THORNTON, Colo. — Running season is nearly here, so we want to help you get ready! Meet our two Endurance Race Series (ERS) Dairy Ambassadors, Kari and Molly, who are going to spend the summer sharing their training and nutrition tips as they participate in various ERS trail races. Stay tuned all summer long to see how training goes and get tips and ideas for your own races.
Introducing Molly – an RD Who Loves to Run
Molly is a registered dietitian who works at Cooking Matters Colorado where she teaches cooking courses. Molly loves running outdoors and participating in resistance training at her local gym.
“I think resistance training is very important, as I have had times where I have fallen into running as my sole form of exercise, and have developed injuries,” says Molly.
Despite her busy schedule, Molly works to figure out where there is room for a run in each day’s schedule, whether it is afternoon, morning or evening. She often puts running clothes in her car so she’s ready to fit it in wherever her day takes her. Even though she loves running longer distances, when there’s only time for a short run, Molly reminds herself that any run is better than no run.
Molly is signed up for a full marathon in October and two half marathons this summer with ERS.
Molly’s advice for fitting exercise in a busy schedule: There are days when I just can’t fit in a run with my schedule, and there are days when you just need to rest or sleep instead of hitting a trail, but I try to never let myself get out of the habit of consistent running, even if I have to skip a day here and there. I think making running a habit is important to keep it up – when you’ve made a habit, you can more easily find your way around the conflicts to keeping that habit.
Introducing Kari – A Longtime Distance Runner
Kari is an Ironman and marathoner whose favorite distance is the half marathon. She has completed more than 25 marathons and hundreds of half marathons, one full Ironman and five Ironman 70.3s. Kari spends many runs on the treadmill during the winter months, but her favorite place to run is anywhere outside.
“I find if I don’t work out in the morning, it will rarely get done,” explains Kari. “I feel better throughout my day and perform better both during my workout and at work if I stay committed and work out in the morning.”
Kari’s first marathon was with Train to End Stroke in honor of her boyfriend’s mother and her Papa, who both suffered strokes. She continues to honor them, as well as everyone who wishes they could run, but can’t with every run she does.
Kari’s favorite foods for fueling up and recovering: The night before a race, I typically eat beef, a potato and green beans or other vegetable. Before a race, my go to breakfast is one egg over rice with an avocado. Delicious and it gives me the fuel I need! If I’m doing a short training run during the week, I love beet energy shakes. My favorite during run treat is a packet of Justin’s Nut Butter and my staple post-run fuel is ALWAYS chocolate milk! It makes me recover faster and I get much needed carbs and protein. It’s a miracle treat!
Disclaimer: Both Molly and Kari are being compensated as dairy ambassadors for Western Dairy Association, but their opinions and training ideas are their own.
— Western Dairy Association
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