What do data and science have to do with running? Moms on the Run and Human Powered Health were featured on Aug. 6 on WCCO, a CBS station in Minneapolis, to showcase how data and science help improve training and life.
Chanhassen/Chaska (MN) Moms on the Run member Valerie Vadnais Wall, who has been running for nearly 10 years, joined Moms on the Run for the camaraderie, empowerment and training, and wanted to up her training for the Twin Cities Marathon in October. She took advantage of sports testing with our friends at Human Powered Health lab in Edina, MN.
At the lab, performance physiologist Kelly McKenzie measured her oxygen levels, heart rate, bone strength and balance. This type of testing is not reserved for elite athletes. It’s recommended for everyone seeking to further their knowledge on their health and well-being.
“I’m not a professional athlete, so it’s a little intimidating, but [Kelly] made it super easy and comfortable, and I’m excited to know that all this hard work is paying off,” said Vadnais Wall.
Watch the full segment here.
Here’s more of Valerie’s story:
“I have been running for the past 10 years. It originally began when I had a significant amount of weight to lose after the birth of my third child (13,14, and 18 now). I was never a runner in high school (other than for balls: I played tennis, basketball and golf). I lost weight with diet and wanted to run my first 5K. I started at the Chaska community center on the track and worked my way up. I joined the community center and worked with a personal trainer (I still do). I ran my first Hot Chocolate 5K and was so proud of myself. I wanted more. I joined Moms on the Run in Chanhassen/Chaska (I believe it will be my eighth season). I have run many races and found runners to be supportive — no matter the pace. I have found amazing friendships there. I think its difficult to create time for yourself when you own a business (I am a dentist in Hutchinson, although I work three days a week and have a partner and associate) and have life’s demands on you. I also care for my mother who has early onset dementia. Health is so important to me as I want to grow old healthy and not need medications or have diseases occur as I get older. I have been on a new fitness journey this last year and a half. I have lost 62 pounds and am amazed at what cross training, tennis, weights and running do.”
Click here to learn more about the services offered at Human Powered Health.
