9 Recipes to Fuel Your Summer Running

Written by
Monica Olivas
Summer running leaves us sweaty enough without spending hours standing over a hot stove. Plus, the idea of a big steaming bowl of oatmeal after a seven-mile run doesn't sound very appetizing without a chill in the air.

So what's a runner to do?

We can't live off of Slurpees and ice cream alone! (Don't ask me how I know this.)

We need real food to fuel our runs. And we'd prefer it to be refreshing and easy to make! Luckily, there are a lot of delicious fruits and vegetables in-season during the summer months—things like squash and melons are prime for the picking! With that in mind, we've compiled a list of delicious recipes that are full of fresh ingredients to fill your fuel tank and keep you running strong.
Pick Me Up Smoothie
by Carrots 'N' Cake
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This smoothie picks you up with a little kick of caffeine—the secret ingredient is espresso! And the combination of banana and almond butter will help keep you up and full for a while.
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PB&J Overnight Oats
by Peanut Butter Fingers
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This hearty bowl of oats sets overnight—no cooking required! It's a win-win because you don't have to dirty a pan to cook it and breakfast is waiting for you when you wake up (or get back from your run).
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Tumeric and Coconut Smoothie
via Celery and Cupcakes
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Fight inflammation in a delicious way with this smoothie. Tumeric is great for defending against the inflammation that comes with running and coconut is very hydrating. Combine those two ingredients with banana and coconut for a creamy treat.
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Cucumber Noodle and Watermelon Salad
via Two Peas and Their Pod
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What is more refreshing than cucumber and watermelon? Nothing.

This super light salad is made with cucumber noodles and sweet watermelon. It makes a great side dish that can easily be turned into a meal.
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Summer (not Spring) Rolls
via Sally's Baking Addiction
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You've heard of spring rolls, right? Well, these summer rolls are very similar—thinly sliced carrots, cucumber and peppers wrapped with lettuce in rice paper. It's the perfect summer grab-and-go lunch.
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Greek Salad in a Jar
via A Beach Cottage
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This vegetarian salad packs a ton of taste and veggies in a mason jar for a make-ahead lunch option. Start with onions and dressing at the bottom of the jar and pile the veggies and cheese on top. The next day the veggies will still be nice and crisp and the onions will have marinated with the dressing for a perfect bite.
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Grilled Romaine with Corn and Chicken
by Skinny Taste
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Who says the grill is just for burgers? Take the party (or at least dinner prep) outside with this grilled romaine salad.

Grilling the romaine brings out the flavor and adding chicken provides plenty of protein. This isn't your typical garden salad either—it's guaranteed to leave you satisfied.
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Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
via Eatin Bird Food
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This Mexican shrimp cocktail recipe packs a ton of flavor in every bite. Garlic, cilantro, lime juice and jalapenos all marinate with fresh shrimp for a light summer dinner. No cooking required, but you'll have to let it set for a few hours, so make sure to plan ahead.
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S'mores Dip Recipe
via Run Eat Repeat
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S'mores are a summer staple! But if you don't have camping on the agenda this year, how do you scratch your s'mores itch?

I have an amazing three-ingredient s'mores dip recipe that doesn't require standing over an open flame. Now you are free to skip your camping trip and use those vacation days for your next destination race.
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