Today marks the final long run in my training program for the Indianapolis Mini Marathon.  We will be hitting the road with 12 miles tonight, and although I am excited to complete this long distance I have also had a little anxiety.

Typically, I am a morning worker outer and by the end of the work day I am ready to put on my jammies, relax, and go to bed.  The Mini Marathon training has had me doing the complete opposite of that!

We have been completing our long runs in the evenings after work, which has been a bit more challenging for me than completing the runs in the morning.  I have found myself worrying throughout the day about whether or not I have eaten enough, drank enough water, etc…  Luckily, I have completed each run with success, and I am coming to find that all of this anxiety is simply built up in my head.

Breakfast

Because I know that today is  long run day, I want to be mindful with all of my food choices today.  I typically try to drink coconut water during the day before a long run because it is full of a TON of natural electrolytes and really helps me maintain good hydration levels throughout the day and during the run.  One way to get that coconut water into my daily diet is in the form of a delicious smoothie.

This morning’s smoothie featured coconut water to help prepare my body for the run, but it wasn’t just any coconut water…

I added in Coco Cafe, which is a combination of organic fair trade espresso, coconut water, and a splash of reduced fat milk.  Seriously, it reminds me of a Starbucks frappuccino!!

The smoothie contained the following:

• 1 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup Coco Cafe coconut water
• 1/2 scoop chocolate whey protein powder
• 1/4 cup plain, nonfat Greek yogurt
• 1 Tbsp peanut butter
• 1 handful of raw, undetectable spinach
• 2 ice cubes (for added thickness!)

This smoothie tasted more like a morning treat rather than breakfast, which is always a good sign! 😉  Let’s just hope that my mind doesn’t get the best of me today and these 12 miles will practically run themselves.

Hope you all have a great Wednesday!

Of Possible Interest:

• How to Become a Morning Runner:  Fitsugar
• How to Run Your Best 5k:  Greatist
• Smart Snacking:  The Lean Green Bean