I’ve been training for a marathon for almost a month now. My body is getting stronger and more muscular by the day (cool!), and I am actually starting to eat less! I think it’s because I’m really putting thought into what goes in as it will show up at the workout tomorrow with me. On days that I have eaten too late at night or too many fats (Hello avocados, olives, pumpkin seed oil and almonds) my legs feel like lead and my breathing is labored from the start (maybe it’s time for another liver flush).

So now, I am focusing on getting more protein in my diet. Since I don’t eat animal flesh, that means finding alternative, raw, vegan sources that aren’t filled with soy which makes my stomach hurt and makes my body acidic (more on alkaline/acid balance later). I just discovered this great raw, vegan protein powder called Sun Warrior Protein. I have taken it twice so far and have to say that yesterday I felt super satisfied all day after my morning smoothie which contained the powder. I didn’t even eat dinner (unless 10 olives and 1/2 a tub of freeze dried peas counts) and I had a great amount of energy.

I’m running my long run tomorrow since it’s Saturday. I’ll run with the Team In Training group and will run probably between 5 and 7 miles depending on how I feel. Last week after 7 miles (not 6 as originally thought) my kneecaps felt like someone had taken a hammer to them. It was hard for me to walk without pain until Wednesday. So this week I’m going to watch it and not  amp up my miles too fast since I have until October 18th to be ready. I’m going to get up early and drink that Sun Warrior, to see how I feel. Last week was a complete disaster with the food thing; I was so proud of myself for making these goji-chia-almond bars, and I thought “This is light, this is good, this has energy”, well my poor running partner, Glenda, all she heard  was “oooh my stomach hurts, burp, burp”….Ahhh never again, that thing stayed with me for hours! This week is a new experiment, keep your fingers crossed for me that all goes well. I’ll just add a banana and some coconut water to the blender with 2 Tbs. of the powder and hopefully that will be a good amount.

I just found out about a product called L-Glutamine, according to Mens’ total fitness, it’s the most abundant amino acid found in the muscle and plasma. It is also a primary nitrogen donor, meaning that it moves the nitrogen around in the body to where it is needed. Maintaining a positive nitrogen balance is absolutely necessary for muscle building. When glutamine stores are depleted, people may experience decreases in strength, stamina, and recovery.  Here’s more of the story if you are interested: http://www.mens-total-fitness.com/L-glutamine.htm lI’m not sure if it’s going to work for me as they say the jury is still out on how effective the supplement is, but the only food sources of it are meat, eggs , dairy and beans. Now I’ll eat a bean now and again, but not enough to replenish my supply I’m guessing.  It says to take it after I work out, so I’ll take that tomorrow after my run and see how I feel on Sunday.

This is a pretty fun experiement! I love being my own experiment. It’s the only way to really know if something works. Try it out then journal the results. I’ve found that keeping a food diary and noticing how I feel after eating has really helped me pinpoint some energy sappers. For instance for lunch I had a green salad with corn (starch), buckwheat crackers (starch and fat), avocado (fat), pumpkin seed oil (fat), and I feel a little sleepy now…too many fats and starches for this clean running body. I think next time, even though I know this already and even though I don’t always want to listen, I’ll limit the intake to 1 starch or protein (nuts), and 1 or 2 fats and I’ll feel much lighter.

Going dancing tonight…taking lessons at a blues club in SOMA (south of Market). I’m supposed to be resting today before my run, but it’s so hard to pass up a good invite. I’ll take it easy and try to get to bed early!

Here is a recipe for all you athletes:

Elaina Loves’
SuperFood Chocolate Clusters

6 oz. Virgin coconut oil
1/4 cup cacao butter (1.25 oz. by weight)
3/4 cup agave nectar
2 Tbs honey
2 tsp. vanilla extract (use cherry, almond, maple, cinnamon, etc.)
1/4 tsp. Himalayan salt crystals
1/16 tsp. cayenne pepper
Blend until smooth
————————————-
1 cup raw cacao powder
1/2 cup raw cacao nibs
1/2 cup goji berries
2 cup coconut chips or fine shredded
1 cup brazil nuts, chopped well
1/4 cup Spirulina powder
1/2 cup raisins (not chopped)
1/2 cup chopped Inca berries (chopped fine)
1 1/2 Tbs. Maca powder
1.    Mix coconut oil, agave, vanilla, salt and cayenne together in a blender until smooth.
2.    Pour into a bowl and hand mix in the cacao powder and spirulina until well mixed.
3.    Add the remainder of ingredients and stir well.
4.    Spoon globules of batter onto an excellent drying sheet or wax paper using a level Tablespoon.  Freeze until set, then put in a sealable container and refrigerate.

Makes 45 clusters