Contest Winners
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Jordan Hinds, 27 Pittsburgh, PA What motivates Jordan to stay active? Others tell me that seeing me push myself, after all I’ve overcome, inspires them to never give up. I don’t run to win medals. I run for those who believe in me, see the effort I give and are affected by it. I run for something much greater than victory. Jordan believes in Marathon®Brand because... I had been using a certain brand of energy bar during my entire scholastic running career. I was very loyal to that brand. Even though they tasted terrible, I would still force myself to eat one before every race. When I ran my first marathon, I received a MARATHON® Bar at the expo. When I tried it I was shocked. I never knew energy bars could actually taste good! I checked the nutrition facts and the MARATHON® Bar contained the same protein, vitamins and minerals as my old energy bar. From that point on, I have used nothing but MARATHON® Bars to provide me with the energy I need before races and workouts.I ran cross-country and was captain in high school and college. I was not voted captain because I was the most talented but because of my determination and work ethic. I will bring a high level of leadership, positive attitude and inspire my teammates to reach their potential. Fun Fact about Jordan: I was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of three. I’ve had five major surgeries, seizures, chemotherapy, radiation, and experienced a stroke causing months of rehabilitation. I believe I wasn’t given struggles to make my life harder, but so that I can try to make other’s lives better. Race Schedule:
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Virginia Grant, 26 Port Allen, LA What motivates Virginia to stay active? This is a simple one- my beautiful family. I am the mother of 4 year old twins and being a role model for them is so important. I love that I have the ability and energy to get out an run around the soccer field with them, or go on long bike rides with them. However, I have to give some of the credit to my dad. I think my love for exercising came from my father. We still train together for all big races and he helped me have the self-esteem to complete a 1/2 marathon and know that next Spring a full marathon is well within my reach. I think being able to pass down this love to my children is one of the most important things that I can give them. Also, as I mentioned, I'm on a crusade to prove that not everyone in Louisiana is lazy! Virginia believes in Marathon®Brand because... On July 26,2010 MSNBC named Louisiana the laziest state in America. As a citizen of Louisiana, I'd like to help break that stereotype. I think that as a member of Team Marathon I could help raise awareness of the importance of exercise and proper nutrition. I think I could bring a lot to the team- I'm a wife, a mom, an athlete, a full time college student and I think I could help reach a broad group of people to promote not only healthy living, but Team Marathon! Fun Fact about Virginia: In 3 weeks Louisiana is having its first Olympic Distance Tri! I can't wait to be a part of a sold out race in a beautiful place. |
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Sunita Gupta, 26 Olathe, KS What motivates Sunita to stay active? I want to stay healthy and happy. My dad is my inspiration: he worked out for 3 hours every day. My efforts have in turn inspired my family and friends to exercise more. I know the highlight of my year will be celebrating the 2,500th anniversary of the first marathon by running the Athens Classic Marathon in Greece in October. I’m traveling to Athens with my mom, twin sister, and boyfriend, and we’re all running the race! Sunita believes in Marathon®Brand because... The first time I had a Marathon bar was at mile 17 of my first marathon. Until then, I had never eaten anything during a long run, but that Marathon bar really rejuvenated me. Now that I’ve learned how proper nutrition can impact my running, I feel like telling everyone! Fun Fact about Sunita: I have a sweet tooth. While training for my first marathon, I would reward myself after every long run with a Ferrero Rocher. When I finished the marathon, I ate 26 of them! |
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Carly Morse, 29 Pullman, WA What motivates Carly to stay active? I am motivated to stay active because I love pushing myself to new limits and discovering what I am truly capable of. I love a challenge and finding a new way to test those limits. Additionally, I always am looking to improve and grow from each training session and race. Plus, there is nothing better than knowing you covered 13.1, 26.2, 70.3 or 140.6 miles all on your own! Carly believes in Marathon®Brand because... I want to be part of Team Marathon because I use Marathon bars, both in training and racing. A Marathon bar is my special treat during the bike of a half- or full-Ironman distance race. I believe I should be part of Team Marathon, because like the Marathon bar story, my day is made up of running from one thing to another, it’s a challenge, but I love it. Fun Fact about Carly: I grew up on a farm and when I was little I used to name my pets after food. Some former pets include: Cinnamon, Spice, Bread, Buckwheat Cakes, Crispy Bacon and, of course, Snickers! |
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Jeremy Brown, 22 Montgomery, AL What motivates Jeremy to stay active? The military. I have to always be healthy and ready for action. I am a health personnel and I need to set an example for my patients. I love to push through physical and mental challenges of my body. Of course losing twenty pounds can motivate any man, as you watch your body transform. A little about Jeremy ... I am a medic in the Army and this is my main mode of staying APFT physically fit for the Army. This keeps me busy as a young man and allows me to constantly challenge myself. There is always more ways you can improve. I love it and I also blogged in the GX Military Magazine about my training for a half marathon and triathlon. I love a challenge! Fun Fact about Jeremy: I am very goofy and playful. People have called me superman when I ride around town in my triathlon suit during my training! |
