Does Spartan Race Have Water Stations or do I Need a Hydration Pack?

Save 20% on spartan race code: UBST24-TK88D27

For elite races gunning for a podium spot, hydration can make or break a race. And for us middle- and back-of-the-pack runners, drinking enough liquids on the course can also help keep fatigue, muscle cramps and lack luster performance at bay.  

Save 20% on any US Spartan race, Sprint, Super, Beast, Ultra, Kids and Hurricane Heat ALSO GOOD ON MERCHANDISE and NUTRITION  Use code SAP-936039P at https://affiliate.spartan.com/thefitfork
POV: I should have stopped at the Spartan on-course water stations!

So, the question on pretty much every runner’s mind is – “Does Spartan have water stations?”  and/or  “Should I wear a hydration pack at Spartan race”? The official answer on-course water taken from the Spartan.com help desk is:

“We have water and aid stations on every course. During a 5K Sprint, we may only have one aid station halfway through the course. During a longer race, like a Super or a Beast, we will provide up to 4 aid stations. We do not provide food or gels, so please plan to bring your own.”

Spartan Race

Additionally, based on my experience, there is almost always free spartan water station made available at a table close to the start corral. Taking a few small paper cups of water here is a great way to top off your tank, without drinking too much, too early and circling back over and over again to the porta-potty station. If you’ve raced much at all, you may have your own hydration strategy, but this is mind (as a non-hydration pack wearer):

Spartan Race Hydration Plan

BEFORE (24 to 48 hours prior to start): Ensure that I am properly hydrated throughout the day (check out my  previous post “50 Shades of Pee” ), so that I don’t go into a race setting already flirting with dehydration.

BEFORE (2 to 3 hours prior to start): As soon as I wake up on race day, I start hydrating again and cut it off an hour before the start line so that I have time to empty my bladder.

 BEFORE (15 minutes prior to start) : Drink about 6 to 8 ounces from the start-line table.

DURING (as available in race): Drink at EVERY water station on the course.  I figure it may slow me down a bit, but in the end, I will be faster from taking care of my body’s needs.  Experts suggest drinking about 4 ounces of fluid every 20 minutes in a race which is a little harder when not wearing a hydration vest. Exact hydration needs can vary by the weather and other factors like a person’s size and environmentally-evolved or genetic propensity to sweat. But since I’m not a “super sweat-er,” I can get by with drinking about 6 ounces at every stop (about 2 to 3 little paper cups). Your needs may be different.

AFTER (immediately after finishing race): Right after the race, start replacing lost fluids. Spartan always has both an electrolyte-replacement drink and water option available as you exit through the finish chute. My advice is to take both. Additionally, you can find water stations throughout the festival area to get refills or visit sponsor tables that often also have cold drinks.

AFTER (next 24 hours): Continue to hydrate, without forcing water, for the few hours and day until urine returns to a light straw yellow color, or clearer. (see chart)

50 Shades of Pee - Urine Hydration Check - TheFitFork.com

Also, Spartan race always has provided participants a post-race Spartan Drink Ticket in their pick-up packet that is good for one beer or seltzer (seems to vary on what’s being offered). Be mindful to your body’s needs and drink that after you’ve had the water and electrolyte drink – alcohol can be dehydrating! Visit Spartan.com for more Spartan Hydration Tips

Save 20% on any US Spartan race, Sprint, Super, Beast, Ultra, Kids and Hurricane Heat ALSO GOOD ON MERCHANDISE and NUTRITION  Use code SAP-718613Z at spartan.com
Save your beer or seltzer until you’ve rehydrated with water and/or a sports drink!

Get 20% off any U.S. Spartan Race: Sprint, Stadion, Super, Beast, Ultra Beast, Trail, Kids and Hurricane Heat! All Heats! Sign Up Today! — Use Spartan code: UBST24-TK88D27

Hydration Vests for Spartan Race

Save 20% on spartan race code: UBST24-TK88D27

Stadion, Sprint and Super Spartan Race distances are shorter, ranging from 5k to 10k in total distance and it’s pretty easy to get the water you need on course. However, for longer races like Beast, Ultra Beast and Hurricane Heat, there is a high probability (especially in the latter two) that you will have trouble meeting your body’s hydration needs. Or, if the forecast is very hot or you sweat profusely out of the norm, you may have issues. That’s when it’s a good idea to wear a hydration vest for the duration of the race.

