My day was redeemed – with a 9.5 mile run!!!!!!!
Emily + Michelle and I had planned to run together today. Emails were flying through cyberspace around 10:00 questioning whether we could do it (Emily is a wee bit sick and Michelle had a fancy breakfast in bed and I had my hangover).
But we stuck to our 11:30 meet-up time with the attitude “Let’s just see what happens.”
We started out on the greenway in pure muck. Tons and tons of slippery mud. We hoped it would clear up when we got a bit further out. We really have had the worst running conditions since we started our Sunday runs!
However, when we came to the first boardwalk we were greeted by the White Wizard who declared:
YOU SHALL NOT PASS!!
A sheet of ice was over the boardwalk, so we said to hell with the Greenway and headed back out through the parking lot and to the sidewalks of regular streets.
And we ran 9.5 miles!!!!!!!!!! They weren’t fast, and we stopped a handful of times to close gaps between us or tie shoe laces (or walk over a patch of ice) but we made it.
Hard to believe because it was so easy! It took us about 1.5 hours, but the first 7 miles FLEW by. The last 2 was where I started to feel it in my ankles and feet. But my legs and lungs never really got tired. I probably could have ran the whole half marathon right then 🙂
We said our goodbyes back at our cars and I hydrated with a little Clif Quench. I mixed this with a little water in my water bottle. Gotta buy a camelbak or something similar ASAP because I’m really thirsty and can tell I really need to hydrate during these long runs. Which Camelbak would you recommend???
But after finishing this (which tasted AMAZING after 9 miles) I took a swig of Emily‘s homemade orangeade and fell in love. She’s going to be posting the recipe this afternoon!
When I returned home, I knew I wanted to make a SIAB like I did last time.
I had this salad after 8 miles and felt awful.
And then this lunch after my first 9 miles and felt great.
So I repeated the SIAB method.
I got this free sample of hemp protein in the mail so I decided to throw that in
Along with some cocoa powder to replicate Chocolate Amazing Meal. I LOVE the Amazing Grass Amazing Meals not because they make me feel magical or anything but because I love the taste and texture to give to spinach smoothies. I only have one packet left and then I’m going to order a tub!
Sadly, the hemp protein was not as delicious tasting as the A. Meal.
LOVE LOVE my Vita-mix!!
Into the VM:
- 3/4 a frozen banana
- 2/3 cup milk
- 1/2 cup soy milk (had to add more liquid)
- 1/2 a cup pumpkin
- 1/2 tbsp chia seeds
- 1 tsp cocoa powder
- 1 packet hemp protein (the green stuff)
- 2 handfuls baby spinach
Vroom vroom!
You know, these green smoothies look like they’d taste like vegetables. But they are so sweet!! Like banana. Try one.
Topped with the last of some Mix My Granola
I had a side of a slice of Whole Grain Goodness from Great Harvest with Chelsea‘s cranberry jam and Naturally Nutty Vanilla Sunflower Butter
Trust me when I say that this stuff is perhaps THE BEST NUT BUTTER EVER.
It was a gurgly lunch, but filled me right up. Hopefully filled my muscles with replenishing glycogen too!
Afterwards I iced my foot on both sides and watched a Biography on Julia Roberts 🙂
Now I have to clean the kitchen top to bottom and then Matt and I have a date at Barnes + Noble!
Kristen @ Change of Pace says
Awesome job on your run girl! Glad you did so well… A half marathon would be a breeze for ya 🙂
Izzlecanoe says
Get one of these for hydration during your run …..http://www.fuelbelt.com/ They have a variety of sizes, depending on the volume you want. I have a belt that carries 4X 8oz bottles and used it while training for my first marathon last year….I love it. It also as pockets for kleenex and keys, etc. It does not move while you run, fter a while you forget you are wearing it! And you don’t get a sweaty back.
Love your Blog
Izzle
Jamie says
9 miles! Congrats! What a way to spend your valentine’s day! (by making a little extra room for some sweets yay!) And I loooove Julia Roberts; she’s so beautiful, smart, and sophisticated!
Sarah (Running to Slow Things Down) says
I’m in search for a good camelback too (once I recover from this foot injury, that is!) so I’m looking forward to seeing what you come up with. 😀
Great job on such an awesome run! And I bet your body is thanking you for such a wonderful lunch as it refills its glycogen stores.
Karla says
Congratulations!! That’s a huge accomplishment!
Enjoy Barnes and Noble!
Jo @ SeekingHealthyBalance says
Oh I really want a vitamix!
Must try a smoothie in a bowl, I drink them too fast through a straw!
Nicole says
What a great accomplishment! 9.5 miles is impressive. Good on you, Kath! 🙂
Have fun tonight and B&N! Hubs and I go there for a date every weekend. Nerd alert!
Nicole says
*at B&N…not and. Oops!
Allie (Live Laugh Eat) says
There is nothing in the entire world better than a great sweat sesh when you feel icky and a crab monster. So happy for you.
