I RAN A MARATHON!
Not really, of course
But that’s how good I feel about the fact that I got up first thing this morning and went for a 5 mile run!!!!
I know, those of you who exercise first thing everyday are probably majorly rolling your eyes. But gosh it’s hard for me to workout first thing these days. In the next few weeks life is going to be really busy, so morning works make the most sense. I am so used to rolling out of bed for breakfast. Today I rolled out, put on my gear, ate date and hit the cool morning sunshine. It was a glorious run, beautiful weather, able legs, and I’m so glad I did it!!
A smoothie followed!
Tropical Oat Smoothie
- 1/3 cup raw rolled oats
- 1 cup pineapple
- 1/3 cup sliced frozen banana
- 1/3 cup plain low-fat yogurt
- 1/3 cup milk
- 1 tbsp chia seeds
- Pinch salt
Toppings: FANNEtastic Oat Puff ball + coconut butter + Honey Crunch PB
My coconut butter, which I put in my pot of hot water from my tea, melted beautifully in this spring weather and then hardened into the first magic shell of the year!
I call this Buddha bowl [a former OpenSky promotion] my vampire bowl because if you’re not careful, smoothie will come out of the chopstick holes!
This morning I had some Light of Life tea – Mitten Mint Tea – that I got as a sample with our bakery’s tea order.
It was STRONG mint with hints of vanilla and I LOVED it!!! Need to get my hands on some more!
Have a marathon of a day!
Mary Frances says
Just a thought… Assuming both you and Matt will initially be at the bakery 16 plus hours a day from start to finish until it becomes a well oiled machine; if you start today going to bed 10 minutes earlier and getting up in the morning 10 minutes earlier each day until opening, you will be just over one hour earlier per week. That way you will already be on bakery time by the time it opens, and you will not be as sleep deprived when you will especially need your ‘A game’ . What, will you have to get up at 2:26 a.m. or something? 🙂
KathEats says
A nice idea, but neither of us are going to be doing the early production shift!
Anna @ Newlywed, Newly Veg says
There really is no better way to get a day started than with a great workout!!
Samantha Angela says
I definitely exercise best in the early afternoon.
Estela @ Weekly Bite says
Oh how I miss those early morning runs! I think I just miss running in general 😉 Can’t wait to get back into it after baby #2 is born 🙂
p.s. gorgeous smoothie!
Anastasia says
Working out in the mornings make me feel incredible, yet I have the hardest time getting up to do it!
Kate (What Kate is Cooking) says
There’s nothing better than gettting a workout done with first thing in the morning! I used to all the time, but now I’m used to having breakfast and going to school.
Angela @ Eat Spin Run Repeat says
Welcome to the early morning runners club!! Doesn’t it feel great? I have a roommate who, when she moved in, thought I was crazy for getting up so early to go to the gym. 6 months later, she’s doing it herself!! Have a wonderful day Kath!
Kayla says
Lately, it has been a challenge for me to work out first thing in the morning. But on days that I do that, I feel like a million dollars:) The smoothie looks amazingpants. I should try to include oats in my smoothies too!
Lenna says
I love pineapple in my oats, tastes like summer:)
Lisa Fine says
Yay for tropical smoothies! Mango has been making an appearance in my smoothies this week, which is just lovely.
I sometimes wonder what it’d be like to actually live in the tropics, and get to make smoothies with all kinds of fun & fresh fruit…papaya, dragonfruit, mangosteen, passionfruit. Yum.
Pat Kilmain says
We spent several weeks in Hawaii this winter, with a papaya tree right outside. I’m here to tell you that your digestive system does not want papaya every day. 🙂
Baking Books says
I was wondering about that! “They” (whoever they are) say that pineapple and papayas are supposed to be good for digestion – but I thought that was weird…
KathEats says
Pineapple and papaya have enzymes…they help break down amino acids – read here! http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Papain
Maja says
I lived in West Africa for over 2 years and had pineapple every single day ! It was amazing ! Never had any issues.
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
I have been putting pineapple in everything lately! They really taste amazing in oats, don’t they?!
Baking Books says
Do you chop it up really fine or in chunks?
Cait @ Beyond Bananas says
I keep it in chunks. I use frozen pineapple. If I am eating them hot, I add them into the mix about 2 minutes before I am planning on taking the oats off the heat. They break apart due to the heat.
