What I Couldn't Get Enough Of This July

My New Summer Milkshake Obsession And My Journey Back Into Running

Is anyone else getting super bummed that we’re already basically halfway through the summer season? Because I am not ready for colder weather. The hot temps are giving me life.

July is always my favorite month of the year, and this July was no exception. So much delicious food. So much time spend in the sunshine. So many dreamy Colorado sunsets, with their pink and orange hues.

And like every July, it felt like it simultaneously went by in an instant and also lasted forever (and I kind of wish it did).

The Protein-Packed, Healthy-ish Milkshake That Literally Tastes Like Melted Ice Cream

If you’re into anything peanut butter and chocolate flavored, this one’s for you. Smooth and velvety and oh so rich.

If there’s one thing to know about me, it’s that I’m kind of obsessed with Fairlife’s chocolate nutrition plan protein drinks. But I also get tired of drinking the same thing over and over again.

So this was my attempt to mix it up and make my protein drink feel like a real treat (with some added fiber, because why not get some additional health perks?).

The result? A creamy, velvety shake that basically tastes like melted ice cream…but with the added benefit of plenty of protein. It has been on repeat in our house all July.

Ingredients (makes enough for about 6 people):

• 2 bananas

• 1/3 cup shredded, unsweetened coconut

• 1/3 cup peanut butter

• 3 Fairlife chocolate nutrition plan protein shakes

• 2.5 cups of crushed ice

Recipe:

You know the drill. Pop all your ingredients in the blender, and blend until smooth.

How We Got Outside This Month

July has always been my favorite season for high alpine adventures, but it’s been a much quieter, more relaxed summer this year.

Local Outdoor Adventures

We’ve spent a lot more time exploring local parks, and I can’t believe these places hadn’t been on my radar before. It’s wild how many gorgeous spots are within a half hour drive of home.

Last week I chatted all about what it really means to be “outdoorsy”, and how I’ve always had a tendency to only consider extreme adventures legit enough to qualify as outdoorsy.

But I’ve been super intentional this summer with changing that perspective, and it has really opened up my eyes to what small adventures are all around us.

We’ve actually spent more time outside this year than any year before. It’s just been focused on local spots, and I’m kind of in love with these mini adventures.

Getting Back Into Running

I’m finally starting to get back into running postpartum. I swear, it’s always the last thing I ease back into, but I’ve been craving it a lot lately. It’s one of the only things that calms my racing mind.

And wow, I am being humbled. Hike for miles up an intense incline at altitude? Sure! But run a few miles on a flat road? Apparently, that’s where I struggle.

It’s going to be a long road to building back up my running endurance. But I’m honestly really excited to be a beginner again. Stay tuned for whether my knees go on strike.

July Trail Report: What Went Live This Month

I feel like I say this every month, but it’s because I always mean it: this just might have been my favorite month of posts. Fun and playful with a nice mix of practicality. Here’s what went live, in case you missed it.

The Best Hiking Trails Based On Your Zodiac Sign

A seriously fun one to write. Do I believe these signs actually mean anything? No. But do I love recommendations based on them? 100% yes.

The Little Way I’ve Prioritized Outdoors Time Recently

And how it’s shifted my outlook on what it means to get outside.

Three Hiking Tips That Just Might Save A Life

Because you can never be too prepared in the outdoors.

What Does It Really Mean To Be Outdoorsy?

What we keep getting wrong and how the outdoor industry has lost the plot.

And with that, July’s a wrap. Can we petition for July to last two months? Yes? Just me?