There are so many types and styles of hydration vests, hydration packs, ergonomic carry-along water bottles and more – enough to fill up another post. But I’ve listed a few popular options here:

Save 20% on any US Spartan race, Sprint, Super, Beast, Ultra, Kids and Hurricane Heat ALSO GOOD ON MERCHANDISE and NUTRITION  Use code SAP-936039P at https://affiliate.spartan.com/fishermerchandise

The SPARTAN by Weis Simer Hydration Vest was designed by a team of athletes, adventurers and long-distance runners who understand that details can make or break a race, a workout or a long run.  This vest was designed to withstand the toughest conditions while maximizing comfort, hydration and performance. $98 *Flasks sold separately

Save 20% on Spartan gear use code SAP-718613Z https://affiliate.spartan.com/fishermerchandise

Spartan by Craft Hydration Belt – a smart option for shorter races or when you know you have a spot to stop for refills. Lightweight mesh material, adjustable buckles, one zippered pocket for storage. $35

Another way to be proactive about your health and wellness before a Spartan Race be proactive about your electrolytes.

Save 20% on any US Spartan race, Sprint, Super, Beast, Ultra, Kids and Hurricane Heat ALSO GOOD ON MERCHANDISE and NUTRITION  Use code SAP-718613Z
spartan.com

Being hydrated is NOT just about drinking enough water or fluids, it also has to do with maintaining proper balance of the essential minerals needed by your body. The Spartan 6-hour Hydration Tablets, make tending to this task easier with time-released, balanced electrolytes that are free of the sugar, weird flavors, strange colors and junk found in some sports drinks. My husband is a “super sweat-er” and is a 1000% fan, not just for race day, but in daily training too.  

Spartan Discount Code (20% off races and most gear and nutrition products) : UBST24-TK88D27

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links.

Improving Blood Oxygen Levels to Optimize Energy, Performance and Recovery in 50+ Year-old Athlete

This post is sponsored by Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000.

Today, I’m sharing with you my thoughts on and experiences with Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000, a dietary supplement that caught my attention as a safe, smart and simple way to improve my energy, performance, and recovery as Master’s level athlete and all-around active person over 50 years old.

Synthesit Oxygen Force 1000 iron supplement - Improving Blood Oxygen Levels to Optimize Energy, Performance and Recovery in 50+ Year-old Athlete
Save $10 code: JEN1000

What is Synthesit?

Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000 is a dietary supplement with the innovative bioactive mineral based on iron. It is intended to boost new blood stem cells production, restore circulation and increase blood oxygen level to as high as 100%. As a result, it gives you energy and strength to live life to the fullest. You can save $10 with code JEN1000

This particular dietary supplement stands apart from other common iron supplements. Synthesit is obtained using proprietary productions methods that result in superior absorption and increased red blood cells production.  It literally rejuvenates the body. 

Synthesit Oxygen Force 1000 iron supplement - Improving Blood Oxygen Levels to Optimize Energy, Performance and Recovery in 50+ Year-old Athlete
Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000 is helping me maintain my strength and energy.

Why do I need Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000 as an athlete?

In addition to Synthesit’s effects, like enhanced creation of blood cellular components, it also efficiently restores iron in the body and has no toxic effects. As a quickie science refresher, iron is needed to replenish the constant turnover of red blood cells (at the rate of 1% a day) and to keep this troop of tiny oxygen-deliverers adequately stocked with hemoglobin. Common ways athletes lose Iron is through sweat, GI-distress, even foot strike.

We need iron from food and supplements to be well absorbed. Absorption depends both on intestinal function and the quality of food. The better tissues and blood are supplied with oxygen, the better is intestinal function AND iron absorption. But, if your body doesn’t have enough iron, the blood oxygen level is also insufficient. Synthesit Oxygen Force helps to break this vicious cycle: “no iron — no oxygen, no oxygen — no iron.” 