If I am overnighting my oats, I put a layer of pineapple in the bottom of the container and put the oats over it. By morning, they have come apart into smaller pieces.
Susan (Oliepants) says
I love that my coconut butter is coming out of its frozen winter state and back into my usable state without the use of a microwave. Love adding it to my oats or dough boy smoothies like you! 🙂
stacey (the home-cooked vegan) says
Yay! I love early morning workouts! Go you 🙂
Does a two mile run and an hour of yoga count as a marathon day? Hehe 🙂 Happy Wednesday!
AShley says
Oooh, still love that mug!!! I coconut buttered my breakfast too…melted though! 🙂
Janelle says
I’m not good at working out first thing in the morning either, but today I did yoga before work. Then I ate overnight oats inspired by your breakfast yesterday. I think that overnight oats will become a summer staple for me! YUM!
J3nn (Jenn's Menu and Lifestyle Blog) says
I love that green cup! So pretty.
sarah (sarah learns) says
i love that buddha bowl! you used to use it all the time when i first started reading. 🙂 it made me happy to see it return this morning!
Khushboo says
That’s what a run does to ya! I always feel like a million bucks after a morning workout!
Maria says
hiya – guess what I just did – getting up early to run, oh yeah, it is so hard to do! but it feels awesome…so, be proud of you, and, the smoothie looks delicious. ( :
Marina says
I love working out in the morning, but that can’t happen during the week. All my lectures start at 8am, and last till 4,5pm. So I actually have no time or energy for exercising 🙁
Can’t wait for summer to finally run my legs off 🙂
Chelsea says
Its funny how sometimes y a run can bea easy peasy and then others it can own you and feellike a marathon! Sounds like a yummy smoothie!
Angela (Oh She Glows) says
Is it weird that I just got a flashback when your smoothie poured out of the holes in that bowl? haha I loved that pic. And I love that bowl!
Kim @ Spoonful of Sass says
Kudos for getting in such a great workout this morning! I’m trying so hard to start working out in the mornings, but haven’t been successful yet. In my head it makes the most sense, but when I’m snuggled in my bed, it just doesn’t seem to happen!
Laura Jane says
On the rare occasions that I work out first thing in the morning, I also feel like I’ve run a marathon! I am just not awake enough first thing and when I try my workouts go horribly. I have to be a wake for at least an hour.
Felicia (a taste of health with balance) says
eee! i want that bowl!
Hope says
I love this tropical smoothie! Bananas and pineapple, yum! That bowl is awesome! I really like it’s different shape! 🙂
Katie @ Nourishing Flourishing says
I love having my workout done early, just because it starts the day with endorphins — but I must confess, I too would much rather have a leisurely breakfast than go hit the pavement first thing. There’s something about having a slow, quiet first hour in the day. If someone is rolling their eyes, that’s crazy — I applaud you for not only doing your workout first, but also for running 5 miles! Nice job! 🙂
DLAOKC says
Early morning is MY time… Nothing interferes. I’m 55, and I guess it’s been my habit for 35 years now! Sigh…
Amanda says
This smoothie looks wonderful! I might try making it tomorrow morning and adding some mango that I bought a few days ago! 🙂
Melissa says
My my those oats look fantastic! Never thought to put pineapple in them before! I’ll bet some toasted coconut on top would be delish!
Jess (Sweet Potato) says
Working out in the morning always makes me excited for the day!
Cait's Plate says
I ran 5 miles after work yesterday and had the same jubilation that you felt this morning! There’s nothing better than feeling accomplished right off the bat!
Enjoy your day 🙂
Namaste Gurl says
No run for me– good job 🙂
Grace says
That’s exactly how I feel after my 5 mile run! I feel amazing and powerful. I hope to one day build up to a full marathon though!
I LOVE your green bowl. It is so unique!
VeggieGirl says
GREAT job on the run!!!!
Doc (The Healthy PhD) says
I also have a hard time convincing myself to workout in the morning…but the weather is getting hotter, so I’m going to have to start again soon!
Natalia - a side of simple says
Too funny that you sorta brought this up because I was going to ask if you could give me the link to your workout plan/schedule when you were interning and going to school for those crazy hours during the summer. I wasn’t able to find it myself but if it wouldn’t take you long to pull it up I would totally appreciate it! I’m trying to plan for this summer because it’s looking to be a crazy busy one and I want to fit in exercise!
