On a long run, if you can still taste anything, run harder.

I always make sure I hydrate really well the day before a long run, and even stay well hydrated throughout the week if the long runs are anything over 12 miles or so.

Flying Welshman…I tried the sports beans. I loved the taste of them, however, I found them really difficult to eat, whether I was running or walking. They take too long to chew them all, pouring them into my hand or mouth, etc. It was just really awkward, where when using a GU, it was quick and easy and done with.

I’ve also tried Clifbloks. They are also pretty good, however, again, not as convenient to eat as the GU.

I may have to try the sports beans. I’ve seen them in magazines, but need to try them for myself one day soon. I may also have to try the small box of raisins during the race (instead of gel). I’m open to trying all sorts of different ideas when I read them and it was good to read how a marathon runner fuels up. Thanks.

I wish I could just drink water during a race since everything else is too sweet and leaves an aftertaste. When I start to get into my really long runs even Gatorade starts to turn my stomach.

For the marathon I do the following: two hours before race I will have 1/2 cup oatmeal with 1/2 banana. The other 1/2 banana I eat with a little peanut butter. During the race I run with Gatorade (I’m using to carrying my own sports bottle during training runs). When that runs out I switch to water served at the beverage stations. At mile six I will have a gel –Chocolate Gu and the Hammer Gel Apple Cinnamon are my two favorites. At mile nine I have two Endurolites (another Hammer product I discovered as alternative to gels or sports drink), mile 15 I have another gel (this one with caffeine), mile 18 another endurolite, mile 22 I switch to sport beans (can’t stomach another gel!) which I’ll nimble along the rest of the way to the finish. I also keep a box of raisins on me as well. They’re portable and sometimes real food is what you really want.

Good luck!

The week prior to a half marathon I will bump up the carbs a little, adding a large potato or pasta dish to the daily menu. The day prior gets an additional potato/pasta dish added to the menu. Waiting until the day prior to “carb load” doesn’t work well for me, but a gradual weekly load was perfect for my last race. I will eat a serving of oatmeal with a small fruit two hours before the race and carry two packs of GU in my belt.

Normally I will eat a pack of GU around Mile 7 and another near Mile 10. However, during the Oklahoma City Half Marathon, the Mile 7 GU seemed to just sit in my stomach the rest of the race. I couldn’t force myself to eat the second GU. It could have been a fluke since the temperature was in the 70s and I was drinking a lot to stay hydrated. Either way, one was all I could get in me that day.

Vanilla GU seems to work best for me since the flavor is relatively light compared to the tangy fruity flavors which can upset the stomach or leave a bad taste in the mouth… not to mention the tasty burps that follow. Yum!

I also have learned to place a large bag of salty pretzels, two or three bananas, a protein power bar (the Snickers brand is awesome!!), and a few bottle of sports drink in the trunk of the car. This is my post-race celebration meal. I’ve been to two races in St Louis where the lines to get snacks/drinks were ridiculous and bringing my own stuff certainly helps avoid the frustration. Then again, the Oklahoma City run had an excellent set-up with no lines or waiting.

I’m psyched about this run and love how this run has an active blog. I’ve even managed to talk two co-workers to join me (one has never run a half marathon before!) on this weekend trip to the Football Hall of Fame and Columbus Run.

As for during the run I have tried several types of fuels, and have settled on Cliff Shot Bloks. They are soooo yummy (something I would eat anytime.

Good luck!