I have been reading the book Born to Run over the past few days and have been absolutely mesmerized with all that I’m discovering in it. One of the “learnings” (quotes because the reasons aren’t new, just hitting home through the running topic of the book) is that so many of the top ultrarunners eat living food (unprocessed) and are vegetarians. I work best — actually, I kind of only work — when I have a clear goal that I am working towards. Something that excited me and is a bit of a challenge. The goal that excites me to no end right now is becoming an ultradistance trail runner. I’ll start with becoming a trail runner, but I would love to be able to run the long distances.
Reading about the Tarahumara Indians in the Sierra Madre mountains of Mexico in the wonderful and eye-opening book Born to Run has added fuel to the fire burining inside of me, the desire to run. Learning in the book that evolutionary biology research has shown that we evolved to be runners, not walkers, and that is why we survived and the Neanderthals faded into extinction, has helped remind me of how much I loved to run. While I was hiking in the Alps I’d bound down the mountains, jumping off of the rocks, like a mountain goat. I used to love climbing to the top of the peaks in the Sierra Mountains in California. And I enjoyed hiking some of the rim trail around Mt. Rainier, running as often as I could. The book has also helped me regain a conviction to eat a much more healthy diet.
To that end, I went to Whole Foods last night and bought some ground chia seed, the powerfood for the running Tarahumara indians. I made a protein shake last night with soy milk, soy protein powder, a banana, a couple frozen strawberries, and a tablespoon of ground chia seed. It was quite good! The chia seeds smell a little like wheat grass and add a slight grassy taste to the shake, but I liked it. The fresh scent made it feel like I was drinking living goodness — I could imagine the power being absorbed into my blood and muscles with every sip, and whiff. This morning I added a tablespoon of the ground chia seeds to my bowl of Optimum brand blueberry cereal, with a few tablespoons of nonfat plain yogurt. The taste of the chia seed was stronger in the cereal than the shake, but it was kind of sweet, so ok. Not bad at all, actually.
I have yet to try making the “chia fesca” that the Tarahumara indians drink when they go on long runs. Apparently, to make it you just mix the chia seeds in water and let sit for about 30 minutes, then add some lime juice and drink it down. Once I start running again, I’ll try taking the chia fresca on the trails with me.
The chia is loaded with tons of vitamins and minerals, including Omega 3/6. It’s supposed to also help with digestion because it slows down the absorbtion of sugar into the blood stream. It also helps the body retain water. All of these are excellent properties for running fuel, of course. I can’t wait to give it a try.
Have you tried chia seed in any form? Have you noticed any positive results?
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I just started reading the book too. It’s wonderful and inspiring!!! I’m on chapter 11, and I too went to my local health food store and picked up some whole seeds in bulk. So far, in addition to adding the seeds to my diet, I also changed out my shoes. I no longer wear $130.00 running shoes. I invested in some 5 Finger Vibram shoes. Broke them in, and I’ve been running injury free since. I haven’t tried ground Chia seeds, but I was reading somewhere that it’s good to eat the seed as a whole because most of the fiber is found around the outside. I’ve used the whole seeds to make the Chia Fresca, and it definitely IS a power drink. I drank some one night before Crossfit, and as I was just about to fatigue, my system kicked into hyper-gear, and I caught my second wind. I love it! One thing I was curious about that I haven’t found an answer for is if it’s okay to eat them before bed since they’re an energy source. I hope they’re still going well for you.
I just started reading the book too. It’s wonderful and inspiring!!! I’m on chapter 11, and I too went to my local health food store and picked up some whole seeds in bulk. So far, in addition to adding the seeds to my diet, I also changed out my shoes. I no longer wear $130.00 running shoes. I invested in some 5 Finger Vibram shoes. Broke them in, and I’ve been running injury free since. I haven’t tried ground Chia seeds, but I was reading somewhere that it’s good to eat the seed as a whole because most of the fiber is found around the outside. I’ve used the whole seeds to make the Chia Fresca, and it definitely IS a power drink. I drank some one night before Crossfit, and as I was just about to fatigue, my system kicked into hyper-gear, and I caught my second wind. I love it! One thing I was curious about that I haven’t found an answer for is if it’s okay to eat them before bed since they’re an energy source. I hope they’re still going well for you.
Isn’t Born to Run a fantastic read? Great that you’re trying chia seeds and Five Fingers — sounds like we had similar reactions to reading the book!
Interesting question about having them before bed. It might be a case by case situation. Maybe it would make you run better in your dreams! Let me know if you find anything out on it.
Isn’t Born to Run a fantastic read? Great that you’re trying chia seeds and Five Fingers — sounds like we had similar reactions to reading the book!
Interesting question about having them before bed. It might be a case by case situation. Maybe it would make you run better in your dreams! Let me know if you find anything out on it.
chia fresca works and does do wonders during long runs helping stabilize your sugars. give it a try
Great. Have you been making and drinking it? If so, before, during, and/or after workouts? Thanks for comment.
Great. Have you been making and drinking it? If so, before, during, and/or after workouts? Thanks for comment.