Different parts of the state, different sports, different reasons for competing, but one common goal: They LOVE beef and what it does for their individual goals and training programs. Read more about our team members below!
Hometown: Wintergreen, Virginia
Why do you run, and why for Team Beef? Running has always been an enjoyable way for me to stay in shape, plus it's motivating to keep going after goals. Team Beef is a good fit for me because I'm a beef-eater with a very active and healthy lifestyle.
How long have you run? I ran a lot as a kid, but didn't race at all for 20 years after high school. Now I've run 54 marathons or longer in the past 16 years. I joined Team Beef in the Spring of 2017.
What's your favorite race? Boston Marathon
Why is incorporating beef into your diet important to you? Beef is a very efficient way to get protein, iron, and other important nutrients, especially good for muscle recovery.
What's your favorite post-race meal? There's nothing like a nice, juicy sirloin or filet smothered in mushrooms after a race, though I keep the portion small because I usually can't eat as much as I think I can.
What has been your biggest running achievement? Training for and running 100 miles in under 24 hours last year, just 2 days after my 55th birthday.
Fun Fact: I've twice taken the family 100 mile record away from my nephew, but I think he's got it good now at sub-20 hours!
Training tip: Follow a training plan that makes sense to you, and always leave something for your next training run. Listen to your body and learn when it's okay to keep pushing, and when you need to back off.
Hometown: New Market, Virginia
Why do you run, and why for Team Beef? It clears my mind after work and keeps me competitive against myself. I run for Team Beef because I enjoy letting people know that eating beef and doing it right can lead to a healthy lifestyle.
How long have you run? I have been running on and off all my life. I really got into it in 2009. I started running for Team Beef in October 2015.
What's your favorite race? Boston Marathon is my favorite race, and the half-marathon is my favorite distance.
Why is incorporating beef into your diet important to you? Lean meat incorporated in my diet 4 days a week helps give me the energy I need to perform.
What's your favorite post-race meal? I love a great cheese burger post-race or a ribeye steak and eggs.
What has been your biggest running achievement? Running at least a half-marathon in every state, and running a sub-3 hour marathon in Iowa.
Fun Fact: I enjoy traveling, playing golf, and addition the occasional triathlon into the mix!
Training tip: When trying to run for time, always get your speed work in.
Recovery Tip: Listen to your body, rest when you need it.
Hometown: Virginia Beach, Virginia
Why do you run, and why for Team Beef? I run to relieve stress, have fun, honor the fallen, and for good health. I run for Team Beef because believe it or not, I used to be a vegan up until two years ago when my doctor told me, with all the running I was doing and at my age, I needed better nutrition and recommended I switch to a lean-meat based diet. I have seen my running improve as well as my health.
How long have you run? I started running for me in 1994. Before that, I was in the Navy and had to run which made it not so fun. I joined Team Beef in the Spring of 2017.
What's your favorite race? Marine Corps Marathon
Why is incorporating beef into your diet important to you? Beef keeps me fueled for longer periods of time, which means I don't need to eat as often both during the day and during long runs. I also recover faster when I eat beef within 1-2 hours after a long-distance event. This has helped me in running back-to-back marathons. Plus, it's sooooo tasty!
What's your favorite pre- or post-race meal? Pre-race I love a T-bone steak with garlic mash potatoes, green beans and a salad. Post-race varies depending on whether or not I will be doing another race the following day, but usually I will have carne asada tacos (heavy on the carne) with rice and beans to get back the protein and carbs my body is craving. For back-to-back races, I will enjoy a nice thick burger and then beef up again at dinner with either a steak or something like pot roast with potatoes and carrots.
What has been your biggest running achievement? I've completed several 50 milers and shorter ultras but my biggest achievement in my eyes is that I have kept up with my running and hope to do so well into my old age!
Words of Wisdom: While we tend to look at running as a competitive sport, get out there and enjoy the sport. It can really burn you out to run by your watch on every run. Leave the technology behind once in a while and listen to your body, nature, and people around you. You would be surprised at the stories you hear from other runners.
Training tip: Keep up with weekly training. Long runs are a necessary evil but our busy schedules tend to put the weekly training on the back burner. Make them a priority and your motivation will not wane.
