Run for the Smoothie

Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie- get the recipe

Have you ever walked into the gym, ready to get your fitness on, and then BAM!  It hits you like a ton of bricks! LACK OF MOTIVATION.  A lot of times it will come right as I am starting my lunges.  I have a love-hate relationship with lunges.  I love what they do to my legs, but I just hate doing them!  Sometimes the "Lack of Motivation" feeling comes right when I step on the treadmill to run.  Sometimes, I feel like this...

I've always been active in sports, but running for long distances has never been my thing. I never understood it.  Shouldn't there be a ball or something?  Check me out below- my middle school volleyball picture.  I know what you're thinking- hot stuff right?  (Haha!  You should have seen my hair in those days- frizzy was an understatement!)  I played volleyball and softball for 12 years, so I guess running just makes me think of all that conditioning we would have to do at practice!  

I've always blamed my lack of running willpower on my "sprinter" genes (I may or may not been nicknamed "Lightning Lauren" in softball- Patrick never lets me live that down!)  But since my sister has become quite the marathoner (GO ERICA!), I guess there goes my only excuse. 

My cardio of choice has always been the elliptical.  But I am slowly adding more runs to my workouts.  And I even have my first joint-running adventure with my friend Lisa.  It's next week!  I'm so excited!  I just hope I don't feel like this...

So, honestly, I'm a little nervous.  I've always been the working out "solo" type- especially when it comes to running.  I don't understand things like "pace."  For me, just let me know what I'm running to so then I know when to stop.  And I know what you're thinking- what if LACK OF MOTIVATION strikes?  Don't worry, I've got a plan for that!

It's called my Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie!  Trust me, this is enough to get me motivated!  The flavors of chocolate and banana together = total bliss.  I always keep frozen bananas on hand so I can whip this up.  Plus, this smoothie has plenty of protein to get me through a tough workout or help me recover from one. 

I'm not sure yet how I will use it for my run with Lisa.  I could either make one for some pre-run energy or maybe I'll use it as my reward.  Either way, I know I'll be looking forward to the frothy, chocolaty goodness.  And hopefully, I'll finish strong.  Wish me luck!!

What kinds of things do you do when "Lack of Motivation" strikes??

Love,

Lauren Marie