Tomorrow I am running my first 10k. I have run a few 5k but never a 10k. So tonight I need to “carb up”. Actually, I don’t know that I really need to but it makes me feel like a real athlete to say it. I picked up a couple of packets of Vegan Sport Endurance Gel and tonight I’m focusing on making sure I am well hydrated. I’m ready.
Yes, you vegan runners I know a 10k is not as impressive as a marathon or anything like that but it is still exciting to me.
And for you non-vegan runners, yes it is true that vegans are capable of running more than a city block without collapsing from a lack of protein and iron. In fact, didn’t a vegan set world records in 100 meter and 200 meter relays? So believe it or not, vegans are actually not pale, weak and anemic. Well I’m a little pale but I live in Portland Oregon and we don’t see much sunshine. 
So, for those who doubt the athletic abilities of vegans or for those who just enjoy reading about successful vegans, following is a few links to info on some vegan athlete superstars. I may never make this list but for today I’m happy with my 10k!
Carl Lewis: Olympic Gold Medal Winner
Mike Tyson: Former heavyweight champion
Rob Bigwood: Professional Arm Wrestlers currently ranked eighth in the United State
Brendan Brazier: Pro Ironman
Molly Cameron: Cyclocross Racer
Scott Jurek: Ultra-marathoner
I got so sick of people asking how I stayed healthy when I first went vegan. It’s funny how uninformed people are about nutrition.
Good luck on your run today! I run too, and I didn’t start running until after I went vegan. I haven’t run a marathon yet but I’ve done a half. Lately I can’t run as much because of work but typically I would run 3 – 4 times a week, at an average of 8 or 9 miles a pop, so we veg heads can run.
By: Amber on June 9, 2012
at 7:08 am
Thanks Amber!
What I hate is that so many people feel the need to tell me about a friend of a friend who once knew someone who got really sick because they went vegan and how I better be careful.
That is wonderful that you run 8-9 miles so often. I hope to one day get to that level. Maybe by next summer
By: Debbie on June 10, 2012
at 10:09 am
You should check out Scott Jurek and add him to your list. He’s a big-time winning ultra-marathoner and is 100% plant-based. I hope you enjoyed your run today!
By: The Vegan Naturopath on June 9, 2012
at 1:00 pm
Wow, I just read some of his blog. Very impressive. Have you read his book “Eat & Run”? ~ I added him to my list
By: Debbie on June 10, 2012
at 10:14 am
No, I haven’t. Probably should put it on my ‘to be read’ list!
By: The Vegan Naturopath on June 10, 2012
at 1:04 pm
Good luck! I’m a vegan athlete, but never a runner. You got this!
By: Summer Blankenship, RD2b on June 9, 2012
at 11:17 pm
Thank you Summer. The run was great and I feel so energized and inspired today. It is always great to push myself.
By: Debbie on June 10, 2012
at 10:17 am
A 10k is a big deal!!! Especially your first! Congratulations!!! I can’t wait to hear how it went. AND I LOVE SCOTT JUREK. I ordered his book the other day and can’t wait to get it in the mail. I have a veggie burger recipe of his that is to die for!
By: Somer on June 11, 2012
at 7:22 am
Thanks Somer! I just ordered his book. I read a few pages from the preview on Amazon and it looks amazing.
My 10k was great. A few times I wanted to quit but when I reached the end it was so worth it. Next weekend I’m doing the 5k “Race for the Animals” in Portland’s Forest Park. Can’t wait
By: Debbie on June 16, 2012
at 5:41 pm
GREAT JOB!!! Believe me, everyone has those moments where they want to quit and finishing IS SO WORTH IT!
Excited to hear about your 5k too!
By: Somer on June 17, 2012
at 10:13 pm