I received a container of XL-1 prior to the 14k
Blue Hills Ascent in Bruce, WI. I decided I would try it out
as a replacement to my regular pre and post race drinks. I
mixed per instructions and consumed one water bottle on my
trip to the race. The taste was appealing for a sports drink.
The drink's appeal didn't change as the drink went from cold
to warm sitting in my car during the 2.5 hour road trip. During
the race I felt great, but a 45min race doesn't require much
fluid replacement.
The next weekend was the 20k Balsam Vinter Fest I again
consumed one water bottle on the trip to the race. I normally
need some fluids if the race is over 1 hour but didn't feel
the need to stop for fluid replacement during this 1 hour
race.
The 30k King Boreas race in St. Paul was 1.75 hours in
duration and I had consumed .5 water bottle on the way to
the race. I wish I had consumed the entire bottle because
at the 15k point of the race I was in dire need of fluids
and had to stop at the water station.
Summary: The taste is appealing warm or cold. It works
well for me as a pre race drink and seems to hold off my
need fluids and GU longer than most sports drinks I currently
use or have used in the past.
