MCM Mama Runs

MCM Mama Runs for Beer and Bling

  • Home
  • About MCM Mama
  • Racing the U.S.A.
  • I Heart Craft Beer
  • Product Reviews
  • Recipes
  • Disclosure
You are here: Home / running / Favorite running fuel for long runs

Favorite running fuel for long runs

March 10, 2016 by MCM Mama 24 Comments

Running fuel is one of the most discussed topics in the various running groups I belong to on Facebook. Everyone has their favorite manufactured running fuel and many have their favorite “normal food” choices. I’ve used various gels and waffles and sports beans, but my stomach tends to disagree with the amount of sugar in those. So, I’ve had to experiment with some other choices. Thankfully, I’ve run a lot of Mainly Marathons races, so I’ve had the opportunity to eat everything from pickles to pancakes to cups of soup. Confession: if I could figure out how to carry salty vegetables and noodles on my long runs, I totally would. Since that’s a little unlikely, here are my favorite normal food running fuel choices:

Running Fuel

  1. Pretzels and raisins – I love the combination of the salty and the sweet and my stomach finds this bland enough and not over the top sugary.
  2. Rice Krispy Treats – This is a fairly new obsession and I have to admit that the pre-packaged Kellogg’s Rice Krispy Treats (affiliate link) are the best for carrying with you. They just hold their shape better. I ran Marine Corps Marathon with one of these cut up in a baggy and it was the perfect fuel for the race.
  3. Animal Crackers – These don’t upset my stomach and they are super easy to carry, but if you aren’t carrying water, these can be a bit too dry.
  4. Gummy Bears – Run and eat candy? Yes, please. I have to be careful with these because to many can have just as bad an effect on me as manufactured running fuel. They are just a little too high in sugar for me.
  5. Hard boiled eggs with mustard – OK, I still haven’t figure out how to carry these with me, but I ate them during my back to back marathon races and they were fabulous. It’s particularly odd because I never really ate many hard boiled eggs, but now I crave them after any long run.

One “real food” running fuel that I haven’t tried yet is a date filled with nut butter. That suggestion comes up a lot on the Marathon Maniacs page. I know I’d have no issues with the nut butter, but I am admittedly a bit nervous about the dates. Sometimes my stomach is not a fan and that’s not something I need to experience on a long run. BTDT. Do not need to do it again.

What is your favorite running fuel on long runs or at races? Do you eat anything besides gels and other similar foods?

I’m linking up for my usual Friday Five with Mar, Courtney, and Cynthia. Check out their blogs and all the awesome posts that are linked up!

DC-Trifecta-Friday-Five-linkup

Follow on Bloglovin follow us in feedly

More from my site

  • Fueling my way through the Marine Corps MarathonFueling my way through the Marine Corps Marathon
  • Runfessions from the winter that wasn’tRunfessions from the winter that wasn’t
  • Lawyers Have Heart Race ReportLawyers Have Heart Race Report
  • Naked Bar Review #nextlevelnakedNaked Bar Review #nextlevelnaked
  • Will run for food!Will run for food!

Filed Under: running Tagged With: food, Friday Five, fuel, long run

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

CommentLuv badgeShow more posts

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Comments

  1. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    March 11, 2016 at 7:08 am

    Haha, I’m glad I’m not the only one who eat hard boiled eggs as snacks. I found a healthy recipe for egg salad and have been making that for quick lunches lately!

    Reply
  2. Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says

    March 11, 2016 at 8:06 am

    The first time I ran Chicago, I tried to fuel with pretzels. I could not swallow them–they turned to a pasty mush in my mouth. It was bad, because I love pretzels! Actually, I can’t down anything with substance on a long run.

    So I finally tried Tailwind, and that seems to work the best for me.
    Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home recently posted…5 fun things.. Yoga and Running and Streaking, oh my!My Profile

    Reply
  3. Rebecca Jo says

    March 11, 2016 at 8:12 am

    I was just looking up some ideas yesterday – this is perfect.
    I was wondering about Animal Crackers – but I bet you would need water with them.
    I think I’m going with the pretzels & raisins idea!

