People think ultra runners eat like lab experiments. Kale smoothies, powders, and no sugar in  sight. When my kids were younger, a neighbor was delivering door to door Halloween treats.  Except when she got to our house, instead of candy she gave us jack o’lantern dish towels!?!  She figured we were too health-conscious for sweets. My kids were ticked! Me? I appreciated  the towels, but let’s be honest, we eat candy around here too.

This isn’t about a special race week or extreme training block, this is just my average day.  These are the foods and rhythms that keep me fueled whether I’m stacking miles, recovering,  or moving through everyday life as a runner and a mom. My meals aren’t built around athlete only foods; they’re simple, real, and sustainable. 

Here’s what it looks like:

Pre-Workout Fuel 

I head out the door early, so I don’t eat a big breakfast first. Instead, I grab something small: a  banana, Skratch Energy Chews, or toast with jelly. If it’s a longer session, I’ll mix up a bottle of Skratch High-Carb Drink Mix and drink it on the way to the trailhead. All steady calories that  keep me from running on empty. 

During the Workout  

I sip Skratch Hydration Mix and fuel lightly but consistently with chews, dried fruit, or PB&J  squares.

Years ago, I’d start out with barely anything and fade by around mile five or six. Seems easy, but once I started focusing on with real carbs and electrolytes, everything changed. Instead of  dragging, I finished strong and had energy for the rest of the day. That small adjustment completely reshaped how training felt.

Post-Workout Reset  

As soon as I stop, I reach for my Skratch Recovery Drink. I make it beforehand so it’s ready to go. Recovery doesn’t start hours later at dinner, it starts the minute the. workout ends. That balance of carbs and protein helps me bounce back so I’m ready for tomorrow. 

Late Morning Breakfast  

My first real meal is usually grits with avocado and a sprinkle of bacon bits. It’s hearty, salty, and exactly what I crave after a morning run. 

Afternoon Lunch 

Lunch comes later and is lighter — almost like a giant charcuterie board. Crackers, cheese,  nuts, fruit, maybe some veggies and hummus. Flexible and fun, it bridges the day into dinner. Sometimes I’ll sip Skratch Unsweetened Hydration Drink Mix here too — just enough hydration to keep me steady without overthinking it.

Dinner

This meal is my anchor. A plate usually has a protein like chicken, fish, beans, or red meat,  paired with rice or potatoes and plenty of colorful veggies. I like to drink Skratch Unsweetened Hydration Drink Mix with dinner. It’s an easy way to stay hydrated and round out the day without needing anything heavy. 

Evening Snack 

If I’m still hungry, I’ll finish the day with something small. Maybe some fruit, a piece of chocolate, a handful of trail mix or all of the above. Training hard means listening to your body, and I’ve learned to fuel without guilt.

This routine isn’t flashy, but it keeps me steady as an athlete and grounded in everyday life. It’s not about perfect nutrition or special meals. It’s about real food, repeatable choices, and smart  hydration and recovery that help me show up strong day after day whether for another long run  or for the people who matter most around my table.