I’ve been meaning to try sunflower butter and now I really want THAT one!
Freya @ foodfitnessandfreya.wordpress.com says
WELL DONE!! Big congrats on the mileage, that’s awesome! You must feel so fab 🙂 Don’t you love that post run glow!?
Baah all this talk of running is making me want to do a long one lol :p I only did my half marathon a week ago :s
Have fun tidying!
christie @ honoring health says
Awesome job on the run!
We went to the book store too. So romantic 😀
Hannah says
I think I’m going to have to think of a way to make my own version of that nut butter. I can’t bear that it’s not available in Australia, when you’re so positive about it!!
Heather (Heather's Dish) says
wow, congrats on the run! 9.5 is great, and the best news is you were strong cardiovascularly! i don’t know the name/model of my Camelback, but it’s really small and has a single clip across the chest…it’s great for hiking (doesn’t bounce or anything) and i bet it’d be good for running 🙂
D says
I’ve been following your blog for such a long time now, and it occurred to me that (I don’t think…) you’ve ever tried out vegan/raw/etc. challenges or gone through any significant phases. I think that’s really interesting, especially when there are so many fads that go through the blogs. What are your feelings on different trends? Do you ever think you’ll have a shift in your dietary views, or are you comfortable with what works for you now? I’m really curious! Awesome run as well, congrats!
Kath says
D,
I just don’t believe in cutting out healthy food groups or making “rules” for eating. Life has got to be flexible!!! That doesn’t mean I don’t have goals for my own eating, but I’m not going to label things into a category or challenge. Eating should be about pleasure – not restriction!
lynn (The Actors Diet) says
i’ve never had naturally nutty, but i am always on the hunt for the best nut butter ever!
Ameena says
Great job on your run! I can’t wait to try this nut butter now that you’ve said it was the best ever. And you have tried so many! I don’t take that lightly. 🙂
candice says
Such beautiful pictures. 🙂 Sunflower seed butter = my favorite nut butter, and that sounds DELICIOUS. I will attempt to replicate that at home. 😀 Congrats on your run!
Meg @ Be Fit Be Full says
What a great run! I agree with Izzlecanoe – the fuel belts are great. Have you tried using one before? You don’t even notice they’re there!
Kath says
Someone told me in a post a few weeks ago that they bounce around and ride up!
izzlecanoe says
I think fit is important, the one I have is quite tight so that it does not bounce at all. as for riding up, it depends where you try to wear it. As far as I know, for a girl, it should fit on the lower part of your waist, NOT around your hips. If you try to put it around your hips, it will ride up. As I say I love mine.. and it got me through marathon training last year……..but see if someone will let you try one before buying.
Izzle
Jackie says
My friend just mentioned the “Vitamix” today. How is it different than a regular blender?
Kath says
It’s just super powerful and spins like no other blender does so food is really well blended and almost fluffy with air. It has other cool perks, but that’s the biggest.
Jenn @ Livewellfit says
You guys are too much fun!
I am so secretly jealous of that VM…must get me one one of these days!!!
Lauren says
I absolutely hate drinking because it ruins my run for the next day. Way to power through it!
Niki @ Niki's Neverending Adventure says
Great run girl!! Must be nice to have friends to do your long runs with! Wish I had that 🙂 I have been slacking on my long runs due mostly to weather but I need to get on them! My half will be here before I know it!! (March 21st) I own a fuel belt and a handheld water bottle and am not fans of either. The fuel belt moves around a lot and sloshes and the handheld just gets on my nerves to carry!! I’ve never considered a Camelbak because they just don’t seem comfortable to use while running. Would love to hear more feedback on this! So now I just settle for looping back to my car every so often for water stops. It works well for me!
Erin (Travel, Eat, Repeat) says
That’s awesome — you’re going to kick this half-marathon’s booty! 😀
Whitney says
I used this handheld http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Quickdraw-Handheld-22-Ounce-Carrier/dp/B000NHLHU2 and I love it.
Stef says
barnes and noble is my idea of the perfect date :). nice work on the run! so funny about the White Wizard!
Cynthia (It All Changes) says
When I start longer runs I’m going to take your advice and do smoothie in a bowl to replenish.
I’ve heard that water bottle belts are great and don’t bounce too much.
The Brunette says
I went to my local Great Harvest last week (my first expeience ever with GH), and all I could think about was KathEats! Got a hummus sandwich on Dakota bread, and it was DELICIOUS. I wasn’t planning on getting anything else, but when I saw Savannah bars at the chekout, I knew I needed to bring one home; I’ve hear you rave about them too many times to let the opportunity pass. I’ll definitely be heading back soon for a whole loaf of something. Congratulations on getting the OK to open your own GH soon!
Kath says
Awesome!!
Heather says
I really want to try one of your green smoothies, but I am terrified of them! I do not like spinach so it makes me nervous!!
Becky says
So often a good run is just what the doctor ordered!
