How do you describe the taste of Chargel?  

Chargel tastes great - I would say that overall it is sweet and fruity. It has a great balance of refreshing flavours and is super easy to consume.  

Can you share insights into the role of Chargel in maintaining your energy levels during races/competitions?  

Chargel is important for my pre and post-competition fuelling and recovery, making sure I have carb loaded efficiently before races. It's important because I'm going to be working off those carbohydrates stored during the race and Chargel is a really easy way to make sure that I have those carbs already in my system. I enjoy taking Chargel before my races and after my races, it’s a really easy way to get in my carbohydrates.  

Do you have specific timing or a set routine for consuming Chargel before a race or competition?   

I always have a Chargel in my track bag or gym bag so that I always have it on hand so that whenever I’m feeling a little bit depleted or know that I have to run an errand after a workout and I'm not able to get in a full meal, I'm able to very quickly and efficiently refuel myself with a Chargel. After a workout, it's important for me to get my carbs in immediately to start refueling and repairing my body. I feel like most people who work out and exercise are always thinking, “What do I need to take to feel good during a workout”, but they're not thinking about the recovery aspect and fueling immediately after they run. They say within 90 minutes is so important to reap the benefits of your workout so that your muscles can repair themselves through protein and carbohydrate consumption. Chargel is a very quick and easy way to give your body the carbohydrates to start that process of repair. 

Can you share a specific instance where using Chargel made a noticeable difference in your performance levels?   

Ever since I've been using Chargel as an athlete I've definitely had some great races and have been running more personal bests. For example, at the Mesa Half Marathon, I just set the course record of 69:23.  

What is a goal you are currently working towards, and how is Chargel helping you achieve that goal?   

My next big race is on April 15th. As I move into my very high mileage marathon training, making sure I'm eating a lot of carbs during the day just becomes that much more important. I will be doubling down on my Chargel intake during the day leading up to that marathon.  

What factors do you consider when choosing an energy product?   

Definitely looking at if the ingredients are natural. I also want something that tastes good, that's easy to get down and doesn't upset my stomach. Something convenient and easy to put in my bag, have on the go!  

Do you use Chargel as part of your post-race recovery routine? If so, how does it contribute to your recovery process? 

I do - I always have a Chargel in my track bag with me so that I can have one immediately after my training sessions, whether that be a recovery run, a track workout, a long run, or if I even just need a boost of energy throughout my day.  

What advice do you have for athletes who are considering incorporating energy gels into their training or competition routine?  

I would say that everyone is unique, and everyone's body and metabolism react differently to things, so definitely try something out for yourself, don't just listen to what works for something else. You have to make sure it works for you and that you like it. I recommend that anyone who is working out regularly should be very intentional about their pre and post-fueling so that they are maximizing the benefits of their workouts. Chargel being non-caffeinated makes it easier on your stomach. A lot of energy gels have caffeine in them and that can hurt your stomach, especially if you're using it as postfuel. Usually, your stomach is sensitive after doing hard exercise and by taking in caffeine, it can just like aggravate your stomach even more.  

Can you share any best practices regarding the use of Chargel that might benefit other athletes?  

I would say there's the 90-minute golden rule, which means within 90 minutes of exercise use should replace the carbohydrates and protein that your body has used during the workout to help the recovery process. Chargel is a perfect way to make sure that you have carbs conveniently accessible to you and to take them immediately after your workout. There's also the basic rule of marathon training which is taking in 60 grams of carbs an hour. So, if you're going for a 90-minute long run, you should be taking in at least 90 grams of carbs during that run to make sure that your body is getting fuel as you're going. Chargel is such an easy thing to put in your back pocket and use during your run.  

Outside of your training and races/competitions, what other situations would you use Chargel in? 

My husband loves taking Chargel’s to the golf course. He's an avid golfer, and Chargel is super easy for him to throw in his cooler bag and have while he's out on the golf course. It's easy to open and close, so if you don't want to have it all at once, you can, you know, save a bit for later. We always have Chargel in our car too, so if you get stuck running errands and all of a sudden you realize you haven't eaten in a few hours, or if you've got a craving or, start to get a little bit hungry, you have a Chargel there – it’s just a great snack.  

How do you structure your training regimen to maintain peak performance?  

I run seven days a week with most of my big sessions being done in the morning. I usually have like 3 big sessions a week and one could be a long run. My big, hard workout sessions are followed by a strength workout in the gym and the other days are recovery runs with one or two recovery runs a day, and my mileage is anywhere between like 90 to 110 miles a week.  