KathEats says
Hey Natalia,
I don’t have any workout plan from that time – I did a lot of 5AM workouts and some afternoon squeeze-ins. If you look through posts from June-July 2008 you can see what life was like then. And my internship was January – July of 2010.
Natalia - a side of simple says
Thanks, Kath! I’ll give them a look.
Ashley @ Feeding Ashley says
That is a very interesting bowl. Great job on the run!
Tracy says
I googled your description of the mint tea with no results. I’m on the hunt for a good mint tea. What company makes it?
KathEats says
Sorry – it’s Light of DAY tea!!!!
Here’s the one I had: http://shop.lightofdayorganics.com/Mitten-time-Mint-Large-Tin-or-Refill-Bag-Mitten-time-Mint-Lgtin-refill.htm?categoryId=-1
Tracy says
Thank you!!
Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen says
I’m excited that it is finally light enough (and warm enough) for me to run OUTSIDE first thing in the morning! I used to be a treadmill junkie until I ran outside with a friend. I definitely fell in love with it and have been dreading the treadmill. Being outside is so much more interesting and motivating.
Krissy @ Shiawase Life says
Totally jealous! i wish i could run outside in the morning before work, but 5:30 is still too dark for me to feel safe to run.
Jo @ Jo In the Kitchen says
I have a headlamp 🙂
As long as the sidewalks aren’t icy, it’s not that bad. My town has a large population of early morning runners, so I don’t have to worry too much about being on the street alone in the dark.
Krissy @ Shiawase Life says
That’s cool! If I lived more ‘in town’ I’d probably consider it, but I am in the more industrial area with highway and no crosswalks – but that headlamp sounds totally amazing!! =D
Danielle @ weightsandmeasures says
I struggle to get up early if I am going for a run. But, if I am going to a 5:45 Body Pump class, it is much easier for me to get up! I kind of love BP that much.
Molly says
Love your bowl! Every bowl should have spoon holder.
chelsey @ clean eating chelsey says
Woohoo! Go you for getting up and running early this morning!
Sarah@The Flying ONION says
I’m definitely a morning worker outer. Although I definitely have to eat breakfast first, otherwise my legs feel like lead. Which is a shame, because it would be so nice to be able to enjoy breakfast post-run. 😀
Great job on the 5 mile run!! 😀
Caroline @ French Ponytail says
I have SUCH a big morning problem too. I work like 50+ hours a week, so morning’s really the only feasible time to run other than weekends. But it’s tough – for instance, this morning I rolled over and chose an extra hour of sleep over my planned 4-mile run. I kind of hoped it was raining so that I’d have an excuse after-the-fact, but no such luck.
Sarena (The Non-Dairy Queen) says
I’m glad you had a great run this morning. It definitely sets the tone for the day! The smoothie looks delicious. I hope the rest of your day goes well!
Jessica @ Dishin' About Nutrition says
Your pics are always so pretty! 🙂
Jen says
I always feel like a rockstar when I work out in the morning! It’s just getting started that holds me up…and keeps me in bed :/.
Lea @ Healthy Coconut says
I definitely enjoy the benefits of working out first thing in the morning, I love running when everyone is still sleeping and the streets are quiet. It is so peaceful.
I don’t do it too often because I usually take class at the gym, but when I do, I’m reminded that I need to do it at least once a week
Justeen @ Blissful Baking says
The tropical smoothie looks great – that’s what I’m planning to have for my post workout snack this afternoon!
Allison @ Happy Tales says
Oh my goodness when I read that first line of “I ran a marathon!” I was like “whaaaat no way!” I just ran my first marathon this past weekend, so I was thinking I must be WAY out of the loop if i missed talk about that from you. But good for you for running 5 miles in the early AM! It’s definitely hard to drag yourself out of a cozy bed, but don’t you just feel so great afterwards?!
Karen says
Rarely does anything interfere with my first thing in morning sweat session – always has been my prime time for exercising and sets up my day on a positive note. I simply lose interest as the day wears on.
Good going this morning, Kath!