Without oxygen moving from your lungs to every part of your body via the red blood cells, organs and tissues are not able to perform as they should, let alone at the optimal capacity demanded by the rigorous training schedule of an athlete.

A diet lacking in iron-rich foods, deficient in vitamins that are “helpers” to iron, or certain drugs that leach or prevent absorption can also be an issue.  Plus, menstruation and pregnancy have an impact on iron stores for female athletes. I have a past blog post regarding iron and runners, check it out HERE.

What are the health-supporting benefits of Synthesit for older athletes?

Your body’s ability to incorporate iron into red blood cells becomes less effective as it ages and tissue respiration decreases (athlete or not) on top of all the other issues descripted in the last section (like sweat, diet, drugs, etc.).  Having lower iron levels is all linked to declines in muscle strength, energy levels, recovery, mental abilities, and other issues which all affect training and staying well. But iron that is not absorbed creates free radicals which we don’t want either for the reason of different age-related health concerns.  Too little iron is bad, too much is bad – what do you do?  That’s where Synthesit can help.

Its superior absorption and an ability to boost new blood stem cell production allows you to exercise as if you were decades younger.  Synthesit simply gives the body resources for that: better blood oxygenation, new blood cells and better viscosity.  This keeps your blood young, with healthy iron levels, which eventually can help heal all tissues and organs. As mentioned, Synthesit is produced via a proprietary method which makes it a game changer for older body or any body, to help you feel and perform your best.

Because the blood quality can contribute to age-related health issues, keeping your blood within optimal condition is worth a discussion with your health care provider to figure out what’s right for you.

By the way, Synthesit isn’t designed exclusively for athletes, actually it has broad-spectrum benefits for anyone looking to improve vitality, energy, stamina, and general well-being as they age. It can help stabilize blood pressure; improve the health of damaged organs, musculoskeletal and skin regeneration through improved microcirculation; and support improved cognition among a range of other benefits. 

Synthesit Oxygen Force 1000 iron supplement - Improving Blood Oxygen Levels to Optimize Energy, Performance and Recovery in 50+ Year-old Athlete
My husband is using Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000 too!

How do I take Synthesit and is it safe?

It’s easy to use Synthesit™ Oxygen Force 1000, simply add one capsule to your daily routine, ideally before breakfast. For best results, take at least 90 days and science shows that new blood stem cells take about 3 months to turn over. I was very happy to find that taking the supplement on an empty stomach did NOT make me feel queasy as most other iron supplements have in the past. One capsule is the recommended dose and it contains 1000mcg of the mineral based on iron (which equals 1mg).

According the National Institutes of Health (see Iron Fact Sheet), Men over 19 need 8mg a day, Women ages 19-50 need 18mg a day, Women 51 and older need 8mg a day, and Pregnant Women need 27 mg a day.

Taking a supplement is not meant to be a replacement for eating a balanced, healthy diet, but when dosed properly can help you fill in any gaps. Synthesit also helps you to absorb vitamins and minerals from your food.

Synthesit is safe to take “forever,” as an essential daily mineral for health. However, Synthesit is only indented for adults, and you should consult your doctor before use If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition or suspected medical condition.

Yoga side plank with prAna, use code ESJFF15 to save 15% at prAna.com

What is my personal experience with Synthesit?

I have not yet taken the supplement for 90 days (it takes 3 months for the new blood stem cells to turn over), but am seeing some initial results that may be linked to using Synthesit.  I am sleeping better, feel more alert in my day-to-day tasks, and feeling a little more energetic in my training sessions – it’s all interrelated, I know! I talked to my healthcare provider and will keep taking this product 1x per day, along with eating a healthy, balanced diet, as I continue to keep up my demanding training schedule and also transition through menopause (not quite there yet). I did appreciate that I noticed absolutely no nausea upon taking the supplement, which has been a big issue of mine with other iron supplements or multi-vitamins containing iron.

Disclaimer: Synthesit is a dietary supplement made with imported ingredients in an FDA-approved facility in the USA. The health statements here and on their website have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Information on this site is provided for informational purposes only. It is not meant to substitute for medical advice from your physician or other medical professional. You should not use the information contained herein for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing any medication. Carefully read all product documentation. If you have or suspect that you have a medical problem, promptly contact your regular health care provider. For adult use only. Please keep away from children, accidental iron poisoning is a leading cause of death in children under age 6. If you are pregnant, nursing, taking any medications or have any medical condition, consult your doctor before use.

