Power-Packed Foods for Runners

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I have decided to run a half marathon (anybody want to join me?).  The race I want to do is in June, so I have about 3 months to train and prepare my body for it.  I am super excited.  I live in the mountains- they are literally in my backyard.  This race goes just down the canyon by my house- which is breathtaking.  It should be a fun race!

I have been running off and on for a few years now.  When I was younger I always hated running.  Then, as an adult I decided to try it a little as I walked and pushed my kids in the stroller.  I started liking it more and more.  My husband really encouraged me and helped me out in the beginning.  He taught me a few things to help me along as I was learning.  We ran a 5k together.  I was so excited to have done a race!  I ran the whole thing!

The following year, I ran my first half marathon.  I was running 4-5 days a week and just pushing myself.  I didn't know how far I was really going- just had about 45 minutes to get my run done. When I started tracking my runs and saw how far I was going I was running about 5 miles each day.  I had no idea.  So, I decided to push myself a little more and do longer runs on the weekend. It's always a real challenge but is so empowering to know how far you have gone. 

Each time I have a baby, I have to start over in my training.  It's never easy to start again.  My youngest is one now and I am finally getting going again. I decided I am going to run another one.  I like how running helps me feel stronger.  It makes my body feel so good!

So what does all of this have to do with food, you ask?  :)   Well, the food I eat when I am running regularly needs to really fuel my body.  It needs to strengthen me and "do my body good".  When I make a commitment to myself that I am going to train for a race, I know that also means I am going to eat better.  I want to share some great foods to help fuel your body.  Things to give you energy.

Often after a hard workout, I love to make eggs  or smoothies for breakfast.  I like my eggs packed with veggies.  I make a little concoction that I call Rainbow Eggs.  I dice up as many different veggies as I can find to throw into my eggs. This makes for a super healthy, power-packed breakfast.  Here is my favorite combo:



Rainbow Eggs

2 diced green onions
1/4 diced bell pepper
handful of spinach, chopped
1/2 tomato diced
grated Colby-jack cheese/ or crumbled feta- both are really good in it
3 stems of chopped cilantro
1 egg
salt and pepper

First I saute the onion and pepper in a tiny bit of olive oil until they are softened.  Then I add in the egg, tomato, spinach, salt, pepper, and cilantro.  Scramble and cook until the egg is cooked through. Add in cheese just before serving.  I like using the Colby-jack cheese because it kinda holds it all together, but feta gives a great flavor.

I serve it all with a hearty piece of wheat toast. 


Here are a couple of other nutrition-packed foods to help your body be strong & healthy:

Protein-Packed Salads:
These are great for a healthy lunch or dinner  These salads are very high in nutrition & have protein to help with muscle repair. 






 Healthy Snack Ideas:






Want to start running (or walking)?  Take charge & get moving this year. You deserve to be healthy! Want to train for your own race, or join me in mine?  Here is the training schedule I am using for my half marathon:

12-Week Training Schedule


Mon Tue Wed Thu Fri Sat Sun
Week 1 3 miles off 3 miles 3 miles 3 miles 4 miles off
Week 2 3 miles off 4 miles 3 miles 3 miles 4 miles off
Week 3 3 miles off 4 miles 3 miles 3 miles 5 miles off
Week 4 3 miles off 5 miles 3 miles 3 miles 6 miles off
Week 5 4 miles off 5 miles 4 miles 3 miles 7 miles off
Week 6 4 miles off 4 miles 4 miles 4 miles 8 miles off
Week 7 4 miles off 6 miles 4 miles 4 miles 9 miles off
Week 8 4 miles off 6 miles 4 miles 4 miles 10 miles off
Week 9 4 miles off 6 miles 4 miles 3 miles 11 miles off
Week 10 4 miles off 5 miles 4 miles 4 miles 12 miles off
Week 11 4 miles off 5 miles 4 miles 3 miles 6 miles off
Week 12 3 miles off 5 miles 3 miles 2 miles RACE:
13.1 miles!
Sleep...




Comments

Anonymous said…
I'm actually really low on iron and 8 months pregnant so my doctor gave me pills and asked to eat more iron in my diet.
This recipe is great! I love the idea of adding spinach. It sounds really delicious. I think even my husband would eat that :)
My daughter loves to run. Not only does she do marathons, but she is also a triathlete. She loves to swim and bike. Thanks for linking up. I hope you'll be back next week to link-up again.

Sandy
Cherished Handmade Treasures
Kiersten said…
Hey Karyn, I just signed myself up for a 5k which seems pretty puny compared to your half marathon, but maybe one day i can build up to it! I am excited to try some of these recipes though as I am training for my race! Good luck with the half marathon!!
Neverland Nook said…
Thanks for the invite to your linky party and I'm glad I got to see your site.. I love to run and need to get back in tip top shape as I am coaching a Girls On The Run team! I'm going to start your training schedule tomorrow! Thank you!!!
This looks delicious! Great job on your running too! Thanks so much for sharing at Mix it up Monday! I hope you'll stop back soon :)
Adrienne said…
Thanks for sharing this at Allergy Free Wednesdays! Hope to see you next week!
Anne said…
This all sounds so delicious. Thanks for sharing at Healthy 2Day Wednesday; come back tomorrow and see if you were featured!