This past Friday I had a longer run on the schedule with a 60 second pick ups at 10K pace the end of each mile. Since I have been running most of my long runs all winter at easy pace, this felt a bit challenging.
Don’t get me wrong, I love mixing up my runs and throwing in pace miles, or pick ups at the end of each mile. However, on longer runs this is crazy hard towards the end of the run. I also over dressed so all I wanted to do was stop and shed a layer! When you’re used to running in COLD temps, the first long run in the mid 40’s, with almost 98% humidity, & wind is really an adjustment.
When I started my run the fog was so thick I could barely see 5 feet in front of me. By the end of my run the sun was shining brightly and was sweating profusely. It’s true, no winter lasts forever!
I was definitley tired and hungry when I got back from strength work and a much needed foam rolling session! I couldn’t wait to have a green smoothie and some over night oats.
I have become addicted to Shalane’s Homemade Chocolate milk…so much so I decided to try soaking my oats with it. OMG. I think I died and went to heaven. Instead of using coconut water, I used almond milk and I left out the protein since I was pairing these with a yummy green smoothie. The end result is another very creamy and delicious homemade chocolate milk. I highly recommend making this if you’re a chocolate milk fan!
On my long runs the one thing I look forward to when I am done is an amazing cup of coffee and a smoothie. Smoothies and bowls are definitley my go to breakfast, post run, and workout treat, but sometimes I need a bit more, especially after a long run.
These overnight oats are creamy, cozy, and perfectly sweetened with dates from my favorite healthy chocolate milk recipe with the modifications listed below. Be sure to blend the milk with the dates and cocoa to ensure the oats are perfectly sweet and creamy (no chunks of dates!). Let the bowls chill in the fridge overnight and treat yourself after your next long run to a healthy, delicious breakfast. Top it with fresh fruit, chocolate or other toppings of choice!
Chocolate Hazelnut Overnight Oats (serves 2)
INGREDIENTS:
For the oats:
- 1 cup rolled gluten free oats
- 3 tablespoons chia seeds
- Hazelnuts and nut-butter, for topping
For the Chocolate Milk:
- 1 1/2 cup almond milk, unsweetened
- 2 to 3 Medjool dates based on your sweet tooth?
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon spoon cinnamon
- 1/4 teaspoon ginger
- 1/8 teaspoon turmeric
- 1 to 2 tablespoons almond butter or favorite nut butter
Suggested Toppings:
- Fresh fruit (berries, bananas, apples, etc.)
- Shredded coconut
- chopped unsweetened or dark chocolate
- Chocolate chips
- Hazelnuts or other nuts and seeds
- Drizzle of nutbutter
DIRECTIONS:
- In a high-speed blender, blend all the chocolate milk ingredients until smooth. You may have very small pieces of dates left, this is fine.
- Mix the oats, chia seeds and chocolate milk together in an airtight container. You can also divide it in two containers for quick grab-and-go breakfasts.
- Let chill overnight in the fridge. The next morning, the oats should be thick and creamy. Add more milk to thin if desired. Serve with toppings of choice.
Who else agrees chocolate for breakfast is a good idea?
What’s your go to breakfast? Smoothies all the way but an on long runs days, I most often throw in a avocado toast, overnight oats, or a delicious smoothie bowl topped with some of my favorite granola!
Do you think about what you’re going to have after your long run?
Are you a chocolate milk fan…have you made your own yet? SO YUMMY!
Do you listen to music when you run? I do not but I love the Beatles!
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