I started RunEatRepeat to document training for my first marathon. But, if I’m being honest this is really a love letter to Running and Watermelon – my two great passions in life.
I love both deeply and probably too much for my own good. But I’m okay with a few unhealthy relationships in my life. I don’t care, I love it.
Sadly, I missed celebrating National Watermelon Day (Aug 3) on RER this year because I was busy running and eating watermelon, hello.
But, I think this post is going to make up for it. Because now I don’t just eat watermelon, I drink it.
Recently I came across a few articles about watermelon and it’s ability to reduce muscle soreness after hard workouts. (The study is actually from Spain and not funded by the watermelon board.) Turns out watermelon is packed with L-citrulline, an essential amino acid that helps prevent soreness.
This is AWESOME news to me and makes complete sense. I actually rarely get sore anymore and I thought it was because I am lazy don’t push myself hard enough. Nope. I’ve decided it’s because ‘a watermelon a day will keep the soreness away’. (I’m not a doctor, but you can quote me on that one.)
(source)
And in another happy turn of events, I finally found a coconut water I like! I sampled TJ’s version this week and it’s good stuff. Coconut water is great because it’s packed with the electrolytes your body needs are a sweat session.
So, I combined the science-y / magical properties in watermelon and coconut water to make a delicious post-run recovery drink.
Watermelon Workout Drink
Ingredients:
-
1 cup watermelon, cubed
-
1 cup coconut water
-
squeeze lime
-
Optional: dash salt if you are an extra salty sweater OR if the watermelon isn’t very sweet, this will help bring out the sweetness.
Blend. Drink. Repeat.
The drink will separate if you leave it, so drink immediately or share.
Question: What food would your love letter be to?
Disclaimer: I now have a partnership with the Watermelon Board. I’ve been posting my love for them for years before this though. All opinions are my own.
Elecom says
Hummus and I are in a committed relationship. Our love runs deep.
On ap Standa says
When I travel to Thailand I drink watermelon juice mixed with coconut milk. Very strange taste is the coconut taste. I think the juice from melon and coconut are the two of my favorite drinks. Thank you!
Standa says
Watermelon juice and coconut milk are the two drinks my family enjoys the most. But I have never been kind to each other like this ever ..
Nath says
Have you tried freezing this recipe??!
sauce simmer|gifts for dads|novelty barbeque accessories|grilling recipes|tools for barbecues|gas grill parts|barbecue ribs|barbecue sauce|chicken recommendations|smoker storage|garde toolstorage|bbq tools|pork rib|grill parts|treatment yeast infection|gr says
Can you tell us more about this? I’d want to find out more details.
sauce simmer|gifts for dads|novelty barbeque accessories|grilling recipes|tools for barbecues|gas grill parts|barbecue ribs|barbecue sauce|chicken recommendations|smoker storage|garde toolstorage|bbq tools|pork rib|grill parts|treatment yeast infection|gr says
I read this post fully regarding the resemblance of hottest
and previous technologies, it’s remarkable article.
christa says
pizza, and avacados, so yummy
Tonya says
There is a national watermelon board?! I love it! I can take out a watermelon a week by myself!
Presh says
Dear parfaits or candy (or sweets in general) lol. Man I love so much food I’d have to right a lot of love letters!! I’m a lover not a fighter lol
Ashley says
pizza. so good for any meal of the day!
Rebecca Jo says
I’m totally giving this a go!!!
valene says
cheese gets my love letter. I wish I had a healthy good that topped my cheese love but even my favorite meals involve cheese.
Hali says
Watermelon is high on my love letter list… but CHOCOLATE is my # 1. I guess I can call that a food?? yah?? It is basically one of my key food groups 😉
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
Cherries or mango. Definitely obsessed. This looks amazing and so refreshing!
Christine @ BookishlyB says
Molten lava cake, peanut butter cup ice cream, Cocoa Puffs, Diet Coke, Swiss Rolls, Mac and cheese, donuts, and quinoa. Why love one when you can love many (PS not good marriage advice)?
runeatrepeat says
Is it sad that I’ve been thinking about molten lava cake, just randomly?
Will Musto says
I’m really pretty sure my love letter would be to avocados and hot tea. MMM. (not necessarily at the same time, of course!)