    Reply
  4. Courtney says

    March 11, 2016 at 8:38 am

    I’ve done pretzel sticks during my last couple of marathons and liked that a lot. Salt = good stuff!
    Courtney recently posted…Five Things I Eat and Drink Post RunMy Profile

    Reply
  5. Nicole @ Fitful Focus says

    March 11, 2016 at 8:45 am

    At one point, I made my own chews. They were pretty good! But usually I take Vega gels or PROBAR Bolt chews. I do love dates if I run out. I’m also going to be making my own gummy bears soon, but those are more for fun eating vs. run fueling :). I’ve never heard of hard boiled eggs! I don’t know how you could carry those. I’m surprised the fat and protein are ok for long runs.
    Nicole @ Fitful Focus recently posted…Fabletics February 2016 CollectionMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Megan @ Meg Go Run says

    March 11, 2016 at 8:45 am

    EGGS!? Do you eat them during your run? I would be farting sooooo bad hahaha. 🙂 Happy Friday!
    Megan @ Meg Go Run recently posted…Friday 5My Profile

    Reply
  7. Lesley says

    March 11, 2016 at 9:07 am

    I go with chews with I’m running because I can separate them out if I need to, and the Honey Stinger chews aren’t too sweet. It’s been a while since I had to fuel on a run though.
    Lesley recently posted…Eating BoulderMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Chaitali says

    March 11, 2016 at 9:22 am

    These are great ideas, thanks! One of the things I want to do this Summer is experiment with options for natural foods to use for fueling. I used to use raisins but needed more salt. I don’t know why I never thought about combining them with pretzels, brilliant!
    Chaitali recently posted…Friday 5 – RnR DC GoalsMy Profile

    Reply
  9. Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says

    March 11, 2016 at 12:13 pm

    hmm never would have thought of eggs on a long run. Peanut butter and crackers yum and on my bike I have mini snickers bars too. good suggestions
    Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner recently posted…What A Vegetarian Mother Runner Eats In A DayMy Profile

    Reply
  10. Becki @ Fighting for Wellness says

    March 11, 2016 at 12:16 pm

    I’ve been eating larabars on long runs and I love it! My favorite is the peanut butter chocolate chip. It’s such a great mix of protein, complex carbs, and simple carbs that I feel great.
    Becki @ Fighting for Wellness recently posted…Back Deck Restaurant in Boston {Review}My Profile

    Reply
  11. Jennifer @ Dashing in Style says

    March 11, 2016 at 12:54 pm

    When I read Scott Jurek’s book, I loved the idea of eating boiled potatoes dipped in salt. Those would be hard to carry though! I started out with real food on long runs but unfortunately had to go to gels since I just can’t chew and run.

    Reply
  12. Diane @runninrocker says

    March 11, 2016 at 1:32 pm

    OK, so everything on your list sounds like it’d be fun for the run EXCEPT that last one! lol. I can do eggs alright but even the thought of mustard makes me gag a little. I do like the idea of real food though it’s just sometimes the gels seems to go down easier. Thanks for sharing you fave long run fuels!

    Reply
  13. ali @ Hit the Ground Running says

    March 11, 2016 at 2:45 pm

    I’ve heard that eating protein wall in the middle of a long run can actually make you feel warmer and that’s why I’ve never tried nut butters on a run. I already feel warm enough! I do love the idea of trying Rice Krispy Treats. I had never thought of that but I bet they’re perfect!
    ali @ Hit the Ground Running recently posted…Shifting PerspectivesMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Rachel says

    March 11, 2016 at 2:59 pm

    Have you tried rice balls? Those are awesome. I also like to run with GORP I make specifically for long runs, and even pretzels.
    Rachel recently posted…The Best Breweries in the CLEMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers says

    March 11, 2016 at 6:50 pm

    Hardboiled eggs?! I LOVE them but I can’t picture those sitting well for me personally on a long run, haha. 🙂 My fav fuel for the half marathon is usually just a sports drink and sometimes some frozen or dried fruit. For long distance tris, I like graham cracker ‘sandwiches’ with frosting on the bicycle….YUM.
    Chrissy @ Snacking in Sneakers recently posted…Freebie Alert: Eating Healthy with Diabetes Grocery Store Tours! {Available Nationwide}My Profile

