Trying to figure out what to eat on the run sometimes seems to be one of the great mysteries of the world. So, I am excited that the topic for today’s Tuesdays on the Run link up is how to fuel your run. Patty, April, and I are looking forward to hearing how others fuel. I can’t wait to hear everyone’s solutions.
Despite having run 13 half marathons in 2013 and 15 half marathons in 2014, I still don’t have it down to a science. I know what works for me *most* of the time, but even my tried and true sometimes fails me. The key thing though, is this is what works for my body. It might not work for you.
Before
I’m super boring. I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich before nearly every single long run and race. For me, it’s the perfect combination of fat, carbs, and proteins and it does not upset my stomach. An hour and a half before race time seems to the optimal time for me to eat it, but at one race I took the last bite 5 minutes before the start and I was fine. Earlier than an hour and a half = major hunger around mile 8 or 9. (I also have to have coffee, but that’s not really a race related need so much as an addiction…)
During
Often, my answer to this is “nothing”. I have run many of my half marathons with nothing but nuun. I do well with Gu and Clif gels, but I seem to lose my interest in eating when I’m running. I’ve also had great success with foods such as oreos, animal crackers, and cut up Clif bars. If it’s hot out, Gatorade is where it’s at for me. The calories + electrolytes will keep me going during a hot humid race like little else seems to do. For long training runs, I don’t eat. No real reason – I just have gotten in the habit of not eating.
After
I am a huge fan of both regular chocolate milk and Muscle Milk. We always have milk in the house and I’m one of the weird ones who find a really cold glass of chocolate milk refreshing. I usually can’t eat right after a long run or race, so this gets some protein and calories into me, while also adding to my hydration. I have similar results with Muscle Milk and I love it because I can take it along with me without refrigerating it. I usually manage one of the two right away and then I try to get in an actual meal within an hour or so. I’ve shared my addiction to Subway sandwiches after half marathons. That, plus a coke (which I never drink otherwise) are my favorite thing after a half marathon. And, of course, beer will happen at some point!
And to help you find *your* perfect fueling and hydration options, I’m giving away a sample pack of Clif Shot Performance drinks. Enter below!
[inlinkz_linkup id=437775 mode=1]
Disclaimer: Clif Bar is providing the sample pack for the winner. I have not received or tried a pack myself.
I’m a fan of Gatorade
water
I love reading how other people fuel for running and am always trying out new things. I fuel with almond butter and toast before and use pocketfuel naturals during a long run. After I usually just chug water or a glass of Nuun 🙂
I love Gatorade or Nuun to rehydrate during and right after my run.
Chocolate milk is a convenient post-run drink since it comes in cartons. Sometimes I bring some to drink after a race and it’s great when the race hands some out.
Nuun and choc milk forvmr
I usually do Gatorade during a race, but I’ve been using Nuun for training since they are a Ragnar sponsor. The one time I had chocolate milk after a race it was fantastic!
Water and Powerade
I’m going to start eating pb and J sandwiches before my morning runs now. Great idea!
I also love chocolate milk after long runs. Short runs I’m fine with just water.
I tend to stick with water. If it is really hot and I am out on a long run I will drink nuun.
I also do the pb&j before and milk afterwards. Gatorade seems to work well for me too on a run. Now if only I could run as far and as often as you do 🙂
I’d love to try the Clif shots! I also enjoy a coke or coke zero after a major run or race. NO other time!
I like Gatorade, but sometimes my stomach doesn’t agree and then it is water.
Peanut butter and jelly sandwiches are my go to pre-race food as well. I had a night race recently and had pizza. That was a mistake. I’m sticking with PB&J even for night races now 🙂 I’ve been taking mini boxes of raisins on runs that last longer than an hour and that seems to provide a good hit of carbs/sugar mid-run.
Thanks for hosting the link-up! I usually use Nuun for hydration during runs, but I’ve been curious about the ClifShot beverage mixes. I’ve found I’m okay with pretty much anything during a run, it’s what I consume the evening before that can make or break a situation for me.
I’m a fan of good ole chocolate milk 🙂
I like oatmeal, a hard boiled egg and a banana before a race. During I love stingers or chomps.mi use them like treats…I love them and I can eat 2-3 with no water. I drink nunn…not a Gatorade fan.
My stomach can only handle water while running. But as soon as I finish, I’ll grab something with electrolytes. Or chocolate milk. Or beer…hey, I live in WI!!
I love me some Nuun, but I am still working on a good nutrition plan. I have my first 70.3 coming up and the nutrition makes me crazy nervous!
I am a big Nuun fan and am also really loving Ignite Naturals and Ultima Replinisher! I typically eat an english muffin with almond butter before my run. During I use honey stinger gels and after….I love a big egg omelet!!
I have started using Essentia, a electrolyte enhanced water, and I am in love! I drink one big bottle the day before my long run and it’s what I use for my fuel belt. Gone are the days of feeling gritty and salty after my runs. I swear by it!
I haven’t gotten too fancy yet so water and power-aid are usually my go to drinks
I typically use a mixture of Gatorade and water.
I am a Nuun lady!
I love Cocogo electrolyte drink!
Sword while I am running.. powerade zero when I am done
I love using Nuun for hydration
Water
I usually rehydrate with a smoothie.
I like to take a nap, have a cup of coffee, or take a walk outside
I like water for rehydrating
My favorite beverage for rehydrating is Nuun.
Never tried the Cliff Shot drink. I typically use Cocogo, Gatorade, or Nuun. But would definitely be willing to give it a SHOT (pun intended) lol.
Of everything I’ve tried so far, I like Nuun the best!
I’ve always been a Gatorade girl! I just love it. My 2nd choice is plain water.
water is my drink to go as I dont sweat much
Powerade and water
I usually just have water… sometimes nuun.
I love Nuun!
I love hydrating with water, and add a half (or whole) lime for a zing 🙂
Favorite rehydration beverage of choice is chocolate milk. #RefuelWithChocolateMilk
water!
I sue Gatorade right now,but not really thrilled with it. Always looking for something new.