per canister

This Amino Vital formula absorbs quickly, provides sustained energy and the amino acids assist with recovery. One 40 g serving of Mandarin Orange has 150 calories, 2,400 mg of amino acid blend, 60 mg stevia leaf extract (which regulates blood sugar and improves digestion), 33 g of carbohydrate, 270 mg of sodium, 85 mg of potassium, 117 mg of calcium, 38 mg of magnesium and 240 mg of vitamin C. With the Pro, you can enhance your performance, training and recovery due to the extra boost of 3,600 mg of the amino acid blend. One 24 g serving has 90 calories, 17 g of carbohydrate, 20 mg of sodium, 180 mg of potassium, 88 mg of calcium, 60 mg of phosphorous and 150 mg of vitamin C. For a quick Amino Vital energy boost while on the go, the Fast Charge (one 5 g packet) provides 2,400 mg of the amino acid blend, just 15 calories, and 2 g of carbohydrate, along with vitamins A, C, D, E and B.

Performance Enhanced Ready-To-Drink

Cytomax - $3 per bottle

The 591 mL bottles come in three low-sugar flavours: Citrus (Endurance), Tropical Fruit (Vitamin C-Bomb) and Orange Tangerine (with a herbal lift of guarana and ginseng). The 591 mL bottle has 130 calories, 33 g of carbohydrate, 140 mg sodium, 75 mg potassium, vitamin C and chromium. Cytomax says its Alpha-L-Polylactate formula works to provide energy faster and acts as a lactic acid buffer in muscles, helping to reduce post-run soreness. Good for a quick hit of energy before, during or after exercise.

Heat Endurance Formula

Eload - $45 per canister

This drink is a top performer in hot and humid conditions. With a carbohydrate concentration of 5.4 per cent and a low pH level, eload is both gentle on the stomach and tends to be absorbed quickly during the heat of a longer race or training run. For shorter run and races, eload's MultiCitrate is designed to help buffer lactic acid. One 500 mL serving contains 108 calories, 27 g of carbohydrate, 370 mg of sodium, 96.5 mg of potassium, 25 mg of calcium, 12.5 mg of magnesium and 1 mg of zinc.

G2

Gatorade - $2 per bottle

At just 30 calories per 250 mL serving, G2 is perfect for runners watching their calories. It works well as a recovery drink to rehydrate and replenish electrolytes. G2 provides 7 g of carbohydrate, 115 mg of sodium and 30 mg of potassium, enough to get you through training sessions of less than an hour.

Hydro

Accelerade - $40 per canister

The patented 4:1 carbohydrate-to-protein ratio using a combination of dextrose and whey protein sets Hydro apart from most other sports drinks for runners. The added protein is designed to help the muscles absorb the carbs more quickly and rehydrate faster. It's nearly twice as effective as water, according to the company's research.

Heed Packs

Hammer Nutrition - $2.10 per pack

Subtle Strawberry's flavours are, indeed, subtle. It's easily digested and good for runners with sensitive stomachs. Each pack contains 100 calories, Xylitol to help promote oral health and lactic acid buffers. A good all-around energy drink for before, during and after workouts and races.