If I could Marty McFly it and go back to tell the younger version of myself to take recovery more seriously, I’d probably move about a bit more gracefully and not grunt every time I stand up after sitting for too long. Well, maybe I don’t grunt every time, but certainly more than I should at my age. There’s a saying I hear among runners that we are our own worst enemy, and as runners progress from recreationally putting one foot in front of the other in the name of exercise to researching shoes, charting out training plans, and stalking race calendars, I think it becomes more true (because, sure, there can be degrees to truth levels, right?). My problem, though, is that I’ve been my own worst enemy from the start. I didn’t give two shits about proper gear (aside from shoes, and only because my body emphatically protested those Skechers from Kohl’s), stretching, or nutrition timing. I loved the idea of throwing some shoes on and going, and rather than meticulously watching splits, I just wanted to go as far as I could - painful consequences be damned. And honestly, it’s mostly been fine. I had a couple of muscle tears that ultimately led me to yoga, one stress fracture as a result of my own stupidity, and a dog collision that sprained everything possible in my knee, but my abnormally high pain tolerance has allowed me to push through things that would make most reasonable people take a pause, even if only for a moment. And in that way, I am my own antagonist. I’d like to say that my stress fracture or doberman mishap was my wakeup call, but that’s just not true. Rather, the trails have led me to a tribe of people who actually do the things that let them keep moving forward and feeling good, and I’ve finally allowed some sensibility to seep into this rock hard head of mine, so I’m really just following their lead. Well, I’m half-ass following their lead, but that has me doing far more than I ever have. With any luck, one day I’ll be whole-assing it. Hashtag goals, right?

In any case, one of those things is paying attention to post-run nutrition - specifically, consuming anti-inflammatory foods. And with that in mind and the cold weather that just Won’t. Go. Away., I bring you this weirdly delicious and crazy fast turmeric latte (also known as goldenmilk).

turmeric latte / golden milk
makes two 8 oz lattes

16 oz regular or light coconut milk (I also use my homemade cashew milk with great results)
4 tsp grated fresh turmeric root
2 dates, pitted
4 turns of the pepper grinder

optional add-ins:
cinnamon
vanilla
chinese five spice

1) Place all ingredients, including any add-ins, if using, in a high speed blender.

2) Blend on high until smooth. If your high speed blender has a soup function, continue blending until the golden milk heats up. If not, pour blended golden milk into a small sauce pan and heat over low, stirring occasionally, until just before it begins to simmer.
3) Pour into mugs and enjoy!

notes:
I use this Vitamix, and blending for 3-4 minutes heats the golden milk.

This recipe can easily be halved for a single serving, or you can double it and refrigerate the extra in an airtight container for later use.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a staple in an endurance athlete/yogi household. The black pepper is imperative for your body to get that benefit, though, so don't skip that part.

turmeric latte / goldenmilk
makes two 8 oz lattes

16 oz regular or light coconut milk (I also use my homemade cashew milk with great results)
4 tsp grated fresh turmeric root
2 dates, pitted
4 turns of the pepper grinder

optional add-ins:
cinnamon
vanilla
chinese five spice

1) Place all ingredients, including any add-ins, if using, in a high speed blender.
2) Blend on high until smooth. If your high speed blender has a soup function, continue blending until the golden milk heats up. If not, pour blended golden milk into a small sauce pan and heat over low, stirring occasionally, until just before it begins to simmer.
3) Pour into mugs and enjoy!

notes:
I use this Vitamix, and blending for 3-4 minutes heats the golden milk.

This recipe can easily be halved for a single serving, or you can double it and refrigerate the extra in an airtight container for later use.

Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties, making it a staple in an endurance athlete/yogi household. The black pepper is imperative for your body to get that benefit, though, so don't skip that part.