NuGo Fan Competes in Ironman World Championship

We are proud to sponsor Marie Bartoletti in the Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii on October, 13, 2012. Marie, who is 55-years-old and lives near Pittsburgh, PA, has done 236 marathons plus many triathlons and ultras! She ran her first marathon, the Pittsburgh Marathon, when she was 38 and now paces 25-30 marathons per year. Marie is a huge NuGo fan and loves NuGo Family Coffee, Vanilla Yogurt, and Orange Smoothie. Here is an excerpt of our interview with Marie.

What do you eat before, after, and during a marathon?

Before a marathon, I have a ritual of a banana, and a bagel with peanut butter. I also have an electrolyte drink. After a marathon it is really important to get high carbs and protein. Sooner is better; within 15 minutes is great. Whatever they are serving at the finish line that has protein in it and carbs, I grab! If there are NuGo bars there, they are perfect since they are a great healthy snack high in protein (and delicious tasting). Oh, and I LOVE Chocolate Milk as a recovery drink. It has everything you need and it tastes great too! During the marathon, I drink the electrolytes and water at the aid stations as well as the gels.

What is the most challenging marathon you have ever done?

I would have to say the most challenging one was the first one. I trained properly for it, but when I went out to do it, I did everything wrong.

I would say the most challenging events I have done are my ultras; like the Western States 100 miler and Badwater’s 135 miles in Death Valley’s 126-degree temperatures! Also, I find trail runs great fun but VERY challenging to stay on your feet with all the roots and rocks you encounter!

What tips do you have for others participating in a marathon?

Always enjoy the moment. I tell my groups that if they aren’t having fun, they shouldn’t run! It’s important to train for the event; makes it easier to do it. Always hydrate along the way. NEVER start too fast, it will hurt you in the end. The best thing to do is run with a pacer. I will guarantee you a good time the whole 26.2 miles. I will be your cheerleader, motivator, distracter, joke teller! It’s not a good idea to do anything new on race day; like wear a new shirt or shorts that might rub or try any new food or drinks you are not used to because they might not agree with your stomach. Sleep is most important two nights before the event. Lots of people are worried that they didn’t sleep the night before because they were nervous, but your body doesn’t know you missed that sleep until the NEXT day after that!

Why do you love NuGo bars?

I found NuGo bars at a marathon expo and I loved them. NuGo is one of the bars that is not only good for you with high protein, etc, but they are delicious. It is like eating a candy bar, but a healthy one!

Please take 30 seconds to vote for Marie before September 30, 2012 to be featured in a chocolate milk commercial and watch her terrific video. You can vote daily and for every vote, $1 will be donated to the Challenged Athletes Foundation. We wish Marie the best of luck in all of her endeavors!