It’s easy to overcomplicate running, whether it’s our goals, our training, or our recovery. Pro Adriana Nelson teaches us why simplicity and dedicated focus are key to a life well run. 

Adriana went on to earn 6 long-distance national track titles for her home country of Romania, as well as a Romanian team gold at the 2004 World Half Marathon Championships with her teammates. She was second at the 2007 Chicago Marathon, and was the 2013 US half marathon champion.

Adriana’s background is unique and compelling because of her hard work and talent and what she has overcome. But that’s only part of the story. Adriana’s successful business venture - ROLL Recovery - was born out of her dedication to taking care of her body while competing at the highest level. She is just as devoted to the recovery process as she is to pushing her body in training.  

On this week’s podcast we'll discuss what makes Adriana’s perspective so unique, including:

• The impressive mindset she has carried through her entire journey
• How she prioritized recovery even as a newly elite runner with limited finances
• Why it’s important to embrace where you are, even if that means running becomes one of life’s competing demands
• How simplicity should be prioritized in recovery, including hydration, nutrition and sleep
• Why her emphasis on recovery is more important than ever now that she has a young child
• How she can still can run marathons in the 2:30s even on far less mileage

Whether she was running to get bread for her classmates as a 12 year old, or building the successful life she has today, Adriana’s story is an inspiring one you’re bound to enjoy.

This episode is brought to you by InsideTracker, one of the most reputable blood testing companies in the world. They were founded in 2009 by aging, genetics, and biometrics scientists to help you analyze your body’s data and get a firm idea of how well you’re responding to training.

Understanding your body’s biomarkers, from stress hormones to testosterone to Vitamin D, can help you figure out if you’re over-training, under-training, optimally training, or if you have a health issue that might be affecting your running. But the best part is that they give you personalized optimal ranges for each of these biomarkers and a host of ways to improve these markers through diet, lifestyle, or exercise changes.

I’ve personally gotten three Ultimate tests from them and the process is simple, easy, and very eye-opening if you haven’t done a deep dive on your biomarkers yet.  Of all the investments you can make in your running, this one is like getting a detailed checkup or regularly scheduled maintenance for your internal physiology. 

If you’re ready to take control of your health and optimize your training, get 25% off any of their blood tests with code STRENGTHRUNNING at InsideTracker.