Thanks for the suggestion of pemmican, Jim.  The website was very tempting, but the minimum order is $75.  That's a big leap, considering I don't even know if I like the stuff.  And if I do like it, it still  may not work out with the fussy "runner's stomach."  I have wasted so much money on pukie sports gels that I'm very cautious now.  Maybe I can google a recipe and try it that way. I am already making my own grass-fed jerky in a dehydrator. In the meantime, I am going to do my 15 miler this weekend with beef jerky and a couple of dates and see how that feels.  

Thanks, Cynthia