Amway’s Nutrilite spokesperson Kara Goucher is a top U.S. marathoner, Olympic qualifier and World Championship bronze medalist. She has faced many of the challenges common to female runners – and runners in general – at all levels, including battling back from injury, feeling the frustration of performance plateaus and juggling life as a new mom with a busy training schedule.
In this two-part series, Goucher will share her secrets to becoming a better, happier, healthier and more fulfilled runner! (These tips and more can also be found in her book, “Kara Goucher’s Running for Women: From First Steps to Marathons.”)
Don’t Be Scared: You are just as capable as anyone else. Go Public With Your Goal: You may want to keep your marathon aspirations on the down-low, but sharing your commitment with others will help you keep it. Train the Simple Way: Two short runs (5 miles or so each) during the week and a long run on the weekend. Extend the long run one mile each week until 10 miles, then 2 miles a week until 20. Train Day to Day: Don’t look ahead to the end goal, just work on reaching each week’s distance. Take in Fluids: You need fluid and energy replacement to keep your blood sugar up and your stored carbs (glycogen) going to your hardworking muscles when you run long runs. I’m a big fan of NUTRILITE® ROC2O Sports Drink Mix, which rehydrates you, has carbs and replenishes electrolytes (sodium and potassium) lost during long runs. Pick the Right Marathon for You: There are hundreds around the country to choose from. Big, small, hot, cold, hilly, flat – choose the one that suits you and your training best. Do it for the Right Reasons: Because you really want to. Not because your friends are running a marathon or you think you won’t be considered a “real runner” unless you run 26.2 miles. Set a Realistic Goal: For your first marathon, just focus on finishing, having a positive experience, and learning things that will enable you to run your best marathon in the future. Have a Plan B: What if the marathon you’ve trained for falls on a day with weather way hotter than anticipated, or torrential rain? Good to have a back-up marathon that you can run instead. Allow Enough Time to Train, But Not Too Much: Twelve to 16 weeks is typically enough time to gradually increase your endurance, anything longer can lead to injury or just plain burn out. Eat foods you normally eat on the evenings leading up to your race. Now is not the time to try out new dishes or new restaurants. Eat a carbohydrate-rich breakfast that’s easy to digest like cereal with toast and juice; pancakes or a bagel with eggs. Bring plenty of fluids and snacks with you to the start, as some races require you to be there hours before the gun goes off.
Stay tuned for more training tips in part two of Kara Goucher’s 26.2 Ways to Get Ready to Marathon!
Working as a member of the Health Marketing team for Amway’s Nutrilite brand has been an exciting and enriching experience. I’ve been humbled and honored to spend time with our highly motivated IBOs (Independent Business Owners) and excited to meet our teams that drive our organic farms and product labs to deliver high-quality nutritional supplements.
Pictured: The Nutrilite Supplement Center
Having said that, I’m embarrassed to admit that over the four years I’ve spent with Amway, I’ve struggled to completely incorporate the supplements I’m proud to represent into my personal routine. When I joined the business supplements were never really a part of my day-to-day routine, I remember having a bottle in my cabinet, but rarely cracking the seal. But once I had a chance to meet our experts at Nutrilite I began making healthy habits like exercise, healthy eating and supplements a priority in my life.
But deciding to make healthy habits a priority was just the first step. While I had the best intentions, a commitment to work out each morning was a lot easier than a commitment to take my supplements as recommended (7 days per week, often 1-2+ times per day).
While there are a variety of options to help remember to take your supplements, none of them truly fit my lifestyle. With work that requires travel and full days, and a home life that keeps me moving stationary Monday through Sunday tablet cases never really worked for me. When I needed my supplements (Breakfast, Dinner) they always seemed to be sitting in the cabinet at home. That’s why I’m so excited about the new Nutrilite Supplement Center. Since I received a prototype version a few months back, I’m happy to say that I haven’t missed a single dose of my favorite Nutrilite Supplements, many of which require multiple doses (below).
The Supplement Center is designed for people who live on the go and specifically for people looking to build a healthy routine for the very first time. For those who already have it down, the larger supplement cases available from Nutrilite may be your best option. Want to know more about how the Supplement Center works? I like it so much that I was proud to appear in a video to demonstrate just how it works – check it out!