    Reply
  16. Michelle @ Running with Attitude says

    March 11, 2016 at 8:06 pm

    I’ve used gels and chews with mixed results – sometimes my stomach is just not happy with them. I want to find more real food options – Fig Newtons are one good option I’ve found.
    Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Thursday Thoughts – Volunteering and other stuffMy Profile

    Reply
  17. Janelle @ Run With No Regrets says

    March 11, 2016 at 8:32 pm

    I eat the Clif Shotbloks during runs and as long as the weather isn’t cold, they work pretty well for me! I’d be open to trying some other options but if it ain’t broke don’t fix it!
    Janelle @ Run With No Regrets recently posted…7 Creative and Healthy Slow Cooker Recipes You Need to TryMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Artney @ My Pretty Brown Fit says

    March 11, 2016 at 9:13 pm

    Eggs would be interesting. Lol Great options I will have to try! I have used gummies and cheese itz!
    Artney @ My Pretty Brown Fit recently posted…Cauliflower “Fried” RiceMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Carmy says

    March 11, 2016 at 10:11 pm

    Ooooooh hard boiled eggs seems like a good fuel. But I’d need a lot of liquids for the yolk!
    Carmy recently posted…Fit & Fashionable Friday: Lululemon DupeMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Stacey says

    March 12, 2016 at 5:26 am

    I can’t stand gels-the last time I had one it promptly came right back up so I’ve been on “real” food for fueling ever since. On the bike I’ll put some grapes/pretzel sticks in my bento box and and applesauce squeeze pack in my back pocket.

    Reply
  21. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    March 12, 2016 at 2:19 pm

    I have never eaten real food during a race before except for the munchkins at MCM, lol. I should start experimenting because I hate gels!!

    Reply
  22. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    March 13, 2016 at 8:29 pm

    I would have never thought to use rice krispy treats as fuel for a long run, but that sounds like an absolutely delicious treat while out running.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – Five Things I Love About SpringMy Profile

    Reply
  23. Patty @ Reach Your Peak says

    March 13, 2016 at 9:26 pm

    Interesting! So why do you choose these as opposed to GUs? just wondering. I like the idea of the rice krispies…I need to figure out my fueling before my next marathon bc that is what always causes me to bonk.
    Patty @ Reach Your Peak recently posted…A Day In The LifeMy Profile

    Reply
  24. Natalie says

    March 15, 2016 at 1:26 am

    I use GU for fueling and my stomach is happy with it 🙂 I think I would like gummy bears. Real food sounds great, but I don’t think my stomach would react too well.
    I do love hard boiled eggs for breakfast!
    Natalie recently posted…Strength Training and Nutrition with BeFit!My Profile

    Reply
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Who is MCM Mama?
A slightly obnoxious mom and wife who loves good beer and running, who struggles a bit with depression especially in the winter and when running isn’t allowed, who’d rather go on a fun vacation than upgrade the kitchen or add a master bath, and has a minor addiction to the Marine Corps Marathon.

Recent Posts

  • Half Marathon #85: Appalachian Series – South Carolina
  • Half Marathon #84: Appalachian Series – Georgia
  • Coffee with a side of rain
  • Half Marathon #83:Appalachian Series – Alabama
  • Hotel Coffee is better than no coffee…
  • Training for Back to Back to Back Half Marathons
  • Runfessions of a Really Cold Runner
  • Kicking off the year with coffee!

Archives

A slightly obnoxious mom and wife who loves good beer and running, who struggles a bit with depression especially in the winter and when running isn’t allowed, who’d rather go on a fun vacation than upgrade the kitchen or add a master bath. Read More…

Half Marathon #85: Appalachian Series – South Carolina

Half Marathon #85: Appalachian Series – South Carolina

Mainly Marathons Appalachian Series – South CarolinaMarch 27, 20222:47:45 What I wore: hat, tank top, long sleeve quarter zip, capris, and Altra Rivera Location: Seneca, SC (State #41!) Let’s just start out with the truth – this race was the hardest of the races and pretty much sucked. I chose to do the early start […]

Copyright © 2023 · MCM Mama Runs on Genesis Framework · WordPress · Log in