A Dozen Affordable Gift Ideas for Marathon, Trail, and Obstacle Course Runners

The holiday season is quickly approaching and you may be wondering what to get the endurance athlete on your list — especially the runners! We have complied a dozen affordable runner gift ideas that would be appropriate to give to marathon, trail and obstacle course fans — and sure to be well-received!

Treat the endurance athlete in your life (especially the marathoners, trail runners, obstacle course racers and ultra enthusiasts) with one or more of these affordable holiday gift ideas.

It’s the safest bet to let runners buy their own shoes and expensive gear (it’s like a complicated science you don’t want to dive into), but these thoughtful runner accessories, books and nutrition products are sure to please everyone!

Trailblazer Ponytail Hat from Trail Heads: Did you know up to 10% of body heat is lost through the head?! Keeping your noggin, neck and ears warm on winter runs, hiking, skiing or other adventuring is essential and the super innovative Trail Blazer Ponytail Hat makes it stylish and convenient. For me, a major perk was that this running hat is “ponytail compatible.” Yup, you can slip a high pony right through a discreet little slit on the back of the hat and let it fly free – so cute! Also, versatile drop-down ear warmers (which also lay on the back of the neck some) offer protection and can be folded back up as the day warms up. Made of super soft, comfy fleece with a brim to keep sun out of eyes. Machine washable!  A very useful gift for marathoners this cold weather season.

Convertible Running Gloves from Trail Heads:   The 2-in-1 versatility of these cold weather gloves is so useful — the gloves transform conveniently into waterproof mittens for extra protection. When you don’t want the mitten part, just tuck into the pocket on the cuff. Speaking of cuffs, this comfortable cuff is generously cut, offering enough length to stay tucked under a jacket and protect wrists from the elements. Phone addicts will be happy to know that the thumb and forefinger are made with touchscreen compatible fabric. Features a bit of fleece for a soft brown or nose wipe, this convertible glove can also be machine washed. Convertible Running Gloves available in Men’s and Women’s sizes. A great gift for trail runners this holiday season.

Hybrid Water Shoe from CrossKix.com – The ultimate hybrid shoe takes you from your favorite water recreation (boating, toobing, creek stomping, beach, waterparks) and also multi-functional for workouts, yoga and even running! Even if it’s a little too cold right now to be running around in these, they are perfect to wear to indoor swim practice, the sauna, and the gym in the interim. Also, CrossKix have become my go-to shoe for gardening and après obstacle course race because I can just rinse them off when muddy. Made from soft foam composite for comfort and convenience, great drainage, 100% water submergible, breathable, light, cushioned, unisex-sized, and also available for kids. This pair (the 2.0 in Yellowjacket color) styled with an adjustable instep strap, other colors and styles available.

Kilo Endurance Sunglasses from Tifosi. I love Tifosi sunglasses because they perform 110%, are stylish and affordable. The Kilo is my new go-to model and make a great gift for endurance athletes. This Grilamid TR-90 frame endurance sunglass is perfect for any running or cycling enthusiast and guaranteed to be your new favorite pair of shades. Lightweight and durable with hydrophilic rubber nosepieces, they’re the perfect choice for long rides or runs. The polycarbonate lenses are shatterproof and vented to prevent fogging while keeping you protected at all times. Kilo in Crystal Smoke comes with three lenses – Clarion Yellow / AC Red / Clear – so that you can go the distance! Other Kilo frame colors and sunglass styles available at Tifosi.com

Apex Protein Snacks: Stuff those stockings (and backpacks for hiking) with the deliciously nourishing meat sticks from Apex Protein Snacks. I’m all about getting enough protein through the day, and a meat snack that doesn’t need refrigeration is a convenient way to do that on the go! A great snack when road-tripping to a race, camping, backpacking, adventuring, or just on the go all day running errands. These low-carb, high-protein snacks come in a variety of formats — bars, bites, biltong, and sticks. And, flavors (MOST of which are 0 sugar) include Kansas City BBQ Flavor, Jalapeno and Cheese, Teriyaki, Jalapeno flavor, and original! Beef, venison, elk, boar and bison! SHOP HERE

