Before I go on about my long run energy experiment let’s rewind a little bit…. we passed a major holiday here!

Our Thanksgiving meal was typical for this family: all brand-new recipes that were a hit!

Whole Wheat Sweet Potato Biscuits with Cranberry Jam from Caroline @ Chocolate & Carrots

Healthy Mashed Sweet Potatoes

Brussel Sprout, Butternut Squash and Apple Stuffing with Turkey Sausage

(of course) Turkey

& a not-at-all-healthy Pumpkin Caramel Pecan Cheesecake with Gingerbread Crust for dessert

YUM. I’m still full. (That’s a lie. I’m always hungry. ha.)

Now onto Christmas…Happy Holidays!

God, I love my family. ;)

While the crazies were out Black Friday shopping, I opted for a morning run with my best guy friend from high school!

Cardio > Sales (blasphemy coming from a 20 year old girl, I know.)

We had a KILLER run we call “Kingdom Loop.” The first 4 miles are a gradual incline, until you get to Kingdom Dr. Then its a steep steep climb to the top, about 3/4 mile. You know the hill gets serious when the conversation stops ;) After that it’s a downhill coast to home, a decent start at working off this monster of Thanksgiving (and the next day, and the next day’s….) dessert:

Made by yours truly

My marathon training plan is roughly following this plan from Boston Athletic Association: Beginner 16 week program. (I fast-forwarded to week 9).

This morning I cranked out my 15-miler first thing before it got too hot (yes “too hot” in December….SoCal probs.) With my dad by my side, of course!

I started a little bit of an experiment. On the actualy Marathon Day (50 days and counting!) I will be needing some edible energy on the run to keep my glucose levels up and active. My mom hooked it up on her last trip to Sports Authority and bought me just about every type of energy product on the shelf.

• Jelly Belly Sport Beans (4 different flaves)
• Clif Shot Bloks
• GU energy gels (regular and Roctane) *Bonus for this one, there’s Peanut Butter & Espresso!!!!
• Power Gel energy gels
• GU Chomps energy chews
• Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews

I’m starting my experimenting now so I know what works best by January 19th! Today I took along Honey Stinger Organic Energy Chews in Pomegranate Passion (I promise I’m not affiliated with any of the companies and this is not some cheesy sales pitch!)

My personal opinion…

Pros:

• Tasted delicious and fruity
• “Organic” (if you’re into that sort of thing)
• No stomach ache

Cons: 

• You have to eat 10 for one serving…..considering I’ll be needing 4-5 servings, I don’t want to be eating 50 chews!)
• Non-resealable package
• Says “contains protein & fiber” on package…… 1 stinkin’ gram! That barely counts.

I liked the flavor of the Stinger chews and they didn’t have any horrible side effects but the fact that I would be eating dozens of them for energy doesn’t sound appealing. Next week I’ll try out a Gu or PowerGel. One gulp and DONE. To be continued…