Long run Saturdays are back, for now. Aside from my kids not getting Saturday morning bacon and pancakes, this means one thing – you will likely see more than one WIAW post focused on what I refueled with after my long run, Paleo style, as usual.
Exciting, no?
The funny thing is – though the number one question I’m asked by readers is how to fuel for marathon training while eating Paleo – I do not actually think I eat much differently when training versus when not training. An extra meal here and there, made up of mostly the same food I ate at the last meal, plus an extra treat if I’m shooting a dessert recipe.
But really, those things seem to happen whether I’m training for a marathon or not.
Truthfully, I don’t give much actual thought or planning to what I’m going to eat as it pertains to training, and it seems to serve me well. If I were to analyze my intake (which I won’t be doing anytime soon) I’m sure I’d see myself consuming more of everything throughout the week – not just on one particular day.
It wasn’t always this way, of course, in the beginning I had to figure out what I needed and when. Now – over two years and 3 marathons later, eating/fueling/refueling with real food is second nature. Let’s take a look at my first long run day!
WIAW – Long Run Saturday Paleo Style
Sometimes I eat a banana before a long run, but I wasn’t hungry at all when I woke up, so I skipped it, knowing it doesn’t seem to affect me either way.
I still have a few of these Clif Organic Energy Food pouches left over from my NYC Marathon training (and the race itself) so, despite what I felt like during that race, I brought one along for my 13 miles and had it right around 5-6 miles. I sort of sipped it slowly hoping I’d digest it better that way .
I experienced a little bit of heartburn, but nothing that affected the run. Despite eating probably 95% “Paleo”, I’m a big believer that when it comes to long run fuel – just do whatever it takes to feel your best! Whatever that means, it’s most likely the healthiest thing for you.
There are some days when I crave a breakfast that’s 100% savory/crispy/salty – you get the picture. Those days are most likely a longer or harder run day. I decided to make a hash with green plantains, bacon, and kale – all cooked together for the ultimate crispy hash! Topped with two crispy eggs, of course.
I showered and had coffee while starting an older recipe I planned to take some new pictures of. I like making treat recipes on the weekend if I can, since it doubles as being a “fun mom.”
Have you seen these Chocolate Cashew Butter Candy Cups? They’re heart shaped for Valentines Day! I made them last year and the pictures were absolutely terrible, so the post got a little makeover this past weekend. In the meantime, I ate one of the hearts during/after shooting.
My Maple Chipotle Ketchup was still going strong as of Saturday, so a big dollop on my lunch was totally necessary. I think you’ve seen this before – it’s sweet potatoes, bacon, and broccoli – once again all cooked together in one pan. One pan meals have been my thing lately with breakfast and lunch.
I had another one of the Chocolate Cashew Butter Cups at some point in the afternoon (post haircut refuel?) along with tea. I had a headache most of the day, I think as a result of a long run in the cold plus my headlamp – something that seems to happen from time to time with winter training. Anyone else get this?
I’m sure you’ve seen this dinner before! I feel like I make it on the weekends quite a bit – it’s my family’s favorite sweet Italian sausage made by our local store, with roasted Japanese sweet potato fries. Also on my plate is spinach, tomatoes, olives, and more maple chipotle ketchup!
Yes – I think this is the same picture from last week, but, this has not changed and will not be changing anytime soon. My go-to bedtime snack/dessert with strawberries, a mandarin orange, and my favorite 85% Green & Black chocolate. Sometimes if I’m craving it I’ll throw a banana in, but I was pretty full from dinner, so, this was perfect. I had herbal tea along with it, no picture.
Are one-skillet/pot meals a thing for you?
What’s your favorite post long-run meal? Or a meal you crave later on?
Ever get a headache after a long run in the cold?
I think my favorite meal of the day is post run! I crave sweet after runs (and most of my life) but love one pot meals at dinner – the less mess the better
Less mess is always better! Eating is taken to another level after a long run.
I usually crave something savory after a long run. My go-to is some sort of eggs with bacon but I also like adding sweet potatoes if I have the energy to cook them! I also like one-pot meals and try to cook that way whenever possible to minimize clean up!
I like just putting chopped sweet potatoes or plantains in a pan with bacon, covering it and letting the bacon work its magic 🙂
I’ve been really into one skillet meals lately as well! It just makes everything easier and it’s too cold. I seem to want to get it done with so I can eat to warm up!
Same here, it’s easier and quicker – we all need that!
I’m pretty sure I almost always crave a smoothie after a workout. Satisfying hunger and thirst in one go = win 😀 And it doesn’t hurt that my smoothies pretty much taste like dessert, and I’m basically always craving sweet things.
Definitely more smoothies in the summer! Since I run outside I’m rarely hot when I come home in the winter.
I miss my post run meals. Luckily, omelets will never go away in my book, but I really miss the pomp and circumstance of that post run meal, eaten with a side of confidence and accomplishment.
Oh yes! That feeling makes the food taste better – well said!
OO I can’t say that I get headaches after runs in the cold, but that doesn’t sound very fun! Your hearts look SO good I’m going to further check out the recipe!
