Running a half-marathon has been on my ‘to-do’ list for a couple of years. So, I’ve taken the plunge and signed up to the JCP Swansea Half Marathon this June. At first, I was worried about it because I’m asthmatic but as long as I’m careful, I should be fine. Apart from asthma, I’m fit and healthy which I’m grateful for.
Alongside training, I’ve been eating well to make sure I’m performing my best. To be honest, eating healthily has never been a problem for me but the half-marathon has given me even more incentive to take care of my body. I need to make sure that I have enough energy to last 13.1 miles. Plus, I feel much better all round when I look after myself.
This post is in no way preaching what you should and shouldn’t eat. It’s just what works for me and what suits my lifestyle. Everyone is different! Also, I must say that I focus on nutrition rather than weight loss. Just in case anyone thinks I’m ‘dieting’ in the traditional sense! I’m not going to list everything I eat either. My diet is so varied; I’d be here all day.
Basically, my diet consists of fruits, vegetables, fish, wholegrains and low-fat dairy products. I rarely eat meat so I make sure I get my protein from grains/pulses, dairy, eggs and nuts/seeds. And fish, of course! I love plant-based foods and the idea of veganism but I’m not ready to give up certain foods. I’d miss sushi too much!
Additionally, I drink A LOT of green tea. Perhaps 5-7 cups a day. This is normal for me; I’ve always liked the taste. Besides green tea, I drink rooibos, peppermint and camomile tea. Having said that, I’d drink most herbal teas but those particular ones are my favourites. I try to have matcha when I can too.
Herbs and spices are a great way to give food flavour without having to resort to salt or sugar. I use fresh mint in water, cinnamon in porridge, chilli flakes on avocado, ginger in tea, turmeric in milk (hello turmeric lattes!) and cracked black pepper on most meals.
You can keep updated with my training progress on my Instagram Stories (@georgiarachelhathaway).