Paleo , half marathon training and fueling

joybedford
joybedford Posts: 1,680 Member
I am currently training for my 3rd half marathon this will be in April and doing my fourth in May. I ran 7.5miles this morning with no issues after my breakfast 2 hours previously and coped well. On my previous half marathons I have used energy gels but I really don't want to use them this time too high in sugar and artificial crap but what do I use instead. Last year I needed 5 gels to get me round although my training wasn't the best doing better this year. I saw on stupid easy paleo that she recommends organic baby food pouches I quite like this idea I know it will still be sugar but at least it is natural sugar. I know I could use bananas but they are not easy to carry. Any other ideas.

Replies

  • Julie7741
    Julie7741 Posts: 93 Member
    How about packets of honey? I love Larabars on long bike rides, but they would be hard to carry while running.
  • LisaGNV
    LisaGNV Posts: 159 Member
    If I'm running more than 90 minutes I have been using medjool dates stuffed with either almond butter or coconut butter. Freeze them individually in tiny wax or parchment paper squares (think: piece of taffy) and they store in snack size zip bags super easily (I carry them either in the key pocket of my running shorts or a spi-belt). Pre run I have a protein/fat - usually a hard boiled egg & some paleo ranch. Post run I make sure I have a protein/carb ready to go - usually a piece of grilled chicken and a banana or an apple. I've seen others make their own energy balls w/ dates & nuts ground up together (equal parts) and packaged in the wax squares.
  • joybedford
    joybedford Posts: 1,680 Member
    Thanks for the replies I love the date idea as I like both dates and almond butter but prefer cashew nut butter. I also don't mind honey so will try a combo of both. Keep the ideas rolling though. I can't get Lara bars in the UK but we have a brand called NAKD which are similar and I like those.