I race with my brother and best friend in rain, over mountains, 49-degree water, and immobilizing wind--whatever the Northwest throws at us. I was in the SAME race where Craig Alexander and Chris Lieto dueled to the finish line last year. I have been a USAT State Champion, and have a dozen or so podium finishes under my belt (but I still have yet to beat my brother!)
I was given an AHM after one of my races one year and loved it right then; it was so refreshing, even on a hot day. I have always battled with my race nutrition because I tend to get nauseous, and the thought of choking down some of those other gels and drinks makes me sick, so I won't take them, and thus lose out on calories I need. AHM is natural, so my belly says OK!