We first met Kristin, also known StuftMama, when she shared some SunButter recipes on her StuftMama blog. We really noticed when she ran full marathons with (get this) her twin boys in a jog stroller! Her story is like yours: lots of processed food as a kid, college weight gain, keeping it on as a young adult–then a realization that led to healthier living. (For some great inspiration, read her “Looking Back” blog post.)
Now, she’s kind of a big deal in the fitness and healthy living community, with national appearances and recognition. But here the refreshing part: Her #1 love is eating. So she focuses on, as she says, “the journey to find balance.”
If we had a medal for inspiration, she’d be the top of our podium!
We’re especially proud she’s sharing a guest post here, in her engaging, lively style with practical tips. Thanks, Kristin. You’ve Stuft us with inspiration yet again!
Hi, SunButter fans. I’ve run about 7 full marathons and that week leading up to the race is always a bit unnerving. You’re supposed to be resting, but yet you’re getting anxious and worrying if you’ve done enough training, if you’re really ready for the big race, etc.
There’s our Kristin, smile stuft with pride, joy and energy.
Here are a few quick tips that help me that last week.
Don’t put too much pressure on yourself. There will always be another race in the future. Set goals, but know that the race will still be incredible if you don’t quite get the time you really want.
Rest. Try to go to bed early as many nights as possible the week before a race so that really early wake-up call on race day isn’t too much of a shock to the system.
Eat well. Make sure to keep fueling your body even though you’re not working out as much because you’re tapering. It’s important to go into a race with a good fuel supply. Eat good quality carbs. A coach once told me you should be oozing carbs at the start of a marathon.
Setup. Get everything set before the actual morning of the race. Set out your outfit, number, gels, shoes, etc.
Know you’ve put the time in and think of the race as a celebration of all your training. Get ready to have the experience of a lifetime. During the race just try to appreciate every step you take. There will definitely be times when you may question why the heck you’re running a full marathon, but crossing that finish line will be amazing.
Speaking of fueling properly, we’ve been fueling up a lot these days with these balls. They’re nutritious and the whole STUFT family loves them.
Mmmmm, SunButter Balls!
Better STUFT SunButter Balls
1 cup agave
1 cup SunButter
1 cup oats
3/4 cup cereal
1/4 cup ground flaxseed
1 1/2 cups nonfat dry milk powder
1/2 cup finely shredded coconut
1/2 cup semi sweet chocolate chips
Mix all ingredients together. Scoop into balls and refrigerate in air tight container.
*Make sure to hide a couple in the freezer for yourself when the craving strikes because they’ll be gone fast.
See why we appreciate Kristin? Perfect balance of delicious eating, working out–and beautiful living. Thanks, StuftMama.