It’s not always but when it happens it’s after a colder run. I’m blaming the headlamp too.
YUM those chocolate cups look so good! Now that Whole30 is over I’m going to have to make thme 🙂
I remember discovering Paleo treats after doing the Whole30 and was completely blown away!
i love that cliff has organic now! whatever it takes on a long is needed. Sometimes I suggest candy to people who can’t tolerate much. HEy, whatever works, right?
I’m totally with you! I’ve thought about skittles – might have to try 🙂
Seriously, finding a local store that makes awesome sausage is such a godsend. We used to live near to a small family run grocery store that made all their own sausage and haven’t found a replacement. It’s near my MIL’s house so we like to buy a bunch when we go there and freeze it all just to have in the house.
When you find good sausage it’s hard to leave it behind, I know! I also love trying new ones though 🙂
I’m all about one pan and one skillet meals. My post long run meal was normally oatmeal but I have a feeling when I get back into it, it will look a lot like yours 🙂 Still loving savory in the morning!
Funny how once you’re on a savory kick it doesn’t go away!
Favorite post long run meal for weekends is definitely a giant omelet with chicken sausage or lox and some veggies, and a pile of sweet potato fries! Then some fruit and PB or sunflower butter to follow 🙂
Oh my gosh that sounds so perfect!
I haven’t tried that fuel pouch before- will have to check it out! I’ve been trying to be better about using less dishes or attempting more one pot meals- my husband does the dishes and clean up and I tend to make a mess!
Since I’m mostly the one cleaning I try to get the most out of my pans, especially the times when I’m only cooking for myself. Save the energy for something else 🙂
Wow everything looks so tasty and nutritious. What an amazing way to fuel after a long run… 🙂 My favorite one pan meal is fried rice. 🙂 Those chocolate cashew butter cups look like a yummy swirled ‘Reese’s.’
I was just talking about fried rice! I used to make a good chicken and veggie one but then my kids stopped liking it so I stopped. Good stuff though!
I never really do one pan things on the regular eating scheduled. I kind of never use a pot…..except for boiling yucca or the cast iron if i’m doing something like that for chicken 😛 Hahaha!
I don’t use pots except for rice or chili. My cast iron skillets get a ton of love though – best cooking purchases ever!
Love those cashew butter hearts!! So cute. I’ve never made homemade chocolates, but Valentine’s Day is the perfect excuse 🙂
Fun to make and definitely rewarding! Nut butter cups are really easy to make too!
I don’t get headaches, no but I have this really weird thing that happens to my mouth after a hard run or a cold run. My lips go blue, but also my tongue stops working and I can’t form my words. It’s SO WEIRD. It started happening after I went to the dentist about 3 years ago and he pricked my tongue nerve when he was freezing me for a root canal. My whole tongue went numb for about a week and then the feeling started to come back slowly, taking SIX MONTHS to fully come back but it’s never been the same because this is what happens to me! I’m full of crazy weird stories.
My lips also get blue after a really long run. If it’s cold out I can’t talk properly either! Not sure what the excuse is for me though, running can be a strange thing.
You’ve reminded me to whip out my skillet!
Make something with bacon!
I love one-pan meals. Especially since I’ve recently moved into a much smaller kitchen WITH NO DISHWASHER, i’m going to try and use less in the kitchen!
With no dishwasher one pan is the only way to go!
I love a toasted sandwich after my long run these days. That and the biggest pot of coffee!
Yes, the coffee! After breakfast coffee is my best friend on those days 🙂
I love one pan meals! One of my favorites is similar to your lunch there! 🙂
Such good stuff and it’s easier than many people think!
You always make the most delicious breakfast hashes! I always get do hungry just looking at them!
Thanks! They’re definitely my favorite 🙂
Well dang all of that looks so delicious!
Those chocolates though- omg!!!
I love a one pot meal! Easy clean up!
I’m all about easy clean up if I can get away with it!
Fresh made sausages from local stores are the best! I crave savory like eggs and potatoes after a long run but then paired with a lot of fruit because juicy fresh fruit tastes so good after a run.
Agree! I sometimes forget to rehydrate, especially after freezing runs but I will wind up craving fruit later on, especially mandarin oranges.
I’m definitely a sweet breakfast person and rarely (like maybe twice in my life!!) crave savoury things first thing. My favourite post run combo (/ favourite anytime combo) is a smoothie with spinach, banana, almond milk, cinnamon and a vanilla pea protein powder. I then top this with tonnes of almond butter and it is delicious! I don’t find that I really get headaches after cold runs (though it never gets that cold where I live). Running in the cold does irritate my lungs a lot more though and sets off my asthma which is annoying! I’m totally with you on the one pot meals though. I cook for myself and I’m lazy with dishes so the vast majority of my meals are cooked in one pot, or one pot plus the microwave!
I have yet to try a smoothie with spinach! I need to do this, although it might have to wait until warmer weather when I start craving smoothies again. And one pan is the way to go – so much you can make and simple is better!
Your dessert always looks so good! You can never go wrong with chocolate!
Chocolate is the best – agree!