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Many of you have inquired about my half-marathon training fuel. Much to anyone’s surprise, I don’t solely live off of chocolate chip cookies. Although, that’d be quite the life.
As I train, I’m making sure to fuel up and recover appropriately. With the occasional cupcake, of course. Cookie dough frosting is good running fuel, no?
And so is peanut butter, granola, chicken, oats, lots of veggies, and most certainly… a lot of smoothies. And sweet potato fries (obsessed). Maybe a margarita thrown in every now and then? With chips and salsa? Come to mama!
While I have no certification to give running or nutrition advice, I can certainly share with you one of my favorite ways to fuel up.
I have a little thing for smoothies. Cold, creamy, fruit-filled smoothies that are so thick, I have to eat it with a spoon. 
My common smoothie ingredients are nothing strange or specialty-store required.
Nope, just a simple mix of frozen banana, frozen mango, greek yogurt, almond milk, spinach, and frozen blueberries. Lately, frozen strawberries and peaches have been making the cut as well.
But I always, always start with frozen banana chunks. I typically buy a bunch of bananas at the beginning of the week and if I’m not baking banana bread with them, I chop them up when they ripen and freeze them in a ziplock bag to have on hand for smoothies.
Frozen bananas lend the creamiest, thickest smoothies. Exactly what I’m looking for.
Today, I made a new smoothie for my post-run recovery drink. A chocolate-cherry bomb of sorts.
With the frozen banana chunks, into the blender went: Chobani black cherry nonfat greek yogurt, frozen cherries, a touch of almond milk, and a drizzle of sugar-free chocolate syrup. Nothing fancy.
You may certainly use chocolate protein powder for a chocolate kick, but I haven’t been able to find a brand that doesn’t taste “chalky.” Any suggestions?
The Chobani lends quite the protein punch already – 14 grams – which was good enough for my muscles & I. It was everything my muscles and stomach craved.
Feel free to leave out the chocolate drizzle or just sprinkle with chocolate chips instead. Use different berries or even add some spinach. Smoothies are so versatile, which is why I my fruit-obsessed self loves them!
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Makes 2 generous cups. 14g protein total.
Ingredients
- 1 and 1/2 large bananas, cut into chunks & frozen
- 6 oz Chobani Black Cherry Nonfat Yogurt
- 1/2 cup frozen cherries
- 1/3 cup milk (I used almond milk - use more or less, depending on how thick you'd like it)
- 2 Tbsp chocolate syrup (I used sugar free)
Instructions
- Add first 4 ingredients to blender. Blend for 1 minute. If bananas are not mixing well, give the ingredients a stir to move them around. Blend until you've reached a smooth consistency. Add more milk for a drinkable smoothie.
Notes
Recipe source: SALLYSBAKINGADDICTION.COM
© Sally’s Baking Addiction. All images & content are copyright protected. Please do not use my images without prior permission. If you want to republish this recipe, please re-write the recipe in your own words, or link back to this post for the recipe.
Instead of fruity smoothies, sometimes I blend up a a bunch of frozen banana chunks with just a splash of milk. The end result is a creamy, smooth soft-serve that is reminiscent of vanilla ice cream. In fact, sometimes I add a touch of vanilla extract before blending too.
A good source of carbs, bananas also contain potassium which runners lose through sweating. Pure frozen whipped bananas. It certainly cools me down after a run. Top with sprinkles, peanut butter, frozen fruit, or toasted coconut.
Some of my other favorite foods I eat to recover from or fuel up for a run are:
Skinny Peanut Butter Swirl Brownies
This incredibly fudgy brownie, secretly full of healthy ingredients like oats and yogurt, was my pre-run fuel last month. I have never felt stronger and more energized. Seriously.
Peanut Butter Banana Chocolate Chip Bars
Not only do you have your potassium-rich bananas, but peanut butter is a good source of protein – a dietary component needed to build and repair muscles damaged during training and exercise.
There is certainly no shortage of peanut butter in my kitchen. 
My favorite part of granola are the big chunks! Having a baggie at work keeps my monstrous hunger at ease. And it’s easier to eat than typical granola. No spoon required!
Any runners out there? Any races coming up? Any advice for my half-marathon?
{ 65 comments… read them below or add one }
This sounds delishhh. I ran a half marathon last year but I got lazy this year and it’s only about a month away
Now I kind of wish I trained for it! Good luck!
