Eat on the Run — Fueling up for a healthy life!

Long Run Fuel

by Melissa on July 23, 2014

This weekend we dropped to less than 100 days to the Marine Corps Marathon! OH MMM GEEEE!!!

And this weekend marked the first weekend where long runs returned to double digits. While 15 was on the training schedule, 13 was all my body was managing. After talking with Julie, my coach, I’m really just happy to have gotten the distance up and to start getting back on track with training. It was also good to have learned a few lessons for fueling my body for 10+ miles.

The one part of my last marathon that really took a downturn was how I fueled. In a half marathon, I can get by with just one gel or even nothing. However, I was starving in the marathon and also the gels made my stomach extremely wacky. Instead of reaching for a packaged product, I wrapped up some dried fruit (mango and pineapple) and also filled up my Camelbak with Nuun. This was perfect. Although, I definitely need to eat more BEFORE the run. A slice of toast and coffee was not enough. My belly was grumbling around mile 9 – I couldn’t wait to get home to EAT!

Also, I’ve noticed the importance of making sure my day to day nutrition is on par consistently. Going even one day where I skip a meal or don’t drink enough water has affected my training! Not that this doesn’t matter typically, but it’s a lot more noticeable during marathon training.

For my run I took the Capital Crescent Trail down to Georgetown and then came back to Bethesda. It was a great morning – humid but cooler than it’s been. I can tell a lot of the other runners were getting ready for fall marathons too! Lots of runners who I saw multiple times. Such great motivation.

It’s good to be back to training and setting my sights on longer races and distances. It was fun to run and race a little shorter!

How do you fuel for longer training runs?

Don’t forget to enter the Alo Yoga Clothing giveaway! $50 is on the line! Plus you get a 20% discount code till the end of August

{ 0 comments }

ALO Yoga: A Review

by Melissa on July 18, 2014

Back in May, ALO yoga reached out to me and asked if I would like to try some of their clothing. I can tell you one thing, fitness clothing shopping to me is better than any other type of shopping. Hands down. Yes, this girl likes to get dressed up and walk the walk, but give me a stretchy pair of pants and a sports bra any day.

I picked out an outfit and I’ve spent the past month taking it through spin classes, runs, and even yoga. What I can tell you about the clothing from ALO is that it is super comfortable and extremely versatile.

From their Spring/Summer collection I chose the

- Mesa Tank (crystal white/black)

- Illusion Capri (black/white metal space dye)

- Inhale Sports Bra (no longer available)

(All photos courtesy of DMc Content)

I’m really sad the sports bra is no longer available because it is extremely flattering and has such a great look to it. Typically I’m not one to run in just a sports bra, but it’s hard to not to want to show this one off!

Of all the items I tried though, the Illusion Capri was my favorite. The style is unique and the fabric feels like butter. I wore these to teach spin, run, and take a yoga class. Perfect in all 3 settings!

I’ve been truly grateful for the opportunity to try each piece. ALO will be a brand I reach for regularly! Quality truly matters when it comes to fitness clothing.

As you can see, I had a lot of fun showing off how versatile the pieces were! DMc Content followed me around as I twisted, turned, stretched, and ran these clothes around the block! It was a workout!

GIVEAWAY TIME!

Are you interested in trying some ALO clothing for yourself!? I hope so!

Eat on the Run and ALO Yoga are teaming up to give one reader $50 towards an online purchase. YAY! Here’s how to enter:

1. Leave a comment on this post sharing which piece of clothing you’d like to try out (definitely recommend the Illusion Capri) — to find your favorite, head over to ALOYoga.com

For extra entries:

2. Post the giveaway on your Facebook linking back to Eat on the Run and ALO Yoga.

3. Post one of the above pictures on your Instagram with @eatontherun and @aloyoga in the post! Then I can follow back!

Winner will be picked next Sunday July 27th 2014 at 11:59pm ET.

In the meantime, you can order with the code ONTHRUN – which is good for 20% off until 8/31/14!

I can’t wait to hear what you think of ALO Yoga clothing!

What is your favorite brand of fitness clothing? Have you discovered a new brand recently?

Credits and Acknowledgements: Huge thank you to DMc Content for all these photos for this sponsored post. ALO Yoga sent me these clothes for free. All opinions and comments are my own.

{ 11 comments }

Stay Hydrated

by Melissa on July 16, 2014

So between a week of extreme stress and high temperatures, I’m learning the hard way what dehydration can do to the body. My marathon training has kind of gone down the tubes, however I know exactly where to go to get back on track – again one of the other reasons it’s 100% beneficial to have a coach (thanks Julie!).

The past couple days I’ve been pretty vigilant about my water intake and also making sure I’m getting enough calories (healthy). To supplement this, I had a great idea for a lower calorie, more refreshing smoothie that would help with post long workout/run hydration.

I kept thinking about this salad I had while home for the weekend! Watermelon, arugula, cherries, and bleu cheese! I couldn’t believe how versatile watermelon could be.

Not to get too far off topic, but I had such a great weekend, probably one of the most relaxing in a very long time – also glad to have my travel buddy with me to explore the mountains

Ok…so back to business…

What is this smoothie that I’m talking about!?!

