Member Spotlight: Lindsey Nieves
Written by Rebecca Pedrick
We are spotlighting a special member of the CORE57 community this month, Lindsey Nieves! Lindsey is an ultra-runner and a racer but even the strongest among us can face setbacks. Lindsey approached us looking to regain her fitness after the tragic and somewhat sudden loss of her mother a little over a year ago. We all know too well how grief can do a number on our health on so many levels. Despite continuing with her running, Lindsey knew she needed a little more — she wanted to increase her strength and see more muscle definition.
We introduced strength training into her routine, and as she decided she wanted to push to see further results in her body composition, we added nutrition coaching into the mix, and things began to shift dramatically! To be honest, as her nutrition coach, I was slightly nervous about the delicate dance we would have to do to balance both fueling for her running performance and eating to shift her body composition. Eating for performance and eating for fat loss are two different animals for most people. We needed to provide her with enough energy to be out running for multiple hours at a time, yet also have her in a slight deficit to reveal her hard-earned muscles!
But to know Lindsey is to know that if ANYONE is up to this challenge, it’s HER! Her discipline in following our recommended protocols was nothing short of inspiring. She prioritized protein to keep her muscles from breaking down, stayed satiated, and managed her intake of carbs and fats to fuel her energy when necessary - without overdoing it. The transformation has been phenomenal. To date, she's lost nearly 15 lbs of body fat and gained over 3 lbs of lean muscle tissue!
Not to mention, this girl did this while training for a multiple-day stage race in Moab, UT (which she CRUSHED), AND she travels for her job both in the US and across Europe! Talk about dedication!
Lindsey's Story
We sat down to ask Lindsey some questions to figure out how and why she does all of this, and here is what she had to say.
How long have you been a member at CORE57?
Since June of 2023.
What motivated you to seek out support for your fitness and nutrition goals?
I was grieving the loss of my mom and knew I needed some extra support and a community where I knew I could strength train safely along with my running. I also knew I needed a place that could help me safely work around a multitude of injuries, including a broken tailbone, a broken humerus that required a plate and 12 screws, a fully reconstructed ankle, and broken ribs that had punctured my lung.
As for the nutrition piece, I was initially unsure. I had worked with nutritionists and dieticians before, and I hadn’t always had the best experience. But after meeting Rebecca, I thought she might be able to help me strike that balance between fueling for performance while also working toward my body composition goals.
How has your training at CORE57 impacted your race preparation and performance?
I have noticed I am much stronger, especially on climbs! Overall, my stamina is better. I really notice that my increased upper body strength has helped me tremendously. You wouldn’t think upper body strength would make a huge difference, but it does!
The trainers at CORE57 have helped me modify certain upper body exercises so that my arm doesn’t hurt as much, as well as strengthen my legs and core, which all help my running. The time I’ve spent lifting at CORE57 and focusing on nutrition is a HUGE factor in my races. Proof that strength is just as important as miles!
What’s your next big running goal?
I have a trip to Peru coming up and possibly New York!
What is your favorite thing about race day?
The community of people, the energy, and the personal challenge. The opportunity to see what I can overcome!
What would you tell people who might be intimidated to start their running or fitness journey?
This is my CRUSADE IN LIFE! Believe me when I say, ANYONE CAN RUN! Everyone started as a beginner. I started with a 10-minute walk! If you have the want, the will, the guidance and the patience, you CAN DO IT! You can’t compare yourself to anyone else. You have to focus on what YOU can do. And every little step compounds!
Be Stronger, Be Better, Be YOU
Thank you for sharing your journey with us, Lindsey! Your dedication and determination are truly inspiring. Keep up the amazing work and we can't wait to see where your next adventures take you!
Feeling inspired by Lindsey's story? Whether you're looking to redefine your fitness, boost your strength, or sculpt your body, our 12-week Wellness Recalibration Program combines nutrition and fitness programming and is tailored just for you. If you are specifically focused on optimizing your diet, our 12-week Nutrition Coaching program offers personalized guidance to meet your goals. Don't wait any longer to start your personalized wellness journey.
Ready to take the first step towards transformation? Schedule a consultation with us today and discover how CORE57 can empower you to achieve your fitness and nutrition aspirations. Your path to personalized wellness begins here.