I am getting into the bulk of my long runs now for my Chicago Marathon Training. I still can’t believe that I am already 10 weeks in – it really seems like the time has been flying by more so than usual!! With the really long runs (which in my head are 14 miles or more) comes the need to be properly fueled – not only during, but before the run as well, especially in this intense heat.
During the run, my go-to has been a water & Gatorade mixture, about 50/50, in my Nathan water bottle, as well as Gu Chomps. I know that everyone has different preferences, and I personally like to chew my fuel, rather than just the gel. I feel like if I was able to eat a PB&J on the run, I would probably opt for that. I have a pretty tolerant stomach, as long as I am able to wash it down with a lot of water.
Before running a lot of miles, I have to eat some real food. It has to be more substantial than just a banana or Gu Chomps! On Sunday, I went for the english muffin and peanut butter. I have been eating peanut butter and some kind of bread before races and long runs for as long as I can remember – it dates all the way back to high school for sure. If I have more time to digest, like before marathons, I’ll step it up with a whole bagel. Since I literally roll out of bed and get outside for training runs, I just don’t want to eat too much – it is too hard to digest that much when running.
I think that the biggest thing with fueling for a marathon is finding out what works for your body. Everyone is different, so you may need only half of what I would normally eat, or even twice as much! It is completely based on the individual, and what your body requires to keep you strong throughout the race! Oh, and something completely random – look at this little gem I found at Publix yesterday….
I absolutely love Eggo’s for breakfast paired with eggs and some fruit. Ya, I know, I’m like 5 years old. 
I was grabbing my normal whole grain waffles when these pumpkin spice ones caught my eye! I know August is a little early to start thinking about fall and all of the fun food that comes with it, but I just couldn’t help myself. Hooray for pumpkin recipes to take over!! 
I am heading straight to public this afternoon for those waffles! Thanks!!
MMMm those waffles look soo good! I love everything about fall.
I usually go with a plain bagel thin w/ some PB or AB, water and a coffee
Before my long-runs, I usually have a slice of whole-wheat toast with PB, and during the run, I drink lots of water and slam a GU energy gel. I’m actually running an evening half-marathon on Thursday (it starts at 6:15 p.m.), and I’m not sure how to approach eating/fueling the day of–I’ve never run a night race before. Do you have any suggestions, Mary?
If I were running a night race, I would make an effort to eat a few smaller meals during the day, with very limited fiber! Don’t eat anything crazy that would come up weird later (like burping – gross!!). Be sure to eat your normal pre-race meal around 4pm, so you are ready to go! And of course, push the water like crazy the day before and day of
Thanks!
It’s been a little hard to read all my favorite running blogs the last couple of days – I haven’t been able to run in a week due to a really bad cold!!! I keep getting runner’s envy, especially with the Olympics taking place.
I can’t believe you’re already 10 weeks into marathon training. Chicago is going to be here so soon!
As for my pre- long run fueling, I usually have a whole wheat English muffin topped with honey, a big glass of water + nuun, and 1-2 shot blocks. When I was in high school, I always had a banana and toast with peanut butter, but now I can’t do PB before a long run. It’s funny how preferences change over time.
Wow, those waffles look great! So glad I stumbled upon your blog! I’m also running Chicago, can’t wait!!
Lately my pre-runs have been fueled by oatmeal with blueberries and PB. I’m not eating wheat these days otherwise it was a Kashi or other whole grain waffle with PB and lots of water!
I usually do the pb + english muffin or toast about 1-1.5 hours before a long run or osmetimes a larabar instead. Then, during I’m a big Nuun drinker with Gu gels every 4 miles or so starting at the 8 mile mark. Def agree that you gotta do what works for you! Can’t wait to cheer you on in Chicago!
As a certified pumpkin ANYTHING addict this post made me extremely excited. I WILL be going to the food store looking for the waffles tonight.. I don’t care if they’re not clean, they are happening.