Will the real Slim Shady please stand up?

Even though I have never seen the movie 8 Mile, whenever I run 8 miles, I always sing that song. And Eminem and I both have something in common - our Nike hats. Granted mine is a baby blue visor, so it looks a tad less thuggish. And I definitely don't have that thug mug. Maybe I should try it while I run?

Today was our last long run before the marathon next Saturday. I always hear all this advice about what you are supposed to do the week before, but who knows what actually works. I am still midly concerned about the food issue - I can take about three gels before the next one makes me gag. I sort of feel the same way about Gatorade. And I get really hungry after about 15 miles.

So on both my 20 milers I ate sports bars - a Snickers Marathon Bar and a Clif Bar. That Marathon Bar sunk to the bottom of my stomach like a piece of lead. The Clif Bar was a bit better - today I messed around with them and ate one an hour before the run and then ate almost all of one at the halfway point (I normally only take a few bites at a water stop). I don't think it felt too bad.

I sort of feel like I am getting sucked into this world of "sports" foods/beverages when really what I really need is a banana at mile 15 or so. Unfortunately I am not going to carry a banana for 15 miles and that doesn't fit in my pocket. I am curious what other people eat while running.

I am half tempted to just buy a package of Soft Batch cookies and stick those in my pocket. Yummy, squishy, perfect running and eating food :-) But, since I have never tried that on a long run, probably not a good idea to try it at the marathon.