So…I did something crazy last night in the wee hours of the morning. It was one of those second-wind moments. I was all ready to tuck myself into bed, but then I got a second wind and stayed up for another hour. No one is safe during my second-wind moments. They typically involve crazy ideas and weird creations in the kitchen.
Last night, I did something crazy.
….I signed up for a half-marathon clinic through my local Running Room. Dudes and dudettes, I’m going to be training to run a half-marathon at the beginning of May 2012. Help.
I’m half excited, half terrified. I’ve always loved running. And by “loved,” I mean that I enjoyed the occasional runner’s high and the subsequent physical and health benefits. But the longest distance I’ve run consecutively is 10km. A half-marathon is 21km. Seriously, help me.
I start my training in two days. For the next 16 weeks, I will be aiming to run 3-5 days per week at varying distances, building on my endurance with each run. Did I mention that it’s also the heart of winter here? And that despite our current lack of snow and mild temperatures, all of that could change in a hot minute and I could be running in snowy, minus 30-degree (celsius) temperatures? Yes, I do wonder about my sanity on a daily basis.
I’ve decided that given recent events, I need to become a smoothie person. A smoothie, when made right, can pack a serious punch! Smoothies can be nutrient-dense, healthy, and can hide away good-for-you ingredients like spinach and kale. I promise you won’t even taste the kale or the oats. Satisfying, healthy, and delicious. Perfect for a quick breakfast that will get you through the morning. Or a half-marathon. No big.
Kale, Oat, and Blueberry Smoothie
Serves 1.
The health benefits of kale are endless. Kale is low in calories, high in fiber, high in anti-oxidants, and high in vitamins K, A, and C. Kale also helps to regulate the body’s anti-inflammatory process, and aids in detoxification. (source) Get on it kids!
1/2 cup kale leaves, torn and packed
1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)
2 heaping TBSP. greek yogurt
3 TBSP. raw oats
1/2 banana, sliced
1/4 cup milk of your choice
1 tsp. honey (or more, to taste)
3-4 ice cubes
Optional add-ins: ground flax seed, vanilla extract, cinnamon
Add all ingredients to a blender and blend until smooth, about 2-3 minutes, making sure that the kale and oats are pureed. Enjoy! (and be prepared to have copious amounts of blueberry stuck in your teeth afterwards). Get your toothbrush ready.
This smoothie looks delicious! And I love that you’re training for your first half! I did my first half in October and then took a lonnnng break from running and am starting to train (this time with a group) for my second half in March. Before my first half the furthest I’d ever run was 2 miles so it was a long haul for me but I was so happy to complete it (even if I was a little slow). Congrats on making the decision to train for 13.1 miles. I hope to hear more about your journey. Good luck!
Thanks girl! I will try to keep you posted on my progress! And if you have any training tips, send ’em my way!
I would never consider the combination, but I trust you..Thank you for sharing the info!
Well my friend, I’m glad I’ve earned your trust. 🙂 Hope you try the smoothie!
This smoothie looks awesome! And I admire you for signing up for the half-marathon. Good luck to you!
Thanks Tracy!
Good for you! I think you made a wise decision just going for the 1/2 marathon! It will be challenging but a great experience in the long run. I really should get my butt in gear and do the same thing. I’ve also been thinking about incorporating smoothies into my diet, too. I love vegetables, but sometimes it’s just hard to eat that much of it in raw form in one day. And while I love certain greens, some- like kale- can be a little tough. That said, it’s so so good for you, I’d love to be able to incorporate it into my diet some way.
Definitely a wise choice to just to the half! I’m not sure I will ever try a full marathon, but…never say never, right? I just looked at my training schedule and feel a little faint at the thought of 10km+ runs, but I suppose my endurance will improve as I train.
I have found that adding kale to soup really softens it up – unlike spinach, which becomes rather limp and soggy in soups, kale becomes tender but still holds on to its structure. Or you can just blend it to smithereens and drink it in smoothie form! 😉
Looks great! and a great way to sneak in some greens for my husband! He loves smoothies – he hates Kale mwahahaha!
