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:
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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!
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!
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!
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!
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 Run
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 Collection
EGGS!? Do you eat them during your run? I would be farting sooooo bad hahaha. 🙂 Happy Friday!
Megan @ Meg Go Run recently posted…Friday 5
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.
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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 Goals
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 Day
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}
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.
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!
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 Perspectives
Have you tried rice balls? Those are awesome. I also like to run with GORP I make specifically for long runs, and even pretzels.
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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}
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 stuff
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 Try
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” Rice
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 Dupe
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.
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!!
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 Spring
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 Life
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!
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