4/14 No Meat Athlete
I have been running for three years now and I absolutely love it. I run a little at a time and have really enjoyed participating in 5K’s. Two days ago, I decided that I want to get a running coach and train for a half marathon. I am both paralyzed with fear and ready to run out the door right now. I am not sure I can do this and absolutely sure I can do anything I decide to do. The fear feels as real as the possibility for success. Consuming a plant based diet has afforded me the opportunity to be completely in tune with my body for the first time in my life. I now feed it for success and joy and that feels wonderful. It seems that now is the time to achieve the goal that I have long aspired to accomplish.
In many of the veggie blogs, books and magazines I have been reading I have found that many vegans become distance runners and athletes. Part of me finds that odd while the other part thinks it makes perfect sense. Being in balance with your body and mind makes you want to spend time in your body and mind. I no longer want to escape into a bottle of Shiraz or spend the evening with a pack Marlboro Lights. I have become more of a sparkling water and kale type of girl and I like that.
One of the many examples of veggie athletes that I have found is the No Meat Athlete blog of Matt Frazier. Matt is an ultra marathoner, veg loving guy spreading the word that a plant based diet is the fuel you need to be a top athlete. He is dispelling the myths and misnomers and sharing the truth about plant based fuel with anyone that will listen. Matt has generously offered to send a No Meat Athlete shirt to one lucky Exploits birthday winner. Matt is also going to be a Guest Contributor very soon to share some of his successes and tips for being a No Meat Athlete.
Please contnue to post your comments here and on Facebook for your chances to win an Exploits Birthday present. Click here for full contest info.
More people seem to be recognizing that the old notion that only animal proteins are adequate fuel for an athlete is not only false, but could actually have adverse affects on their bodies. Are you a No Meat Athlete? Do you run half marathons or have an amazing pep talk or success to share with me? Have you also noticed the trend of veg athletes? Please share. I look forward to hearing from you.
Have a delicious day.
Tags: compassionate eating, dairy free, going veg, Matt Frazier, No Meat Athlete, plant based diet, trying vegan, trying vegetarian, vegan, vegan athlete, vegan enter to win, vegan experience, vegan giveaway, vegan transition, vegan wannabe, vegetarian athlete, vegetarian prize giveaway
April 14th, 2011 at 9:16 pm
I love when athletes go vegan or vegetarian and prove to people that you don’t need to eat animals to be strong and fast.
April 15th, 2011 at 2:39 am
I coached individuals for years on “healthy” sources of protein, which primarily consisted of animal products. I just taught others what I learned in school, but NOW I know better. Now, being a newly vegetarian I am excited to challenge the industry! Sherry, I am so blessed for you, Sandy and your blog! You ARE changing lives, one meal at a time
April 16th, 2011 at 11:36 am
I’ve been a serious gym rat for almost 10 years but never liked running. Then 3 years ago, on a whim, I signed up for a half marathon that was the next day. (Am I a little crazy? Yes.) I ran it in 1:49:17. That was right around the time I went vegan. The next year my time was 1:42:59 and this year it was 1:41:49. I tell you this to show that the longer I’ve been vegan, the faster I’ve become. (I’ve also run a lot of other half marathons and my times are consistently improving for those, too.) I really think a lot of it has to do with my diet – putting good, wholesome, nutrient-rich foods in my body makes it work much more efficiently. I know that training helps, too, but I don’t train for races. But you are smart to do so – good luck! Do you have a specific race in mind?
FYI – If you haven’t yet, check out Brendan Brazier’s website and books. He’s a vegan triathlete and is behind the VEGA products.
April 16th, 2011 at 4:45 pm
My husband and I are vegan runners. We are stronger because of being vegan. Eggs, especially, were holding us back. We thought it was dehydration or an electrolyte imbalance, but it turned out to be eggs! We are vegan because it’s just wrong to kill animals to eat them, so the health benefits are a great bonus. We are racing a half marathon tomorrow. Good luck with your running. We love it
April 18th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
Lisa,
Thank you for your kind and thoughtful comment. I completely agree, we thought that healthy protein sources were from meat and dairy. Now that we have learned more, we have the opportunity to share with anyone that will listen and that is fantastic.
April 19th, 2011 at 7:02 am
Two years ago a friend of mine was turning 40 and decided to run a half marathon – I volunteered to train with her (I was 45). Neither of us were runners – although I had run cross country in high school long, long ago! We ran that half marathon together, did a 10k last year, and are training for another half marathon this year. I haven’t regretted my plant based diet once, and I’ve lost about 20 pounds! Be careful, running can be addictive. Enjoy!
April 21st, 2011 at 6:42 am
I’ve noticed the same trend and I love it! It seems natural to me…if you’re mindful about how you nourish yourself, you’ll become more caring and contemplative about your connection with the earth and life in all its wondrous forms.
All the best to you!
April 24th, 2011 at 8:51 pm
WendySue,
Thank you so much for sharing. I have to admit, I am a bit intimidated by the half marathon. It helps a great deal to hear your success story. This is one addiction I am ready to embrace.