Ashley @ Wishes and Dishes recently posted..Open Faced Croque Monsieurs
Thanks Ashley, I’ll need the luck!!
wow, that looks like such a delish smoothie! if i could have that after every run, then i’d run every day! haha
good luck on your run and training for it!! xo
Julie @ Table for Two recently posted..Zucchini Chips
Thanks Julie – knowing i’ll have a cold, thick smoothie afterwards definitely gets me through a run haha
I have the same shoes! Brooks Ravenna. I am on my third pair. Have to replace them every 6-10 months but they are great. Good luck on the half marathon! I want to run a full or even half but need to get someone to do it with me or I’ll never get around to it. :/
That is too funny, Holli! I swear by Brooks. They are the only shoes I will run in.
I miss my food proc down here! Seeing that pic of your Pure frozen whipped bananas and I drool. I do have my little Bullet but not quite the same for making big batches. Love this post and the Sally Details…FUN!
Averie @ Averie Cooks recently posted..Baked Peach and Nectarine Donuts with White Chocolate
Thanks Averie! It’s fun to post about other things I love like running and margaritas sometimes
Sending you lots of smoothie love from my blender to your Bullet lol
That sounds like the perfect snack for after a good workout! I’ll have to try it, ‘cuz that’s the only way I’m gonna eat yogurt. Just sayin’.
Dorothy @ Crazy for Crust recently posted..S’mores Brownies {Sundays with Joy}
I love that you are sharing your running tips/recipes!! I recently hit 8.31 miles
Do you watch your carbs at all? Eat high protein? Get carbs from veggies and whole grains/oats?
How far in advance do you consume your pre-run drink/snack? How soon after?
Any multivitamins?
I like the Target brand vanilla protein powder.
I know…. Lots of questions, but I find this so interesting
I find that every runner/jogger/walker has their own “ritual” 
Love your blog!
Good luck training….Boston half, How Exciting!!
*I use the Nike+ running app…love it. Do you use a specific app?
Hi Sara! Depending on the time of day I run, I typically eat something small an hour before I head out. I don’t take multivitamins, although I should. I get a lot of vitamins/amino acids through my diet. I’ll have to check out that target brand protein powder, thanks! I have a Nike+ GPS watch that I love, no Apps.
Girl, I love the way you eat! I made a chocolate-cherry smoothie a while ago when cherries were overflowing my fridge and mmm was it good. I love the pretty color of yours! Also, I pretty much live off of banana soft serve. Beautiful pictures!!
Jacqueline recently posted..Peach Cobbler
Thanks Jacqueline! Banana soft serve is a daily snack of mine, I can’t get enough.
This sounds so good – even at 10:30 at night!!
Deborah recently posted..Banana Baked Donuts with Peanut Butter and Bacon {Elvis Donuts}
I so wish I could have bananas. Like you said, it makes smoothies so creamy! Instead I have to use avocados, which would be nice if they weren’t so expensive most of the year. And that banana soft serve! Aww. I’m so jealous that you can eat that.
I love this combination! Sounds delicious and filling.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking recently posted..Raw Cinnamon Raisin Cookie Dough Balls (gluten-free and vegan)
Are you allergic, Erin? I don’t think I could live without bananas! But I do love avocados, I’m very intrigued about the thought of putting one into a smoothie.
Yes, I’m allergic.
And I hate it! All the good really, really healthy and creamy recipes use them. And there’s no good sub! Booo.
Erin @ Texanerin Baking recently posted..White Chocolate Raspberry Coconut Truffles
aww that stinks Erin! i’m sure avocados are just as creamy though
Woah! I had no idea you live in the Baltimore area! I lived there for 10 years until 2010, now I’m living in Bethesda. Small world! This shake looks perfect, I have a smoothie for breakfast every morning and this will fit right in.
Jen @ Savory Simple recently posted..Bacon Polenta Pancakes with Maple Whipped Cream
I love the Bethesda area! So many wonderful restaurants. Smoothies make an appearance for my breakfasts sometimes too
Good luck with the running
I have found a great chocolate protein powder, its Optimum Nutrition Gold Natural Whey http://www.optimumnutrition.com/products/natural-100-whey-gold-standard-p-202.html its the smoothest and best tasting chocolate one I have found. Also its all natural as well, which is a bonus.
I’ll have to check this brand out! Thanks so much for the suggestion!
