To help get through your long runs..

WalkingGirl1985
WalkingGirl1985 Posts: 2,046 Member
edited December 19 in Fitness and Exercise
First of all, I'm starting my training for a 1/2 and my 25K training..1/2 is on September 22nd, and my 25K isn't until next May. If you can't afford gels or sport beans or gummies or anything like that, what do you usually bring that is concidered healthy and afforable? I have these 2 go applesauce packets only 60 calories and my water bottle to put in my holder on my sports pack as needed..what do you usually bring? Just curious, and always in need for suggestions are advice. :bigsmile:

Replies

  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    You don't need to eat any of these pre made specialty products. If you can stomach it, real food is always an option.
    First of all, I'm starting my training for a 1/2 and my 25K training..1/2 is on September 22nd, and my 25K isn't until next May. If you can't afford gels or sport beans or gummies or anything like that, what do you usually bring that is concidered healthy and afforable? I have these 2 go applesauce packets only 60 calories and my water bottle to put in my holder on my sports pack as needed..what do you usually bring? Just curious, and always in need for suggestions are advice. :bigsmile:
  • WalkingGirl1985
    WalkingGirl1985 Posts: 2,046 Member
    I do eat real food..and my applesauce is like 3 sodium..if im out there running around for like 2 hours in my training, I just need a boost.
  • MissAnjy
    MissAnjy Posts: 2,480 Member
    I would do something like a granola bar.
  • runfatmanrun
    runfatmanrun Posts: 1,090 Member
    I have heard raisins are good so I will probably try that for my half in July.
  • valeriebpdx
    valeriebpdx Posts: 497 Member
    If you are running for 3 hours, you don't want "only" xx calories. The point of running nutrition is to GET CALORIES into you, the most possible in the easiest way possible. That's why people do gels--they taste awful, and there's nothing magic about them except condensed calories and easy digestion. I hate eating when I run, so I just carry Gatorade and get my cals from that unless I am running a very long time, then I am forced to add a gel or two. You don't need food unless you are running for 1.5 hr or more--just eat something before and after. You can just eat candy, too--the point is simple carbs.
  • 416runner
    416runner Posts: 159
    I was going to say raisins as well, or dried fruit maybe?
  • JoyousRen
    JoyousRen Posts: 3,823 Member
    First of all, I'm starting my training for a 1/2 and my 25K training..1/2 is on September 22nd, and my 25K isn't until next May. If you can't afford gels or sport beans or gummies or anything like that, what do you usually bring that is concidered healthy and afforable? I have these 2 go applesauce packets only 60 calories and my water bottle to put in my holder on my sports pack as needed..what do you usually bring? Just curious, and always in need for suggestions are advice. :bigsmile:

    You are the only other person I've met that uses applesauce packets! I use those and Gatorade at rest stations for electrolytes. That's all. I've never tried anything else so I can't tell you how they compare.
  • tigerbluefly
    tigerbluefly Posts: 257 Member
    I use dates on my long runs for fuel. They are cheap and healthy. I buy them at our local bulk store.

    I have also bought fruit and nut bars, like Lara or Good n' Natural, and cut them up into pieces. That works too.

    I only use gels to race. I can't afford to buy gels for every long run, every weekend, and I run a minimum of 10 miles every Saturday right now, increasing soon for my next marathon.
  • brandyk77
    brandyk77 Posts: 605 Member
    I do eat real food..and my applesauce is like 3 sodium..if im out there running around for like 2 hours in my training, I just need a boost.

    eat what you can if you need it

    I know people that eat pb & j - it is a personal thing. Try what you can and see what works

    I personally only can stomach gummy type of stuff and maybe some gatorade. I normally don't eat on my runs unless i am going over 16 and during a marathon.
  • Di3012
    Di3012 Posts: 2,247 Member
    You don't need to eat any of these pre made specialty products. If you can stomach it, real food is always an option.


    Give an example of what you consider real food.
  • elion7
    elion7 Posts: 3 Member
    Honey also works well (take packets from a fast food restaurant). I like to grab gummy bears, pretzels, or raisins.
  • tenunderfour
    tenunderfour Posts: 429 Member
    I eat a Clif bar.... break it into 3 or 4 pieces and eat a piece every 5 or 6 miles. I also like jelly beans for a quick shot of energy. I can't stand Gu. So these work well for me. You have to experiment with what works for you though..... I tried a few things and very quickly figured out what my tummy could handle.
  • valeriebpdx
    valeriebpdx Posts: 497 Member
    You don't need to eat any of these pre made specialty products. If you can stomach it, real food is always an option.


    Give an example of what you consider real food.

    Fettucine Alfredo? Rack of lamb? Fried chicken? Thinking about this made me smile.
  • Nikstergirl
    Nikstergirl Posts: 1,549 Member
    I like the Jelly Belly Sport beans, but I don't think they are much different from regular jelly beans which are cheaper. They just come in easy pre-measure packets. About $1.29 per pack. I know you can get Gatorade cheap at Aldi, .69 per 32 ounces, but make sure you get the real stuff, the low-cal has none of the stuff you need for a long run. I like to mix it up and take a little Gatorade and a little water and if I'm going really long like over 10 miles I bring at least one bag of sport beans. If it's really hot I'll bring more Gatorade for the electrolytes. Any run over an hour I'll bring water, and if it's really hot I'll bring water for my 45 min runs as well. I hydrate all day, and I make sure I run in places I can stop if I need a potty and stick a dollar in my pocket in case I run out of water. Rather be safe then sorry.

    Good luck! I know you can do this!!!
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