Properly fueling runs is an art, just like hydration, which I wrote about here.
What works for me absolutely may not work for you.
Last week I found myself a few hours after breakfast, having already walked Bandit, prepping for a run. It wasn’t a long or hard run, but I felt like I needed a little something-something before I ran.
A really good choice is actually a banana — but the only bananas we had were still green. I know that some people actually prefer them that way, but I’ll pass.
Honeystinger Short Stack Waffle
I have used Honeystinger Waffles often as a pre-race snack when I find myself in the same sort of situation: breakfast was just a little bit too long ago and I needed a little something to fuel my run.
I’ve also used bites of a Waffle towards the end of a long race, when my energy is really low.
Much of the energy in Honeystinger Waffles comes from honey. Honey actually has some medicinal qualities. More information on the carbohydrate (aka sugar) sources from the Website:
Utilizing an ingredient engineered by nature as opposed to in a laboratory has its benefits, like higher quality and no additional flavoring or coloring. We use honey, a natural form of energy and antioxidants, combined with other natural sweeteners as the energy sources for all products. Research in endurance athletes has proven that a mixture of carbohydrates is better tolerated by the body, prevents fatigue and enhances performance more than a single carbohydrate form.
How the ingredients in Honeystinger Waffles can help your run according to the Honeystinger Website:
Honey Stinger Waffles are the perfect snack to help you prepare and perform for all activities. The energy in waffles is released immediately and absorbed at a steady rate, which delays muscle fatigue and gives your body the power to achieve your goals. With the right balance of delicious honey-powered carbs, you’ll be counting the minutes until it’s time for the next one.
That banana, by the way? It’s got 14 gm of sugar (depending on the size of the banana) vs the 10 gm in the Honeystinger Short Stack. I will grant you that you can’t get more natural than a banana though!
Final Thoughts
It had been so long since I’d actually eaten a Honeystinger Waffle, I really thought that this was one of the mini waffles! Somehow it seemed smaller, but I guess it really wasn’t. I know a 3 mile run probably doesn’t need 10 gm of sugar. But sometimes you just need a somewhat-natural energy boost, and this fit the bill for me.
What do you snack on right before a run if you’re hungry?
Do you like sugar as fuel, or fat? The HS waffles are great with some nut butter, too, btw
Store bought or home made fuel for your runs?
Linking up with Zenaida Arroyo and Kim @ Kookyrunner
This week I am also joining up with the new Runners’ Roundup linkup.
Chocolaterunsjudy 
No monthly report card?
I used to eat Bananas when I wasn’t working at home. Now I can grab whatever. It’s usually a bagel or a fig bar or two.
Another benefit of working from home that I didn’t think about. Not planning what to eat before my run.
I have tried those waffles. Too dry and tasteless for me. But I’m sure many like them.
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Many, many like them. More important to do what’s right for you.
April isn’t over yet. 😊
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No. You usually post on the last Tuesday. You don’t have to do it all.
And yes everyone has different taste buds.
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I don’t like bananas much but the only time I find I can eat them without much fuss is before a run! LOL.
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That’s so funny Shathiso! I didn’t like bananas growing up but that was mainly because my parents like them green! Blech! I love them now. Ripe ones!
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I find Honey Stinger waffles to be too sweet for me. To each his own!
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As we all know, I have a sweet tooth. I eat much less sweets than I used to but I still love them!
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I actually took a HS waffle to my half marathon, and ate that before lining up. We live an hour away from most races, so by the time we’re lining up, it’s been upwards of two hours since eating anything. I don’t like bananas, so they’re never an option for me LOL
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An HS waffle totally saved my first half! It was Vegas, so at night, & as you know that’s tricky to figure out the fueling — plus it was my first! That waffle at mile 10 helped me get through the race.
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I love the Honeystinger Waffles! Having said that, I’m trying to lower my sugar intake. My favourite fuel at home is yoghurt with some nuts.
During the ultra, I loved the potatoes with salt. If only they were easier to take along for long runs!
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I used to take PB filled pretzels. I have a small hard sided container from Amphipod that works well for that sort of thing.
I hadn’t had a waffle in ages because I haven’t raced or done really long runs!
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I just had one of these this morning before my 6:30 am run! I don’t usually eat before an early morning run, but I’ve been trying to at least have something (often a banana or at least a gulp of Gatorade!) Great review!
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It’s funny, I almost always eat before a run even early morning ones (luckily I don’t do them too often). But occasionally I’ll run fasted & I don’t die LOL!
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Since I’m not training for anything, I haven’t had honey Stinger waffles in a while, but I remember really liking the vanilla flavored one. I like that they are sweet but not overly sweet and it doesn’t take fake or artificial.
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It had definitely been a long, LONG time since I’d had one. Hit the spot!
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I’m a big Honeystinger fan, as I think you know. I’ve been eating their waffles, cracker bars, protein bars, chews, and my daughter loves their gels. Many a HS waffle has been eaten right before a half marathon for me! I have a sensitive stomach and have found these products to be easy on my stomach. I tried so many other things from fruits, oatmeal, bagels, to other brands of gels, gu, and on and on before I finally found HS.
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Interesting that the waffles sit well on your stomach. Normally mine isn’t sensitive so I can usually eat almost anything — which is lucky.
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I love Honeystinger waffles! I eat them before runs a few times a week. I also have bananas, but they need to be the right color…no green bananas for me either!
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I agree! Obviously. My parents like under ripe bananas, which is why I didn’t like bananas growing up. Love them now!
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Yes, bananas are my favorite pre-run snack, if i’m going to eat anything at all (for early morning runs I usually don’t.) I need something that digests really easily and YELLOW bananas are perfect (I actually don’t think the green ones would digest as well for me, plus… yuck.)
Normally I don’t eat sugar- the only exception I make is in the middle of a long run, I’ll eat a gel. And you’re right… bananas do have a lot of sugar. A lot of times I’ll just eat half.
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Well, of course the sugar in bananas are natural & come packaged with fiber & other good stuff!
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I also really like those waffles. I used to take them on my longer bike rides and eat pieces at different stops. Great to take along and they don’t melt in the summer heat
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Very true about not melting! And they don’t harden like chews can in winter.
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I don’t eat anything in the morning before my run. I only drink coffee. I have eaten them before and did like them!
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I have to eat something! Luckily right now my runs are later in the morning.
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I do love HS waffles. They are delicious.
I don’t usually eat before I run. I might grab a teaspoon of peanut butter on my way out the door. If I’m going to a race where I’m not running right away, I’ll eat part or all of a granola bar (Nature’s Valley has these wafer granola bars with peanut butter I really like).
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I gotta eat!
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I’ll eat a banana if I feel hungry or if I’m running long. It’s what seems to be easiest on my stomach.
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Luckily so far, knock on wood, my stomach’s pretty good.
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I love honey stinger waffles, especially to top off before a race. I even ate them during my half marathon PR instead of taking gel. My go-to on weekdays is a banana or graham crackers.
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HS Waffles helped get me through my first half. I’ve bern loyal ever since! Although during races I usually use the chews.
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