Did you run the Blue Jean Mile? I closed out the month of May by running the Blue Jean Mile in honor of Mental Health Awareness Month.
I squeezed into one of my oldest and tightest pair of blue jeans from my give away box in my closet and headed to the track. It wasn’t easy for me since I haven’t race in a very long time. In fact, I kept putting this off after registering for this over two weeks ago. I first learned about it on a podcast and I knew immediately I wanted to participate. If you want to learn more about how Asics is bringing awareness to mental health and how movement can help, I highly recommend giving it a listen.
Racing a mile is really hard for me, espeically in blue jeans, so it was easy for me to talk myself out of it. It was either too windy, too hot, too cold, etc. Memorial Day Monday, May 31st, the last day to run the mile, turned out to be a kick ass day for me. It was gorgeous out. I felt pretty good and I committed to running this so off I went. I knew it was going to be hard, but I also knew that fighting this disease is way harder. I myself have family members and close friends who struggle on a daily basis so if they can fight like hell every day, I can race a mile.
How did I do?
I feel pretty dang good about my time since I’ve been running mostly easy miles after 2 months of barely running at all. I am the 50th female out of almost 500 of them and 160th place over all. To my surprise, I actually felt pretty good and according to my husband, I made it look easy and was running effortlessly. HaHa…..once again my number one fan always supporting me no matter what. Trust me, it was hard, just not as hard as I thought. In fact I kind of wish I would have pushed harder for a sub-8. Do you ever do this as a runner?
It was a great day to run for a cause and and even better day to enjoy one of my favorite post run meals. Is there anything better than an icy cold smoothie after a hard run on a warm day? I think not!
This raspberry peach spinach smoothie is the perfect balance of flavors and health, with tangy raspberries, sweet peaches, creaminess from full fat coconut milk, and a handful of spinach to get good-for-you greens, and my new favorite protein summer shake. It makes for the perfect treat after running a kick ass mile, but it is also good for you!
What makes this smoothie so good and good for you?
Raspberries: Feel free to use fresh or frozen berries to make your blend…whatever you have on hand will work and makes this healthy smoothie perfect to enjoy year round! Plus all berries are high in fiber, vitamin c, and antioxidants.
Spinach: One of my favorite veggies to add to smoothies! Spinach just disappears into this blend. I use fresh but frozen spinach will work here too! Just use less (about 1/2 cup) if you go with frozen since delicate spinach wilts when frozen! And while no one needs me to tell them that spinach is good for you, it is awesome to know that it is rich in vitamins A, C and K, magnesium, iron and manganese
Peaches: They are a super healthy addition to your daily diet. They’re low in calories—only 60 calories in each cup—and they’re a great source of fiber, potassium and vitamins A and C. They’ll also satisfy your sweet tooth without weighing you down! Again fresh or frozen will work. I use fresh when they are in season which will be soon and frozen otherwise.
Coconut Milk: My favorite non dairy milk to add to smoothies. I use very little since I prefer eating my smoothies with a spoon but feel free to add as much liquid as you like. It’s also has some great healthy fats to keep you satisfied, and it’s rich in vitamins and minerals.
Protein Powder: I love Shaklee’s new seasonal peach flavor. It has 20 grams of plant based protein, it’s gluten free, vegan, and delicious. Feel free to use your favorite protein mix but if you’d like to try this one, you can order here. ENJOY!
Tips for making this blueberry spinach smoothie extra awesome
- Blend it in stages. Especially if you don’t have a high-speed blender. I have a VitaMix but I still begin blending my smoothie very slowly.
- Add chia seeds or flax for some healthy fats and fiber.
- Adjust the sweetness to fit your personal preference. If you like your smoothies sweeter, add small banana. Or use cauliflower rice for more bulk.
- Add a scoop of nut butter because why not😉
- Toppings make this soooo much better if you’re in to that!
RASPBERRY PEACH GREEN PROTEIN SMOOTHIE
INGREDIENTS:
- 1/2 peach (fresh or frozen)
- 1/2 to 1 cup raspberries (fresh or frozen)
- 1 cup loosely packed spinach
- 1/2 to 1 cup milk of choice or to desired consistency
- 1/2 frozen green tipped banana or frozen cauliflower
- 1 serving Protein powder (I used Shaklee Summer Peach Shake Mix)
- 1 tablespoon chia or flax seeds
- 1 tablespoon cashew butter or your favorite nut butter
DIRECTIONS:
- Combine all ingredients in your high speed blender. Start blending very slowly. Gradually increase speed.
- Blend until smooth & creamy.
- Taste. Add extra milk or some water if a thinner consistency is desired.
- Enjoy immediately
Did you run the Blue Jean Mile?
Have you ever raced a mile?
What’s your favorite distance to race/run?
What’s your favorite summer fruit smoothie combo?
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