To catch up: I survived my first semester of grad school and got a 4.0 instead of flunking out. Whew. So far this semester I'm much less stressed and tired. I also found a great dirt and gravel running path. I am planning on running a half marathon here in Boulder at the end of March, although I have yet to sign up for it. I hope to run the Steamboat Marathon in June, but since I don't know if I'll be here for the summer (an internship may take me elsewhere), that is all still up in the air.
Regarding the Green Monster: I don't mean Fenway or some sort of mountain creature. I am referring to the spinach-based smoothie that has become quite popular among running and fitness bloggers and podcasters lately. Spinach, I know...as much as I love it, I couldn't really see it in a smoothie. But, it's actually quite good. I made my first Green Monster smoothie after my 12-miler today. Recipes vary, but this is what I did.
Green Monster
2 cups spinach
1/2 cup frozen blueberries
1.25 cups almond milk
1 banana
1/2 TBSP flaxseed
1 serving Spirutein vanilla protein powder
3 ice cubes
Put everything in the blender and blend baby blend!
Admittedly it looks a bit strange, especially because the blueberry skins create black specks in the smoothie. When I poured it into a glass, Joe said, "What are you torturing yourself with?". But, it is actually very good, not to mention nutritious. I'm not typically a fan of protein shakes or powders, but I picked up a single serving package at Natural Grocers yesterday and it seemed like a good post-run recovery drink.
It looked like this.
I had a great run today as well. There is really nothing like being able to run in shorts at the end of January with a view of the Rockies the entire way.
Happy Running!
Jen
