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Friday Five: Five Favorite Fuels for Running

October 9, 2014 By: Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC43 Comments

Happy Friday, y’all! I’m so excited about this week’s Friday Five. We are talking about your favorite fuel for running or any other fitness activity. I’m figuring out my fueling for the marathon and so this topic was very timely for me. I’ve linked to specific brands that I use and encourage you to spend some time figuring out your fueling strategy BEFORE a race (note: this post does contain affiliate links but per usual, only for things I already use and buy!). Trust me, it’s no fun having to spend a race in a port-a-potty. #RealTalk. 🙂 Per usual, I’m linking up with my girls Cynthia and Mar for the #Friday Five. You can read our linkup rules here. Please note that if you don’t play nicely, we will delete your link. Have a great weekend!

 Friday five- 5 blogs i'm lovin right (1)

 

  1. Clif Shot Bloks. These have been my goal to fuel for awhile. I can’t tolerate gu (yuck. I’m sorry, I’m just can’t get down with it.) and these shot bloks do the trick. However, I’ve found that I have a limit — if I’m running say, a marathon, I can’t do 26.2 miles of shot bloks. I have to switch out and have some actual real food. I am writing a blog post to dig deeper in this, but for now I’ll say that for races that have me running for 2 hours or less, Shot Bloks are my go to. Plus, they taste GOOD!
  2. Peanut butter. It’s messy but sometimes I’ll put a little bit in a baggy and eat it when I’m really feeling blah on a run. I am so sad for people who are allergic to nuts because peanut butter is like magic. Seriously. 
  3. Apples. I’ve been experimenting with eating apple slices during long runs and so far, so good. I was a bit concerned because of the fiber…but it hasn’t been a problem so far! 
  4. Powerbar Performance Energy Blends. This stuff is DELICIOUS and easy to eat on the run. It doesn’t have a lot of crap in it, which I appreciate. And it’s delicious. I know, I just said that but it’s true. 
  5. Granola bars. Usually Kind bars, but other brands have worked for me in a pinch.  I haven’t done this many times, but I’m thinking of trying it out over my next couple long runs to decide if I want to try it in the marathon. I’d just eat a tiny piece. I think it could great at mile 20. 

So there’s my list. What do you eat during the run? Like I said, I’ll be writing more about this soon, so if you have any questions, let me know!

 


Comments

  1. Tara @ Running 'N' Reading says

    October 9, 2014 at 10:20 pm

    Courtney, I’ve never thought about eating peanut butter during a run! That might be a good idea! I love hearing what other people use, because I usually find some really good additions to my “usual” suspects. Thanks so much for sharing your discoveries and for the link up, as always! 🙂
    Tara @ Running ‘N’ Reading recently posted…Fueling for a MarathonMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 9, 2014 at 10:47 pm

      yes, i also really like hearing what other people use so i’m excited about this linkup topic! 🙂

      Reply
  2. Smitha @ RunningwithSDMom says

    October 9, 2014 at 11:36 pm

    How fun! I love Shot Bloks too. I was hoping to use them for my Marathon but now I am nervous that I won’t be able to use them for the whole thing. What do you recommend?
    Smitha @ RunningwithSDMom recently posted…Friday Fascination: Five Favorite FuelsMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 9, 2014 at 11:49 pm

      you gotta test it out — they may be perfect for you! i’ve used them in prior marathons but my stomach won’t tolerate them now for more than 10 miles. so i’m experimenting with everything i listed above. if they work for you for long runs, than i’d go with it! 🙂

      Reply
  3. Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner says

    October 10, 2014 at 12:27 am

    I never thought to eat peanut butter during my run. I usually like GU but i really only like two flavors- salted watermelon and tri-berry. I will also eat the blocks but I can’t stand that it gets stuck in my teeth. I tried apples but for some reason i just got nauseous. When I used to run full marathons my mother would hand me a banana and pretzels half way through the race. That really helped!
    Daisy @ Fit Wanderlust Runner recently posted…Deliciously Moist Banana Chocolate Chip Muffins!My Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 10, 2014 at 2:32 pm

      bananas are a very popular choice, but i’m allergic, so they don’t work for me! 🙂

      Reply
  4. Jenny @turtlestride says

    October 10, 2014 at 12:38 am

    Peanut butter isn’t any sticking than trying to eat gel during a run! I’ve tried other fruits, such as cherries. Sometimes it’s nice to be able to enjoy real food during long runs.

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 10, 2014 at 2:37 pm

      good point about peanut butter!