Jaybird Vista: It’s incredible something this small can go this big. The Jaybird Vista wireless earbuds are my go-to for everything from gym workouts to trail running. They are rugged and “earth-proof” and offer premium sound that goes wherever I do. Everything fits into neat little case that gives a charging case between wearings. When fully charged, the charging case offers up to 10 hours of additional playback time before you have to recharge the case. So, if in a hurry, you can sick the buds in the case for 5 minutes and get an hour of playback time granted! Also, new this year are the Vista 2, that feature all this same great stuff plus Active Noise Cancellation for focus and SurroundSense for spatial awareness and safety. Shop JayBird HERE.

Feeding the Frasers: Family Favorite Recipes Made to Feed the Five-Time CrossFit Games Champion, Mat Fraser. This comprehensive cookbook for athletes features 240 pages filled with 100 terrific recipes of high quality delicious food that promote balance, togetherness, indulgence, and athletic recovery. Written Sammy Moniz, wife of 5-time CrossFit Champion Mat Fraser, to share how she feeds the greatest champion in the sport. But not just for CrossFitters . . .this cookbook as delicious, nourishing meals for anyone with an active lifestyle! I was lucky enough to get an advance copy and the recipes are amazing! Preorder on Amazon, it ships on Jan 25, 2022.

Orange Mud Transition Wrap Extreme – Waterproof Changing Towel and Seat Cover: This very handy product from Orange Mud protects your car seat from sweat, mud and the general funk after a trail run, obstacle course run or sweaty gym session. Upgraded and now waterproof, nothing will make it through to ruin your seats. Also, can be used as a transition area wrap for cleaning up and changing or lay down on the ground like a blanket to catch a quick nap after your race! Microfiber cover measures 30” x 60”, is machine washable, and is available in several fun colors. Sign up for Orange Mud emails and save 10%!

Muscle for Life: Get Lean, Strong & Healthy at Any Age by Michael Matthews. From the best-selling fitness author of Bigger Leaner Stronger and The Shredded Chef, this book reveals a science-based blueprint for eating and exercising that anyone can follow at any age and fitness level. Based on time-proven principles produced by decades of hands-on experience and thousands of hours of scientific research, Muscle for Life will give you a plan for transforming your body faster than you ever thought possible, including how to conquer the “mental game” how to optimize your body composition with strength training, and how to eat “flexibly” and break free of dieting. Available for pre-order on Amazon (ships 1/11/2022)

Save 10% at handful bra with code THEFITFORK10

Handful: Gear up in fashionable fitness wear Handful, one of my favorite companies. I’ve been a super-fan of their bras for 10 YEARS, they flatter (not flatten) and are available in styles for all shapes. You can read my entire post dedicated to Handful Bras and fitness wear HERE. Use code THEFITFORK10 to save 10%!

Feetures Running Socks

Feetures Socks: The best running socks EVER, hands down. Targeted compression, seamless, no-blisters and a variety of styles and colors for men and women. I personally love and wear, the Elite No-Show and Mini Crew and the knee-high Graduated Compression.

Energon Performance Gummies from Seattle Gummy Company – Easy to pack in a fuel belt or shorts pocket, these pre and post workout gummies are easy to consume on the go and are easily digestible and won’t upset your stomach like other chews and gels. The POWER UP formula offers controlled-release carbohydrates and caffeine and other active ingredients (like ginseng and vitamin B) to boost and prolong energy levels, and keep you going stronger longer. The RECOVER formula feature BCAA and other important nutrients to help to rapidly recharge muscles, facilitate energy storage, and reduce soreness for accelerated recovery. Use code THEFITFORK10 to save 10% (and is combinable with other offers).

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I earn a small commission for sales generated, however price to you remains the same. Thank you for helping to offset operating expenses for The Fit Fork.


3 Ways to Make Exercise a Habit in Middle-Age and Beyond

This post is sponsored by Celltrient™, however all opinions, anecdotes, and enthusiasm are my own.

