I’ve never really been a morning person. With the exception of race days and long training runs or rides on the weekend, I haven’t had the best track record when it comes to exercising in the wee hours of the morning. For a long time I’ve wanted to change that.

And I finally have.

I’ve come to realize that the only way for me to maintain balance in my life with training – especially now that triathlon season is upon me – is to get my core workouts done in the morning before the workday begins. Waiting until the evening adds so much stress, limits the real focus and passion I have for my workouts and reduces the quality time I have with the people I want to be with the most.

Every morning when that alarm goes off at an obscene hour, I tell myself: Don’t choose what you want NOW (snooze button) over what you want MOST (to reach training and race goals + to be my best self).

Exercising in the morning sucks up a lot of energy. And I have to refuel my tank to keep me on my toes throughout the rest of the day. Lately, I’ve been drinking one of my rUnladylike protein smoothies after my workouts to replenish my body with the right levels of protein and carbs to conquer the rest of the day without being ravenous. I’ve been enjoying them so much, I thought I’d share my 2 favorites with you: my Chocolate Banana Protein Smoothie and my Strawberries & “Cream” Protein Smoothie.

So now that you don’t have to worry what you’re having for breakfast tomorrow morning, you have an extra few minutes to get something else done! Enjoy!

What do you like to eat/drink after a morning workout? If you try one of these recipies, let me know what you think!