Recovery Tip: Depends on the distance, but I normally will eat my beef throughout the day and do light stretching the day of. The day after, I will go out for a nice easy run/walk to get rid of any lactic acid build-up.
Hometown: Hampton, Virginia
Why do you run, and why for Team Beef?
I had never considered myself a runner, nor thought I could ever run, until I started running spring 2015. I have always enjoyed working out, but couldn't figure out why people ran when they could just stay in the gym in air conditioning! Before I started running I probably had only ventured out for a run or hit the treadmill a total of ten times since high school. My sons started playing travel soccer and between their busy schedule and my own work schedule, I could only fit in my workouts during their soccer practices, so I hesitantly hit the pavement.
At first, running was a challenge, but some sage advice from my husband went a long way---slow down, enjoy the run, and it'll get easier. And it did. I was amazed at how I could actually run three miles without stopping, and three became four, then four became five. At the same time, a friend asked me to run in a charity 5k with her for autism awareness. I never even knew people ran races like that (let alone that there were races every weekend near me!). I loved the 5k and wanted to run more, so I started signing up for local races.
Quickly I started running half marathons and found I enjoyed that distance, along with the 5ks. I ran Born to Run, which like many people who read that book, begin to dream of longer distances. At the same time, I ran a few trail races and was hooked on the trails.
Running on trails is challenging, invigorating, and makes you feel like a kid running through the woods. I love the races, but I also love training. The long four or five hour runs is a time to recharge, to be reflective, and to enjoy being outdoors.
I also love the support I have gotten from my family for this new found passion, as well as the amazing community of runners I have met along the way. From my first race I feel like I found my new tribe, individuals from various walks of life with diverse backgrounds and experiences, coming together around a love of running and community.
I love running for Team Beef Virginia for many reasons. I believe that incorporating a healthy diet into your life is critical, no matter what you do. I have always been an avid beef eater and am thrilled to be able to share my love of beef with others through Team Beef VA. I also enjoy the community of runners who are a part of Team Beef Va. I love watching their own running journeys and learning from them along the way.
How long have you run? I've been running since Spring 2015 and I joined Team Beef VA in September 2016.
What's your favorite race? I love anything on trails and local charity races that support good causes.
Why is incorporating beef into your diet important to you? Beef provides lean protein that has a variety of nutrients and antioxidants that contribute to my overall health. I know it is critical to have a healthy diet and that incorporating beef into my own nutritional plan is a contributor to my health and sustainability as a runner. I have increased my mileage over the past months and have been very careful to ensure I am eating enough protein and having a diet that will promote building of muscles and that will allow me to sustain my running as I move into longer distances.
What's your favorite pre- or post-race meal? Pre-race I love to have pasta with meat sauce or a juice hamburger with fries...those are my "go to's" for every race.
What has been your biggest running achievement? I've moved into the "ultra" world & ran my first 50k in March 2017. While I was thrilled to come in second female and fourth overall in a field of 70 runners with about 5,000 ft of elevation gain, for me, to be able to have met that accomplishment is simply amazing. I never imagined I would be able to run 3 miles, let alone 30+ miles. My husband was there to support me and serve as my "crew chief" and it was wonderful to have him be a part of this accomplishment. My completion of that race has me looking ahead to some more very interesting and longer distances in the upcoming year!
Fun Fact: I have to admit that one of my other post-race indulgences in addition to a meal of beef, is donuts :) I love donuts, especially jelly-filled powdered donuts - great post long-race treat!
Training tip: I think it's important to integrate cross-training and weights into your routine. This doesn't have to be more than once or twice a week, but this allows you to have a balanced fitness and can prevent injuries. I also believe you should engage in active stretching prior to running and also stretch post-running...many runners do not do that and this could potentially lead to injuries. I think, too, to trust your body as you are training. Sometimes you just need to take an unplanned rest day and that is perfectly okay! Enjoy the rest because that's part of the recovery and training as well.
