Running on Full

Random thoughts, used to be about running

food

lentil and carrot soup

What’s not to love? Spicy Lentil and Carrot Soup

Sophie–Soups–

Spicy lentil and carrot soup is a lovely quick soup to make – full of protein rich lentils and veg. It has a rich flavour that will have you wanting more. It’s a great option for a quick meal if you’re in from a run and happen to have a bag of carrots lying around. It’s also incredibly cheap to make. Play around with the spice mix to suit taste. You probably don’t want to use too much more cumin, but if you want to really spice it up, just up the chilli flakes.

saag paneer

Saag paneer

Sophie–Mains, Running–

What’s not to love about saag paneer? Once you try it, you’ll be coming back for more.  And it’s full of lots of good stuff for runners – spinach, garlic, dairy and spices – and quick and easy to make. This is the lazy version as I don’t cream the spinach  but feel free to do so if you prefer a smoother texture. And what I love about this recipe is nothing goes to waste – any paneer or buttermilk left over can be stored in the freezer for next time.

homemade baked beans

Great for Recovery – Homemade Baked Beans

Sophie–Mains, Running–

The miles are upping and I’m focusing a little more on nutrition. As part of this, I’m getting back to cooking food with flavour that can also support recovery – homemade baked beans fits the bill. I make a big batch of this stuff to have for breakfasts and after long runs to help with recovery and also to keep me happy. I throw in some garlic and chilli to give it a bit of a kick.

So you like running huh? Tell me more about carb loading

Getting the Basics Right – Nutrition and Fuelling for Marathon Day (Part 1)

Sophie–Running, Thoughts on Running–

We all know good nutrition is essential to performance. With this in mind, I was lucky enough to be invited to an event hosted by Science in Sport (SiS) on nutrition and fuelling for marathon day. In return, I was asked to write this post. I also wanted to share some of the key takeaway messages. The afternoon included a number of presentations and a run. Presenters included Dr James Morton – SiS Knowledge Director, expert on sport and exercise metabolism and academic at Liverpool John Moores University, also nutritionist for Team Sky Alan Murchison – SiS Ambassador and owner of […]

warm lentil salad

Warm Lentil Salad with Wilted Spinach, Roast Vegetables, Goat’s Cheese and Balsamic Glaze

Sophie–Salads–

This warm lentil salad is a heart and stomach warming dish with a brilliant depth and intensity of flavour. The lentils and beetroot give it an earthiness which is then balanced out with the spinach, roast veggies and glaze. It’s also a great way to use up any leftover roast veg if you want a quick and easy version. And the reason for making this – having friends over for dinner after a run, I needed something that doesn’t require a lot of complicated measuring and this hits the bill.

8 weeks to London Marathon

Training Recap – 8 Weeks to London Marathon

Sophie–Running, Training Updates–

8 weeks to London Marathon! Last year was a rubbish running year for all sorts of reasons. It was one of those extended periods where running took a dip, I mainlined Netflix and my favourite pair of running shoes gravitated to the back of the wardrobe.  On very rare occasions, I’d look on the scales – the numbers didn’t change much but clothes got a little tighter and I was feeling soggier around the edges. This brings me to the wonders of London Marathon training. Again, the numbers on the scales really haven’t changed but I’m soon in need of […]

leek and potato soup

Lazy Leek and Potato Soup

Sophie–Soups–

I’m a big fan of soup. Leek and potato soup is fast and easy to make, cheap as chips and to top it off, very very tasty. I make the lazy version of this – there’s less prep and using potatoes with the skin left on is healthier with more iron, potassium and fibre. This needs to be made fresh

minestrone soup

Supper Special – Chunky Minestrone Soup

Sophie–Soups–

If I’m training for a long race, this means I’m tired a lot of the time. Especially now, I’m conscious of the need for healthy nutritious food to keep me going and to help with recovery. Minestrone soup is a good balance of carbs and protein and with vegetables thrown in for good measure. What I love about making a big batch of minestrone is it can last for a few days and/or can be frozen. If freezing, you’ll want to leave out any of the last minutes additions like pasta and cook this fresh when you reheat the soup.

Barley salad

Barley Salad (with spinach, feta, pine nuts and citrus)

Sophie–Salads–

If you’re looking for a filling and oh so tasty meal, barley salad is the way to go. This is an adapted recipe. The original calls for Wheat Berries which can be a little tricky to find in my local shops so in the spirit of experimentation, I used barley. It’s a difficult one to call but while the taste is different, it’s equally as good.

gin and tonic cake

Time for a Celebration! Gin and Tonic Cake

Sophie–Running, Sweet Stuff & Snacks–

Really? Gin and tonic cake – good for you? Except of course it could make you slightly tipsy and put you on a bit of a sugar high… We all know the old tales that spirits are good for you if you’re ill. Now, we have moved somewhat away from that thinking, which in my mind is ‘probably’ a good thing. What did surprise me is that there are a number of reasons gin can be good for you (albeit in moderation). This is what I came across in my research: 1. The main ingredient of gin is juniper berries. These are […]

Thai soup

Thai Courgette Soup in a Flash

Sophie–Soups–

I wanted to make a Thai soup that was at the same time warming and refreshing to counter that feeling you get when the leaves are turning and the evenings are closing in. This soup does just that. With Thai green curry paste, coconut milk and lime juice, there’s a lovely warm richness to this. It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s very very tasty!

Dhal with sweet potatoes, cauliflower and spinach

Dhal (With red lentils, sweet potato, cauliflower and spinach)

Sophie–Mains–

Ahhh, dhal! So good! It’s rich and filling with lots of good stuff like lentils. And so cheap for weekday meals or as part of a weekend banquet. It last a good 3 or 4 days in the fridge so perfect for reheating after your evening run! Have it with rice or some naan bread, or even as a soup. If reheating, you’ll want to add a tablespoon or so of water as it thickens up as it cools.