Meet an athlete

Hi, I'm Bev-Anderson Abbs and I’m passionate about running, especially ultra-running. Ultra-running is a blend of long-distance running and hiking, and the races typically take place in mountainous or equally rugged areas. We’re talking 100k events in the Oregon cascades or 5 day runs in Costa Rica. A favorite of mine is the Western States 100 Mile Endurance Run, which I've placed 2nd in for 3 consecutive years! It’s one of the oldest and most challenging ultra trails in the world, and the radical weather, terrain, and 23,000 feet elevation changes mean I have to be in prime mental and physical condition. Sunsweet sponsors our team of seven and I’ve discovered that dried plums are great for long lasting energy. As athletes, we've all got our tried-and-true techniques to improve performance. More importantly, we could all benefit from sharing them. So, if you’re an athlete, professional or amateur, we’d love to hear what you have to say.

Share your training and exercise tips

Meghan+Arbogast wrote:

I again want to thank you so much for helping me out with expenses to go to Italy to represent the US in the World Cup 100k. It was an amazing experience, and I wore my Sunsweet yellow jacket out in my training runs whenever possible. The US Women's team earned the silver medal (second place), beating Japan, and coming in behind Russia, by having a second
place (Kami Semmick), 6th place (me) and 10th (Devon Crosby-Helms). There were 33 countries represented. As an added bonus, Kami and I both set pending National age group records for the US. And by placing in the top 10, I am an automatic entry for the 2009 World Cup, which I am looking forward to. The race will be in June in Belgium.
I am not sure you have been subjected to my race reports, but here is a link to my blog, which you may enjoy! http://www.runningmegleg.blogspot.com

Cheers,
Meghan

Kelly wrote:

I run and lift weights 4-5 times per week, always early in the morning because that's when I'm fresh and most energetic. I never eat breakfast before exercising because I don't like feeling full when doing strenuous activities. But exercise on an empty stomach also leaves me feeling light headed and queasy, probably because my last meal was dinner 12 hours earlier. I've found that 2 or 3 prunes is a good way to get something in my stomach without filling me up too much, and the sugar in them gives me an added energy burst. I just toss a few of the individually wrapped Ones in my gym bag, or carry them in my pocket for longer runs.

Darren wrote:

I’m not a hardcore athlete but I do try to maintain a regular exercise regime, which I do mostly in the mornings. Sometimes I’d feel full or bloated in the morning so I’d skip the run, which of course leaves me feeling sluggish all day. To keep that from happening I started eating dinner earlier, and before bed I drink chamomile tea and eat a few Ones prunes. I wake up with more energy now and feel a lot lighter on my feet for my morning run. It makes a huge difference in my day when I start it energetically!

Mike wrote:

I will write under the "athlete" header as long as we use the definition loosely! I have been a fan of Sunsweet since I was a child and my Mom bought prunes and apricots. Since then I have gone on to try almost every product, apricots still being my favorite followed by the cherries. I generally eat them as a snack to keep the energy levels up. I have also found they fit in the "just enough" category as I enter athletic endeavors. Not too much, not too little, just enough. Hey, possible slogan? I think we are onto something!!!

Lauren wrote:

I try to work out 4-5 times a week, and to get my energy levels up after a long day of work, I tried many different options. Energy drinks provided an energy burst that quickly wore off and left me feeling lethargic. Nutrition bars made me feel full and sluggish. At my trainer's recommendation, I tried the natural solution: Sunsweet prunes! A handful before my regular workout and I get the energy, stamina and endurance I need in a healthy snack that tastes great.

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