This post is sponsored by Bob’s Red Mill through my partnership with Fit Approach.
My spring summer race schedule has had a dramatic shift- first of all I did not think I would still be having foot issues (chronic tendinopathy) and when I wrote that list I wasn’t planning on traveling abroad until the fall. Well plans change and I guess injuries don’t, haha. Actually I think my foot is feeling better thanks to some physical therapy exercise I’ve been completing- big shout out to Hiza from Kimbia Physio for all his help! If you are in the DC Metro area and having any issues I highly recommend working with him- tell him I sent you 🙂 PS he did not ask me to write this and I’m not being compensated in any way from him- I just wanted to share a good recommendation.
The injury coupled with moving our Italy trip from late September to Mid June (we moved it up because we already had too many fall travel plans on the schedule and found a great deal on June flights) messed with some race places as well. Also I haven’t run in 2 months (in fact I’ve probably only run like 10 times in the last six months- so depressing) but I’m on the mend and adjusting my race schedule accordingly- which I will share in a future post!
As far as training since I’m not running that frees up a lot of time. Except for my travels I’ve been biking 2x/week and swimming 2x/week. I’m lifting 2-3x/week- some on my own and physical therapy exercises and some using ClassPass classes. I believe my biking and swimming are improving and that bootcamps and other hard HIIT style workouts are keeping up my endurance. I’m trying to return to running next week- starting very slow and low mileage.
So since we are talking about racing and training I think it’s only wise to address nutrition since I am a Registered Dietitian after all. When I’m (or anyone for that matter) is training for a distance race it’s so so so important to both fuel and refuel correctly. So many of the athletes I do private counseling with fail with their training here- news flash- nutrition is a huge part of your performance!
I always like to use the simple analogy of gas in the car- if it’s running on empty you’re in trouble- you can on cruise on neutral for so long until stalling, so put some gas in it before you go aka eat (mostly carbs)before you train/race. It’s equally important to put gas back in the car because well, you’re going to need to use it again and don’t want to mess it up. Respect and nourish your body by eating for recovery- carbs and protein to rebuild those muscles. Sports nutrition is very individualized so what works for one person might not work for you but making sure you are eating quality foods is important for everyone.
Early this month I hosted a giveaway for Bob’s Red Mill new protein powders (congrats again to Molly R.) and so many readers expressed interest. Bob’s Red Mill is a great company and creates quality products. I’ve not generally a huge protein powder user because so many have weird ingredients or taste disgusting but these are delicious and made with all real ingredients. Here is a picture from the label of the chai flavored (obviously my favorite) #chaiobsessed There are also the traditional chocolate, vanilla, and original flavors.
All ingredients I’ve heard of… and no weird ones! Bob’s Red Mill does it again with making another outstanding product. Seriously go try these powders- get a coupon here and #fuelyourawesomeness
For me I like protein powders best in smoothie form- adding fruit makes it the perfect post workout recovery snack! Here are some recipes that are on my to make list: Magic Mint Smoothie, Dirty Chai, and Vanilla PB & J Smoothie.
What’s your favorite protein powder flavor? Favorite smoothie!?
I use that car analogy a lot too. I got some samples of these protein powders at the last race expo I was at but haven’t tried them yet.