Interview with Carrie Weldy: Vegan Competitive Distance Runner

"Real, whole plant-based eating nourishes my body, running nourishes my soul!" - Carrie Weldy

Carrie Weldy is a vegan competitive distance runner from Phoenix, AZ who runs on team Sonoran Distance Project. Outside of her love of running, she also enjoys cycling, hiking and yoga.  Carrie is a Certified Holistic Health Coach and vegan recipe developer, where she is always coming up with fun and creative plant-based meals!

Checkout Carrie's website, Nourished Body and Soul, where she demonstrates how compassionate living can go hand in hand with being healthy and active.  You can follow her on Twitter as well.

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How long have you been vegan?
Almost 3 years (vegetarian for 6)

What led you to become vegan?
Started off for health, now includes sport performance as well as environmental/social responsibility

Do you have any influencers or favorite books?
Rich Roll, Brendan Brazier, nomeatathlete.com (Matt Frazier), Scott Jurek, Dr. Greger (nutritionfacts.org), Dr. Fuhrman, Vegucated, Forks over Knives, David Wolfe, IIN (I am a grad)

Do you have any big events or races planned for 2015? 
I am training to qualify for the 2016 Olympic Trials Marathon (must run a 2:43 marathon this year)!

How does eating vegan improve your performance?
I recover much faster, sleep better, rarely get sick, feel good overall!

What are your favorite 5 top things to eat?
Sweet potatoes, all fruit, lentils, leafy greens, avocados

How about bars and smoothies?
I make a lot of my own! But I do like Larabars, VegaOne bars, Garden of Life RAW protein/Raw Meal/Organic Plant Protein

Explain your nutrition routine. (Before, during, after, etc)
Before: usually just fruit (maybe with nut butter)
During: usually just water, for marathons I will use VegaSport gel
After: I love a huge salad (kale, avocado, chickpeas, hemp seeds, pomegranate (or fruit in season) OR a veggie hash: sweet potato, greens, onions, black beans, topped with salsa & avocado

What's your primary source of essential fatty acids (EFAs)?
Hemp Seeds & Hemp Oil

What are you go to choices for complete proteins (including all essential amino acids)?
Hemp Seeds
Quinoa
Buckwheat
Chia Seeds

What are your other favorite plant proteins?
Lentils
Beans (all varieties)
Wild Rice
Brown Rice
Chickpeas
Swiss Chard
Ancient Grains
Seeds
Kale
Broccoli

What essential tips do you have for athletes moving to 100% plant-based?
Focus on ALL the great foods you CAN eat. Be patient, it may take some time to adjust. Don't worry what others think of you!

In as few words as possible, what does being a VEGAN ATHLETE mean to you?
I don't define myself by the way I eat but I have definitely found what makes me thrive & go after my running goals!

What is your motto? Your mantra? Do you have a famous quote?
Count nutrients not calories. It's about the journey and I just LOVE TO RUN!

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