Hometown: Ashland, Virginia
Why do you run, and why for Team Beef? I enjoy setting goals that allow me to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Running has always been a go-to for me since middle school. I hope to compete in some equine competitions in the near future as well, a love of mine since I was very young. Team Beef is close to my heart. I studied livestock production business at Virginia Tech and love being able to portray the industry in a positive light. I also LOVE eating beef, a great protein source for my active lifestyle!
How long have you run? I have been running and competing since I was in middle school. My debut with Team Beef started in 2017!
What's your favorite race? Any race for a good cause. I love being able to enjoy myself and support a great effort at the same time.
Why is incorporating beef into your diet important to you? Beef is a wonderful nutrient-dense choice that can be prepared in so many different ways. No matter what, I can't top the taste of beef and all the benefits it has to offer!
What's your favorite pre- or post-race meal? I love a steak or pasta with meat (beef) sauce!
What has been your biggest running achievement? I'm thankful everyday that I am able to put one foot in front of the other. So far, I have completed two 10Ks and am looking forward to tackling a half marathon.
Words of Wisdom: Don't be afraid to try something new and be curious about where your food comes from. I interact with both farmers and consumers on a daily basis, and it is always shocking how little our consumers know about where their food comes from, or the misinformation out there. I help teach our youth about agriculture by providing opportunities to be around beef cattle; the farmers and the youth really enjoy themselves. It is really rewarding and I am thankful for the opportunity.
Training tip: Eat well, stretch more often than you think, and have fun!
Hometown: Centreville, Virginia
Why do you run, and why for Team Beef? I run to keep myself healthy & fit to ensure I'll enjoy a long life. I run for Team Beef because I truly am a believer that healthy, minimally processed animal protein, especially beef, plays a crucial role in an athlete's performance and recovery. I debunk conventional wisdom that suggests a link between dietary/animal fats and cardiovascular illness.
How long have you run? I have been running since 2013 and on Team Beef since early 2016.
What's your favorite race? Favorite race is a full marathon, the sport and spirit really make me feel alive.
Why is incorporating beef into your diet important to you? Beef is not only a high-quality source of animal protein and most importantly fat, it tastes great, can be inexpensive when purchased wisely, and makes a satisfying meal! As an endurance athlete who aspires to fuel on fat instead of carbohydrate, beef plays a big part in my success.
What's your favorite pre- or post-race meal? Beef Ribeye, covered in butter with a sweet potato.
What has been your biggest running achievement? Continuing to push the limits of my body and learning that my mind is a powerful ally but a dangerous master.
Fun Facts: In addition to distance running, I enjoy all manners of outdoor sports including shooting, big game hunting, and bass fishing. Also as a professional chef, a love for all things food goes hand-in-hand with my training and racing.
Training tip: Never put in race-day effort on a training day
Hometown: Blacksburg, Virginia
Why do you run, and why for Team Beef? Running provides me with an excellent way to explore nature, learn about new places, and meet new people. I run for Team Beef for a plethora of reasons. 1) I want to show support for producers that feed America (and the world), 2) I heavily rely on beef as a lean source of protein to fuel my running and exercise regime, and 3) I love the support and camaraderie that Team Beef provides! I've been running for about 8 years, and I've run for various Team Beef chapters including Wisconsin, Colorado, and Virginia.
What's your favorite race? My favorite race is still the Glass City Marathon in Toledo. It was my first race, it provides a wonderful showcase of what NW Ohio has to offer, and Toledo is where I grew up. It's also the marathon I've run the most (3 times).
Why is incorporating beef into your diet important to you? As a long distance athlete, protein is essential for building and maintaining muscle. I choose to rely on beef as my main source of protein because it is both lean and efficient. It also provides essential nutrients and amino acids that plant-based proteins do not. I'm extremely busy with work, travel, and exercise, so consuming beef is an easy way to ensure that I get enough protein in my diet. Plus, beef tastes amazing and provides me a great way to support my local beef producers by buying from them.
What's your favorite pre- or post-race meal? My favorite post-race meal is a black and bleu salad with steak, bleu cheese, cranberries, and mixed greens.
What has been your biggest running achievement? I've been able to run 10 marathons in 8 years without major injury!
