Have you thought about what you’re eating for race day fuel? So many winter marathons about to go down in January and February including Walt Disney World Marathon, Rock ‘n’ Roll Arizona, Chevron Houston Marathon, Austin Marathon and more. Plus, trail running season and obstacle course racing season (like Spartan Race) will be ramping up soon. It’s time to start thinking about what tasty yet effective running snacks to pack in those hydration packs, running belts and shorts pockets.

Today, I’m sharing a Cinnamon Mocha Marathon Energy Bite recipe I made especially for 2019 race day badassery. Read on for more!

I’ll be sharing Cinnamon Mocha Energy Bites in person (along with a talk on running nutrition in general and, more specifically, “What to Eat During a Marathon”) at Whole Foods 365 in Cedar Park, TX on Jan 17^th, 2018. If you’re nearby, register for the free marathon nutrition event – – HERE – – otherwise, check out the recipe and make a batch at home!

So much to LOVE about this DIY race fuel recipe – these running snacks are easy to make, can be stuck in a zip-top baggie and stashed within reach when you’re on the go. They are nourishing with nothing fake, only real food ingredients to help you smash your goals and cross the finish line with a smile on your face.

Each little bit-sized ball has 39 calories and an approximate 6:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio. Most of us know it’s good have protein with our carbs post-workout to help with muscle recovery (usually a little more than this though, like a 4:1 to 3:1 carb/protein ratio). However, it’s also beneficial to have a little protein to go along with your carbs before and during an endurance to help the body more quickly and efficiently stock, maintain and replenish glycogen levels. These little Mocha Cinnamon Energy Bites are a tasty solution to the questions “What to eat during a marathon.”

These Cinnamon Mocha Energy Bites offer more than just carbohydrates and protein. They also have caffeine (by way of espresso powder), sodium and cinnamon to add functional flavor to your DIY race fuel. When I developed this recipe, I knew I needed every little boost I could get on the course, that’s why I’ve put caffeine in it (you can omit, if sensitive). Caffeine is an ergogenic aid, meaning it can enhance performance due to effect on the central nervous system, ability to blunt pain, increase mood, reduce fatigue and improve mental cognition. It makes you feel happier and potentially less phased by difficult efforts. YAY! 

Most of the ingredients for the energy bites are pictured about (purchased at Whole Foods 365) .You’ll see some min chocolate chips right up front, I didn’t use them in today’s recipe, but will occasionally stir in a few if I’m making these as a more “treat” kind of snack.

Also, sodium – or salt – is a great for us runners who sweat a lot and/or eat a diet of unprocessed foods that are naturally low in sodium. I like to use a Himalayan sea salt that has a rich mineral content that includes over 84 minerals and trace elements such as: calcium, magnesium, potassium, copper and iron.  And, finally, cinnamon – to me, it’s a feel-good, comfort spice . . .and, justly so, it has been linked to less inflammation and quickened workout recovery.

In addition to being tasty and having so many of the nutrients you need for marathon nutrition and to stayed fueled for the finish, my energy bites also need no refrigeration, can be stashed in a zip-top bag and stashed in a race belt or pocket, are the perfect size and consistency to chew and swallow on the run, can be made ahead and kept in the freezer for long-term freshness, and are quite economical.

And, who doesn’t want to save a buck with DIY race fuel?! This Mocha Cinnamon Energy Bites recipe costed out at about $7 dollars for the entire batch made with quality, organic ingredients from the 365 Everyday Value brand – that comes out to just $0.19 cents per piece! Even if cost isn’t a concern for you, it’s nice to have a say-so over the ingredients going into the body – you can always tweak them to suit your exact needs.

While this marathon energy bites recipe is super simple, you do either need a good but not necessarily expensive food processor or high-powered blender (1000+ watt), like a Vitamix, Ninja or even this professional 1800 watt Hamilton Beach blender (which is what I use and is half the price)  These countertop kitchen appliances grind up the nuts in seconds, don’t go too long or you’ll make nut butter, haha! After that, it’s just a matter of tossing in oats and functional flavorings (like espresso powder, cinnamon and salt) and then getting the mash up sweet and workable into balls with pitted dates and honey.

I also like to wash these running snacks down with some Electrolyte Water to help ensure hydration! I found it at my Whole Foods 365 in Cedar Park.

Enjoy! And best wishes on your upcoming race! Let me know if you have any questions on what to eat during a marathon. Plus,  I’d love to hear what you’re racing or what your favorite running snacks are. Let’s chat in the comments. XOXO- Jennifer

 Also, post contains affiliate links, I make a small commission on sales generated when you visit and purchase — this helps me keep the blog alive, thank you.

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Mocha Cinnamon Energy Bites

Prep Time

15 mins

Total Time

15 mins

 

Servings: 36 bites

Calories: 39 kcal

Ingredients

• 12 pitted dates
• ½ cup raw almonds
• ½ cup raw cashews
• 2/3 cup rolled oat
• ¼ cup cocoa powder
• 1 tablespoon cinnamon
• 4 teaspoons espresso powder
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup honey

Instructions

1. In bowl, cover dates with warm water and soak for 10 minutes. Drain off water, set dates aside.
2. In work bowl of food processor, add almonds, cashews, rolled oats, cocoa powder, espresso powder, cinnamon, and salt. Pulse until ingredients are combined and fairly well ground up.
3. Add drained dates and honey to nut mixture. Process until incorporated and starting to pull away from sides of bowl.
4. Use a tablespoon to measure out slightly rounded 1-tablespoon portions of the mixture. Roll together between clean hands to form a tightly packed ball. Repeat with remining mixture.
5. May be stored on the counter for a couple days, in the fridge for a couple weeks or in freezer for up to six months.

Recipe Notes