goos small snack to eat before a morning run

When I started running a few months ago, I went in the morning before any coffee and any food.  I started adding more running gradually, but started to get pretty tired pretty soon into my run.  One day I went just before lunch instead and I had a much better run, felt much more energized and was able to go faster longer.  Since then I've been doing my running before lunch.

Now that it's starting to get wramer out (and I'm not complaining, it's been a loooong snowy wonter, to say the least), I'd like to get back to running in the morning, but need some kind of pick me up so I can have the same energy.  I know I can't eat too much before running because I'll get cramps.  Also, I can't wake up, eat something and wait an hour before running....who has time for that??

Can anyone suggest a good quick easy snack that will give me the boost and energy I need to have a good run?

pls excuse all my spelling mistakes...I can spell, I just don't spell check

I like to have a granola bar early in the morning; the Kashi ones, because they have less sugar and more fiber than the Nature Valley ones. I also like having a small serving of oatmeal, but that may be too jiggly in the stomach for a morning run.

On days where I feel I need more energy for a longer run, crackers and peanut butter goes over pretty well, although you taste peanut butter for the entire time :-)

I've just recently started eating before I workout.  I hate to eat right when I wake up but my trainer highly recommended I eat something for the energy.  So now I just grab something small, a granola bar, for the energy.  I enjoy the Kashi bars and also just found that the Fiber One bars are pretty tasty.  I keep my intake at 140 calories for my pre-workout snack.  I eat this snack about 25-30 min before I work out, generally right when I get up.  It's weird to eat right when I get up but I know its better for me and my workout in the long run.

a banana!! they are pretty much the only food that doesn't give me cramps.  i can usually eat a banana right before i run/workout/play field hockey and be fine.  if you want something added, maybe add a scoop of peanut butter.  you'll have more energy without the cramps! :)

+++ for the humble banana

well i usually wait thirty minutes before i run, but i have half of a mini bagel (whole wheat, 50 cal); a cheese stick (low fat, 60 cal) and half of a serving of frozen berries (35 calories)