I am thrilled to introduce a new partnership that I have with O.N.E. Coconut water. Through the next couple months, I will be writing a series of posts that may include recipes with coconut water, giveaways, and more!
Hello foliage!
We are now in the middle of peak foliage season in Boston and I'm loving the stunning colors that I see all around me. The crisp outdoor weather, the beautiful scenery, and the sunshine really motivate me to get outdoors and just enjoy.
One of my favorite ways of enjoying the outdoors has always been to run. Ever since college, I've been lucky enough to either live right on the Charles River (my college dorm room!) or just a 5-8 minute jog away.
This year, however, has been a bit tough on that front.
I was diagnosed with chondromalacia patella, a common knee injury that comes from overuse.
It hurt to run.
I spent this past year visiting my family doctor, a couple physical therapists, and an orthopedic surgeon to figure out the best way to address the knee issue.
Meanwhile, I had to stop running.
I picked up biking (which I really enjoy!), but I still missed running.
More recently, after some CAT scans, X-rays, and an MRI of my knee, my doctor cleared me to run.
I went out for my first run in a long time this past week, and I loved it. I loved being on the river, soaking in the sun on my face, and feeling the soft dirt below my feet.
I was horribly out of shape (it's been too long!), but I'm hoping to slowly build back up my strength and stamina. I've modified the way I run now. I am trying a mid-foot plant. I stretch a lot before and after each run, and I wear knee supports.
I'm excited to get back out there again.
I hope to incorporate running back into my weekly routine, even if it will take some time to get back to the distances that I used to run. Thankfully, my new job (yes, I just started a new job about 5 weeks ago!) is located right on the Charles River, which means I really have no excuse!
I also hope to add breakfast back into my daily routine again, something that has fallen horribly by the wayside (heh, does cappuccino count as breakfast?).
Today I whipped up a delicious, nutritious smoothie that kept me fueled all morning. I combined 1 cup of plain 2% Greek yogurt with 1 cup of O.N.E. coconut water (not from concentrate) and one package (½ pint) of fresh blackberries.
It was a cinch to make, and I really liked the flavor! It was just slightly sweet, the sweetness coming purely from the berries and the coconut water. The coconut water rounded out the flavor and balanced out the tartness from the berries.
I would totally make this again, maybe for a post-run electrolyte-filled energy drink!
I know this gorgeous weather will beckon me outside again. I hope I can get back into a new, normal schedule which includes both consistent exercise and healthy food to fuel those runs!
Two winters ago, I actually ran all through the winter, snow and all. I am hoping I can keep up that sort of diligence this winter!
- ½ pint of blackberries
- 1 cup plain Greek strained yogurt
- 1 cup coconut water
- Combine blackberries, Greek strained yogurt, an coconut water into a blender. Blend for about a minute, or on the "smoothie" setting if it exists on your blender. If you want it to be cold, add a bit of ice or (ideally), replace the coconut water with the equivalent amount of frozen coconut water ice cubes.
- Pour and serve immediately
Disclaimer - this post is sponsored by O.N.E. Coconut Water. All opinions are my own.