      Reply
  5. Karen - Fit in France says

    October 10, 2014 at 1:24 am

    Love peanut butter but have never tried any kind of protein or energy bar… I am afraid it will sit in my stomach like a rock.
    Karen – Fit in France recently posted…October food, fitness & dinner partyMy Profile

    Reply
  6. Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says

    October 10, 2014 at 4:55 am

    I also like those powerade performance blends. I find that they are easy on the stomach during a long run.
    Lacey@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Mickey’s Happy Haunted 5K, Costume reveal, and the Cutest Runner EVER!My Profile

    Reply
  7. Jennifer says

    October 10, 2014 at 6:48 am

    I have a few weeks to test out/tweak my “meal plan” haha. I’ll give the apple slices a shot for tomorrow’s run, will probably be refreshing.
    Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – Favorite Fuels for RunningMy Profile

    Reply
  8. Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says

    October 10, 2014 at 6:57 am

    I love the performance energy blends, but I couldn’t imagine eating whole apple slices while running! I don’t think I am coordinated enough to handle that:)
    Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine recently posted…What Does Turning 31 Mean To Me?My Profile

    Reply
  9. M @ readeatwriterun.com says

    October 10, 2014 at 6:58 am

    Interesting! My stomach will only tolerate stuff that’s super easy to digest on the run, so “real food” is out for me. I have a friend who just can’t stand any gel but finds that sport beans work for her, at least for a half marathon, her current distance. Maybe those are something you might want to try, or other similar products like GU chomps or Honey Stinger chews (I hear their waffles are great, maybe those would work for you).
    M @ readeatwriterun.com recently posted…Friday Five – 5 favorite fuels for running/fitnessMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 10, 2014 at 2:38 pm

      i do like honey stinger products but i am really liking the apples so far. the honey stinger waffles are something i’ll eat before a run (covered w/peanut butter of course!)

      Reply
  10. Meranda@Fairytalesandfitness says

    October 10, 2014 at 7:01 am

    Never even thought of just straight peanutbutter! It makes sense though!
    Ps, i’m loving the new design.

    Reply
  11. Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner says

    October 10, 2014 at 7:04 am

    I also like shot blocks on a long run or ride. Haven’t thought about adding apples interesting idea. Fun link up as always
    Deborah @ Confessions of a Mother Runner recently posted…5 Healthy Vegetarian Meals to Fuel Your WorkoutsMy Profile

    Reply
  12. April at RTGWS says

    October 10, 2014 at 7:28 am

    I love peanut butter but can only stand it before a run if it’s in a smoothie for some reason. And I hate Gu too! Yuck! I have only gone to the half distance so far but I can tell that my honey stinger gummies won’t cut it for a full. I just think real food is necessary once you get past a couple of hours.

    Reply
  13. Jennifer @ Running on Lentils says

    October 10, 2014 at 9:08 am

    I really like the Clif Shot Bloks too but find that I don’t want to chew on long runs. I switched to the Clif gels and really them…maybe also because they taste like candy to me.
    Jennifer @ Running on Lentils recently posted…Five Favorite Vegan Fuel Options for Race DayMy Profile

    Reply
  14. Kathryn @ Dancing to Running says

    October 10, 2014 at 10:13 am

    Shot bloks are definitely tasty! I usually use a combination of Gu and shot bloks for my long runs and races.
    Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Friday Five – October 10thMy Profile

    Reply
  15. Kate @KateMovingForward says

    October 10, 2014 at 10:14 am

    I’m a fan of honey stingers and dates for run fuel! Thanks for hosting!
    Kate @KateMovingForward recently posted…Friday Loves #21My Profile

    Reply
  16. Chaitali says

    October 10, 2014 at 10:18 am

    I’m going to try shot blocks this weekend since I got some at an expo last week. I listened to a podcast a while ago about natural foods to use for fueling on a run and they had recommended dried fruit so I’ve been using raisins. I like the idea of mixing that up with some running specific fuel. They had also recommended sweet potato, similar to what you do with the peanut butter. Microwave, mash it up with salt, and put it in a zip lock bag.
    Chaitali recently posted…Friday Five – FuelingMy Profile

    Reply
  17. MCM Mama says

    October 10, 2014 at 10:38 am

    I’m a big fan of real food during a race. I got in the habit when I was running all of the back to back half marathons where we passed the aid table multiple times. So much better for my tummy than the sugary gus and blocks.
    MCM Mama recently posted…How to run a race undertrainedMy Profile

    Reply
  18. Rebecca Jo says

    October 10, 2014 at 11:41 am

    Peanut butter & apples are my go-to breakfast every day of the week 🙂
    Rebecca Jo recently posted…Friday Five: FuelMy Profile

    Reply
  19. Staci @ hoosier running mom says

    October 10, 2014 at 12:40 pm

    I love Kind bars! I eat them a lot before/after evening runs or for a mid day snack! One time I ran out of fuel for a long run (bad planning I know) so I made half a peanut butter sandwich and took that with me. Worked like a charm!!
    Staci @ hoosier running mom recently posted…Fearing the 5kMy Profile

    Reply
  20. Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes says

    October 10, 2014 at 3:39 pm

    I’ve never thought to put PB in a baggie on a run! I tried pocketfuel, which I really loved, but it was too thick and i needed too much fluid to wash it down, I would think it would be the same way with PB?
    Sue @ This Mama Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…Friday Five: My 5 Favorite Fueling options!My Profile

    Reply
  21. Heather Runs Thirteen Point One says

    October 10, 2014 at 3:40 pm

    I love Shot Bloks and the PowerBar Performance Energy Blends (they taste and have the consistency of apple sauce, I think). I also enjoy Picky Bars, but that’s usually before hand or after, not during.
    Heather Runs Thirteen Point One recently posted…friday five: favorite fuel for runningMy Profile

