To nourish is to flourish

Yay! Week four of the couch to 5k challenge is here. I’m half way there. Yesterday afternoon, after work, I set off on the longest run/walk I’ve done in many a year, 4K. With the lighter evenings, this is becoming a pleasure. It gives me the chance to see Spring bulbs flowering. Drifts of crocuses and snowdrops line my route, with the promise of bright yellow daffodils soon to appear.

The evening bird chorus is lasting longer too. I’m on the cooldown walk by the time the owls begin their hooting duet. By the time I reach the end of this challenge, I will be too early to hear the songs, but at least it might be warmer.

I’m looking forward to running lighter. At the moment I run with more layers than an onion! I look like the Michelin Man with running shoes!

The signs of preparation for Spring were evident in some gardens. Their owners were out in force, pruning, and tidying, while the farmers were busy moving loads of ‘natural fertilizer’ from the cow sheds to the fields. My poor nostrils got the full impact as the tractor went past. I swear the driver slowed down to keep pace with me during one of the run sections!

Anyhoo, in an effort to ignore the pong, I started thinking about the importance of nourishment. Yes, even the poop counts as field food! If we want to see a good yield in Spring and Summer, we need to fuel up our soil. And then, on the home stretch, my mind obviously trying to ignore the last 1K, I thought about the importance of nourishing my own body if I want her to flourish in the 5K race.

So here’s one of my smoothie recipes I use to fuel up afterwards. All you need is a blender or a smoothie maker.

Cath’s Purple Protein Potion

• 1/2 banana
• 1/2 avocado
• fistful spinach leaves
• 2 tsp milled seeds (my mix contains flaxseed, sunflower seeds and poppy seeds)
• 1 portion of protein powder (Not a body-building powder, mine comes from rice)
• 2 fistfuls frozen mixed berries
• water or nut milk to mix

It tastes great, provides me with some ready to use protein, and hits my 5-a-day target for fruit and veg consumption. Winner!

Have a tip-top Tuesday everyone xx