Ellie@fitforthesoul says
you know what? with just this one post, you inspired to at least TRY to go out for a run early in the morning!! why not? (well usually I’m half awake b/c i’m a night owl these days, and almost finishing school) BUT!! I’ll give it a try! thanks Kath 😉
KathEats says
Woo! Go you!
Katie says
I drool over most of your oats and smoothies—but I’m allergic to bananas!
Am I going to seriously lack texture by eliminating the frozen banana, or should I just add more oats?
Averie (LoveVeggiesAndYoga) says
Working out in the morning is NOT my natural inclination. AT ALL. But sometimes I have to force myself just to get out the door and get going or workouts get lost in the shuffle and I am usually happy once I start..it’s just that initial push an oomph to do it 🙂
The tropics. I’m there in 10 days. Can’t wait! 🙂
Emily @ Savory and Savage says
Lol, love the vampire bowl 🙂
This may be a silly question – but I am going to try freezing some bananas for smoothies and I am wondering: Do you peel them, chop them up THEN freeze them? Or do you freeze them whole and in the skin?
Casey says
Emily–I wondered this for a long time too so I hope this helps. 🙂 I peel them, then chop them up, put them in plastic baggies, and store in the freezer. One time I threw a whole peeled one in the freezer and then wondered why I couldn’t unpeel it. Haha.
Mary Frances says
Being unsure myself, I did a side by side test and sliced some into bite size pieces and some I just cut the banana in half or thirds depending on how big it was. Actually, if you are going to have them in the freezer for more than a couple of weeks, you might be better with the bigger pieces. Over time, the smaller slices can accumulate more ice crystals and dry the fruit out which did not happen to the bigger pieces I had stored right next to the small slices. Also, the vita-mix easily chomps right through the (half or third) of banana. Another good thing (if you have room in your freezer) is to place them on a cookie sheet after peel/slice until frozen and then package in bag or container in freezer. That way, they are not stuck together when you retrieve the portion you want. Previously, I had picked up a lot of bananas at 5 pounds for a dollar knowing I could freeze them for Banana soft serve and smoothies, etc. Worked great because I did most of them in big pieces.
KathEats says
Yup!! Always peel first or you’ll never get the peel off! You don’t have to chop first, but it is easier on the blender
Lee says
Actually, you can peel frozen bananas. I scrape the peel off with a spoon — like peeling ginger. The only downside is that your fingers freeze! I find freezing bananas whole maintains the quality better — the peel is a natural barrier to freezer burn.
Marieke says
I thought the peeled pieces would brown quicker, I just freeze the banana whole with peel. Once you take them out of the freezer if you just leave them out for 10 minutes they are easy to peel then. I cut them in half and then use a knife to slice from top to bottom. But, if you can freeze them peeled in pieces that might make it much easier!
Angel7 says
The smoothie sounds yummy!
The Mitten Mint Tea sounds great! I love tea either hot or cold, preferably cold, though!
http://faithfulsolutions.blogspot.com/
Joanne says
Good job on the run. Bet it set up your day for getting a lot done.
Don’t you love those bowls?! I have a white and maroon one. The other night, they worked out beautifully for Asian Noodle Salad.
Laura @ Sprint 2 the Table says
Cool bowl! I think you should make a video of yourself trying to eat those oats with chopsticks. 🙂
Mary @ Bites and Bliss says
I always feel so much better after exercising no matter how hard it was for me to get going beforehand!!
Jenny (Fit Girl Foodie) says
Love the tropical oats, look delish. Great job on the run! A good workout always gets me going
Elena @ GagaForGrapefruit says
I totally wish I wasn’t allergic to pineapple, cause that breakfast looks AMAZING!
Abby says
That bowl is so fun! I love all of your dishes! So unique! 🙂
Brandee says
This post inspired me to head for a morning run (it’s still early morning time here in Korea). And I love all the smoothie recipes. I can’t wait to try them!
Emma (Namaste Everyday) says
I am an early-morning runner, but I can never find the perfect fuel that won’t give me cramps! Dates seem to work for a lot of people in the blog world, but I live in New Zealand and haven’t been able to find them in the grocery stores. Am I looking in the right places? Where are they usually?
KathEats says
Mine are loose near the tropical fruits
Kat @ Cupcake Kat says
That smoothie sounds so good. How do you think of these deliicous recipes?!
Hannah says
Love love love pineapple! And you’re right, such a combo does scream tropical 🙂