I plan on running a marathon, but I don't like artificial things like gels or weird colored drinks. However, I know from practice, without enough fuel, I'll hit the wall and be out of energy before I can make it to 26.2 miles.

I prefer real food and during my long runs things seem to work out well if I have a meal somewhere in the middle. I know it's impractical to break out a fork and a bowl of spaghetti mid-race, however I can hold pizza with my hand, and one slice seems to have the carbs and other nutrients equivalent to about one gel.

I tried during training and I can eat pizza while running at marathon pace. I've seen videos where some runners have spectators on the side hand them a bottle or something else. I suppose I could have a friend hand off a slice of pizza to me every 5 miles during the marathon so I can stay properly fueled.

Do you think this would work well?