Yesterday, I completed my final long run before the Fort 4 Fitness half marathon this Saturday.

After completing my long runs in the past, sometimes I would experience headaches, nausea, and just plain feeling not-so-great.  That kind of took away the “runner’s high” that  I would get immediately after my runs, and I really wanted to figure out a way to make myself feel great after these runs.

After trying this tactic three times with success, I would like to say that I think I have found what works for me!

In order to make up for all of the sweat, salt and electrolytes that my body was losing, I tried incorporating coconut water into pre-run smoothies.  Coconut water is naturally high in electrolytes, and having it before my runs has completely eliminated any sick post-run feelings allowing me to enjoy that runner’s high that I love.

Yesterday’s smoothie was delicious and creamy and tasted a bit like an Orange Julius thanks to the addition of orange coconut water.

Orange Julius Electrolyte Smoothie

Ingredients:

• 2/3 frozen banana
• 1/2 cup strawberries
• 3 oz Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup Orange Vita Coco
• 1 handful of spinach (I swear you can’t taste it and it is full of vitamins!)
• 1 packet Crystal Light Strawberry Energy (for a little pre-run caffeine boost)

After the smoothie, a little granola, and waiting a bit for it all to settle in my tummy I was out the door for my final long run before this race.

I ran throughout downtown Indianapolis and along the canal.  The weather was a bit chilly at the beginning, but the atmosphere was great!  There was a home Colts football game yesterday, so there were a ton of tailgaters and festivities to keep me occupied.

 The only negative about running downtown is the start/stop action due to the stoplights, but other than that it is great!

 I completed just under 13 miles, and if I didn’t have anything on the agenda today and hadn’t run into a dead end I feel I could have kept running forever.  It was an amazing feeling to have my legs just carrying me throughout the city.

 Another important thing to do after a long run is refuel immediately  afterwards.  For me, when I wait to eat something or put fuel back in my system it can also contribute to a sick feeling after the run.

I came to this run prepared with a Silk Pure Almond Chocolate Milk ready to chug once the run was done.  It was good  and I had no sick feeling after the run.  Success in my book.

I also made sure to stretch, foam roll, and use one of my new favorite products…Bengay in a stick for easy application.  I love this stuff because it really helps to easy my muscle pain, and I am able to give pressure deep into the muscle because of the way the applicator is shaped.  It also doesn’t get all over my hands because of the deoderant like stick.

After knocking pretty much everything to-do list, I painted my nails with a new-to-me color that I instantly fell in love with.  To me,  Essie’s All Tied Up just screams fall!

As soon as I painted my nails, I wanted to take a picture to show you guys this awesome color…but my nails always need to be washed off a bit in the shower to get all of the polish off of my skin and cuticles.  I took a picture anyways…

My picture doesn’t look quite as cute as those pictures of nail polish on pinterest, but I am happy with the color and you get the idea 😉

source

What do you eat/drink before a long run or intense workout?

What is your favorite nail color for fall?