Training Tip: Listen to your body and don't over train! If you're feeling good on a particular day or race - push it! However, slow down or take the day off if you're feeling sluggish; there is always tomorrow or another race. Following this advice ensures you can continue running for the long haul.
Fun Fact: Hiking and backpacking provides a wonderful cross-training activity, especially for trail runners!
Hometown: Portsmouth, Virginia
Why do you run, and why for Team Beef? I started running again after retiring from the U.S. Navy in 2012. I went to my doctor and was told I was pre-diabetic and high cholesterol. I was prescribed several medications. I really hated taking all of those pills. I changed my diet and started running again.
Why do I run for Team Beef? I started to run for Team Beef to help promote the advantages of lean beef in our diets. I think beef gets a bad reputation for being unhealthy, and that can only be fixed with educating the public of proper cuts to eat for maximum health benefits.
How long have you run? I have been running since 2013, and I've been a member of Team Beef Virginia since 2015.
What's your favorite race? Marine Corps Marathon
Why is incorporating beef into your diet important to you? It is delicious. Plus, it is an excellent and delicious (I love the taste of beef) way to incorporate protein, iron, and many other nutrients into my diet to keep me fueled for those strenuous workout days and muscle recovery to push hard again quicker.
What's your favorite pre- or post-race meal? My favorite post-competition meal is either a nice medium-well steak or juicy hamburger (if there is a reputable burger restaurant in the race city).
What has been your biggest running achievement? My biggest accomplishment was completing my first marathon in 2015, the 40th Marine Corps Marathon.
Fun Facts: In August 2017, I achieved the milestone of 1,000 days on my run streak (running at least 1 mile a day)
Training tip: 1. Don't be afraid to fly. 2. Trust your training and on race day, stick to your training. 3. RUN YOUR RACE!
Hometown: Roanoke, Virginia
Why do you run, and why for Team Beef? I've been running since I was recruited to the JV track team when I was 13. I think I fell in love with the runner's high. No matter my time or place, I am always a winner! Whether I am running to benefit a great cause, to advocate for beef, or I just need to unwind, it's always gratifying. Running is so unique because it's an individual sport, but you can still be on a team and get that encouragement and social element of being a part of something bigger than yourself. This is my second year on Team Beef! I love Team Beef specifically because I have been a longtime advocate for agriculture and the beef industry. Being on Team Beef, I get to integrate several things I love by sharing my journey of being a nutrition enthusiast with a passion for beef.
What's your favorite race? MCM 10k
Why is incorporating beef into your diet important to you? Struggling with iron-deficiency anemia and hypoglycemia, I have to be very conscious of how I fuel my body for races. In high school, I was told to take iron supplements, but instead looked at ways I could change my diet. Incorporating more lean red-meat (especially beef) into a balanced diet has increased all of the nutrients I need to be healthy and strong. It's mind-blowing the difference I can feel in my body when I haven't eaten as much beef in a period of time. I have so much more energy and feel fuller after eating beef compared to other proteins.
What's your favorite pre- or post-race meal? My ideal post-race meal would be a thick ribeye with peppercorn sauce, sautéed asparagus, and a sweet potato with cinnamon and brown sugar. I like to wash it all down with a giant sweet iced tea!
What has been your biggest running achievement? I was on the 4-time state championship track team when I was in high school and I was an all district girls cross country runner. Both are pretty neat, but I honestly think that running at all now is a huge achievement for me. When I graduated high school, I had so many knee issues I wasn't sure I would ever really run again. My spirit was pretty broken that "I wasn't as good" because of the pain, and I'm competitive in nature. I've been able to get past the mindset and focus more on the "why" I run rather than the "how" I am running. If I meet my goal times or have PRs it's cool, but not as important to me as the reason I am running.
Training Tip: Get enough sleep, especially before races. Figure out routines that are good for YOU. Get advice from those with experience, but it's never a good idea to try to make someone else's plan your own. Eat lots of beef, drink lots of water. Jerky is an awesome post-race/hard run snack - GET SOME!
Words of Wisdom: If you're on Team Beef, take time to meet some beef producers. Put a face with your cause, and remember that when you're feeling tired or your legs are tight.