What This Vegan Ate to Train for a Marathon - Part 17

We're almost at the end of this series, my friends. After months of training, the marathon is only three weeks away. When I began this journey I didn't have any idea that I'd also be joining my tennis team to compete in the USTA National Championships. When it rains, it pours. Only this is like extra sunshine with a splash of sprinkles. Because, sprinkles are for winners!

As luck would have it, both of these events are taking place within a week of each other. So, as I've begun tapering my runs for the marathon, I've increased my practice for the tournament. My legs felt really heavy earlier this week. I ran sixteen miles on Tuesday, then played two hours of singles, and came home and  had an cozy  uncomfortable, yet strangely satisfying,  date with my foam roller. My feet and legs felt like they did the day of the twenty miler, because I probably did run that far after chasing the ball all over the court for one hundred and twenty minutes! You have no idea how happy I am that my next long run will only be twelve miles.

Thankfully, the weather has been cool in the Chicago area, so running has been a joy. Hopefully it will stay like this for the marathon. Fingers crossed!

This week I spent a lot more time in the kitchen whipping up delicious recipes for you all to try, like raw chocolate pudding that doesn't have a bit of soy or avocado in it, and roasted tomato spaghetti sauce.  It's been so nice because I get to eat everything after I've photographed it. Yay me!

Here's a peek at what I ate on an average day while training for a marathon and practicing for nationals. I ran sixteen miles and played two hours of singles tennis on this day.

Breakfast

I started with a tall glass of lemon water, a cup of coffee with almond milk, two pieces of whole grain toast with a smear of peanut butter, and a banana. I let the food digest for ninety minutest and then off I went to conquer the pavement.

During my run I drank plenty of water and consumed five Cliff Shot Bloks Energy Chews 

After my run I drank a cup of pickle juice, water, and a spinach, cherry, pineapple, protein powder smoothie.

Lunch

I went old school with a peanut butter and jelly sandwich on whole grain bread. I also had an apple and a few baby pickles.

Afternoon Snack

I had a half of a cup of the creamy, delicious chocolate pudding that I made earlier in the week. Get the recipe here.

Dinner

I had a lot of tomatoes that needed to be eaten ASAP, so I roasted them and made a wonderful spaghetti sauce. I spooned a few cups over a few cups of penne pasta, sprinkled some vegan parm on top, and enjoyed a delicious glass of wine. I also steamed some spinach to go on the side.

After eating so well on this day I woke up feeling like a brand new person the next day. The power of plants!

How Much Protein Can You Get From a Vegan Plant-Based Diet?

Breakfast - Coffee with almond milk = .55 grams - 2 slices of whole grain toast = 10 grams - 1 tablespoon of peanut butter = 4 grams - 1 banana = 1.3 grams

Total - 15.85 grams

Clif Bloks = 0 grams

Breakfast Two - 2 cups of spinach = 1.8 grams - 1 cup pineapple = .9 grams – 1 cup of cherries = 1.6 grams – 1/2 scoop protein powder = 5 grams

Total - 9.3 grams

Lunch - Two slices of whole grain bread = 10 grams - 2 tablespoons of peanut butter = 8 grams - apple = .5 grams - 12 baby dill pickles = .3 grams

Total - 18.8

Afternoon Snack - 1/2 cup of chocolate pudding = approximately 12 grams

Total - 12 grams

Dinner - 2 cups of pasta = 15 grams - 2 cups of tomato sauce = 5 grams - 1 tablespoon of vegan parmesan = 2 grams - 3 cups of cooked spinach = 2.7 grams

Total - 24.7 grams

Total Grams of Protein for the Day = 80.65 grams

As you can see, I had no problem consuming enough protein throughout the day. Plants are a healthy and lean source of protein. Good for your heart and your soul.

Activity for the Week

Friday - 2 hours of doubles tennis, 6 mile run, 2 mile walk.

Saturday - Walked 2 miles.

Sunday - Ran 5 miles and walked 2 miles.

Monday - 2 hours of doubles tennis, a 6 mile run, and a 2 mile walk.

Tuesday - 16 mile run and 2 hours of singles tennis.

Wednesday - 2 hours of singles tennis.

Thursday - 2 hours of singles tennis.

Friday - 6 mile run and a 2 mile walk.

Total miles run = 39 miles

Total miles walked = 10 miles

Total hours of tennis played = 10 hours

Have a great weekend! See you on Monday. ♥

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