Honey as a substitute for gel?

Boccellin

So, I am training for a half-marathon, and afterwards I will be training for a full marathon. I have tried eating before a run, but even if it's just something pretty small, even if it's nearly two hours before I do the run, I end up with horrible side stitches from it. So pre-run fueling is out. I just make sure I run first thing in the morning and have a very good dinner the night before, and that seems to work fine.

However, my long runs are now getting quite long. Long to the point where I need to start experimenting with on-the-run fueling. I'm not worried about getting cramps from such a tiny amount, so that isn't an issue. I know there are a lot of products out there, but they seem to be very expensive (I'm on a budget) and I've heard they taste awful. I've glanced at the ingredients in a lot of them, and they really seem to just be sugar. Would a packet of pure honey work just as well? I know I like honey, and it's extremely affordable. I want to perform at my very best, and if a real product specifically designed for distance runs will truly work better, then I am willing to spend the money for them. However, if honey will do the job just as well, then I'd rather use that.

Anyone have any first hand experience? Any advice?

_Zardoz_

I use dates and banana chips. I do however use electrolyte replacement tablets in water for long runs to replace salts. Personally I don't normally use anything below around 10 miles or if it's really hot. I know other people who need to eat a lot earlier. Just experiment with what will work for you. Google there's a lot of recipes out there if you want to try your own gels as I said though dates with for me they're easy to carry and carb heavy and taste good. I don't eat honey but I would have thought it would be so sweet and pretty sickly also being sugar would just give a quick release of energy not a slightly slower one given by other carbs. I would however advise not running a long distance with out some form of pre run fuelling otherwise you will suffer for it. Experiment with eating 3 hours before with different foods. Good luck