Even though I’m a kid at heart, my body sometimes still reminds me I’m in my 50s . . .  maybe a little less resilient, not quite as strong/fast, and sometimes just plain low-energy and tired.  Not really things I want to hear and feel when I’m still working my rear off to remain a competitive athlete through each passing decade of my life.

Learn these three ways to make exercise and healthy living a lifelong habit, even if you are already in your 40s, 50s or beyond. Consistency, keeping things fun and taking proper care of your body with the right foods and supplements are important strategies to aging well. Supplements like Celltrient that support the cell’s mitochondria may help. Use discount code JENNIFER at celltrient.com to save.

Many of these differences I’m noticing can be blamed on “Age Associated Cellular Decline.” That’s scientist-speak for “the body’s cells just don’t replicate as efficiently from age 40 and beyond.”  But thankfully there are ways to optimize the health of aging cells and redefine “getting old.” Eating nutrient-dense food and taking a supplement (like Celltrient™) that can offer additional cellular health support and are two daily strategies I employ. And, so is regularly getting enough exercise. Ensuring your fitness journey is consistent can be a challenge for some, so today I want to share my top three ways to make exercise a habit, especially as you move into and on through mid-life.

Learn these three ways to make exercise and healthy living a lifelong habit, even if you are already in your 40s, 50s or beyond. Consistency, keeping things fun and taking proper care of your body with the right foods and supplements are important strategies to aging well. Supplements like Celltrient that support the cell’s mitochondria may help. Use discount code JENNIFER at celltrient.com to save.

Exercise in mid-life can be hard for so many reasons. You may still have kids at home, senior parents who need assistance, and the daily stress of career and/or running a household – time seems so limited! Of course, there are other reasons people in middle-age and beyond don’t exercise either – it’s never become a routine, they are intimidated, it seems hard or boring. And, so on. Everyone can come up with an excuse, even I do sometimes!

But, for the most part (except for some travel, post-partum, injuries, and well-deserved recovery days, etc.) I have exercised consistently for my whole adult life. When people ask me how I’ve managed to be so steadfast in my sweat sessions, I culled it down to these three things: 1) I show up, 2) I find a way to make it fun, and 3) I fuel my body with the proper care to make it function at its best.

Learn these three ways to make exercise and healthy living a life long habit, even if you are already in your 40s, 50s or beyond. Consistency, keeping things fun and taking proper care of your body with the right foods and supplements are important strategies to aging well.
My husband is my #1 countability partner when it comes to showing up for early workouts

#1 Show Up:

Perhaps the most important way to create a lifelong fitness habit is to just SHOW UP. For example, I really can’t say I initially liked waking up at 4:45 to go to a boot camp, but I was ALWAYS glad that I got up and did it. You’ll better afterward too, no matter what time of day it is. Try it, and at some point . . . “showing up” becomes what your body is conditioned to do. It’s a habit, it’s part of raison d’etre! If you are having trouble showing up, then ask yourself what the obstacle is – and remove it. Can’t get to a group fitness class due the extra time rush hour adds to the commute? Well, then run the stairs in your office building and skirt traffic.  Sleeping through your alarm clock? Consider going to bed an hour earlier so you can wake up and show up on time! Motivation waning? Then find an accountability partner to join the journey with you!

Mowing the lawn is considered exercise – and I think it’s fun!

#2 Keep Fitness Fun: 

Don’t look at exercise as a chore to dread, instead make it fun! Maybe the gym or running isn’t for you, but there are so many creative things you can do to stay fit! If you are a people person, group classes, boot camps and fitness meet-ups with friends in recreational sports leagues like tennis, golf, and bowling are FUN! Or, even adventous outings like rock climbing, ninja park visits, skiing, learning how to trapeze and more! If you are more of a one-wolf-pack sort of person, any type of solo endurance sport will probably seem fun – cycling, swimming, running, or a solitary paddleboard ride are some ideas. Even gardening and mowing the lawn!

