I’m into my long training runs (2 1/2 hr +) and last week ran out of Hammer Gu, as a replacement I raided the pantry and out came some honey,
So far it seems to keep me going and is easier on the stomach.
Could honey alone and maybe some fig newtons, too stay on the natural kick, keep me going as far as energy concerned in an IM?
Ron W.
Very equal, but for caffine if you have that in your Gu and any electrolites (again, if you have that in your Gu). Karo syrup works too…Aunt JoMomma and many other ‘syrups’…
Yeah honey should be fine. Carbohydrates are carbohydrates, and honey should be a fairly quick source of energy. I use chocolate frosting sometimes. As for fig newtons being natural, look at ingredients, but hey its still energy so go for it. Make sure you are getting electrolytes too (salt stick).
I made up a flask of honey 3 parts , blackstrap molasses 1 part , water 1 part, pinch o salt, and 1 starbucks instant coffee . Not bad with the exception that it frothed and foamed pretty good when half empty. Rather stick with ready made.
I made up a flask of honey 3 parts , blackstrap molasses 1 part , water 1 part, pinch o salt, and 1 starbucks instant coffee . Not bad with the exception that it frothed and foamed pretty good when half empty. Rather stick with ready made.
It was probably the instant coffee that foamed up on you- was that just in there for the caffeine? If so, just ditch it. If you really need the caffeine, why not mash up a NoDoze instead? I’ve always found that instant coffee bothers my stomach anyways.
If you’re really looking to homebrew, use “lite” salt or sea salt instead of regular. Sea salt and lite salt will have a mixture of sodium and potassium, whereas normal table salt would just contain sodium.
X2…that stuff is good.
Here is the breakdown for Honey from a caloric/sugar content perspective:
How about brown rice syrup?
I just tried that for the first time last week and I definitely plan on buying more!
Aunt Jemima!
OP - my dietician has suggested honey as an ok sub for gu.
How about brown rice syrup?
that agave nectar and the sorts are ok. but make sure the syrup doesnt have tons of added refined sugars
imo the best “natural” solution would be blended soaked dates. really high in glucose and easy on the stomach. although you may not notice a difference with 2-3 hour races/training sessions, you may notice the difference between honey and dates during the end of the bike or run of the ironman. honey is a little more rough on the stomach
thats what clif gel shots are made of. organic brown rice syrup
I do 85% brown rice syrup, 15% agave nectar. Then half a scoop or so of sea salt and any flavoring (right now it’s vanilla).
Much cheaper and I just make a batch in a hammer gel flask. Nice to grab for a quick shot before workouts on the trainer/treadmill.
listen to burnman - wise advice.
Honey Stinger is natural and has the added electrolytes and caffeine in certain flavors.
The gel packets and bars are excellent fuel for training and racing.
It’s all I use, but then that might be obvious by the tag line.
Enjoy,
Jeff
THanks for that info. Interesting stuff and all good comments. I’m thinking about playing around with a blended soaked dates, honey, water, electrolytes combo. Maybe a small amount of lemon juice to act as a preservative. Maybe get 1 week out of it in the fridge.
Um…you certainly do not need to do anything to preserve honey…
yah … okay. But the dates etc. its not just honey once its mixed.
Honey - very gentle on sensitive stomachs. Read on for more health benefits…
http://www.ehow.com/how_2105580_use-honey-health.html
And a little funny, about honey 
“What’s the three words you never want to hear while making love? Honey, I’m home.”