Introducing Jacqui Bell, Ultra Marathon Runner and Farmer Jo Ambassador
1. Tell us a bit about yourself, what you do and why food and nutrition are important to you.
I am 24 years of age and am a Brisbane Girl who loves running ...really really far.
I am an ultra-marathon runner and my favourite type of racing in multi-stage races but I also have begun single stages and will be competing in my first 100mile race in 2020.
My health is a big priority to me not only because of my running but I am also a personal trainer and know the benefits of fuelling yourself properly.
I have recently completed a multi-stage ultra marathon on every continent in the world - Africa, Mongolia, Chile, Antarctica, New Zealand, Iceland, The Grand Canyon.
Each race is approximately 250kms with NZ being 323km's. These races are fully self-supported which means I race with everything I need on my back.
I am always up early for work or training and my days are long so I have to be eating the right foods for my recovery and to be able to keep my energy levels up.
For me food also plays a massive role in my mental health, I am at my best when I am eating an all-round balanced diet full of fresh whole foods - this makes me a happy person to be around :)
2. What does an average ‘day in the life’ of Jacqui look like? How does what you eat impact this?
| 4.10 AM | Wakeup |
| 5.00 AM | Work at Bodyfit Gym South Brisbane |
| 8.00 AM | Training for 2 hours |
| 10.30 AM | Emails, Sponsorship, Eat Lunch |
| 1.30 PM | Power nap |
| 2.00 PM | Emails, Calls, Computer Work |
| 3.00 PM | Train for 1.5 hours |
| 5.00 PM | Work at Bodyfit Gym in South Brisbane |
| 7.30 PM | Sometimes dinner with a friend |
A usual day for me looks a little like this, it is pretty hectic so I have to be organised with my food otherwise there is no way I would be able to function.
I won't lie though I am not against a cheeky sleep in and if given the opportunity to snooze the alarm then once in a while I will laze in and wakeup when my body feels rejuvenated :)
I don't like to be super rigid with my routine and sometimes I will listen to how I feel if I have the freedom to do so.
3. Do you have any morning breakfast rituals or routines that you like to start the day with?
I always have an espresso at 430am when I awake + Farmer Jo's muesli has honestly been my breakfast savour.. or it is even my lazy lunch or dinner go to if I am not prepared.
If I am not working at the gym then I love to begin the day with early morning training with friends and a coffee. On a weekend I enjoy avo and halloumi on sourdough at a cafe with a friend after a long run.
4. What foods do you find best to support healthy energy levels?
I will have a quick snack after my 2 hours training block, a piece of fruit or True Protein Shake. Lunch will be a chicken wrap or a vegan Mexican salad bowl. I then have another coffee (latte) in the afternoon with a piece of dark chocolate or some yoghurt with berries.
Dinner is usually a source of protein + veg/salad or I enjoy eating Asian fusion a lot. I don't restrict myself or cut out any food groups, I know what works for me now and has me feeling at my best so I do that. I have the Dietitian Alison Disher from Compete Nutrition to thank for being great guidance when I began competing in helping me find what works.
5. What are your five top tips to staying happy, healthy and full energy to support an active lifestyle?
- Wake up early and get the body moving
- Train with friends, the social aspect is unreal
- Eat whole foods
- Don't be restrictive
- Think before you eat - is this fueling me and going to make me feel good
6. What’s your favourite Farmer Jo product and how do you like to eat yours?
I love - Paleo Cinnamon Granola, Paleo Granola (the original), probiotic Salted Maple Baked Muesli with Cashews and Almonds!
I throw together a mix of 4 of my favourites in a little container + a dash of milk and off I go to work. I have been doing this for the past few months now and it energises me and keeps me feeling full.
7. What’s something funny we don’t know about you?
I am not sure how funny it is but probably more just a bit of a surprise to most people...I love running long distances and training but I am actually a bit of a lazy walker! I don't love incidental walking and when I am not working out or training I am not a fan of getting sweaty haha I call it Hot-anger... Like how people get hangry I get a little irritable in the super sticky heat haha.
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