As the years started piling on my body, I inevitably became slower and saw VO2 Max declines – even with more work, more muscle and more training.  Honestly, this was really hard for me and the fun factor– from going from “could win the race outright” elite runner to “just being an age-group winner.” I would fake smile at those well-meaning but depressing compliments people gave – “you are really good for your age.” It started making running seem like a burden and something I was failing at. When I stopped looking at my watch so much and comparing present self to old self, the joy came back and I remembered why I loved to run in the first place. However, a person can get burned out on simply running for decade after decade, so I started adding new challenges I thought were exciting – obstacle course racing, adventure racing, hybrid fitness competitions (running + strength). And also was always ready to try out any fun class, or fitness challenge, or crazy exercise equipment that crossed my path. Moon bounce shoes, hula-hooping challenges, drum stick workouts, yoga, zoom workout classes, hip-hop lessons and more. Even putting on a colorful outfit or socks sometimes makes my workouts seem more fun! Find YOUR fun, be willing to switch it up as needed for motivation, and a lifelong fitness habit will be much easier to create! 

#3 Proper Care of Your Body:

Eat right the significant majority of the time. I’m not going to tell you what, when or how much you should eat – it’s really a personal thing. If weight is an issue for you or eating to fuel performance isn’t in your knowledge bank, then work with a medical professional or nutritionist to find the dietary eating pattern that works best for you. Eat to fuel your goals. Elite endurance athletes eat a lot different than healthy mid-lifers who walk a few miles a day and practice yoga when they can. Of course, sleep is important too – we all know that by now, but it can unfortunately elude many of us in middle age and beyond. So put a priority on getting rest – it’s much more important than staying up late to scroll on your tablet or watch TV.  Finally, take supplements target to address your specific concerns. As a 50+ competitive/elite athlete, I take several supplements that are invaluable to my workout performance, recovery and well-being. One that I’ve come to rely on is Celltrient Cellular Nutrition, specifically the Strength formula (but they also make and Energy formula and Protect formula ).

For more information on cellular health and why and how we age at the cellular level, check out these informative, research-based articles HERE and HERE.

Learn these three ways to make exercise and healthy living a lifelong habit, even if you are already in your 40s, 50s or beyond. Consistency, keeping things fun and taking proper care of your body with the right foods and supplements are important strategies to aging well. Supplements like Celltrient that support the cell’s mitochondria may help. Use discount code JENNIFER at celltrient.com to save.

If you have any questions about Celltrient™ and cellular nutrition or just creating a lifelong fitness habit, drop a comment here or find me on Instagram @thefitfork  Also, check out my past articles that focus on Age-related Cellular Decline, Three Ways to Age Less and Do More and How Cellular Nutrition Helps Redefine Aging for Aging Athletes.

 If interested, save with my Celltrient Discount Code JENNIFER on product purchases (excluding bundles and subscriptions) at Celltrient.com.  Find the Celltrient product best suited for you with the Product Recommender

How Cellular Nutrition Helps Redefine Aging for Older Athletes

This post is sponsored by Celltrient™, however all opinions, anecdotes, and enthusiasm are my own.

Running and fitness events are more than a “hobby” to me. Competing now for almost 35 years, my competition days are like “pay days” to reward me for all my training, focus and hard work. Obviously, I am hoping to do my very best and I’m definitely not ready to stop at almost 54 years young.

After age 40, your cells stop working and replicating as efficiently -- making you less resilient, have less energy and weakened immunity. However, cellular nutrition that targets the mitochondria, like Celltrient Strength formula, can help provides cellular nutrition to help you redefine aging- -helps to optimize resiliency, immunity and energy. Use code JENNIFER for savings at celltrient.com #ad

But over the last 10 years or so, I’ve noticed it’s become increasingly difficult to keep up the literal and figurative pace of my younger self. For example, even with similar training, I can only run a single mile at the same pace I could run 26.2 miles years ago. And, after workouts, my soreness is typically more noticeable and the recovery time longer. That can put a damper on my plans. Many times, I feel just plain tired. I’ve accepted and adapted to some of the slowing down, and stopped competing with my past accomplishments. I think you must to some degree to stay mentally healthy as an aging athlete. 