The Supplement Center has helped to change my life for the better and I hope it can do the same for you.
Stay healthy my friends!
Matthew Darin is married and looking forward to growing his family in Ada, MI. He is an Assistant Brand Manager for Amway’s Nutrilite brand with past experience in Weight Management, Fitness and Children’s Nutrition. He enjoys living a healthy and active lifestyle, outdoor activities like running and camping and is an avid professional football fan
So, I was relegated to working the Ultimate Football Experience presented by Amway’s Nutrilite brand and making sure our players from IBOs, to consumer sweepstakes winners, to ESPN personalities had a great time, but hey, I’m still qualified to share my experience from the event!
To quote the many who played for our teams “it was the experience of a lifetime.” “It was one of the best experiences I’ve ever had in my 20+ years in the Amway business.” “I don’t want it to end!”
Now, for a feel on how a player feels after the event, well, I’ll have to leave that to a banged up colleague who played – like blog regular Matthew Darin or our boss Mark Nelson. But from the sidelines and behind the scenes, wow is the word that comes to mind. When you have guys like Ryen Russillo – Co-host of the Scott Van Pelt Show for ESPN Radio – and Jay Crawford – Host of ESPN’s First Take - telling you that this event takes the cake (mind you, they play in a lot of charity type outings) in terms of planning, experience, etc., you know you have a winner.
It all starts with the host of the event, Amway’s Nutrilite Brand MVP Kurt Warner. He is so very gracious in all that he does and the people he associates with. i.e. the QBs for the teams, make this a one of a kind event. Thank you Kurt for hosting such a fantastic weekend.
But enough of me talking, let these videos do the picture painting…
Friday Night Draft Party
Saturday Morning Prep Session
Saturday afternoon – Game Day
Participants and guests were loaded up with – and raving about – Nutrilite, XS and Perfect Water as well. To say we were well represented is an understatement:
Kurt Warner Ultimate Football Experience presented by Nutrilite
A look at the Hydration Field sponored by Nutrilite
Nutrilite sponsored Recovery Field at UFE
Nutrilite Strength field sponsorship
Energy Field, brought to UFE by Nutrilite
My son, Ryan and I with Ryen Russillo of ESPN's Scott Van Pelt Show
My son, Ryan and me with Jay Crawford of ESPN's First Take
Nutrilite and Amway were presenting sponsor of Kurt Warner's Ultimate Football Experience
No post yesterday, had to put my hockey hat on and talk videos with the Amway sponsored Detroit Red Wings down in Motown.
And since tomorrow is travel day for the big event – Kurt Warner’s Ultimate Football Experience, presented by Nutrilite, I’ll toss a few more facts and QBs at you today.
At the moment, we are still waiting for Kurt and Co. to unveil QB number 12, but I do have a few more to join the already incredibly impressive roster of Kurt, Larry Fitzgerald, Christian Ponder, Brad Johnson, Deion Sanders, Michael Irvin, Steve Young and Alex Smith…
Tampa Bay signal caller Josh Freeman is the second youngest to play this year (just in front of Ponder). He’s been in the league for three seasons and is a first timer for UFE this year. Anquan Boldin joined with Larry Fitzgerald to make up a dynamic duo for Kurt to toss to when the Cardinals unexpectedly burst onto the scene and into the Super Bowl a few years back. Also back this year, to defend his crown as reigning champ? Rich Gannon.
Fun facts of the day… UFE QBs have played for at least 12 different teams during their collective careers, with the Vikings one of the most represented squads. There are at least 10 championship rings among the players in this year’s event and at least 39 Pro Bowl’s played in. And did you know, Rich Gannon is the only 2-time, back to back MVP in Pro Bowl history?
It may be the offseason, but the National Football League is certainly in the news. No need to worry though, there are no bounties on players in this event. Natural attrition takes the place of bounties at this event where men (and at least one woman) of all ages and sizes try to recapture their youth and usually wind up needing one of those pro sports locker room ice baths for a week afterwards.
The weather forecast couldn’t be better – sun and mid 70s. All but one of the “pros” is set for Saturday. The event is coming together nicely and it all benefits Kurt Warner’s foundation and Amway One by One partner – First Things First. For those who are curious, you’ll have four chances to catch a glimpse of all that the event entails via our Live Stream channel.