Yes, it looks like a margarita, but don’t let it fool you ;) It’s packed with delicious high antioxidant fruits and hydrating coconut water! Best part? It’s only 3 ingredients!

Summer Watermelon Smoothie

1.5 cups frozen cubed watermelon
0.5 cups raspberries (fresh or frozen)
1 – 8oz container coconut water
shredded coconut optional (to line rim)

Blend the first 3 ingredients together and you’ve got yourself a hydrating and delicious summer smoothie. The frozen watermelon almost gives it a slushie consistency!

Watermelon is such a great summer food because of it’s high lycopene content. There is some research to support that foods high in lycopene (such as tomatoes and watermelon) may help reduce sunburn! Not a reason to stop wearing your sunscreen but obviously a reason to increase consumption of these types of fruits into your diet. And for us runners with a fall marathon (half marathon) on the ticket, we are logging a lot of miles in the sun this summer! Which is another reason I included berries into the mix. Berries are high in antioxidants which may help reduce sun damage and also help with post workout recovery. Now that’s something to write about!

Let me know your favorite way to stay hydrated! And just for fun, let me know your favorite summer (alcoholic) beverage

For me, nothing beats Nuun and I love a good summer ale!

{ 2 comments }

Peanutbuttah.

by Melissa on June 30, 2014

Don’t ask about my post naming inspiration….it’s been a long weekend.

But, if you’ve been reading this blog for awhile, you know I have a strong love affair with peanut butter (aka peanutbuttahhhh). I really don’t care what form it comes in – crunchy, creamy, natural, no-stir, salted…I’m game.

So, when we got home late after a concert on Saturday and I was given brown rice and chicken – I immediately thought, peanut sauce!!! (BOOM) Conversation went a little like this:

“I have brown rice some chicken, what can we do with that?”

“Do you have soy sauce?”

“Yeah…”

“Peanut Butter?”

“Duh.”

“Alright!”

While that night’s version wasn’t quite blog worthy, it was quite delicious. As the neurotic cook that I am, I kept thinking about ways to make it better. Something that would be worth sharing Smile

Here’s what I came up with!

Peanut Buttah Chicken

1/2 yellow and green pepper, diced
1 large chicken breast, baked and diced
1/4 cup creamy peanut butter
2 – 4 TBSP soy sauce (depending on how much saltiness you like)
1 – 3 tsp chili sauce (depending on how spicy you like it)
1 – 4 TBSP water
1 TBSP coconut oil
2 tsp sesame seeds, toasted
brown rice, cooked

In a large skillet, melt coconut oil on medium high heat. Add in diced peppers. Sauté for 5 – 10 minutes or until peppers are tender.

Add in chicken, turn down to medium low heat. Add soy sauce, peanut butter, and chili sauce. If sauce seems thick, add water until to desired consistency. (It should be pretty thick and coat the chicken and peppers.)

Serve over brown rice and top with toasted sesame seeds and a drizzle of chili sauce if desired.

I can already tell you that this is going to be a staple in the Eat on the Run kitchen. Smile

I’m so glad we had to rack up some creativity post summer concert. Otherwise, this would not have come to life.

[photo courtesy DMc Content]

Everyone needs a good muse. Thumbs up to that.

Have you ever come up with a great meal with limited supplies?

{ 2 comments }

Summer Running Favorites

June 18, 2014

Nothing feels better than coming home, cracking open a box of new running shoes, and then heading out the door. I mean seriously…. Ok, yes. My idea of great shoes are from brands such as Mizuno, Nike, and Under Armour. Sneakers over stilettos So that is why I’m sharing my top 5 favorite summer run […]

Read the full article →

Why I Got a Running Coach

June 16, 2014

This summer is all about building my base for the Marine Corps Marathon. This will be my 2nd marathon. Marathon #1 wasn’t quite the experience I was hoping for. The 2011 Pittsburgh Marathon was kind of a disaster. Ok, yes, I crossed the finish line, but that was about the only victory happening that day. […]

Read the full article →

Zooma Annapolis 10K – 2014

June 2, 2014

This past Saturday was the second year I was able to participate in the Zooma Annapolis festivities as a race ambassador. Each year has had its struggles for me. Last year I was injured (tibialis tendonitis) and wasn’t able to run, but still spectated and cheered everyone on. This year, I was lucky to just […]

Read the full article →

Quinoa Tabbouleh

May 24, 2014

Um. So you should definitely make this. Probably for a Memorial Day picnic. Why? Because all your friends and family are probably wishing someone would make something healthy instead of the typical mayo laden salads. So why don’t you be that someone? QUINOA TABBOULEH 1 cup dry quinoa 2 cups water 1/4 cup lemon […]

Read the full article →

The Run that Shouldn’t have Been…

May 22, 2014

Over two weeks ago, I ran the Pittsburgh Half Marathon. It was the fourth time I’ve run the half and the fifth time I’ve been involved in their series of races (2011 26.2). Each year, I loved it. Despite three years of rain, a terrible 26.2 experience, and many black toenails. It’s the city of […]

Read the full article →

My Favorite Breakfast

May 6, 2014

I used to be a peanut butter toast kind of girl. Only because it was quick and also portable. During my internship I needed something I could grab and take with me for a one hour commute. But now that I’m in an office and also have a shorter commute, I have the time to […]