What are you doing differently in order to train for the year ahead/any competitions this year? 

Because I’m about two months away from my next marathon, my mileage is about to increase. My mileage training for the Mesa Half Marathon was around between like 90 to 100 miles a week. My mileage will start creeping above 100 now as I get into full marathon training. The biggest difference is my workouts are just going to get longer. So, we'll be pushing workouts, above 13 miles, and my long runs will creep over 20 miles now.  

Are there specific rituals or habits you follow before a game or competition? 

Before competitions I don't like any sort of change – I stick to the routine that I’ve been doing for years. Depending on how early the race is will kind of depend on how close I eat to the race, but typically, it's between 2.5-3 hours before and usually involves eating a peanut butter sandwich with a banana. I also like to sip on some extra carbohydrates, so my Chargel. Post-race, it's really whatever I’m craving. Usually, it's something like a hamburger or something that’s yummy but also has a lot of protein and carbs because that's what my body's craving.  

How important is it for you to consume an adequate amount of carbohydrates before and/or after a training or race session?  

Very important. You want to have enough carbs in your system going into a workout. There's nothing worse than being in a workout or even on the warm-up before a workout and starting to feel hungry, you just know that the session is not going to go very well. I’m very intentional about making sure that I have enough fuel in my system before starting a big workout. Post-workout, it's incredibly important because if I'm not taking in carbs after my workout and my body isn't able to start that recovery process, then I might as well not have even done the workout because I'm not able to reap the benefits, my body would go into starvation mode and my muscles aren't going to be repaired.  

How do you stay physically and mentally fit during the off-season?   

Running is one of those sports that if you take a step back for too long, you are going to lose a lot of your fitness. Taking a step back is important. I think it's important to take one step back in order to take two steps forward. But truthfully, during my off-season, I am still running quite a bit of mileage, more than probably most people do, even when they're training for something. I like to restructure how I think about training during that time. Whether it's eating a sugary bowl of cereal before I go out on my run, running with friends, or if it’s running slightly slower than I usually do. All those little things make a difference in the off-season. 

Can you describe the importance of having a strong support system in your sport and how it contributes to success?   

Having a strong support system is honestly everything. I think being a professional athlete is pretty, hard and pretty taxing both mentally, emotionally and physically. Having family, friends, a spouse or partner who's able to just remind you that it's just your job and that they love you unconditionally, no matter if you come first or last or run fast or slow is really important.  

Are there any athletes you look up to or consider as role models?  

This is a hard question for me, but having recently watched the Superbowl I’ll say Patrick Mahomes. Being a professional athlete, you appreciate how hard it is to perform when it matters, perform under a huge amount of pressure, and perform when you're the favorite. I'm not even a big football fan, but watching Patrick Mahomes not succumb to the pressure in the biggest moments in the sport was just really impressive to me.  

How do you stay motivated and inspired throughout your career?  

I would say honestly, it's hard. It's easier said than done. I would say as a professional athlete, I do think professional athletes are wired slightly differently. They're just always wanting more and always holding themselves to like a higher standard, and I think that's what makes us good. It can also make our jobs kind of hard though, because we're never really satisfied, we're always wanting more.  

What qualities do you think are essential for success in your sport?   

High self-esteem and belief in oneself. Teamwork, having good listening skills and being good at taking instructions and constructive criticism.  

How do you manage your time outside of your sport to maintain a healthy work-life balance?  

Anything that I'm doing outside of running can't be using too much energy or putting me at risk of getting an injury. I'm pretty boring when I'm not doing something related to running and usually, that's reading a good rom-com book, watching a good show on Netflix, or hanging out with my dog Bailey. Taking her for a walk and playing with her.  

Are there any hobbies or activities you enjoy outside of your sport?   

Um, I love being by the ocean but if that’s not an option, reading, cooking, grilling, and hanging out with my dog.  

Are there any rule changes or innovations in the sport that you find particularly interesting or challenging?  

The way that you qualify for the big race that is taking place this year is different from any year in the past. In the past, there was just 1 standard and if you hit that standard, you were good to go, and your country just had to select you - only three people per country. This year, it's slightly different. They made the qualifying standards a lot harder order and they added in a ranking point system where you get points based on which races you run. There are so many variables, including what position you come and who you beat. There are two ways to qualify this year, which is a first. 

Get to know all the Chargel Athletes