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Matt Cifford, 23 La Jolla, CA What motivates Matt to stay active? As a child my father always told me "Movement is the fountain of youth". Following his wise words, I realized that the happiest I have ever been is when I'm training. Physical activity does wonders for the mind, it enables you to keep a constant measure of yourself knowing that you are accountable for all actions. A great mentor of mine is a 20 time Ironman and provides great motivation and inspiration towards what is possible (Mitch Thrower). Matt believes in Marathon®Brand because... As I write this entry my fingers are sticky from eating a Caramel Nut Rush Marathon®Bar . Although I'm not a big fan of Snickers or candy bars (due to training I can't remember the last time I ate one) the Marathon® bars are different - they actually provide a good source of energy with high levels of protein. I have never actively pursued sponsorship in triathlon simply because I don't want to turn a passion of mine into a job. However after reading about Team Marathon, I realized you are offering a different value. Team Marathon is more of a community of like minded people. Team members come from all walks of life and it looks like a good group I can see myself being a part of. Fun Fact about Matt: In the Spring of 2009, I took 6 months off work and school and pursued my passion for traveling. During that time I visited 24 countries, sky dived over the swiss alps, ran with the bulls in Pamplona, Spain, cycled across the Netherlands, attended an Olympic fencing event with the Georgian Olympic fencing team and learned more about culture, religion and language than I ever thought was possible. |
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Jennifer Pollihan, 33 St. Louis, MO What motivates Jennifer to stay active? I run because I want to be healthy and enjoy my life. I enjoy those few moments of peace where it's just me and the sound of my shoes hitting the black top. Most of all, I love that feeling of accomplishing something I never thought I could do. Jennifer believes in Marathon®Brand because... Often, the people I see in sports ads are these super-athletes who I personally can't relate to. I'm never going to break a world record, win first place or make a living from running. I, like many others, want to see the "average person." I'm a teacher, a mom to a 4 year-old, an asthmatic, but most importantly, I am someone who sets a goal and achieves it. I want to be that runner that people can relate to. Fun Fact about Jennifer: My first half marathon was an unforgettable experience. The remnants of Hurricane Ike had made it to St. Louis just in time for race morning. Many people chose not to race, but after all my training, there was no way I was going to skip it. So, I ran in 60 mph winds and torrential, sideways rain. It was insane, but I'm glad I ran. It was a day I will never forget. |
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James Schultz, 26 Clearwater, FL What motivates James to stay active? Signing up for races early in the season helps me stay motivated. It gives me a goal and forces me to get outdoors and train since I don't like being unprepared for a race. I also look forward to the feeling of accomplishment after a tough race. Nothing feels better than thinking about how all of that hard work payed off in the end! James believes in Marathon®Brand because... I use Marathon®Brand Protein bars after many of my hard workouts. Love the taste and they're packed with the vitamins and minerals I need to refuel after a hard workout. I even keep a few handy in the car when I'm traveling long distances. The high protein content will keep me feeling full until I can grab a meal later. Fun Fact about James: I have only been out of the United States for 8 minutes of my lifetime. That was when I ran the Detroit Marathon which runs through Canada! |
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Chris Blackburn, 28 Lumberton, NC What motivates Chris to stay active? I was on the Biggest Loser season 3 and used to weigh around 350 pounds. I know what it's like to struggle with health, food, and body image issues. Running (among other activities) keeps my mind focused, my heart pumping, and my goals stretching farther ever day. Chris believes in Marathon®Brand because... As Marathon®Brand says - Stay on. Keep on. Healthy living is a minute by minute process, whether through new challenges or simple daily tasks... it’s always in the back of my mind. As an athlete its important for me to support products that remind me of why I do what I do! Marathon® bars are like heaven in my mouth! Fun Fact about Chris: I work in higher education and have the opportunity to go across the country and talk to college students about body image acceptance, eating disorders, and healthy living. |
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Elizabeth Pfluger, 26 Alexandria, VA A little about Elizabeth: I run for fun. I run to relieve stress. I run to clear my mind, or especially to gain perspective! I love reading the magazines and books on those who can run 50 marathons in 50 days! I read about those who are super disciplined, and those who struggle to make it through that first mile. I can't run 50 marathons in 50 days, but I know what it's like to struggle and have moments of super discipline! In addition to running, I play softball every Wednesday night and I play Soccer on Sundays, both with local teams. What motivates Elizabeth to stay active? ? Me. My family. I grew up, I live, and I work with a very active group of people. Once you start, you just can't stop! Fun Fact about Elizabeth: I cant go a day with out a banana. |
