Jumping on the Green Smoothie bandwagon

So I am really late to the green smoothie party. Years late. I have no doubt that they are now passe and something else is now the hot new thing. Whatever. I like them and they fill a nice niche. For me, they work when I am in a time crunch to get out of the house and the 5 minutes saved by not having breakfast at home is invaluable. Usually it is when I have been for a run in the morning and then have somewhere to be and do not feel like stuffing down my porridge in a hurry. Sounds attractive, doesn't it?

Here's my take on Green smoothies:

Green stuff. Fresh figs, banana, nectarine, peach, milk and protein powder.

• Lots of baby spinach and/or  kale (der - it's a green smoothie!)
• Banana or mango
• Lots of stone fruit - peaches or nectarines especially
• Protein powder - Vanilla
• Milk
• Greek yogurt sometimes

As it's summer here I have been loading up on all the gorgeous summer fruit. White peaches and nectarines are just divine in a smoothie.  Today's also included fresh figs, which is something new for me. In winter I will probably do more banana combos - banana and chocolate ( using cocoa powder), banana and coffee. I will need to experiment a lot.

Looks attractive, no ??!

This is the finished product, well about half of it. I make 'em  huge! I am sure that defeats the purpose but I am not really fussed. Looks really vile but tastes really good. The fruit makes it sweet and the protein powder and banana makes it creamy.

My next step is to work out if I can make them the night before and if they still taste good.

I also really need ideas about other combinations.. Any awesome recipes would be wonderful!
How do you Green smoothie?

Lily.

This week in running - Second week of February

Weekly mileage: 41km + hills

I have been lax in chronicling my running. Which is silly because I find the process quite useful and one that continually throws up some interesting insights.


The last few weeks have been about consistency. While I had time off work my aim was to get a run in 6 days a week and a few weights sessions as well. Mostly I was successful. Day to day runs were 9km ish, a hills speed session, parkrun on Saturday and a long run. I squibbed on my long run on Sunday and only did 10 km due to mental rather than physical reasons.


 The last week has been hard though, mainly due to extended family related stresses. I'm a worrier by nature. Worrying is something I am really good at. But worrying (about EVERYTHING) is crap. I would love to be able to just flick the switch and stop. But I can't, so I run.


Even though my running this week was sad, I am thankful for it. For being able to, for the mental/emotional balance it brings me, for the example I am setting for my kids, for the time I am spending with my kids and for the time I am spending with Mr MRWS.


 I am also shallow enough to admit that I love how my body looks. Perfect? Nope. I have had 2 kids and I carried low and massive. You can only stretch things so far and expect them to snap back into place! My body is strong and fit and firm and toned and I am proud of it.


Going forward, my goal this year is the Sydney Half marathon in May. I need to write a program soon. Last week soon. My long runs peaked at 20 km last week so I am well positioned to crank it up. Mr MRWS is thinking of stepping up to a marathon this year so fitting everything in will be interesting.


In the interim this week I need to write a program, keep plodding along and get back into the long run game.


Any tips or resources for half marathon programming?


Lily

What I wore to play - keeping it simple with a black dress

Summertime is simple. Dress. Shoes. Done. As much as I love layers, you have to think about them. Plan. Coordinate. Sometimes that just seems like work and I just want to get dressed!

I also love a black dress. Who doesn't? This is an old one from Metalicus. I drag it out every year and throw it on. The hemline is kinda short but it is balanced out by being loose and breezy. The shoes are Saltwater Sandals. I love the vibrant red and they are super comfortable. I have been eyeing off other colours. Would love a bright Kelly green pair!

Do you have a go to Summer look or summer favourite?


Lily