Rachel says
I am glad the run perked you up! I must say though, as much as you rave about the SIABs, I still can’t get over the color. It seems like it would taste like pureed spinach. I don’t have a blender, so I guess it is a mute point right now. I’ll just have to take your word for it that they are good 🙂
Kath says
I SWEAR it doesn’t taste like vegetables at ALL!!!!
Cole says
Great job on the run!
Susan says
I’ve been coveting a Vita Mix for ages and your SIAB’s are making me want one NOW! What a budget-buster tho!
B and N is our fav family hangout! Have fun!
Ashley says
LOVELY green SIAB….mmmmmmm We are having a fun day filled with food..I only wish my day included a 9m run!! I think I screwed up my feet on the treadmill the other day 🙁 completely bummed.
AnnQ says
Hemp Protein definitely rocks! 🙂
bridget says
I LOVE YOU and your blogs – you are such an inspiration! OK – you’ve convinced me to try SIAB … and I am training for a marathon but only did 4 today …. so I keep thinking – Kath is running more! So I just wanted to give you props … I’m enjoying the chocolate amazing food that I saw on your blog … yum yum with my banana protein shake in the morning … that goes with my bowl of grains or oats … will try to do a SIAB in the coming week
Kath says
Awesome! Let me know how you like it!
Jessie says
Haha! Gollum gollum …
Camelbaks are pretty uncomfortable, unless you’re used to sweating it out with a backpack. I like this thing:
http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3519293&CAWELAID=345494462
Dorky, but arm-pumping. Can stash them en-route for long runs, too.
Happy V-Day!
Wendy says
I have an Amphipod handheld water bottle that I use for long runs & for warmer weather. It has a nice little pocket on the hand strap, and fits tight enough that I don’t have to really grip it while I run – it stays put with my hand relaxed. My only complaint about it is that the heat from my hand warms it up pretty quickly.
I’m curious to see what you do for on-the-run nutrients now that you’re getting up over 1.5 hours. I’ve always used Gu gels, but they make my stomach feel all sloshy and make me really thirsty!
Great job on the 9.5 miles!!! I love basking in that post-long-run feeling of accomplishment!
Ally (Exercise and Pies) says
impressive run! I ran cross country in high school but overtraining injuries keep me from running these days… it’s sad because running is such an amazing hobby/sport
Food Makes Fun Fuel says
I hope Katie sent you the pepita sun butter to sample! That is my favorite 🙂
Marianne says
Good job on the run! Those greenways can get quite soggy up there! I run at the McAlpine Creek one at Christmas when I visit my parents. I had my longest run ever today (14 miles) and then had a giant smoothie in a bowel too. With tons of cereal mixed in and some AB on top! Course I don’t have the lovely vitamix…I have to use both the food processor and my cheapo blender to get it how I like it! Maybe one day i too will have the highly coveted vitamix!! A girl can dream!
Kath says
“Smoothie in a bowel” – hahahahhah!!!
eef says
Wow, great job running so far! I have a camelback but it’s definitely bulkier than you would want for running (I got mine for hiking and biking and carrying an extra jacket), but they do make smaller ones that I think would work. Your best bet would be to go and try some on. Jump around a lot with one on your back. =] Mine doesn’t move too much, and I *can* run with it, but it’s more than you would need (and I haven’t run as far as you do). I do love my camelback though! =]
Tara says
Kath, I was at Cosco yesterday and there was a Vitamix demo there. He made a spinach+banana+milk+vanilla+honey+ PISTACHIO PUDDING MIX smoothie. The pistachio in it tasted un-freaking-real. You just HAVE to try it!!!
Kath says
Not sure if I’d like the ingredients in a pudding mix, but I bet it can be easily replicated!
Tara says
Hmmm, how? So I am assuming you are worried about health??? I wonder, do you think that just ground up pistaccios could do it as well?
Kristina says
I tend to prefer a fuel belt to camelbacks. I have the terminator – 6 bottles – which I have never used all six at once but it is very light and in the cold can fit underneath a vest. There is a pocket too to hold keys, ipod, etc. http://www.fuelbelt.com.
Congrats on an awesome run!
Marianne says
Bowel….Typo!! although it seems fitting given all the fiber!!
RED says
I highly recommend the company Nathan. They make a really nice belt with four 10 oz flasks. I had a small camelbak that fit around my waist once and I ultimately ended up throwing it away. I don’t know if it was just a defect item, but I had to tighten it up sooooo tight so that it wouldn’t leak I couldn’t even get it undone. And then usually it would still leak. I highly recommend Nathan. I’ve gone on long runs and forgotten that I’m even wearing it.
Carolyn says
They were doing a VitaMix demo at Costco yesterday. Almost $400!! Ah!!
Scott says
Hi Kath, I think the best Camelbak for you for running would either be the Racebak which is a sleeveless shirt with a bladder integrated into the shirt, or the Annadel which is a small, slim profile, lightweight pack.
The other option, which I’m not a fan of but I know many people are, drive your route before you leave and plant a few water bottles along the way. Just remember to go back for them when your done!