Truthfully, I didn't believe in Goo, Gatorade, etc, until I started racing. There's nothing in a PowerBar that you can't get in a peanut butter and banana sandwich on whole wheat bread. For training, I don't believe in wasting money on fake food.

My first experience with energy gel was when I stuffed the free packet (that I got with race registration) into my jersey before a 50 mile road race. Thanks to the race being totally unsupported, and me getting dropped off the back of the pack, I was hurting...until I ate the goo. Cross-country skiing has been a similar experience.

I've been doing endurance sports since 5th grade, and I've learned a thing or two during the years...what follows is my theory on race eating.

2-3 hours before the race: PB and banana, coffee, water. Stop drinking water 1.5 hours before race time (especially if you're doing a race that doesn't involve stopping at bathrooms!)

30-45 minutes before race time: PowerBar or Clif Bar, washed down with a few gulps of water

First 1.5 hours of the race: Drink water at all water stops.

If the race is longer than 1.5 hours, I eat a gel or half of a bar every hour, if not, I wait until the race is over to eat. Always drink water at every stop and in between (depends on how well the race is supported!)

Afterwards, eat fruit immediately, drink a whole lot of water, and then go out for a great meal, you've earned it!