Mmmm that looks so cool and creamy, almost makes me want to run. ALMOST.
Good luck on your training. Sounds like you’re doing really well so far!
Back For Seconds recently posted..Back For Seconds Social *Link Party*
Thanks a lot, Stephanie!
Good luck on your marathon, Sally! I also loooove to run, but I don’t know if I have the mental stamina for a marathon. I too love sweet potato fries. This looks like great running fuel, but most of the time I take advantage of my tough workout schedule by eating big desserts instead of healthy fuel. Life’s too short, right?
Laura Dembowski recently posted..Cherry Clafouti
Thanks Laura! I don’t think I could run a FULL marathon, so a half is perfect for me. You’d be surprised at your stamina, I’m sure you could do it.
Good luck on your marathon, Sally! You have so much focus and drive, there’s no doubt in my mind you’ll do well. Plus, you make these amazing smoothies which are probably badass jet-fuel for you to take this marathon and make it yours. I hafta say, this smoothie tops the ones I make, which are usually muddled with random fruit flavors and aren’t nearly as decadent. And I’m totally stealing your frozen whipped bananas idea! Homemade, quick, non-fat froyo at home? Whyyyy didn’t I know of this sooner?!
Hayley @ The Domestic Rebel recently posted..No-Bake S’Mores Bars
Thanks for the support, Hayley! I’m glad you tried the banana soft serve. Isn’t it to die for? So simple and healthy.
great healthy recipe!
Dina recently posted..Two for Tuesday: Ice cream
Sally, SUCH great pictures! And that smoothie?!? Looks amazing! I don’t run, but I think all of the healthy goodness in it will probably balance out all the cupcakes I eat, yes?
Ashley @ Kitchen Meets Girl recently posted..Cumin-Lime Corn Salad
Thanks for the compliment on the pics, Ashley! I wasn’t too confident with them, so that means a lot.
I’ve never seen a protein shake looking so delectable! You have a magic touch. Good luck with your training!
Reeni recently posted..Peaches and Cream Bundt Cake
Thanks a lot Reeni
Hi, you mentioned you were looking for a chocolate protein powder that doesn’t taste chalky – well I have been using AMP Wheybolic from GNC (chocolate, though they offer about half dozen different flavors) and I love it. I mix 1 scoop powder, 1 cup unflavored almond milk, ice cubes, 1 frozen banana, and 1 tbs peanut butter for my post workout recovery meal/lunch. Filling and delicious. Coming from someone who *hates* protein powders. I’ll be trying a recipe with cherries – thanks for the idea!
Darcy, thanks so much for the suggestion AND the recipe. That really does sound like a stand-out recovery shake, post run. I’ve been looking for something just like it.
Good luck with your mini marathon! Running is one thing I really miss since I have gotten pregnant. I am used to running 20-24 miles a week and it is just strange not being able to do it. I am more than ready to start my training for the mini I will be running in May!
Christina @Sweet Pea’s Kitchen recently posted..Triple Chocolate Zucchini Brownies
I had no idea you were a runner too, Christina! Maybe we can swap stories and advice. I love learning from my peers. I also didn’t know you were expecting. That is so exciting!
Yum Sally! I have a thing for smoothies too! Good luck to you on your half marathon. I just signed up for a 5K myself
Laurie {Simply Scratch} recently posted..Honey-Whiskey Barbecue Sauce
good luck in the 5K Laurie! We should swap racing advice sometime, I am still learning on how to train properly.
only you can make a smoothie look that amazing!
Heather@French Press recently posted..Cinnamon Roll Waffles
Thanks girl!! You could do it too, I’m drooling over your waffles from today.
Can I just tell you that I’m in love with your site!!! Everything on here looks absolutely delicious.
I, too, am training for a run. Not a half marathon, but a 5k. It seems that we live pretty close to each other- I also live in the Baltimore area.
I’m printing this recipe to try this weekend to fuel my run. I’m super excited! I happen to have all of the ingredients. Woot!
P.S.- Living off of chocolate chip cookies sounds like a delicious plan.
Hi Jennie!! Thanks for writing in, We have a TON in common! I hope you ended up trying this smoothie – I had one again this weekend, too. Thank you so much for stopping by my site. We should swap running advice and motivation one time! I always am looking for runners to chat with.
I made this smoothie this morning for my hub, myself and my 7 year old. We all loved it. MMMMMMM. THANK YOU. Going to try the frozen banana “soft serve” too.
