Warm & delicious pear sunflower seed granola

What a shocker to my body this morning!!!

Over the last 10 years, Karel and I have found ourselves bundling-up to train outside on those occasional cold "winter" days in Florida. 

This morning it was 27 degrees when we woke up in Greenvills, SC. After we walked Campy, I headed to the Y for a treadmill run and Karel ran outside. When I saw that the leftover water in my water bottle was frozen, it quickly hit me that this was our new normal.

Campy, it's time to break out your sweaters! 

We are looking forward to swapping out our summer training gear for our winter gear and enjoying all of the season foods that are best enjoyed when it is cold outside.

As an athlete, one of the interesting parts of training throughout the seasons is understanding what foods feel the best around workouts. I often find that athletes enjoy more rich-flavor gels, bars and drinks in the cooler months whereas fruity options are more enjoyable in the hotter months.
I feel the same is true for post-workout drinks as most athletes aren't rushing home to guzzle a cold post-workout smoothie. When it's chilly outside, it's natural to crave something warm but you still don't want to skip that critical part of your workout when you can repair and rejuvenate. 

Although the amino acids in protein powders stay intact when heated but instead change shape, it's recommended to not denature your protein powder by heating. Instead, add the powder to something warm (ex. oatmeal) after it's been cooked.  The same is true for most proteins, like eggs. You don't want to overcook your proteins but instead, cook to the recommended temperatures or low heat. 

 I hope you enjoy my warm and delicious pear sunflower seed granola with a glass of "chocolate milk" (milk and chocolate protein powder - we typically have Solgar on hand as it mixes great with water and/or milk). It is a delicious creation to warm-up your belly post workout!

Pear sunflower seed granola

2 cups oats
1 soft pear (I used red)
1/4 cup chopped almonds
1/3 cup sunflower seeds
1/3 cup honey (spray your measuring cup with non stick spray before measuring honey. This will help it come out easily)
1 tbsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp salt

-Preheat oven to 350 degrees F

1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl.
2. On a non stick cookie sheet (sprayed with a little non stick spray), spoon out granola and spread out so it isn't too clumpy. 

3. Bake for 15-23 minutes (around 15 minutes, be sure to check the granola as you do not want to overcook it. It will not be 100% firm when it is ready but you don't want to burn it). When it begins to get golden brown, remove from the oven. 

Endurance swim fueled by Pear-Chia Granola

Wow...where did the time go?
Once again, I find myself nearing the end of another Ironman journey with a tremendous amount of gratitude for my body and overall health. 

I have remained injury free for 15 continuous months which is a HUGE deal for me. From 2007-2013, I have been plagued with muscular-related hip and back issues which sadly, have put a halt on my running training for 4-12 weeks at a time. 

Additionally, the last time I experienced a sickness was in the summer of 2007. That's 7 years of no flu, cold, GI issues, infection, etc. I am so incredibly grateful for my immune system for staying so strong throughout my life, especially when I choose to train for and race in 140.6 mile triathlon events!!

So here I am again, giving a BIG thanks to my body. 

38 days until Ironman Wisconsin. My 9th Ironman!!! 

Here's a great swim workout (that I gave myself this morning) to build your swim endurance. 

Remember, fatigue affects breathing and form and a tired swimmer does not benefit from a workout like an efficient swimmer. Form over speed/distance - always. 

ENDURANCE BUILDING SWIM SET

Warm-up (and part of the first main set): 

500 swim - stretch it out

100 kick EZ (mix up the stroke)

400 swim - stretch it out but increase effort just a tad from the 500

100 kick EZ (mix up the stroke)

300 swim - effort should be 80% or half IM effort

100 kick EZ (same)

200 swim - effort should be 90% or Olympic effort

100 kick EZ (same)

100 swim - best effort

100 kick EZ (same)

(you can shorten the kick to 50 and you can also start with 400 swim if you would like to remove 750 yards from the warm-up to save energy/time)

Active recovery:
400 pull w/ buoy and paddles - stretch it out, focus on your catch and hand exit in the water

Main set #2: 

3 x 100's - 90% effort w/ 10 sec rest

50 EZ swim + 30 sec rest (Or just rest 90 sec)

2 x 100s - 90% effort w/ 10 sec rest

50 EZ (same)

1 x 100's - 90% effort w/ 10 sec rest

50 EZ (Same)

2 x 100's - 90% effort w/ 10 sec rest

50 EZ (Same)

3 x 100's - 90% effort w/ 10 sec rest

200 pull w/ paddles only - active recovery

100 cool down 

4000 yards

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Can you smell that? Don't you just love the kitchen aroma of warm granola cooking in the oven? 

Here's my latest granola creation filled with sunflower seeds, chia seeds, maple syrup and pears. Got a sweet tooth? Now you can satisfy your sweet teeth, fuel your workouts (or combine in cold milk for a great recovery "drink") and feel great with this heart-healthy creation. Enjoy!

Pear-Chia Granola

2 cups oats
1/4 cup coconut (unsweetened, shredded)
2 tbsp chia seeds
1/8 cup sunflower seeds (raw, unsalted)
1 tsp cinnamon
1/2 cup honey
1/4 cup 100% Pure Maple Syrup
1 soft pear (chopped  - I recommend Anjou pear for a sweeter pear)

1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees.
Combine coconut, chia seeds, sunflower seeds and cinnamon in a large bowl and toss with clean hands.
2. Add 1 cup oats and mix with a fork until combined.
3. Add 1/2 cup oats and mix.
4. Add the last 1/2 cup oats and mix. 

5. Add chopped pear and toss. 

6. Spray a medium size cookie sheet with non stick spray and pour granola on tray and spread around with your hands.
(if you want a clumpy granola, add only 1 cup oats)
7. Cook granola for 10-12 minutes or until slightly golden brown and firm.
(Smell test - when you smell your granola, you only need to cook for a few minutes more. Check on your granola. When it looks like it is getting golden brown, remove it immediately. One minute too long can burn it - I know from experience :( 

8. Let granola cook before placing in baggies/Tupperware and store in refrigerator for up to 4 days (if it lasts that long).
YUM!