Happy Wednesday again! I love how quickly Wednesday comes after a three-day weekend! I’m linking up again with Jenn at Peas and Crayons …

This week, I thought I’d share race day eats, so here’s what Saturday looked like before and after the miserable 10k plus a few from our blueberry picking outing:

[Pre-race: whole wheat pita with banana, pb and chia; Post race: blueberry-yogurt-spinach smoothie; Lunch: couscous with chickpeas, tomato sauce and fresh parm; Snack: unpictured dark chocolate + almonds; Dinner: portabello burgers with feta, corn, beet-carrot salad, greens and watermelon; Dessert: cocoa-date-nut balls]

Race fuel: The morning of a race, I usually rely on a banana-nut butter combo of some sort.  The potassium in bananas can help prevent cramps and they digest easily, the carbs are good quick fuel, and the protein and fat in nut butter keeps me satisfied through runs up to about 10-13 miles. Here’s a helpful article on common fueling mistakes .

Summer salads: I love cold summer salads, and the carrot- red beet combo is one of my favorites.  It’s really easy and delicious!

Carrot Beet Salad (print recipe)

• 3-4 carrots, shredded
• 3-4 red beets, cooked, peeled and shredded
• 2 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp fresh lemon juice
• salt and pepper to taste
• handful fresh parsley or cilantro

Combine carrots and cooled red beets in a bowl.  Mix the oil and lemon juice together, and pour over salad.  Add salt and pepper as desired, and top with parsley.  Enjoy!

Finally, I was awarded the One Lovely Blog award from Angela, at Happy Fit Mama !

1) Post the award logo and picture on your blog and link back to the person who nominated you.
2) Tell seven things about yourself.
3) Nominate up to 15 additional bloggers whom you think deserve the award.
4) Post a comment on the blog of each nominee to tell them they have been nominated!

So… seven things about me:

1. I’m a night person, but am trying to become an early bird.
2. I’m the only redhead in my entire extended family.
3. I might be addicted to dark chocolate.
4. I’m the oldest child and exhibit most of the stereotypical characteristics.
5. One of my favorite ways to relax is to bake.
6. I kept my maiden name but never hyphenated it, causing much confusion in doctor’s offices.
7. In high school I worked in a daycare, and told my mom I was never having children.  But it’s true what they say- it really is different with your own.

Just a few of many possible nominations -

So I’d love to know… what’s the best thing you ate over Memorial day weekend?

Runners, what’s your typical pre-race fuel?