Joanna says
I like blending watermelon (and any fruit, really) and then freezing it in my ice cream maker for sorbet, yum!
BlushandBarbells says
will you be at the watermelon festival at the Rose Bowl this weekend?
Mia says
Today, while staring at containers of cut up watermelon in the store, i had the thought that watermelon is my favorite food. Not just my favorite fruit, but food period. A big statement (especially if you knew how much i love food) but one i feel comfortable making. Also, my birthday is Aug. 4. Next year, I’m totally having a combined national watermelon day/birthday party
Josie says
If I wrote a love letter to a food it would be coconuts. I love anything coconut and use it almost everyday. Coconut milk, coconut water, shredded coconut, coconut oil, etc.
Ella says
Hmm, I think that drink is missing something. Specifically: tequila or vodka.
runeatrepeat says
Ha! I know. You’re totally right, but this is supposed to help with hydration. Then, we can dehydrated ourselves with some of the good stuff 😉
Ella says
Wait a minute! You’re telling me I’ve been hydrating improperly after my workouts?! I assumed the splitting headaches were from all that sweating and the exhausting effort…
Marie says
You are all making me hungry!
Melanie says
I’m in a serious relationship with watermelon and running also. We’re going steady since summer!
Casey says
Pizza, hummus, avocado, cheese…not necessarily in that order. That was easy 🙂
runeatrepeat says
Good list! I agree with all of it.
Jodea @ chillichocolatelove says
They’ve been serving pretty much this exact drink at a local coffee shop mits delicious! My love letter would be to bread. Ahh, bread… So simple but so true.
Presh says
bread yes bread BREAD I LOVE YOU!
Running Rosa says
My love letter would be to avocados. I love them! I’d eat a whole one each day if I could (and sometimes do). You can add them to almost anything and they’re a perfect condiment. Yum!
And also pizza. It’s nearly perfect. Breakfast, lunch, dinner, snack. Hot or cold. You can have it as a meal, or make a dessert pizza. It can include all the major food groups. Perfection. And with avocados on top, it’s even better.
runeatrepeat says
Pizza! I love pizza.
Kaleena @ the hopeful triathlete says
Mango.
And chocolate.
Speaking of mangoes, chocolate, TJs, and coconut: I was just there and saw chocolate-covered coconut/mango bites. I almost died right there in the aisle.
Patty says
P-nut buttah…no doubt about it!
april says
i wasn’t a huge fan of coconut water when i tried it (which is weird because i really love most things coconut), but i think i might like coconut water with the addition of watermelon and lime.
my love letter would be to eggs and avocado. i just ate both for lunch and my tummy is very happy. 🙂
Jackie says
NACHOS!
runeatrepeat says
Love it! I just saw your blog name too – perfect pick.
Nikki @ GrabYourKicks says
Peanut butter! I love all kinds and keep my cupboard stocked with at least 3 types. Favorite one right now is White Chocolate Wonderful by Peanut Butter & Co.
runeatrepeat says
I think that’s the one flavor I still haven’t tried!
Livi says
I would write my love letter to…. granola! sweet, crunchy, always satisfying..seriously I think we’re perfect for each other.
Sophie @ life's philosophie says
I love watermelon! But my love letter would be to cheese. All sorts of cheese: soft, hard, sharp, mild, cow, sheep. I love me some cheese.
Kelly @ Kelly Runs for Food says
My love letter would be to bananas or red wine. Total opposite sides of the health spectrum, but it’s fine 🙂
Coach [email protected] says
I love watermelon too. I love your drink and I have been making it for year but I add two more ingredients Blueberries and Mint Leaves. I love my Vita-Mix too.
I don’t get sore often, but when I do, it is usually after climbing to the top of a mountain and running back down.
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun says
My love letter would be to running and frozen yogurt. Pretty much two of my favorite things!
Nicole @ Pink Elephant on Parade says
My love letter would be to garlic hummus. And that would probably be really frozen into popsicles….
cathy says
Rum would probably be excellent in that drink #ijs #notafterarun
Kaitlin @4loveofcarrots says
watermelon, I would totally write daily love letters to it. I eat a whole watermelon to myself every week.
Jojo @ RunFastEatLots says
I would write a love letter to froyo- I can eat it all day, every day!
