Food on the run!!

[Hillrunner2201]

Any advice on the best fuel for long runs? I manage fine up to 13-14 miles without taking any fuel but I tried an energy gel on a longer run and wasn't that keen, it was so unbelievably sweet! I think it worked as I got more energy after starting to flag a bit but any less sweet and messy suggestions are welcome!

[Tomas Marathon]

Gels come in many different brands and flavours, but if it doesn't work for you then it doesn't work.

Not sure about the mess though... rip open, place opening in mouth, fold up like you do an almost-empty tooth paste while sucking, dispose into small plastic bag to avoid littering, no mess... and if you get a bit of sticky gel on your fingers, run them through sweaty hair and hocus pocus fingers are now sweaty but not sticky

I know some people like jelly beans and fruit and cut-up pieces of flapjack.

[roseabi Ultramarathon in reply to Tomas]

akns-images.eonline.com/eol...

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon in reply to Tomas]

I'll try a different flavour gel. The one I had tasted like undiluted orange squash!

[roseabi Ultramarathon]

I've been experimenting with gels too. I've got Gu Salted Caramel ones, which are on the less sweet side I think (they are salty of course, and have a sort of burnt caramel taste besides), also as they are so thick that they are not messy. I read a tip recently which I found helpful which is to eat the gel very slowly, to avoid feeling a bit icky from the texture of the gel (which I certainly find odd!). Unfortunately there is a weird plastic-y aftertaste from those particular gels, which tends to repeat on me, so I take a jelly baby "chaser" to help with that (tastes very sweet after the gel!). I do find this combo helps to keep me going, particularly probably as the gel contains caffeine Gu gels seemed to have the best size:energy ratio which is why I'm sticking with them. Taste is an individual thing of course, and my favourite thing for a long run is a bit of Mars Bar, with which I have also been experimenting (Sainsburys have a handy running-belt size version, but I'm finding Mars Bar a bit difficult to swallow while moving, so far) - I expect that would be too sweet for you though! The trouble is, I suppose, that sugar is the best fast energy source, so all of these things will be pretty sweet.

[Dunder2004 Half Marathon]

I can handle the gels no problem but actually find (maybe psychological) jelly babies to be more effective. I also add some honey (and salt) to my running water.

14 miles is a loooong way to go without that energy boost!

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon in reply to Dunder2004]

It's a long time since I've eaten jelly babies but will give these a go!

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon]

A few of us on here use these Power flapjacks (link below). You can of course vary the ingredients. I add almonds, and dried cherries and cranberries to mine. They do the job well!

rockrun.com/wp/power-flapja...

[Hillrunner2201 Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

These look amazing! Thanks😋

[Tomas Marathon in reply to Sandraj39]

They loook great. Are they also good as pre run snacks or emergency breakfast?

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to Tomas]

I have used them pre-run so I don't see why not.☺

[agedsnailspace Marathon]

I've been introduced by one of my running partners to Ella balls

deliciouslyella.com/classic...

We have them a lot smaller than she show in the picture! These are easy to eat on the run and a lot less sickly sweet than gels (the problem is to not keep eating them when not running...)

[Sandraj39 Half Marathon in reply to agedsnailspace]

I have this recipe but haven't made them yet.They do look delicious!

[misswobble Marathon]

I made this power bars recently. The recipe makes loads 😀 Some of this bought stuff has who knows what in it, so I prefer to make my own

I do get some handy little sesame bites and pistachio bites from the Lidl Greek range, indiv wrapped but sold in a big bag. I often use them. Some of this super sweet stuff makes your teeth hurt 😁😩

[ju-ju- Marathon]

I have gone full circle and decided energy gels and bars are the only things that are worth bothering with, and like you only after a long way!!