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[Above: Team ZIP (Zinc, Iron and Protein) celebrates after running the Chicago Half Marathon]
May also happens to be my favorite month of the year. The weather is warming up, the days are getting longer, swimming pools will soon be opening...its time to shed the sweaters and lose that winter weight!
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[At left: Kansas Rancher Barb Downey runs the Boston Marathon for Team ZIP]
So where are you going to get the energy to get up and run in the morning or hit the streets after a long day at work? Physical activity requires fuel and nothing fuels physical activity like BEEF!
[Above: The Nolz sisters prepare for their first half marathon]
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[At left: Kim Molinaro runs the Boilermaker 15K with Team ZIP]
I mentioned National Beef Month on Facebook today and my wife came up up with a great idea. "Maybe you should have a 31-days of BEEF contest...I'll start...May 1 - Steak Jalisco; May 2 - grilled tri tip; May 3 - BEEF stroganoff..."
So then I posted a National Beef Month challenge. "May is Beef Month so I'm challenging my friends to see if you can out-beef Beef Man. Starting today, can you eat beef every day in the month of May? I won't count the first two days, although I've had beef every day so far (brisket and fajitas on Saturday, grilled tri-tip on Sunday). Tonight? Beef stroganoff, a la Leslie!"
So now I'm taking it one step further. Announcing the National BEEF RUNNERS Month Challenge! I'm going to eat beef and get some exercise every day in the month of May. And by Memorial Day weekend when the pools open I'll be ready to shed the shirt and hit the pool! Will you join me?
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[Above: Team ZIP members celebrate at the end of the Boileremaker 15K with BEEF and BEER!]
I am going to eat at least one 3 oz. serving of beef every day. The U.S. Dietary Guidelines call for 5.5 oz of lean protein every day. One 3 oz. serving of beef provides 51% of your daily protein, 38% of your zinc and 14% of the iron you need in less than 180 calories!
Whether you take a walk around the block, a hike or a bike ride, get out and move! I am going to get at least 30 minutes of heart-pumping exercise every day.
The best part of this challenge is that when you get some exercise you can enjoy lean beef knowing its fueling your physical activity. Of course you also need to get your servings of fruits and vegetables, low and non-fat dairy products, and whole grains -- all of which go great with BEEF!
If you are planning to join me for the National Beef Runners Month Challenge, please post a comment with your goals and keep me apprised of your progress. And join Team ZIP as we prepare for running, cycling and triathlon events throughout the summer.
Ride on!
Daren
Ahh! I love this! Can I share this on the blog tomorrow?
ReplyDeleteI am in! I will be posting a link to your challenge on my FB. No problem eating beef every day here. As I joked to my husband today it is more like eating beef 3x/day in this house. My bunch of cowboys usually look crosswise at me if I try to serve them anything "white". LOL
ReplyDeleteSharie, thanks for joining the challenge and spreading the word! BEEF...its what's for breakfast, lunch AND dinner!
ReplyDeleteLove the Challenge and shirt! Just registered to do my second 1/2 Marathon in October! I did the OKC Memorial 1/2 Marathon on April 25th. While running/walking I saw several powered by beef shirts. Would be proud to wear one or one of your's in my upcoming 1/2 marathon. Need details on how to get one.
ReplyDeleteMiles, go to http://teamzip.ning.com for information on how to order Team ZIP "Running Powered by BEEF" jerseys. While you are there, join Team ZIP, the national BEEF running team. Its free and only takes a few minutes to sign up!
ReplyDeleteCount me in. I'm not a runner but I walk. I'm doing 2 miles now and hope to work up to 3 by the end of the month. Schwan's Beef Bites are a great way to eat beef every day.
ReplyDelete