I've run with raw almonds and pretzels, also 1/2 a banana...just can mean you're carrying around a bit of stuff My running buddies used to tease me that I was taking a buffet along with me. The puddle of chocolate sounds nice But for me, I can't have caffeine while I'm running, it doesn't sit well. One of my friends really likes marshmallows. Experiment during your training runs and see what you like and what works for you...best of luck!

I used dried apple slices, raisins, and dried cranberries.

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Boiled & salted potatoes are the BEST!!! I find red potatoes stay a bit more firm than Russet potatoes. Just boil, cool, cut into bite-sized pieces, add some salt (it will stick). Everyone I've ever showed this trick to LOVES IT! Don't be afraid to salt liberally - it tastes so good during a long run!

Big favorite in the trail running & ultra crowd... others include peanut butter-filled pretzels, peanut butter & jelly sandwiches, and (flat) Pepsi.

I think I may try nuts or salted potatoes...just concerned about them getting squashed!

I think I may try nuts or salted potatoes...just concerned about them getting squashed!

Red potatoes seem to be a bit better for this IMO - just don't overcook and you will be fine. you can leave the skins on or peel them off. Just be sure to boil them (in skin) the night before so that they cool all the way before you chop them into bite-sized pieces and bag them up.

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I've was looking for some less-chemical, more organic and wheat-free options when I came across this thread last week. I put a lot of the recommendations to the test for this week's runs. Everyone here is so awesome about sharing their ideas that I thought I'd share my experience too. I did two 4.5 mile, one 5 mile and one 6 mile run this week, and snacking at the 35 minute point for each.

Whole food:
Banana chips - Crunchy and easier (and more pleasant) to suck on rather than chew. I like these, but I'll try plaintain chips (saltier) next. I might also try out dried mango or papaya just for kicks.

Potato cubes - (321blueeyes' idea) SO GOOD. I made 2 batches (1 potato cut in half), one with more salt than I thought I'd like, and put them in 2 baggies. The oversalted ones were the best. I think they absorb the salt as they sit overnight. I sucked all the salt off them chewed the potato. They stayed moist in the center and I didn't need to wash them down with water.

Store-Bought & Processed:
Clif Roks - lots of whole foods, not a lot of chemical ingredients but definitely not "minimally processed." Lots of protein & sugar. They're dry and you have to drink a lot of water with them. I like them better post run than mid-run.

Clif Shot Bloks - Sweetened with organics brown rice syrup and cane juice, definitely a better choice ingredient-wise than Gu Chomps which are full of chemicals. The tropical punch flavor tastes like Kool Aid and reminded me of summers from my childhood. They were a little big and tough to chew. Also, a "serving" is 3 blocks and they come in a packet of 6, about the size of a packet of Starburst, which presented storage problems for both the unopened package and after eating 3 of the 6 bloks. Chewy and needed water.

Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews - these were my favorite and I'll probably use them regularly. Gluten-free, 100% organic and sweetened with tapioca syrup and honey. The pink lemonade is not too sweet and the texture is perfect. The package has about 10 dime-size chews (1/2 inch thick) and is perfect size for my back zip pocket. I opened the package before I started my 6 mile and then reached in and grabbed a couple chews around miles 3 and 5. I did not need to stop for extra water. I love these.

That's it. I have Sport Beans to try for Sunday's 6 mile. Thanks for the tips!

I use apple sauce pouches like these: http://www.amazon.com/GoGo-SqueeZ-Strawberry-Applesauce-3-2-Ounce/dp/B002E0KW0M . They have the convienence of gels with out all the processed stuff in it.

You beauty! Im trying this one. Might try potatoes too, how curious. I generally just take chocolate and haribo!

You need simple carbs to fuel your runs - It's absorbed quickly and your muscles under duress just suck it up to use it for fuel. Fats and proteins, especially ones that are solid, are not ideal for long run fuel. They take a while to work into your system and they require more energy to digest. If you need fuel on your run, straight up simple carbs are the way to go.

Frozen grapes, brilliant idea. I would have never thought of it but if you can stomach it and they thaw a bit while you're running... Sounds good to me!

Another good one is dates - 3-6 dates in a little pouch works just as well as any gel or gummy. Straight shot of delicious sugary carbohydrate.

Or make your own gels - Use the google. The main ingredient is brown rice syrup so if you can get your hands on that, you should be set.

Good luck.

Interesting idea! I would need to use maple syrup, as rice is out for me. But it could certainly be "made to order", and chia would be a popular gelling agent due to the popularity of "Born to Run".

I haven't any marathons, but I have been okay with homemade trail mix for up to 21 km. But I know others say no fibre, protein, or fat, which of course trail mix is full of.

Pam

I made my own gel for my 7 mile run on Sunday. Chia seeds, agave, lemon and lime juices and water. Put it in s 3 ounce squirt bottle and it got me through my entire run brilliantly. Just picked up some brown rice syrup today to us instead of the agave for a better form of sugar.

bump.

another vote for you really don't NEED to eat anything during a hm or that length of training.

However if you would like to and want to focus on some real food here are some ideas

Salted potatoes
Pretzels
ginger snaps

I asked a nutritionist about dried fruit and was warned against them as they are concentrated sugar and can cause GI issues

Not every one does but a lot of people do. Personally, I've experienced a complete crash during a half because of improper nutrition. My blood sugar was so low after, I couldn't stand up without feeling sick.

For the record, I definitely overestimated my nutritional needs during my half. I only ate an applesauce packet and half a package of Stingers during the race. I didn't eat the other half of the package, didn't touch my potatoes or hard candy. I'll probably not take food on any run shorter than 9 miles now.