I make a watermelon/coconut water drink sometimes, too, but minus the lime. I should try that next time, with a dash of salt. I always add salt when I’m eating watermelon.
LifePhoto says
That drink looks so good I want one now!
Amy @ The Little Honey Bee says
Bananas! #nannerobsessed
Presh says
I love bananers too!
Emily K @ Leaf Parade says
Oh boy — I so much wish I weren’t allergic to watermelon! This looks tasty and very refreshing after a hot run.
If I were to write a love letter to a food, it would have to be to peanut butter. Or dark chocolate. Or… oatmeal!
-Emily K
Mary says
Ooooo, this looks good. I’m a mega salty sweater so would need a cup full of salt to replace what I lose each run!
My love letter would be to pesto. Or goats cheese. These ingredients tend to play a part in most of my meals!
Christine | Oatmeal Bowl says
I’m not fond of coconut water. but the drink combo actually sounds pretty tasty, kind of tropical. If I wrote a love letter it would be to… pretzels and cheese dip. ya, terribly unhealthy. i don’t eat it much now. but when I did, i did it well.
Melanie Riojas says
That drink looks delicious! Must try it with coconut water.
I am confused when you write “Coconut water is great because it’s packed with the electrolytes your body needs are a sweat session.” Huh?
runeatrepeat says
I was probably unclear. You lose electrolytes when you sweat. Coconut water is a good post-exercise choice because it naturally contains electrolytes.
Becky @ Olives n Wine says
Oh my gosh, I need that watermelon mocktail! I have a pretty tasty recipe for watermelon margaritas but that won’t hydrate you nearly as well as this!
Heather @ Run Eat Play says
I love watermelon! Sometimes I eat it until I feel like I am going to explode .Then I eat one more bite. Your watermelon drink looks great!
TartanJogger tartanjogger.wordpress.com says
Ooooh, great question, that’s tough to answer!
Strawberries. or Corn on the Cob. or Greek Yoghurt. or Eggs.
or food in general!
runeatrepeat says
Food in general 🙂
Becky@TheSavedRunner says
My love letter would be to apples and bananas. I can’t live without them.:) But don’t worry, I sure do love me some watermelon too! 🙂
Sarah K says
I was reading this while eating watermelon. All good things!
runeatrepeat says
Cheers!
Ashley @ BrocBlog says
Wow that looks like a delicious recovery slushy.
Courtney says
Hummus and I are in a committed relationship. Our love runs deep.
runeatrepeat says
Me too. I put it on eggs this week. I put it on everything actually…
Angela says
Just to make this about even more things you love, I thought you’d like this because – MANATEES! http://calmingmanatee.com/
Sarah G. says
Yum… I just read about how watermelon is great for rehydrating, and now this? Awesome!
My love letter would be to guacamole. Or bacon. Or both, because really my life would not be complete without either one of those things.
runeatrepeat says
Bacon tacos with guacamole! This should happen.
Sarah G. says
I swear I did not go looking for this, but stumbled across it right after I posted! http://paleomg.com/grilled-bacon-guac/
Jodi @ chasing-life.net says
Thanks for the recipe, I love making watermelon popsicles. My love letter would without a doubt be to coffee.
meredith says
I would write a letter to peanut butter. For sure. In love. Total.
Victoria says
Cool!! I totally didn’t know that about watermelons.
I would write a love letter to chocolate or any slow cooked meat.
Laura says
My love letter would be to either ice cream (unhealthy) or blueberries (healthy)
Oh, and thanks for the tip on the coconut water…I am planning a big “Stock up” trip to TJ’s (the closest one is an hour away) next week and will try their coconut water…I also have not found a brand I like!
runeatrepeat says
I’ve heard a rumor that you can ask to sample products at TJ’s. Just a thought in case you are iffy about buying a ton.
katie says
Avocado- i love you- why you be so expensive? And chocolate… but duh
Amy @ crazysweatymommy says
Probably avocado (still jealous of your abundance)
or apples (pink lady especially)
runeatrepeat says
Pink Lady apples are really good right now! I bought some last week and loved them (I’m usually a Fuji girl).
Liz @ The Girl on Fire Now says
I would write a love letter to eggs – I eat way too many of them!
runeatrepeat says
Me too! If I don’t have them for breakfast I make ’em for lunch or dinner.