“mmmmm, shamrock shake…

… in. my. belly… I can almost taste it now… “

this i said to myself during the last half mile of Eau Claire’s Shamrock Shuffle race last weekend… in much the same way Homer Simpson does when he thinks of donuts…🍩

**(I once spelled ‘donut’ like ‘doughnut’ in a text to a co-worker one time, and he laughed hysterically and never stopped making fun of me for it. )😂

Running down Clairemont Ave…

… My old knees ached.

My slightly injured left hamstring that I thought was repaired…

… now came roaring back with a fury like a woman scorned. (I’m actually not sure if this is true — because I have made EVERY intention to never scorn the amazing women in my life. )😁

My left big toe hurt.

My calves were super tight.

I started the race freezing, but then the last half I was sweating balls.

If I was by myself and it wasn’t “game day”, there is zero doubt I would have just stopped and grabbed an Uber for the rest of the way.

Thank God it was only a 5k, and it was 100% my fault for not training and preparing more for it.

Now I know.

About the only thing that kept me putting one foot in front of the other was telling myself that I had a delicious Shamrock Shake waiting for me at McDonalds when it was done.

(okay, okay… you got me… I’m exaggerating a bit there, but I WAS looking forward to it!)

But in the drive over it hit me with the same level of excitement one gets upon finding a 4 leaf clover…

This is 2024 – I am an adult with access to ingredients…

…and I can probably make my own!

And chances were good that making it on my own would be WAY healthier and probably taste just as good!

So I fired up the ol’ Google app, and typed in ‘Homemade Shamrock Smoothie’

and BAM! there was a lovely winner! (except for the OBSCENE amount of abs that those recipe sites make you scroll through! )😡

>> I then modified it a bit to make even more healthy and protein packed!

This has now been my go-to smoothie recipe after workouts this week and have been loving it!

(best part… I don’t have to run a 5k to get it! 🙂 )

Give it a go and let me know if you enjoy it too!

Protein Packed Shamrock Shake

You’ll need:

• 8 oz unsweetened vanilla almond milk
• 1 cup Greek Yogurt (i use the light Vanilla kind)
• handful of spinach
• a bunch of ice depending on how thick or creamy you want it
• 1 scoop vanilla protein powder (i use whey)
• 1/2 teaspoon of mint extract

Toss it all into your blender and blend away.

—

My first go at it I used way too much mint extract and it was a bit much.

I took a drink, and Bethany goes, “How is it, hun?”

“Well,” I said as I shmacked my lips… “I can tell where it’s trying to be a Shamrock Shake.”

And that’s where I leave you with today…

… It’s been great getting to hang with you a bit here, my fellow Workout Hero.

I wish you well on the Path, and looking forward to connecting with you next time!

Your Guide & biggest fan,

Erick

P.S.

This month’s Workout Hero Magazine/newsletter I share a very cool scientific study I found on why it is so beneficial to our health to have “cheat meals” and “cheat days”. Stay tuned if that sounds good to you.

if you’re not part of the Workout Hero Club yet and want access to those…

… come on in for your “No Sweat Intro” via this link here

P.P.S

Want to know why leprechauns hate running?

… Because they’d rather jig than jog! 😂