8 Grain Hot Cereal Gets Me Through the Long Run

Trying to figure out what to eat the morning of a long training run is always tough for me.  Although I would like to mimic the food I’ll have race day morning, time doesn’t allow me that convenience.  You see, I get up and within 30 minutes, hit the road.  That’s not enough time to digest a multi grain or Ezekiel bagel.  So I’ll end up barely finishing instant oatmeal or I might choke down a banana which never settles well when I start to run.  What has been settling well AND allowing me a good, warm bowl of 29 grams, nutritionally packed fuel is Bob’s Red Mill 8 Grain Hot Cereal.

This year, “Hero’s of the Mill” were sent a fantastic package from Bob’s Red Mill.  We found, not only Coarse Turbinado Sugar (great on baked salmon by the way!) but something really flavorful and warming during these cold winter months:  8 Grain Hot Cereal.  In addition, a super smart thermos was included to make overnight cereal.

It even comes with a portable spoon nestled in the lid. 

On the morning of a shorter but high energy run (9 miles total, 30 minutes at tempo pace) I decided to try the cereal.  My taste buds loved it.  My tummy enjoyed it.  It kept me warm from the wintery cold. 

I simply poured it from the thermos to find it luke warm. I added 2 chopped dried apricots, tad of salt and cinnamon.  Heated it in the microwave for 45 seconds then added some apple slices.  It was so good.

The flavor was nutty, a little more chewy than oatmeal but a pleasing mouth feel.  Bob’s peeps call it “toothy”.

The ingredients are pure, no additives. *All Whole Grains:  Oats, Brown Rice, Corn, Soybeans, Millet, Sorghum, Bran, Sunflower and flaxseed. 

If my version isn’t sweet enough or creamy enough, Bob’s Red Mill suggests topping it off with any of the following: 

1.  brown sugar, butter, a little salt.

2.  Non Fat Greek yogurt, 2 TBS ground flaxseed and a handful of berries.

3.  crushed pistachios, chopped dates, spoonful of honey, splash of milk, and dust with cardamom.

4.  a tablespoon of shredded coconut, spoonful of crunchy peanut butter, and a pinch of red pepper flakes.

This just might be a way I can finally have hot cereal the morning of a marathon which is away from home.

Thanks to Bob’s Red Mill.  I love being a Hero of The Mill!

What’s your pre-exercise meal?