This weekend brings about our own bit of March madness – football style – and is sure to be talked about for the rest of the participant’s lives. Yes, it is that special!
Today’s fun fact… one of the QBs piloting a team is the only quarterback to ever throw himself a touchdown pass. Chew on that one for a while! Brad Johnson not only did that, but played for four teams in his career and led Tampa Bay to a championship along the way.
We’re just a week away from what will be the Utimate Football Experience of a football fan’s lifetime – a day of running routes, catching and defending passes with current and former pro football players – from quarterbacks to receivers to lock down corners.
Since we’re going into the weekend, we’ll unveil three more of the pros that will grace the fields with amateurs from all walks of life…
Friday fun fact – Three current Hall of Famers grace the roster of playing “pros” for UFE presented by Nutrilite. Teams will vye Friday night for draft position and get their choice of one of these three among the 12 on tap for the weekend.
Drum roll please… Steve Young, Deion Sanders and Michael Irvin – elite players of the 90s and all very active in the field of football analysis will be guiding teams of eight in what is sure to be a memorable, fun-filled, competitive event…
Learn more about the event and First Things First and check back Monday with another unveiling…
My Nutrilite teammate Matthew Darin did a great job of painting a picture of what the experience in Phoenix looks like. I was there too, but injured playing hoops with my son days before and relegated to crutches and a clipboard for the event. Still, I can’t tell you enough how great this event Kurt Warner puts on truly is.
Of course the main reason is that it supports his First Things First Foundation, an official partner of Amway’s One by One campaign for children. FTF and the Warner’s do so much for children in and around Kurt’s former pro cities (St. Louis, Phoenix and even New York and his home state of Iowa) and this event goes a long way to making the dreams of many become a reality.
Aside from that, of course, there is the football. And don’t underestimate that draft party that Matthew spoke of. It is, off the hizzle fo shizzle! Who knew these players had such incredible senses of humor? And their respect for Kurt makes me even more proud that he’s Amway’s Nutrilite Brand MVP.
If you missed your chance to go this year, or win a slot in our sweepstakes – which by the way had over 72,000 entries – look for it again next year. Trust me, if you are a football fan, there is nothing like this. To catch passes from a Kurt Warner or pick off another pro – who gets to do that stuff every day?
Be sure to follow all of the action with four live stream videos next weekend, chronicling the event and our teams and players.
As for the fun, fan fact of the day… the eleventh of 12 QBs added gives this event at least SEVEN first round draft picks among the 12 pros playing the event. Christian Ponder of the Minnesota Vikings.
Growing up playing and following a variety of sports I never dreamed that I’d ever be able to compete with my sports heroes. But flying into Phoenix last year that sort of far fetched daydream was about to become a reality. I was excited and even a little bit nervous to be headed to Kurt Warner’s Ultimate football experience.
I spent most of our flight down studying the packet provided to us at registration and “cramming” to learn the route tree included in it (as it turned out this was unnecessary as our talented QB called plays school-yard style in our huddle). While I knew the event we were headed to was a friendly-game, I wasn’t about to dash my childhood dreams by embarrassing myself in front of my gridiron heroes.
But while my focus was on the games ahead, I couldn’t have fully imagined the once in a lifetime experience I was about to be a part of. When we arrived in Phoenix I headed to the “draft party” a great pre-event that had participants racing everything from Go-Carts to Segways to earn our draft order for selecting our pro teammates. While our team didn’t draw the “star” of the event (Amway’s Nutrilite MVP Kurt Warner) we did manage to land Aaron Rodgers, fresh off his championship MVP season.
The evening was an unexpected bonus; we had a chance to meet the pros and really get to know them before the big day. As a lifelong football fan, it was really amazing to interact with these guys outside the context of an arena packed with screaming fans.
Pictured: Racing for our draft position at the “draft party” the evening before the games.
The next morning brought butterflies and excitement heading out the game day facility. We arrived to find our nameplates in a locker room usually reserved for the pros. We had jerseys, shorts, gloves, everything we needed for the days events. As I looked up, I was stunned to see that Aaron’s locker was directly next to mine. I was just starting to really grasp how “Ultimate” this experience would be, literally rubbing elbows with one of the league’s elite players.
