Emily and I have plans for a long run this morning. [Can you believe my half was just last weekend!?!?! Feels like it was weeks ago!] But going to bed last night, I chose sleep over more time for digestion, so I hope my stomach will be OK!
I woke up at 7, which gave me 1.5 hours to eat and digest. Perhaps not enough, but we’ll see! I was hungry for more than a banana, and after yesterday’s sports nutrition lecture, I figured more rather than less would be better for my energy on the run.
I decided breakfast should be:
- Blended for expedited gastric emptying
- High in liquids for hydration
- Rich in carbohydrate for [hopefully i have enough time!] glycogen storage
Enter the convenient smoothie!
The Vita-Mix
- 1 medium banana
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup water
- 3/4 scoop Vega Vanilla Chai
- 2 tbsp raw quick oats
- Handful of ice
I topped it with a handful of Nature’s Path but it all sunk to the bottom!! Great example of density for ya 😉
And my blob of Maranatha Dark Chocolate Almond also sunk. ‘Twas a fun treasure to find!
I had some Golden Moon tea on the side – brrr!
I’m loving mixing the flavors!!
My sister and Matt are visiting from Boston and we’re going out to brunch after I put these miles behind me 🙂
Freya @ Brit Chick Runs says
Smoothies are great pre-run 😀 My perfect pre-run fuel is a big old Nakd bar (just raw fruit/nuts, kinda like a Larabar maybe?) – 38g carbs! – and a glass of smoothie. Works SO well!!
Have a great run 🙂
Are you planning anymore races btw?
Kath says
Not sure yet
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
Have fun with your sister! Good luck on the run!
Midgetkeeper says
Have a good run, and enjoy your time with your Sister!
Food Makes Fun Fuel says
Good luck on the run!
Diana says
That smoothie looks great 🙂 Have a great run!
Karla says
I love smoothies! It was too cold this morning for that though! Apparently there’s snow in the forecast!
Enjoy brunch with your sister!!
Hannah says
Seeing that sunken dark chocolate almond butter? My mind = om nom nom. Yes please.
And that’s probably the most pointless comment I’ve ever made, but I’m in foot-swollen pain right now, and it’s the best I can do! 😛
coco says
good smoothie!!! I bet it’s a good fuel for the run! I personally prefer solid food before running than liquid because my belly expands and i makes me uncomfortable! 🙂
christina cadden says
That tea sounds good right now.
Ann @ Appalachian Appetites says
I love this sentence….”Blended for expedited gastric emptying”
That me me smile 🙂
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) says
It’s so fascinating that you’re able to create the ideal breakfast with all this information. What a wealth of knowledge to have!
Sarah R says
A science lesson in every post! Good luck with the long run and have fun with Matt + Larbs
Jenn (www.j3nn.net) says
I often wonder how you can eat such a small snack before a long run or intense workout! I’d die halfway through LOL. Have a great Sunday, Kath! 😀
Jenn
Kath says
It wasn’t that small! Maybe 400 calorie’s worth of all the food groups!
Heather says
yum I love smoothies! GL on the run.
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
Have a fab run and a great day! I hope your sunken treasure digested in time. Cramps are never fun.
megan says
On the gluconeogenesis issue, your body will turn to adipose tissue to break down fat before it starts to catabolize protein. The idea of using lean muscle as an energy source is really only a problem if the person has extremely low body fat percentage. It is important to have an immediate supply of glucose for your muscles, though, as that is the most bioavailable nutrient that our cells thrive on.
Elizabeth says
The Smoothie looks great! I am having a hard time with the vega, I can’t get it to blend well 🙁 I am still trying though becuase I really want to like it.
Kath says
I’d blame your blender 🙁
Meg @ Be Fit Be Full says
Hope you have a great run! It was a pleasure being able to meet Laura & Matt when they were in Durham on Friday!
Kath says
They really enjoyed meeting you as well!
[email protected] says
Have a good run! I like hearing about all the science behind your food choices 🙂
Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life says
That smoothie looks so simple, but so delicious! I especially love it in the Harpoon I.P.A. glass 😉
Have a good run!
Danielle (Coffee Run) says
Good luck on the long run! I’ve never thought of making a smoothie…I usually go with cereal/fruit (and for some reason, raw breakfasts give me a lot of energy) <– maybe a placebo effect though lol
Jil says
Have a great run! and mmm mm love that maranatha!!
[email protected] says
Sounds like a great breakfast to fuel you up for an awesome run! Can’t wait to hear how the smoothie worked for ya! I’ll need to give that a try!
Michelle @ Give Me the Almond Butter says
I wish I had made a smoothie for my run yesterday, but I was out of pretty much all smoothie-making ingredients.
Good luck on your run today!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is says
Have a fun run! The smoothie looks yummy even with everything sinking. 🙂
Marisa (Loser for Life) says
I’m glad to read this today, Kath! I have been struggling with energy level during my runs. Normally, I can’t eat or I feel sluggish. However, I’m beginning to feel the energy drain without anything in my stomach, too. It worries me since I signed up for my first half in Nov.! If I’m feeling sluggish at 4 miles, I can’t imagine getting to 13!
I’ve had oat smoothies before and liked them. I’ll give them a whirl to see if they help out. Hope it works for you, too! Thanks for the suggestion 🙂
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
I love it when granola sinks to the bottom! It makes for such a fun treasure hunt and surprise at the end.
Run Sarah says
I need to try drinking smoothies pre-run – oatmeal takes quite a while to digest!
Jessica @ The Process of Healing says
That sounds good!! I’ve been on a smoothie kick lately 🙂
[email protected]://stacey-healthylife.blogspot.com/ says
Have a good run. Your smoothie should give you lots of energy for your run.
Leena says
sounds like a great breakfast! i love smoothies, they’re so refreshing! Have a great run!
caronae says
I thought it was just me that liked it when smoothie toppings sink!!! It is so fun to run into them at the bottom of the cup/bowl. Hope you’re having an awesome long run!
Lauren @ eater not a runner says
Love smoothies for run fuel….yum!
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
I never think to blend my breakfast before a run. But I guess that allows for quicker digestion. When I eat cereal I have to wait at least 2 hours.
Katherine says
Awesome pre-run fuel. The quick gastric empty is key for me. I have to avoid high-fiber foods for a full 24 hours before a tough run and I can’t be too full either. Otherwise, the run is toast!
runnerforever says
Hope you had a good run and enjoy the time with your sister and Matt!
Veggielady4life says
Good idea on mixing the tea leaves! Do you make it in your French press just like coffee?
Kath says
No, the tea steeper I mentioned the other morning
Veggielady4life says
Thanks! Found the Tuffy Steeper in the archives! 🙂
Nicole, RD says
That sunken treasure does look rather tasty! Hope the miles went well!