Mornin‘! I am so excited to see how many of you are interested in winning Caitlin’s awesome book! If you haven’t entered yet, there’s still time! Click here to enter!
Since I got sick last week and missed a day of Couch to 5K training, I’m having to make it up this week, which means waking up at 6:30 each morning to hit the pavement. I’m a little scared to admit I might be enjoying it. Well, not when the alarm goes off…. because then I want to hurl my iPhone (AKA, my alarm) at the wall and snuggle back under the covers as it shatters into a million pieces. But afterwards, I feel awesome. 🙂
Today pushed me. The session was a little longer (32 minutes instead of 28) and it involved more running and less walking. There were 2 segments of 5 minute jogs thrown in, and although I jogged the whole time, I had to push. All you runners out there may be giggling at me ::hello insecurity… nice of you to pop up and say hello::, but this C25K is pushing me… and I like it!
By the time I got home I felt a little woozy and weak. I haven’t been eating before I head out in the mornings, which is 100% against what I tell others to do. But I get cramps if I eat within an hour of running, and I don’t want to have to wake up an earlier (mostly because I don’t think my body would be capable of waking up any earlier ;)).
OK runners… I need your help… any tips?!
The good news it that I made a refueling smoothie that could easily put any Smoothie King smoothie to SHAME.
1 handful frozen, mixed, organic berries
1/2 frozen banana
giant handful of organic spinach
1 scoop whey protein powder-vanilla
1 scoop of flax seeds
‘enough’ skim organic milk to make it blend
Possibly the best smoothie I have ever made. Boy, did it hit the spot!!
Speaking of delicious recipes, I made a new soup last night that rocked my face off. Yes, I know it is still 100 degrees out, but I am SO ready for soups that I decided to ignore that fact. I cranked the AC to cool off the inside (Shhhh! Don’t tell Hubbs 😉) and got to chopping!
Ballin’ Black Bean Soup
-slightly modified from Good Housekeeping-
I chopped up:
- 2 medium carrots, chopped
- 2 clove(s) garlic, finely chopped
- 1 large (10- to 12-ounce) onion, chopped
- 1 medium (4- to 6-ounce) red pepper, chopped
- 3-4 stalks of celery
Then I added all the veggies to a saucepan with 1 Tbsp of olive oil and let them cook on medium-high until soft (about 10-15 minutes)
I reduced the heat to low, then I added:
2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
sprinkle of kosher salt
2 c water
2 cans black beans (drained & rinsed)
1 can (14 oz) of chicken broth (reduced sodium)
Let it cook on low for about 15 minutes, so the flavors can blend.
***Close your eyes for a second a deeply inhale… YUMMMmmm***
Ok, back to the recipe. Scoop out 3 cups of the soup and place in blender.
Take the center out of the top to allow the steam to escape
then, puree away!
Add the puree back into the pot with the rest of the soup and stir to mix. Then stir in 1/4 c chopped cilantro and 1 Tbsp of fresh lime juice.
Serve it UP!
Not only is the soup DELICIOUS, check out it’s nutrition facts:
Per Serving (whole pot makes 6 servings)
165 calories
3 g fat
33 g carbs
9 g protein
And it is filling! I topped mine with light sour cream and a cilantro sprig to make it pretty.
Don’t forget to enter to win a copy of Operation Beautiful!
Questions of the day: do you exercise in the morning? If so, do you eat prior? Any tips for this wanna-be runner? 🙂
tanyasDailyProductReviews says
I exercise in the am….coffee first!
your bean soup looks so good!
If you have the time to visit my blog there is a link to my other website…that I’m in the process of writing a book..and any comment will be put into the book…appreciate it if you stop by , thanks!
Lisa @ I'm an Okie says
I eat sometimes before I Workout–just depends on if Im hungry–but it usually doesnt upset my stomach so I have no real words of wisdom for you!
I do know that the C25k is a GREAT plan! I did it and loved it.
