Racing Mind

Before heading to San Diego for the annual, national dietetics conference I got a call from a freelance writer slash reporter from Web MD who was covering the nutrition findings presented.

After she read (and followed) the beneficial findings of coffee, she excitedly called me to talk about my study and way to improve her race-as she was participating in the LA half marathon.  

She called while I was en route to a coffeehouse to prepare for my nutrition presentation and I was excited to talk to her too-even before the coffee hit my lips.

The explanation of my study to the interviewer was probably the best way to prepare. It resurfaced all the hours I had spent in coffeehouses writing and researching my thesis. And all the coffee I drank.  

2 hours for each morning, fasted participant trial, 2 trials for each participant, 11 participants, lots of coffee for me. 

And that’s not including their orientation visits.

As I anticipated, at the end of the interview, the reporter asked if I was a runner and if I used my findings to enhance my performance.

My answer? “Not a competitive one. And I can’t get behind the taste of beetroot…although; I could go for an alternative spinach salad before a heavy workout.” No one can call me dishonest.

I figured watching hours of participants running, drinking copious amounts of coffee and being on high alert stress mode was exhausting enough. Felt like a half marathon anyways…?

…And what better way to conclude the excitement but in the sunny, sea salted airs of San Diego. While eating anti-inflammatory omega three loaded sushi. And walking along the bay. With a cup of coffee in hand.