UCAN Q&A with Abby Petter (Elite Team Member)
We are excited to introduce a brand-new nutrition company to Swag’s Sport Shoes, UCAN. UCAN, is a company which has been part of many elite athletes’ nutrition plans. Up until a couple of months ago we hadn’t considered bringing it into the store but when our Elite Team member Abby Petter (raced 28 marathons) began using it we decided we needed to take a closer look. We value Abby’s opinion and know if she was vouching for a product it was one, we needed to try. We hope her experience with the product encourages you to try new things and figure out what works best for you.
Q: What are some of the nutrition products you have used before?
A: I have tried Nuun, Sword, Gatorade chews, Gatorade, Gu, Shot Bloks, Sport Beans
Q: What made you want to give UCAN a try?
A: As I have gotten older, it has become more difficult to digest and enjoy the flavor of most gels or gus without having side effects. Most recently I was using squeezy applesauce as that was the only thing I could tolerate. In following some professional runners on social media, I learned about UCAN. The idea of a full recovery/nutrition system to support running is really appealing to me. Given UCAN offers hydration, running gel, protein powder, snack bars and energy powder, it seemed like a no-brainer to try it out! I found it to make more sense to use a full system that compliments itself, rather than mixing and matching as I have been.
Q: Tell us about each of the products you use…when do you use them? What’s the consistency like?
A: I have been using UCAN Hydrate, protein powder (both chocolate pea protein and cookies and cream whey protein), Edge fuel to go (strawberry banana) and the salted peanut butter energy bar. I use Hydrate during long runs/ workouts or right after easy/shorter runs. I save the Edge Fuel to Go for my longer runs that are 13 miles or more. I eat the energy bars early in the morning with a cup of coffee. I find that I typically make a protein shake with the protein powder mid-morning.
Q: What’s your go to UCAN product?
A: My favorite product by far is the Hydrate. It is so smooth, with no strong after taste. I have found that when I use it during workouts or long runs, it is easy on my stomach, helps me to sustain my energy and quench my thirst.
Q: Do you feel like the protein powder helps you to recover after your workouts?
A: I do. I have been a believer in protein shakes for years. I think consuming the needed protein after workouts has helped me to stay healthy all of these years.
Q: How quickly after a workout do you refuel?
A: I hydrate immediately and within an hour have either a protein bar or protein shake.
Q: As a woman with a busy career, a wife and mother of 3, how do you prioritize your nutrition? How does UCAN help fuel you?
A: Prioritizing nutrition with my schedule can be difficult, so I do my best. By no means is it perfect, but I try to consume enough protein, fruits and vegetables each day to keep my health and energy levels intact. UCAN takes the thought out of snacks, hydration and added protein. Having those handy, it makes it easy to have quick go-to’s throughout the day.
Q: How do you prepare your UCAN protein?
A: With UCAN protein (both cookies and cream and chocolate) I simply add 1 banana, almond milk, ice and the recommended serving size of two scoops of protein powder. The flavor is truly yummy and not much is needed to make it great!
Q: What’s your favorite hydrate flavor by UCAN?
A: Watermelon
Q: What’s a helpful fueling tip you would offer to anyone who just set their sights on a longer race?
A: Start early and fuel often. The biggest mistakes I have made on race day or during long runs is to not fuel enough. Replenishing our bodies will only help performance and also make it more enjoyable.
Q: What’s the consistency of the gel like?
A: It's very thin and light, which is why I love it. I am able to consume 1 pack of gel with just a couple of squeezes and that is a game changer! There have been many runs/races where it can take me a good 2-3 miles to get a gel down because the consistency is too thick.