Rachel says
That soup looks delicious. I can’t bring myself to make it in this heat so kudos to you, but I will definitely keep it in mind when it gets cooler out… you know, like 85 or something 😉
Nichole says
Seriously, if I was a bean, I would be a black bean. WOW, that recipes looks fantastic. And nice smoothie.
I am SO proud of you for getting out there and doing it – great work!! It’s OK and perf normally to cramp up. I would suggest having a small glass of orange juice and perhaps 1/2 a granola bar. You aren’t going to be out enough to need serious fuel, and the OJ gives you a nice burst of energy from the natural sugars.
homecookedem says
What a delicious black bean soup recipe!! And so healthy too!!
I don’t workout in the mornings anymore, but when I used to run, I would run first thing. I didn’t usually eat anything before, but sometimes I needed to. In those cases I would eat a banana with PB or a kashi granola bar and banana. Actually the kashi granola bar + banana was the combo I ate all while training for my half marathons. I was always amazed at how well those kept me fueled.
Sara @ Nourish and Flourish says
Oooh, black bean soup is one of my favorites! It’s so satisfying and packs a good vegetarian protein punch! Thanks for the recipe!
I almost always eat breakfast before I workout in the morning. I find that my energy is severely lacking if I don’t! However, if I want to squeeze in a super early session, I’ll grab a banana or for some quick, easy-to-digest energy. I find that relatively simple carbs don’t cause cramps.
Have a wonderful day!
Mac says
I don’t always run in the morning, but when I do (once or twice a week) I like to get a little something in my stomach if my run is going to be over 2 miles, otherwise like you said, I feel weak. I usually try to keep it very small, for example a scoop of peanut butter or a small glass of milk or a breakfast/snack bar or a piece of fruit. It’s usually not much, but it makes the world of a difference. You could also try eating your snack RIGHT away when you wake up and then get ready for your run (give you a little bit of extra digestion time). My advice would be to try some different things out, see how it goes! Good luck!
Whitney says
Where did you get your C25k training info from? I’ve looked up several, and they’re all different! I miss running, I ran cross-country in junior high and that’s about the last time I ever was good at it ;). I know I can be again if I can just ease into it.
Also, because you have said how much you love Chobani… I finally tried some and oh.my.goodness, I was SO missing out. DELISH!
Paige says
I started C25K several (ahem) months ago and got stuck around Week 5 when the weather got hot. I can’t seem to get myself to go in the morning before work, so I’m impressed that you manage it! I do miss it a lot and I feel a lot better once I go. I guess I need to get my butt in gear and get up early like you!
Blond Duck says
I love black bean soup!
Katie @ Healthy Heddleston says
When I exercise in the morning I do not eat prior…unless I wait about 1.5 – 2 hours after eating. For me I just make sure I hydrate and then go!
christen says
can’t wait to try the black bean soup!! We are making homemade Chili tonight I feel the same way as you bring on fall and fun delicious soups!
Lana says
I usually run in the am…most of the time I’m racing the clock and skip a pre-run meal…but if i’m feeling famished i’ll grab a handful of almonds or smear some almond butter on half a piece of toast. Does the trick every time!
Your soup looks wonderful!!!! It’s going on my ever-expanding ‘to-make’ list!!
Lindsay says
I was just saying yesterday how I love soup year round. I’m making this tonight! Genius idea blending part of it.
Can you handle eating half of a small bar? I can’t do bananas or any fruit before a run, but a small bar works well for me. I can also handle toast with almond butter.
Holly @ couchpotatoathlete says
Your soup looks delicious.
If I am running 3 or less miles in the morning, I usually just take a few swigs of water, or I’ll take a drink of gatorade. After a run, I’ll have a protein powder/fruit smoothie. If I’m running longer than 3 miles I’ll have 1/2 banana before a run, or some oatmeal if it is a really long run.
Maybe try 1/2 piece toast w/PB before a run? That wouldn’t take long.
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