Pictured: Suiting up next to a league icon.
Once we hit the field the excitement really dialed up – the feeling I had catching a pass from a world-champion (Aaron Rodgers) was something I’ll never forget. And despite the Arizona heat and intense game schedule, our team stayed strong (leaning heavily on the Nutrilite Sports Nutrition products and XS Energy Drinks that were provided). As the day wore on, it was great to really get to know the pros, one of my favorites was Michael Strahan who had me cracking up as he sang “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins (pictured below). But the star-studded lineup also included other greats like Michael Irvin, Joe Flacco, Matt Castle, and Rich Gannon, just to “name drop” a few (which I must confess I’ve been “name dropping” ever since my UFE experience).
Pictured: Lining up across from all-pro defensive end Michael Strahan (he’s quite the comedian).
Pictured: My teammate Matt setting up to reel in a pass from big-league MVP Aaron Rodgers.
While I wish I could say that I was on the team that “won” the tournament (it’s hard not to feel like a winner when you’re wrapping up a day that exceeded all your dreams of sporting glory) I’m happy to say that our loss came at the hands of “Team Nutrilite.” A highly-motivated team comprised of our always-impressive Amway Independent Business Owners that made defeat a bit easier to swallow.
As we look forward to UFE 2012 I’ll leave you with today’s fun fact and preview of another one of the 2012 pros.
Today’s Fun Fact: There are more than 45 pro football records held by the “QBs” leading the 12 teams at UFE this March 10th.
Who is one of these pros? First overall pick and quarterback of the surprise NFC title contender San Francisco 49ers Alex Smith.
Stay healthy my friends!
Matthew Darin is married and looking forward to growing his family in Ada, MI. He is an Assistant Brand Manager for Amway’s Nutrilite brand with past experience in Weight Management, Fitness and Children’s Nutrition. He enjoys living a healthy and active lifestyle, outdoor activities like running and camping and is an avid professional football fan.
Hopefully by now you are well aware of Kurt Warner’s Ultimate Football Experience, presented by Nutrilite exclusively from Amway. If not, here’s an overview:
12 teams of 8.
4 on 4 flag football.
50 yard field.
12 former or current “pros” as quarterback.
More soreness than you can imagine, no matter what kind of shape you’re in!
This year, we’ve taken our participation up a notch. In 2011, it was one team. This year we have four. IBOs, consumers and some well-known media – Jay Crawford of ESPN’s First Take and Ryen Russillo of ESPN Radio’s Scott Van Pelt Show – will all take part in a weekend that players and spectators alike will talk about for life.
The “QBs” vary from year to year, headlined of course by Amway’s Nutrilite Brand MVP Kurt Warner himself.
Fun fact of the day today and the unveiling of one of the pros… there are more than 115 collective years of pro football experience leading the 12 teams on March 10.
One of those pros? One of the league’s top wide receivers and a favorite target of Kurt’s on his championship game run of 2008 – Larry Fitzgerald
And I think Larry wonders, as do I… is Kurt Warner coming back to pro football any time soon?!
With 11 days remaining until Kurt’s Ultimate Football Experience presented by Nutrilite, that question has popped up again. After all, many teams need quarterbacks and some contenders don’t want to wait for a rookie to develop. So that begs the question, is Kurt coming back to the pros?
Regardless of the answer to that question, one thing we know for sure is that the Ultimate Football Experience is going to be another incredible weekend of fun, competition and flag football.
It all starts March 9 with a welcome party and draft competition. The “QBs” in play this year (still a few slots being filled) are: Kurt, Anquan Boldin, Larry Fitzgerald, Rich Gannon (defending champ), Brad Johnson, Alex Smith, Steve Young, Michael Irvin, Deion Sanders, and Josh Freeman. Just between these ten, there are over 113 years of pro experience and ten championship rings and there are still a few pros left to round out the 12.
Follow our coverage of the event, including on our four teams consisting of IBOs, sweepstakes winners and ESPN’s Jay Crawford and Ryen Russillo starting this week on Nutrilite’s Facebook page… Once the event kicks off, look for three “Game Day” features, with interviews and streaming video of the events…
