Falling back in love with running plus #TrainingBites

I started running in college and fell in love, which lead me to the triathlon team. Running was a place of stillness and escape for me. Being so rigid with tennis in high school, I wanted freedom. And running gave that to me.

When Eric and I met, he really didn’t like to run. We started running together even though he complained a bunch in the beginning.

He’s totally into running now, and I’ve found myself to be the one complaining about running.Eric’s style of running is Sunday afternoon at 12 PM, 95 degrees and humid, and because we run together, I’ve endured the sweat sesh, because as he says “it’s making me stronger”. Okay, that is not my type of running. It kinda puts me in a cranky mood.

This weekend we ran the Miracle Miles 15K (9.3 miles), it was overcast, raining, and a little breezy (kinda like the old Auburn days when I found running). The race was in downtown Orlando and by the time we parked our car, we had 10 minutes to get to the start line and we were about a mile away! So we sprinted to the race start and made it just before the gun fired.

Awesome. There was a big crowed of people, and it felt good, and then at about mile 2 we hit a long highway and I wasn’t feeling it. I seriously contemplated dropping out, and stopping at the Starbucks because who needs to run 9 miles? Coffee is better. But I kept running.

Stoping in this race wasn’t convenient because it was a big 9 mile loop so I would have to turn around and I wasn’t doing that. At a mile 6 I started thinking and becoming hopeful. Only 3 miles to go but also invigorated because I wasn’t thinking about the pain or the miles as much. I don’t know how I lost myself in running but it happened. I was able to finally quiet my mind and find stillness, enjoy the sun on my face, and the amazing fall breeze!

I crossed the finish line inspired and happy, I didn’t even remember to look at my finish time that’s how much I was enjoying it! No watch either. I ran like my body wanted me too and really felt pain free the whole run.

For this week’s #TrainingBites, grab a bowl of this Coconut Quinoa Granola… it’s and oldie but a goodie and one of our favorites. It has an AMAZING coconut flavor, and makes the house smell amazing! I’ve made many variations of this recipe like this Crunchy Quinoa Granola and embarrassing video and find that cooking quinoa gives a nice tenderness and texture to granola. I love eating it with Greek yogurt or unsweetened vanilla almond milk.

Coconut Quinoa Granola

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★★★★★

4.7 from 3 reviews

• Author: Kristina LaRue
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 30 mins
• Total Time: 45 mins

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Description

Grab a bowl of this Coconut Quinoa Granola… it’s one of our favorites. It has an AMAZING coconut flavor, and makes the house smell amazing! I’ve made many variations of this recipe and find that cooking quinoa gives a nice tenderness and texture to granola. Eat it with Greek yogurt or unsweetened vanilla almond milk.

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Scale 1x2x3x

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup cooked quinoa
• 1 cup raw walnut halves, chopped
• 1/2 cup raw sliced almonds
• 1/2 cup raw pumpkin seeds
• 1/4 cup whole golden flaxseeds
• 1 cup rolled oats
• 1 cup dried tart cherries
• 1/2 cup golden raisins
• 1/2 cup shredded unsweetened coconut
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon
• 1/4 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/4 cup coconut oil
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1/4 cup agave nectar

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Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 300 degrees F.
2. In large bowl combine quinoa, nuts, seeds, oats, dried fruit, coconut and spices together and mix until incorporated.
3. In small bowl stir together coconut oil, vanilla, and agave nectar.
4. Place coconut oil mixture in microwave for 10 seconds until melted; then pour over nut and oats and mix until fully coated.
5. Pour granola on a rimmed baking sheet and bake for 30 minutes until granola is golden.
6. Allow to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

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Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/16 of recipe
• Calories: 249
• Sugar: 11g
• Sodium: 16mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Carbohydrates: 23g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 6g
• Cholesterol: 0mg

Kristina LaRue, RDN

Hi I’m Kristina LaRue, RD (registered dietitian nutritionist), Peloton addict and mama to two active and hungry boys. On Love & Zest, you’ll find healthy-ish recipes that fuel the whole family. I’m all about veggie-filled breakfast, meal prep recipes, healthier sweets, and easy weeknight dinners made in the Instant Pot or sheet pan.

Did you make one of my recipes?? Leave a review in the comments and tag @loveandzest #loveandzest on Instagram!

If you’re a modern mama– I’d love for you to join my Facebook group A Modern Motherhood Collective!

www.loveandzest.com

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