Whether you are trying to avoid sugar, save money on products, or just want new ways to optimize your performance, real food fueling may do the trick. Read Naomi's article and use the tips below to stay fueled for the long run!

Stock up!

Stock your shelves with plenty of options! Give yourself choices that will likely be easiest for you to digest and that sound appealing while you're out running. Naomi's suggestions for foods such as honey, raisins, or applesauce pouches are simple and easy to carry. Clif Bar is even entering the mix next month with these portable options! Give yourself a variety of foods to try on different days!

Be Prepared!

Just as you might set out your shoes and running clothes the night before a long run, get your fuel ready to go in advance. Portion your fuel into the serving size you'll need and pack it up so you can easily consume it on the run. Some items are pre-packaged, while others might take a bit more preparation (squeezable tubes for honey or homemade sports drink, or reusable bags for snacks).

Practice!

As with any fueling strategy, always practice your routine before race day. Avoid gastrointestinal issues by knowing in advance which foods work well for you and avoid low energy during a race by experimenting with a combination of food and drink. As Naomi reminds us, "running nutrition is very individual. Some foods you may get on well with, and others you may not." Make sure you go into race day knowing which ones will optimize your performance!

What's your favorite real-food fuel? We would love to hear our readers suggestions.

Here's a great homemade energy bar to try in the meantime!

Peanut Butter Chocolate Chip Date Bars

Ingredients

2 cups peanuts(I used raw unsalted peanuts)

10-12 medjool dates

2-3 T water

1/4 cup chocolate chips

pinch sea salt

Instructions

In the food processor, blend the peanuts and salt into a powder.

Pit the dates and add them in as well.

If needed, slowly add a bit of water to help the mixture come together.

Once the dough is formed, line an 8×8 glass baking dish with parchment paper leaving enough room for some paper to stick out the sides.

Carefully spread the dough into the pan evenly. The dough will be very sticky and you may need to wet the spatula a bit.

Using the extra paper, pack the dough down until it is flat and even.

Place in the fridge to firm up, and store in the fridge for up to a week!

I first began running as a way to control my weight and de-stress after a long day as career women/mother/wife. It was an investment I made in myself so that I could be more for others. I strongly believe we all struggle with the many demands on us, whether placed there by others or ourselves. In order to be the best for others, we must first ensure we have been the best to ourselves, and running is a way a do this for me.

Motivations

I think part of being human is always seeking to achieve more, to explore our surroundings and ourselves. It's the sense of adventure and mystery that makes it interesting and feeds my curiosity. Running does that for me. It's also the people--my running friends are my second family; they mean a great deal to me. We joke, laugh, cajole, support, and challenge each other. Through the many miles, we share our dreams, secrets, challenges, and the weather (whatever it is that day). It and they have blessed me in many ways.

Sensual Journey--a poem written by Kim while trail running

A spider web tickles my face

The foliage is flattened where the deer bedded down moments before

The sun rays dart through the trees dappling the paths, adding to the camouflage

The roots and rocks lay quiet, waiting for a break in concentration

A squirrel darts by flashing his tail, appearing bigger than he is

The bird songs melt into katydid calls, signaling the rise in temperatures

The burn creeps into my legs as proof of my hard work

The red, red mushrooms act as road markers telling me I've been here before

The sweat rolls down me, making me a human waterfall

These are the things I sense while trail running.