Run run running...

 
December through to March is marathon and triathalon season. A mad time of year, where a lot of my friends decide to get into their sneak-dogs, pop in the head phones and train for 1-2 hours a day. Due to the high levels of energy required to get this fit, they often ask about what kind of snacks will keep them going and help recovery.



So, this is a post dedicated to my 'athlete' friends - all you crazy ones doing the Geelong long course this weekend (esp GFR and J).

Me, I'm just good at running late - but find that these snacks are quite nutritious for that kind of 'training' also!

So, here are some speedy snacks to help with your recovery next week and to get you ready for the lead up to your next race.

Recovery smoothy: The perfect post ride pick me up

• 1 banana
• 1 cup of berries
• 1/2 cup of water or milk or yoghurt
• 1/2 an avocado or 1 tsp of almond oil or coconut oil
• 1 tsp of chia seeds
• a spoonful of honey

Blend til smooth. 

Peanut butter and honey sandwich: the easiest takeaway pre or post train snack

Mexican running bean muesli: munch on a handful on the way to your next swim sess

• ½ cup  Coconut Oil  
• 1/2 cup of honey
• 2 cups Rolled Oats
• ½ cup Almonds
• ½ cup Pumpkin seeds 
• ¼ cup  Chia Seeds (mexican running beans)
• ¼ cup Raisins (or dried fruit of your choice)
• ¼ cup  Coconut – Fine Shred
• ½ Vanilla Bean Inside of the bean scraped into the mixture (you can also chop the bean up small after you scrape it and add to the mix or use 1 teaspoon vanilla extract)
• ½ tsp Cinnamon Ground
• ½ tsp Nutmeg Ground
• pinch Sea Salt
• (naturopaths add a scoop of maca) 

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit. Grease a large baking tray or line with parchment paper.
2. In a large bowl, mix together oil, syrups, maca root, vanilla and spices until blended. Add in oats, nuts and seeds and mix until well coated (you can add coconut flakes too if you like them toasted). It's okay if some of the oats clump together—these will make nice clusters common in granola.
3. Spread the mixture onto your baking pan as evenly as you can. The less even you spread it, the more likely it will be for some areas to burn while others aren't done, so do your best!
4. Bake 20-30 minutes or until it starts to brown lightly. Carefully "stir" the mixture once during the baking if you can, as well.
5. When done, remove from oven and let cool. In a large bowl, mix your dried fruits and coconut flakes. Add cooled oat mixture to the fruits and mix thoroughly. Store in an airtight container. Serve with nondairy milk and your favorite fresh fruit. Enjoy!

Good luck everyone and see you out there - I'll be on the side lines 'spectathaleting' x