    Reply
  22. Stacey says

    October 10, 2014 at 5:11 pm

    I love peanut butter when I’m running—I’ll have to try apple slices! Thanks for the suggestion!
    Stacey recently posted…Friday Five: Favorite Fuels for Running (and Swimming and Biking!)My Profile

    Reply
  23. Diane says

    October 10, 2014 at 6:05 pm

    Ohhhhh after reading yours I realized I forgot peanut butter! That’s another super yummy fuel…peanut, almond, sunflower, yum yum yum! Thanks for hosting these fun Friday Fives!
    Diane recently posted…101 Uses for Coconut OilMy Profile

    Reply
  24. Lindsey says

    October 10, 2014 at 10:13 pm

    The blog looks great! I am with you on Shot Bloks! My fav!
    Lindsey recently posted…Friday 5: Crawlin’ Crab WeekendMy Profile

    Reply
  25. ethel says

    October 10, 2014 at 11:51 pm

    so glad I found your blog…this is my first time joining friday five 🙂 I’m a beginner runner and have not joined a race yet. I have been running for 4 months 🙂
    ethel recently posted…Weekly Running MilesMy Profile

    Reply
  26. Louise @ Louises Fitness Journey says

    October 11, 2014 at 6:08 am

    Thanks for the tips, I’ll be doing longer runs shortly when training for a 2015 marathon, and wondered what to eat.

    I’m happy doing 13 miles without fuel, but I’d definitely need to start fuelling for longer runs.

    Reply
  27. Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! says

    October 11, 2014 at 8:54 pm

    I haven’t tried apples as fuel, other than loving an apple a day in general!

    Reply
  28. Haley @ running with diapers says

    October 11, 2014 at 8:58 pm

    Ummm…. your blog is looking spectacular!!! I really love the new look!
    As far as fueling during a run, I like to stick to Gu’s and Shot Bloks. I actually cut a package of bloks in half and they fit perfectly into my two inside pockets of my running crops or skirt. That way I just take a bite out of it as soon as I see a hydration station without having to fumble with packaging. It’s fool proof.
    Haley @ running with diapers recently posted…Mostly Silent SaturdayMy Profile

    Reply
  29. Carmy says

    October 11, 2014 at 10:42 pm

    I kinda wish I could just bring a JAR of peanut butter with me during a race haha
    Carmy recently posted…Friday Friday Friday!My Profile

    Reply
  30. Debbie @ Deb Runs says

    October 12, 2014 at 3:35 pm

    I’ve never tried apples or peanut butter ON my run, but both are favorite fuels of mine during the week. I just had another great race after eating homemade sweet potato fries the night before, so I’m sticking with them!
    Debbie @ Deb Runs recently posted…Lessons I Learned as a Young Hokie…My Profile

    Reply
  31. Esther says

    October 13, 2014 at 4:33 pm

    Ahhh I totally forgot to add my link! OOps!
    But you have a great list of fuels! I have never tried apples out on a run. I think I have the same concerns as you do. Glad to hear they are doing ok for you 🙂
    Love me some kind bars!
    Esther recently posted…Five Things Friday: Five Favorite FuelsMy Profile

    Reply
  32. John @ run. geek. run(disney) says

    October 13, 2014 at 7:12 pm

    I love me some peanut butter for fuel. KIND bars are fantastic post run for me. Or any time really.
    John @ run. geek. run(disney) recently posted…The Dole Whip | Mickey MondayMy Profile

    Reply
  33. Christine says

    October 13, 2014 at 9:23 pm

    One of my favorites are small pretzels. Great way to replace the sodium loss, plus they taste good.
    Christine recently posted…Zoe – 7 MonthsMy Profile

    Reply
  34. Stacey says

    October 19, 2014 at 7:46 am

    Hey there! I just posted similar this week and now that I’m seeing your title via Bloglovin, I’m thinking this musta sparked my thoughts at some point when I started typing! Didn’t mean to snag your title/subject! I’m gonna add a link to your post over on mine 😉 Great list of favs!
    Stacey recently posted…Five Favorite Fuels for RunningMy Profile

    Reply
    • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run DC says

      October 19, 2014 at 9:59 pm

      oh, no worries! great minds definitely think alike 🙂

      Reply

Trackbacks

  1. Friday Five: Running Fuel | Run Away With Me says:
    October 10, 2014 at 3:11 am

    […] been so busy the last month that I’ve had to skip a lot of Friday Five linkups with Eat Pray Run DC, You Signed Up For What?!, and Mar on the Run.  But this week I’m back because it’s […]

    Reply
  2. Five Favorite Fuels for Running – Cape Cod Runner says:
    January 8, 2015 at 6:45 pm

    […] Check out my pal Courtney’s list this month too, at Eat Pray Run DC! […]

    Reply
  3. Five Favorite Fuels for Running | says:
    January 9, 2015 at 12:12 pm

    […] Check out my pal Courtney’s list this month too, at Eat Pray Run DC! […]

    Reply

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