Summer long runs are hot, humid and sticky. All I want when I get home is to get into a cool shower. But, given that it’s a 15-20 minute drive home, and running research says you should eat something within 30 minutes of finishing your run, what’s a girl to do? Have a snack before hopping in the shower, that’s what.
For me, given how far I have to drive post-run, I need my snack to require minimal thought and be ready to eat within 2 minutes of me getting home. It’s just supposed to hold be over until I can make a real meal post-shower.
- Fruit. Everyone knows about the banana, but in the summer, maybe it’s fresh berries. Cool, lots of water. Just wash and eat! I’m also a fan of fruit cups and watermelon.
- Pickles. Again, cool, high water content. There’s something about the saltiness of pickles that I love after a long run. I’m particularly a fan of the zesty dill pickles-with a spicy kick!
- Part of a granola bar. Sometimes before a run, I’ll eat part of a Larabar. If I have a quarter to a half left, it’s perfect for the drive home.
- Almonds. A little handful goes a long way. They have a satisfying crunch, and aren’t too hard on the stomach. I prefer raw whole almonds.
- Gatorade. I don’t usually drink much sports drink during my runs, but right after, Gatorade actually tastes good. It doesn’t even taste sickly sweet, which is probably a sign that I need it. Electrolytes for the win!
What do you normally eat right after a long (summery, hot, humid) run?
My friend Courtney at Eat Pray Run DC links up with two other bloggers on Fridays for a themed link up. Today I’m linking up for the Friday Five with Courtney, Mar, and Cynthia. Make sure you check out their awesome blogs as well as those who join the link up!
Love watermelon, especially after a run on a warm day!
ooh I love pickles and I never thought of them as a post run snack but yes great idea! I am also a gatorade girl especially in this heat
Thanks for this reminder. The only think I usually have post run is water. I am clearly not nourishing my body well!
tons of iced cold water and fruit FTW!! I make sure to add something with electrolytes throughout the rest of the day as well.
Those are all great ideas! I have done the Larabar post-run, but I want to get back to making smoothies and adding protein powder!
Berries and watermelon are perfect in the Summer! I never thought about pickles, though! I’ll have to give that one a try.
I had never had watermelon post run until recently and I loved it!
granola bars for the win!