Over the past 4 years running long distances has become my passion. In doing so I’ve found a pastime that feeds my need for self-improvement, achievement and fulfilment. An activity that more often than not rewards judicious practice and determination. Borne of the ‘Rocky Balboa’ generation, I love the very idea of a sport that the layman can pour their heart into and achieve feats previously unfathomable to oneself. That sheer motivation and will of spirit will sometimes supersede the purely talented. And it’s this fact that constantly pushes me, despite an honest belief there are much more gifted athletes lining up at races. Overcoming the hurdles of injury and fatigue, it’s the ongoing pursuit of improvement that ensures I’ll never be complacent and always striving for more.
In this dogged effort for incremental gains I look to all facets of my running to find means of improvement. And when I discovered Mountain Fuel (https://www.mountainfuel.co.uk), I knew they had provided the answers where race nutrition was concerned. Shrugging the now archaic idea that gels were the only standalone solution to running fuel – it was a more holistic approach that attracted me. Going beyond simply providing an (albeit very impressive) sports drink, the company had the foresight to empower its customers with products and recipes to make their own solid and healthy alternatives for both race and day to day sustenance.
Having sampled the always delicious Mountain Fuel Banana Flapjack and Mountain Fuel Power Pancakes – I felt the need to experiment myself. Whilst always looking to ensure I consume a healthy diet to assist in my recovery, I'm also guilty of a desire for sweet treats from time to time…
After several tweaks, I’ve managed to perfect a brownie recipe that gives me all the nutritional benefits of the Mountain Fuel system, yet also uses healthy ingredients to provide a delicious treat. It would even make a great race day fuel cut into bite size pieces -
Ingredients
Packet of Mountain Fuel - Morning Fuel (https://www.mountainfuel.co.uk)
150g Cashew Nuts (soaked for 6 hours in water then well drained)
100g Macadamias (soaked for 6 hours in water then well drained)
60g Raisins (or other equivalent dried fruits such as dates or figs)
50g Cocao Powder
30g Chia seed
5 Tbsp Maple Syrup
3 Tbsp Coconut Oil
1 Tsp Vanilla essence
0.5 Tsp Sea Salt
Method
Simply blend all the ingredients together to form a smooth paste. Then put the mixture into a greased baking tray and refrigerate for 3 hours before cutting into bite size chunks. Wrap in foil for easy transport on long runs.
Enjoy and feel free to tweak the recipe to your personal tastes.
