In this guest article, AnnMarie Kirkpatrick, a dedicated member of the endurance team Front Range Elite, shares her personal journey and insights into the crucial role of vitamins and minerals, specifically iron, in endurance sports. From overcoming physical and mental struggles during marathons to maintaining optimal nutrition, AnnMarie provides valuable experiences and tips for fellow athletes.
Completing a marathon requires both physical and mental endurance. In the Chicago Marathon of 2019, I experienced a profound struggle during the last 5 miles. As I pushed through the pain, I realized my body was nearing its limits. My mind and legs seemed disconnected, and I had a long way to go in that challenging state. Fatigue had been accumulating for months, and it finally reached its peak during that race.
Disappointingly, I finished well off my goal time of 2:42. Determined to understand what went wrong, I decided to get my blood work done, which revealed low iron levels. Although I had been taking iron supplements in pill form, I hadn't considered the issue of absorption, which turned out to be sub-optimal.
Revitalizing body and mind … from motherhood to endurance running
My journey into the world of endurance running began in 2015 after becoming a mom. Balancing family life, running a business, and pursuing my passion for running, I unintentionally reached an alarmingly low weight. This experience led me to educate myself about nutrition, particularly the significance of food quality. When I discovered my low iron levels, I realized that I had been doing the right thing but hadn't considered the impact of product quality on absorption. It was during this time that I came across a Floradix® Iron, which I then incorporated into my nutrition regimen.
As an endurance athlete, my training volume is quite demanding, ranging from 80 to 100 miles per week. Additionally, I aim to incorporate strength training twice a week. While I don't engage in intentional cross-training, I actively spend time with my children, which keeps me moving. Moreover, I often find myself at high altitudes due to my hiking trips and training runs in Rocky Mountain National Park, where altitudes regularly exceed 9,000 feet. Without a proper iron supplement, my iron levels would have plummeted given the combination of high-altitude activity and training volume.
A day of nourishment for optimal performance
Maintaining my energy levels and nourishing my body is crucial. Although I don't meticulously count calories, I prioritize eating every 1 1/2 to 2 hours to sustain my lean physique and keep up with the demands of my training. My meals predominantly consist of protein and carbohydrate-rich foods to fuel my body efficiently.
A typical day of eating looks like this:
- Breakfast: Yogurt and granola with a scoop of protein powder.
- Post-run second breakfast: Egg sandwich
- Snack: Handful or two of almonds, cheese, and crackers
- Lunch: Quinoa bowl with steak and veggies
- Afternoon snack: Crackers and hummus
- Late afternoon snack: Homemade muffin with peanut butter
- Dinner: Pizza with bison meatballs
- Snack before bed: Crackers and hummus
Elevating Performance: Unleashing the Power of Floradix® Iron Sport
Despite improving the quality of my food and increasing calorie intake, recent bloodwork revealed low levels of Vitamin D (but not low iron), which was affecting my thyroid. This discovery has sparked my excitement about Floradix® Iron Sport. This supplement offers a comprehensive blend of essential vitamins and minerals that endurance athletes often need.
With Floradix® Iron Sport, I can now simplify my supplementation routine while ensuring I receive the necessary nutrients to support my training. As a dedicated runner, I want to maximize the benefits of my intense workouts without overthinking my nutrition.
Proper recovery and nutrition play key roles in absorbing training effectively. My mission is to push myself to the best of my abilities, and that starts with optimizing my training and protecting my body from injuries or depleting my energy reserves.
By incorporating Floradix® Iron Sport into my supplement regimen, I can elevate my training to a higher level while maintaining overall health and well-being.