After age 40, your cells stop working and replicating as efficiently -- making you less resilient, have less energy and weakened immunity. However, cellular nutrition that targets the mitochondria, like Celltrient Strength formula, can help provides cellular nutrition to help you redefine aging- -helps to optimize resiliency, immunity and energy. Use code JENNIFER for savings at celltrient.com #ad

However, accepting some of the changes doesn’t mean NOT trying to preserve and improve what I have left! When researching how to optimize my performance as an older athlete, I learned that much of my body’s increasing inefficiencies can be linked to Age-Associated Cellular Decline. Beginning around age 40, and increasing through the remainder of life, all of our cells start slacking off in their respective jobs. The cells just don’t renew and replicate themselves well and this time-related deterioration can start to have a noticeable effect on strength, energy and resilience beginning in middle age and beyond. 

After age 40, your cells stop working and replicating as efficiently -- making you less resilient, have less energy and weakened immunity. However, cellular nutrition that targets the mitochondria, like Celltrient Strength formula, can help provides cellular nutrition to help you redefine aging- -helps to optimize resiliency, immunity and energy. Use code JENNIFER for savings at celltrient.com #ad
Pin this for later!

Slacking off (intentionally or unintentionally) is something I’m not ready to do. And, I’m also not ready to take up knitting, scrapbooking, rocking on the front porch or some other inactive pastime anytime soon.  I knew I had to find some way to be more proactive about my cellular health and that’s how I found, Celltrient™, a cellular health supplement that targets the power plants of our cells (the mitochondria) to transform how cells perform with age. As time passes, mitochondria start to fizzle out and this negatively impacts cell energy production and can contribute to a build-up of free radicals and oxidative stress within cells. None of this is desirable to me as a competitive master athlete!  Check out these informative articles HERE and HERE that explain more comprehensively why and how we age at the cellular level.

After age 40, your cells stop working and replicating as efficiently -- making you less resilient, have less energy and weakened immunity. However, cellular nutrition that targets the mitochondria, like Celltrient Strength formula, can help provides cellular nutrition to help you redefine aging- -helps to optimize resiliency, immunity and energy. Use code JENNIFER for savings at celltrient.com #ad
I’ve competed twice in the last month, and come in 1st in Age Group and 5th Woman Overall (all ages!) in both!
Use code SAP-718613Z to save 20% on deka.fit race

 Based on my lifestyle as an older athlete, I began using Celltrient’ s Strength formula*  in November 2020, and am thrilled with how the cellular nutrition supplement is making me feel overall, and specifically in keeping up with my intense training routine. I feel like I have more stamina to get through my workouts and competitions at the top of my ability and also am recovering well afterward.

One of the important active ingredients in the Strength formula is Urolithin A. Urolithin A (UA) is a cellular nutrient that can help to address a decline in your cells’ ability to renew their pool of mitochondria (remember, these microscopic guys are the like the batteries that fire up cells). Since I follow a clean and nutrient-dense diet, I figured I was getting everything I needed to take care of my cell heath from food. But, I learned that UA is not commonly or easily sourced from food. While it is a metabolite formed by gut bacteria after eating foods that contain a compound called ellagitannins (found in things like pomegranates, berries, nuts), only about 33-percent of people have the proper gut bacteria needed to efficiently transform these compounds into UA. Those aren’t the best odds and that’s why I am using a cellular nutrition supplement like Celltrient to help me redefine the way I age!

After age 40, your cells stop working and replicating as efficiently -- making you less resilient, have less energy and weakened immunity. However, cellular nutrition that targets the mitochondria, like Celltrient Strength formula, can help provides cellular nutrition to help you redefine aging- -helps to optimize resiliency, immunity and energy. Use code JENNIFER for savings at celltrient.com #ad
Celltrient Strength and other formulas are available in capsules or drink mix packets!

If you have any questions about Celltrient and cellular nutrition (or just being a 50+ year old elite athlete), drop a comment here or find me on Instagram @thefitfork  Also, if interested, my Celltrient Discount Code JENNIFER overs a savings on product purchases (excluding bundles and subscriptions) at Celltrient.com

*Celltrient also offers other targeted cellular health products including Protect formula and Energy formula. Products available in capsule or drink mix format for convenience! To learn more about Age-related Cellular Decline you can read my past post Three Ways to Age Less and Do More and also visit Celltrient to find the cellular nutrition product best suited for you: Product Recommender