How Working with a Spokane Nutritionist Changed My Marathon Fueling (and My Energy as a Mom)
Blog Written by Bekah Read who used us as here Spokane Nutritionist
Follow her running journey HERE
After running nine marathons, I can confidently say one thing: I under-fueled for all of them.
As a former college cross country and track athlete, I grew up hearing the message that “skinnier runners are faster.” For a while, it seemed true. I lived off smoothies, toast, and pastries and called it “fuel.” I wasn’t injured often like some of my teammates, but I had plenty of red flags that something wasn’t right:
Hair growth on my chin (a sign of hormonal imbalance)
Extreme exhaustion (I slept 10 hours a night and still needed naps)
Constant preoccupation with food
Still, I brushed it off and kept running. When I started marathons, my fueling plan was laughable… I’d take about 1.5 CLIF BLOKS total for the entire race. By mile 18 or 21, I’d hit the wall hard, slow down, and wonder why my training never seemed to translate on race day.
That’s when I reached out to Fuel to Thrive, a Spokane-based nutritionist team specializing in sports nutrition, GI health, and nutrition for endurance athletes.
ABOUT US: SPOKANE NUTRITIONISTS
We are a group of registered Spokane dietitians and personal trainers who have a passion for helping you feel in control of your health.
We work mainly with athletes, those with chronic GI conditions, and women in perimenopause and menopause. We create customized nutrition plans to empower and educate you in your health journey.
Finding a Spokane Nutritionist Who Actually Gets Endurance Athletes
When I met with Lori from Fuel to Thrive, I realized I’d been missing two huge pieces of the performance puzzle: enough food and the right timing.
Lori helped me reframe my relationship with fueling:
Eating enough won’t make me gain unnecessary weight.
Proper fueling actually helps me run faster and recover better.
One of the biggest game changers was learning to fuel during long runs. I used to finish every long run completely wiped out—head pounding, energy gone, and desperate for a nap. But as a mom of two toddlers (ages 2 and 3), naps aren’t exactly in the schedule anymore.
Once I started following the marathon fueling plan Lori helped me create (complete with hydration strategies and carb goals0 everything shifted. I could finish my long runs and still have energy for my family. No more post-run headaches. No more all-day exhaustion. Just sustainable energy that lasted.
Race Day: Fueling Right and Feeling Strong
By race week, I was all in. For the first time ever, I did a proper 3-day carb load (something Lori and Amy, the owner of Fuel to Thrive, had recommended).
I’ll be honest, I told Amy at the start line that I felt bloated and uncomfortable from all the carbs. She smiled and reminded me that it was exactly what my body needed.
And she was right.
Even though I battled some calf pain halfway through the race (thank you, supershoes), my gut felt amazing. My energy stayed steady, and I didn’t hit the wall. I crossed that finish line not only proud of my time, but proud of how I fueled my body.
Why I Recommend Fuel to Thrive to Every Spokane Endurance Athlete
If you’re a runner, cyclist, or triathlete who’s been piecing together your fueling from Instagram posts or guessing what works on race day, don’t do what I did for nine marathons.
Working with the Spokane nutritionists at Fuel to Thrive completely changed how I think about food, performance, and recovery. Their approach is rooted in science, but it’s also practical for real life, especially for busy athletes, parents, and anyone trying to balance training with the rest of life.
Whether you need help with:
A personalized marathon fueling plan
Nutrition for endurance training and recovery
Or guidance for gut health, hormones, or perimenopause
…the team at Fuel to Thrive will meet you where you are and help you build confidence in your nutrition.
The Bottom Line
Fueling right isn’t just about running faster, it’s about feeling your best every day. Thanks to Lori, Amy, and the entire Fuel to Thrive team, I finally understand what true nourishment feels like and I’ll never go back to underfueling again.
If you’re looking for a Spokane nutritionist who understands the demands of endurance training and can help you perform (and live) at your best, I can’t recommend Fuel to Thrive enough.
About Fuel to Thrive
Fuel to Thrive is a Spokane-based dietitian private practice that helps individuals fuel confidently whether you’re training for your next marathon, navigating GI challenges, or supporting your body through perimenopause. Their team of expert Spokane nutritionists and registered dietitians provides personalized, science-backed nutrition plans designed to help you perform your best, feel your best, and thrive in everyday life.
If you’re ready to:
✅ Build a marathon fueling plan that actually works
✅ Learn how to fuel for endurance without restriction or burnout
✅ Or simply feel better and stronger in your day-to-day