There are so many things to think about when you're running the distance. One that took me a long time to dial in for myself was nutrition. You need those calories and electrolytes but there are so many choices out there. Many left me feeling sick to my stomach, but these have worked for me over the long haul.
Gu
I love the flavors they come out with -- especially the chocolate ones. There are times I'm actually looking forward to taking the next gel because they taste so good! This brand doesn't upset my stomach as long as I keep it to under 4 gels for a marathon. I like the ones with a boost of caffeine as well!
Picky bars
I have been making an effort to make healthier choices in my food. These bars are made with real food and natural sweeteners. I don't feel weighed down when I eat these, even on the run. Besides that, the flavors are out of this world. Even my kids love these!
Nuun
I have always stayed away from sports drinks. I paid the price dearly in a few of my early marathons. My stomach just can't handle the sugar! A friend convinced me to try these tablets and I was amazed. Before my run I let 1/4 tablet dissolve in each of my 10 oz water bottles. They aren't too sweet, but definitely do the trick on those hot, humid, summer days.