THat’s great to hear Rebekah! So glad you like the smoothie. That frozen banana whipped soft serve is TO DIE for!! so creamy and shockingly healthy!
This looks great. I am going to give it a try. I can’t find a protein packed treat I like after a long run. I am training for a FULL marthon, the same one your sister is running. The Rock n Roll in STL. I ran the half last yr and got dumb this year;) No really I LOVE running. I am running a half marthon for training on Saturday. Good luck!!
Danielle – GOOD LUCK this weekend! I’m glad we have running in common, I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to run a full marathon someday. I need to really focus on running and less baking if that happens
All your recipes sound so delish! I would highly recommend Beverly International Ultimate Muscle Protein powder. It comes vanilla, chocolate and cookies & cream. It is the BEST to make shakes, put in plain yogurt, oatmeal (cold is the best, strange I know but oh so good) and you can even cook with it. They have a blog with shared recipes. I buy the vanilla and then add chocolate so that I can have any flavor to mix. If you get on their mailing list they will send an email or mail on when they have sales. There is usually a few of us that go in so we hit higher discounts and free shipping. Also, I live in St Louis and if your sister is doing the Rock and Roll STL she will enjoy the race and hopefully the weather. I did it last year and it turned out to be a personal best for me. I’m training for Quad Cities IA in Sept. My bucket list for half marathons is N-S-E-W of the U.S. and I’ve hit all but north so here I come IA!! S was San Antonio, E was Outer Banks, NC (my fav) and W was Healdsburg, Ca wine country race…fab also!! Hopefully I will run international in Ireland. Keep hitting the pavement and sharing yum-o recipes…best of luck on your racing~~~
Hi Kim! Wow.. to so many things you talked about! Thank you for the protein powder advice and suggestion, I will have to look into that brand! And you are an ALL STAR for running so many half marathons! Wow. I am blown away by your determination and stamina! My sister is running the STL rock n roll half marathon! she’s so excited. I hope she has good weather too. CONGRATS on having a great run at last years! I love the NSEW idea… so wonderful! And let me know how all of your halts continue to go… I’d love to run in Ireland or even the OuterBanks Nc. Thanks so much Kim, I love to chat about running!
This smoothie is scrumptious, Sally! I am in love with it, quite frankly. Thank you for posting it. : D
So glad to hear that Heather! I make this smoothie ALL the time.
smoothie sounds yummy…as for protein powder only one i like is eas whey protein powder….i like enough that i can add just to water and takes like choc milk. try it!!!
Jenny, thanks SO much for the suggestion! I’m going to try it out. I still haven’t bought a protein powder I like yet. You’re the best!
I’ve got a protein powder for you that is not chalky. Jarrows organic whey protein, unsweetened. But it at Whole Foods or online. It’s amazing, so smooth and no chalkiness whatsoever. I love the stuff!
hey olivia! thank you so much for the suggestion! i wrote that down.. i planned to go to whole foods this weekend! thank you SO much, very thoughtful of you to suggest.
Wow this looks so amazing I’m going to buy a new blender in the morning just so I can make this. Is there any brand/model of blender or food processor you would recommend? I want a good one but don’t want to spend a fortune.
Have a good weekend!!
I am in love with your site
Hi Ruosi! Thank you so much. I’ve been out of town and am just getting to this comment now. I use this Ninja blender/food processor and it is under $50: http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Ninja-QB1004-Professional-Master-Prep-Blender-and-Food-Processor-Refurbished/6330618/product.html?cid=202290&kid=9553000357392&track=pspla&ef_id=URf54gAABILVuQXD:20130210194954:s
Just got this at walmart yesterday for $39! It made the smoothest smoothie, I’m so happy I made that investment, thank you so much!!
Perfect! And you’re welcome!
I have discovered Whole Foods 365 Brand Whey Chocolate Protein Powder. It is absolutely delicious!
Thanks for the suggestion Ashleigh! I’ll have to try it out.
I just tried this recipe and I am in love! If you have any other combinations, please share.
Hey Tamika! So glad you liked it – I’m working on posting another smoothie recipe in the next few weeks. Thank you so much!
GREAT frozen banana trick! I added an extra scoop of protein powder after my work and bailed on the chocolate sauce.
Sounds like a great idea, Paula! And I swear by frozen bananas.
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