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I always look forward to my long run on Saturday mornings with a group of friends. We have a great time together, and I love the feeling I have after a long run. Just when I thought my morning runs couldn’t get any better, they did! The last couple of weeks, we went off our normal path and onto a real trail. There’s no pavement — just dirt, rocks, and mulch with a thin, cleared path for us to run along a river. It is so peaceful and serene there, but very challenging at the same time!
It is a completely new ballgame out on a trail. The terrain is different and always changing, you have to watch every step you take, hop over creeks, roots, and up and down steep elevation changes. I’m so focused on where my next step is that I never even think about what mile I’m on or what pace I’m running. It’s nice to not worry about the numbers and focus on my surroundings. I’ve only run out there a few times but it’s been an adventure already. The very first time around the trail, I tripped over a small root and bit the dust, and not just a little stumble. I mean, hands and face in the dirt. Not a pretty site, but thankfully it’s only happened to me once so far. Lets hope I stay upright from now on! :) I’m sure we’re going to have many more stories to tell as the weeks go on!
Sometime soon I’ll go out there and take some photos because it’s such a beautiful place. I did take one photo on my phone last week while we were out there. At one point during the run we cross over a bridge, there were a few guys out in the river fly fishing, some others along the side, and we had picture perfect weather!
When I get home from running, the first thing I do is make a smoothie. I’m usually pretty hungry since I don’t like to eat a lot before my runs so I need something filling, and fast! I had just come home from the store with a new thing of almond butter with sea salt and it was calling my name. It blended perfect with some So Delicious unsweetened Coconut Milk, shredded coconut, and a little chocolate protein powder for some added flavor and nutrition. Filling, delicious, and a great way to end a long run in the heat!
One more thing. I finally decided on my next marathon! I signed up for the Asheville Marathon with some friends, including Pam at Moms RUN This Town and Safemama.com. Look forward to it!
Happy Smoothie Saturday!
| Coconut Almond Protein Smoothie |
- 1 cup unsweetened Coconut Milk
- 2 tbsp natural Almond Butter
- 2 tbsp shredded organic coconut
- 1/2 frozen banana
- 1 tbsp chocolate protein powder (I use Amazing Grass Amazing Meal Chocolate Protein Powder)
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- 2 ice cubes
- Add all the ingredients to the blender
- Start on a low speed, slowly increasing to high
- Blend until smooth, about 1 minute
I did not add any sweetener but if needed you could add 1 – 2 tsp of honey or agave.
7 comments… read them below or add one
Where do you get the Amazing Grass Amazing Meal Chocolate Protein Powder and chia seeds?
I find both at my local Whole Foods, but you can also order online. Check out the my pantry page for links! Have a great day. http://www.greenplaterule.com/pantry/
Oh, and how cool that you know Safe Mama Kathy!
This sounds delicious! I need to get better about re-fueling right after exercise because I workout on an empty stomach too. I tend to clean after I work out, then shower, and by that time, an hour has passed since I burnt all those calories, and my body is out of that good metabolic state!
My son loves Almond Joy’s and since eating clean (it has been 9 months now. I have lost 60 lbs and my hubby has lost 20 lbs. My teens acne has cleared and my ADD child is doing better in school) Preston (my 13 year old) said that this tasted much like his missed favorite candy. Thank you for bringing some joy to us with your wonderful blogs.
Can cacao powder be used instead of the chocolate protein power?
That should work great! You may need a little sweetener but feel free to adjust however needed.