These Peanut Butter Honey Oat Protein Bites were a necessity over our weekend.
A long run (one you’re totally unprepared for) can open up your mind to many things. Over the past weekend I ran my first Ragnar Relay. Everyone on our team took 3 legs of the race, a 3.5 mile run, 4.5 and 8.2. My 8.2 mile run just happened to be in the middle of the night, 12:30am to be exact. I had prepared only slightly for this race and knew I would need some extra grace to get me through.
I couldn’t sleep at all as I awaited my run. The runner two ahead of me came to our tent to wake me up but I was already wide eyed, nervous yet ready with anticipation. Everett and Josh were fast asleep and I kissed them both goodnight with a little extra emotion than usual, seeing as I was about to enter the wilderness in the middle of the night for a long run, by myself.
With a dim headlamp as the only thing to guide me through the pitch black hills above Zion National Park, I began my run. Literally, one foot in front of another, as I could only see that far, I took on the challenge. For the first several miles, I prayed for friends and family, their lives, and the situations they share so confidently with me as I took on mile after mile.
During my prayers a gentle wind started up, then a few rain drops. I asked God for it all to stop but they continued ever so gently and mercifully. He was very present with me, giving me assurance I wasn’t alone. He was the gentle whisper of the wind and rain, just as He is said to be.
After a while, I started to just let my mind wander, thinking of the more grand metaphor happening. As life has been a crazy lately, writing a book, and marriage with its difficulties and joys, God reminded me that He gives me just enough light to get to the next step and that he continues to do that faithfully.
I faced a few long hills, during the run, one of which was so hard I just came to a complete halt, turning around to see if I could spot anyone behind me. I saw a few headlamps scattered through the hills. God then nudged me, reassuring me that I had come this far and to continue on the path. WOW… how better does the analogy get! Continue on.. we’ve come this far… we don’t want to go backwards or stop. At this time in my life this is just what I needed to hear. I have progressed, in life, in my marriage, and in other things, and I just need to keep trecking and remember that He has taken me this far and will continue to guide me… maybe with just enough light to get me around the next bend.
My run wasn’t pretty, my legs cramped and I huffed and puffed through the steeps and thin air, but my life isn’t always pretty either. I finished with a huge relief and returned to my tent and to the two I love the most. I returned more grateful and with just a little more insight on perseverance.
These little protein bites were ones we shared with our team. After
Josh ran his night run, he returned to the tent smelling of peanut butter which made me smile. Whether you’re a runner or just in need of a little peanut butter pick me up, these should do the trick.
Peanut Butter Honey Oat Protein Bites
Ingredients
- 1 cup old fashioned rolled oats, gluten free if needed
- 3/4 cup creamy peanut butter
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon ground flax seeds, optional
- 1 tablespoon hemp seeds, optional
Instructions
- Mix everything together in a large bowl. Pack and roll into small bite sized balls. Store in a jar in the fridge.
- Enjoy after a long run or as a mid-day pick me up.
More Protein Bite Ideas
Cookin’ Canuck’s Carrot Cake Bites (we also had a jar full of these for our trip!)
Simple Bites Hemp Cocoa Bites (I’ve made these several times and love them!)
Coconut Cream Pie Lara Bar Bites
I love everything about this post, and Becky – you’re like a superstar runner! There’s no way I’d be brave enough to even sign up for that kind of race. I’m sort of beaming for you over here 🙂
And these are coming on our next long road trip. Done and done.
I think you would LOVE running Ragnar Heather! I was so hesitant but Josh pushed me over the edge and I was really grateful in the end. Its a big run but the team aspect makes it all worth it.
I really needed to read this post this morning. Such great perspective and analogies. 🙂 God is good.
And now I’ve got a new healthy treat/snack to try out! I’ve been buying hemp hearts lately and love them.
I’ve been really enjoying hemp hearts too! I’m curious to how you use them Becky?!
He is so faithful. This is absolutely beautiful. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Shayna! And it’s great to hear from you!! God IS so good to remind us of his path 🙂
Thank you for the inspiration. It made my day, maybe even the whole week. The analogy is incredible–only one step at a time, but we ‘press on toward the mark of the high calling of God….’
Thanks for the comment dad. God was definitely giving me a little glimpse of a bigger picture.
This was jut lovely Becky – what a wonderful story and I’m cheering you on in all of your running and life adventures 🙂
Thanks so much Megan. It was quite an adventure.
Such a beautiful post. I had no idea you were running! I saw the instagrams and just assumed it was all Josh. Way to go!!! Can’t wait to hear all about it, we need to catch up soon!
Yes, I didn’t train much at all (should have!). Josh encouraged me to do it and I was glad I did!
Hi! Really great post, running at night is my favorite!
Just wondering is that natural peanut butter? And if not do you think it would work to substitute?
It is a natural creamy peanut butter. Any creamy pb should do! And I may start enjoying night running too after that run!
I Think this was my favorite post of yours to date, my beautiful friend. I love the way you see God in everything–it inspires me often. XO
Thanks Haley. I would like to write about this more often but sometimes it just doesn’t go well or doesn’t feel natural.
Way to go girl! I saw pictures and couldn’t believe the crazy weather. These are perfect for pocket snacks- as I like to call them- for hiking, snowboarding or anything outside!
I love pocket snacks!! I imagine you always have the best snack in your pockets for your boys!
Beautiful post. Thanks for sharing!
In this post, it looks like you may be using homemade peanut butter. Do you by chance have a recipe that you could share for homemade peanut butter? I’m really wanting to learn how to make a good batch of homemade peanut butter. 🙂
Tashina, I should have a recipe for homemade PB on here but I don’t. The secret is to just keep on blending or processing in the food processor until it’s a liquid form (not dry). Sometimes, and depending oil what kind of machine you’re using, this can take a while but just keep waiting until the consistency is right. No need to add oil. Stir in salt at the end.