Cheribundi to Fuel Runner’s First Marathon
by Janine Frank
The Marathon. It’s the pinnacle event for runners, both
elite and recreational. It appears on
bucket lists around the world. But not everyone who takes up running ends up
completing a marathon. And Jen Masa, a 27-year-old runner from Albany, New
York, will tell you with sincerity that if she can do it, anyone can!
Jen began running almost four years ago to try to lose some
weight and become more fit. Since she was very heavy at the time and hadn’t
been exercising, she began with daily walks. Once she built up some endurance,
she tried running as a way to burn more calories.
Now 70 pounds lighter, she is training for her first
marathon, taking place in November in Richmond, Virginia.
Jen currently runs four times a week with a long run on the
weekends to prepare for the longer distance of a marathon. And she always
drinks Cheribundi to recover and rehydrate. “I love Cheribundi!” Jen says. “It
tastes really good. Since I’ve been drinking it, I’ve felt great after my
runs!”
She also likes Cheribundi for the nutrition it provides. “I
feel good knowing that I’m drinking something that is not only delicious, but
healthy, too. Anything that can help with recovery is a plus.”
Jen has also adopted a healthier way of eating to complement
her more athletic lifestyle. “I try to eat a clean diet of whole foods, fruits,
vegetables and whole grains because I know it makes me feel better when I do.”
Although the Anthem Richmond Marathon will be her first race
at this distance, Jen has run many other shorter races in preparation. Her
first 5K was in May of 2009 and it got her hooked. “Since then I’ve [run] about
40 races, from 5Ks, 10Ks and 15Ks to multiple half marathons.” She shares all
of her race experiences on her blog, here.
With that much running in her life, it can be hard to stay
motivated, but Jen finds that the more she runs, the more she actually enjoys
it. “I know I’ll feel great after a run or workout and I know I won’t regret
it. Eventually it becomes routine and working out regularly is more of the norm
instead of a chore.”
In addition to running, Jen also does yoga and some weight
training once a week. “I really lack upper body strength, so I’m trying to work
on that,” she says. That still leaves Jen time for one day of rest per week,
which is important for letting the body recover.
When asked what she wants to do after the marathon, Jen is
planning for both the short term and the more distant future. “Immediately
after, I hope to find some good food and refuel and drink some Cheribundi, of
course! As for long term, I hope to continue racing, maybe another marathon if I
have a good experience. But I’m definitely going to keep on running, even if
it’s just shorter distances.”
Jen says one thing that truly inspires her is anyone who can
finish a marathon. But she never saw herself in that category until recently. “So
many people tell me they could never run a marathon or lose weight like I did.
I was never athletic in my life until I began running, so if I can do it,
anyone can.”
Good luck in November, Jen! Cheribundi hopes to help fuel
you through the race and keep you going strong for a long time afterward.
Janine Frank lives in Lafayette, Colorado with her husband, two sons and golden retriever. She writes about fitness, natural products and the great outdoors.
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