It is my sincere pleasure to help you fool your husband. Muah ha ha! 😉
You can do it! You already love running. That’s the first step, right? I did a half marathon a few years ago. It went pretty well 🙂 These days, however, I don’t run unless I’m in peril. You inspire me! xo
Thanks lovely lady! 🙂
Thanks for the reciepe! I Recently fell in love with Kale and i just can’t get enough. I invented a similar receipe but put too much Kale in so it was a bit too full on…
Kale is a great plant to grow too. It dosnt bolt to seed it just keeps on giving. Its attractive in the garden. Tasty and wow the health benifits! Talk anout super foods, this stuff is the real deal. Goodluck with the run and keep on with the kale!
Thanks friend! I’ll be sharing some more kale recipes very soon! How I wish I lived in a climate more conducive to growing things!
where do you live live? You might be surprised Kale is quite cold hardy…
Canada. Cold and long winters! Definitely not suitable for growing…anything. At least not until spring!
Ouch. Long cold winters in Canada sound horrible, I thought our winters in SE Australia were bad enough…How is the training going? I am hoping to try your reciepe tonight, will let you know how it goes!
I feel exactly how you do about running – want to back into it, THINK I used to LOVE it – but then sort of remember I felt the occasional high when a song I loved came on, or -more importantly – when I finished … but have sort of yet to be someone who enjoys running whilst it’s actually happening…
Lovely photos dear! Too cold for smoothies here but soon….
Well, we’re using the term “love” a bit loosely here…there are frequent moments during my runs when I wonder what the hell I got myself into. But then I think about the accomplishment of completing a half marathon, and I think to myself, “it MUST be worth it!” Fingers crossed! Thanks for the lovely comment! Xo
I’m pretty sure this is exactly what my doc wants me to be drinking every AM. Looks really delicious, I’m totally impressed
I am a kale smoothie addict as well. I have at least 3 go-to smoothies that I rotate through. I am going to give this one a try to break it up a bit.
This looks like my kind of smoothie! I’m somewhat of a smoothie-snob, myself, and I really should broaden my kale-horizons. I might just wait until the rain subsides…but I will make these someday. Bookmarked!
Looks awesome, I will try it for sure!!
Thanks Anjulee! Enjoy! 🙂
This… This is it right here.
Didn’t think I’d find anything with kale and oats but there you go. Trying it first thing in the morning, if all goes to plan it shall be a new staple of my diet.
And good luck with your halfie random blogger.
Let me know how you like it! And thanks for the good luck wishes, I actually ran my half last weekend and it went awesome! I credit kale smoothies with my success. 😉
Loved it, can’t even taste the kale. Took the liberty of replacing the blueberries with strawberries (because you know, they are the king of berries) and mixing the berry/banana ratio.
More protein than you can shake a stick at for the gym, kale for some much needed vitamins and fiber, filling enough and low in calories to help mu cut along…
Thanks again, this has literally become the centerpiece of my diet.
Yay, glad you loved it! I’ll have to try it with strawberries some time. They are my favorite berry too.
Awesome! One of the best recipes I’ve ever used. I will definitely be using it in the future. Thanks!
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Fantastic recipe. Tasted way better than expected. Put a whole banana and omitted honey though.
I’m so glad! 🙂
So delicious!! I’ve been trying to incorporate more kale in my diet and this was the perfect way to add it to breakfast! This is my new morning staple! Thanks so much!
Thanks Tracey! I’m so glad you enjoyed this smoothie!
Just made the smoothie and it is absolutly delicious, thanks for sharing it is my new go to breakfast meal!!!
I’m glad you enjoyed it Megan! Happy New Year!
Are you kidding me??!! This is AMAZING!!! Thank you, thank you!!!
Thanks Ashley!
I absolutely love this smoothie!! Thank you so much for the recipe!
I’m glad you enjoyed it, Erica! 🙂
Time to get disciplined! Begins in the a.m.!!!
Am struggling to find kale in Switzerland. Can i add spinach instead?
Yes, you bet!
This has been my go-to smoothie this week. I call it my breakfast smoothie because of the oaks. Love it!
I have heard kale should not be consumed raw?
I eat it raw all the time and have never had an issue!