Minnetrista Mother Harnesses Science to Prepare for Marathon

A mother of three from Minnetrista, Minnesota, is taking a scientific approach to her training for the upcoming Twin Cities Marathon. With a commitment to improving her health and performance, Valerie Vadnais Wall is leveraging data from a local lab to optimize her running regimen. The marathon is scheduled for October 5, 2024, and Vadnais Wall is determined to ensure she is at her best for the event.

Vadnais Wall, who has been running for a decade, faced challenges after the birth of her third child. “I wasn’t feeling good,” she shared. “I was tired all the time taking care of everybody else and not myself.” Motivated to reclaim her health, she lost 65 pounds and joined the Mom’s On The Run group in her community to stay motivated. “I decided that I want to have fun and join something that is empowering,” she said.

To enhance her training, Vadnais Wall sought the expertise of Kelly McKenzie at the Human Powered Health lab in Edina. As a dentist and co-owner of a practice, she understands the significance of data in managing health. “I don’t want to succumb to health diseases, like diabetes or high blood pressure,” she explained. “My mom has dementia, and I didn’t want that for myself, so I wanted to take the power to have the data and then to do better.”

At the lab, McKenzie conducts various tests, measuring oxygen levels, heart rate, bone strength, and balance. These assessments are essential for Vadnais Wall, especially as she approaches perimenopause and menopause. “For her going into premenopause, and then menopause eventually, you want to make sure that your bone is in a really healthy spot,” McKenzie noted.

Such testing is not exclusive to elite athletes; it is applicable for anyone interested in understanding their health better. “I’m not a professional athlete, so it’s a little intimidating, but [Kelly] made it super easy and comfortable,” Vadnais Wall remarked. “I’m excited to know that all this hard work is paying off.”

The insights gained from these tests will not only benefit her running but also enhance her everyday activities, such as lifting groceries and climbing stairs, thereby reducing the risk of injury. “At 51, I feel I’m in the best shape of my life, even after my 20s and 30s,” Vadnais Wall expressed. “I want to be a role model to other women who are middle-aged.”

As the marathon approaches, Vadnais Wall looks forward to the event with her children cheering her on. Her journey exemplifies how a commitment to health and the use of scientific data can lead to significant improvements in personal well-being and athletic performance.