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!

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 🙂
Annmarie recently posted…Meatless Monday: The Ultimate Kale & Veggie Soup
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.
Tina@GottaRunNow recently posted…3 Products that Prevent Pain for Runners
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!
Coco recently posted…Blogging By The Rules
Water and Powerade
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Sausage and Zucchini Naan Pizza
I’m going to start eating pb and J sandwiches before my morning runs now. Great idea!
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Food and Drink for Runners: An Honest Review
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 🙂
Deborah Brooks recently posted…Tuesdays on the Run-Hydration & Fueling
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.
Christine recently posted…Marvelous In My Monday #MIMM
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.
Chaitali recently posted…Weekly review
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.
Tiffany recently posted…Setting Goals
I’m a fan of good ole chocolate milk 🙂
Amy @ Life to the Full recently posted…A slow run is better than no run
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!!
Heather ODonnell recently posted…Recovery update
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!
Tiina recently posted…Just Another Manic Monday
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!!
Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…MCM Training Week 7–Vacation Miles
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!
Melanie@runnergirlinarockingworld.com recently posted…#TuesdayTen Photos
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!
Smitha RunningwithSDMom recently posted…AFC Expo Recap – 3 Words a Picture
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.
Amy Lauren recently posted…Raccoon Pond Rush 10 Mile Trail Run and Relay and Fall Race Plans
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.
Matt recently posted…Amishland and Lakes Weekend 2014
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.
Sharon recently posted…Our Visit to Busch Gardens + 5 Tips for Visiting Theme Parks with Kids
water is my drink to go as I dont sweat much
tara pittman recently posted…Perfect Healthful Munch Food Crum Creek Mills Soy Bites
Powerade and water
I usually just have water… sometimes nuun.
Becky @ Disney in your Day recently posted…A Beginner’s Guide to Run Disney
I love Nuun!
Jennifer @ Teacher in Training recently posted…#FuelYourBetter Review: Vega Sport Pre-Workout Energizer
I love hydrating with water, and add a half (or whole) lime for a zing 🙂
Favorite rehydration beverage of choice is chocolate milk. #RefuelWithChocolateMilk
Kailin @ Logs and Thoughts recently posted…Country Music Half Marathon & Lots of Veggies
water!
Nela recently posted…~Peter Pan~ {The Play}
I sue Gatorade right now,but not really thrilled with it. Always looking for something new.
Jennifer recently posted…Marathon Training Week 11 of 18 Reviewed