Spotlight Series: Journey of a Gluten-Free Marathon Runner

In this edition of our spotlight series, we meet Aimee Parow, an inspiring runner who is taking on the Berlin Marathon for the second time this year. Balancing motherhood, a full-time career, and a gluten-free lifestyle, she offers valuable insights and advice for those gearing up for the NYC and Berlin Marathons in 2024.

SM: How did you first get into running, and what inspired you to run marathons like the Berlin Marathon?

I first started running in 2015 when a friend challenged me to run a 5K for the 4th of July. Though she didn't end up running it with me, I was immediately hooked. I started running more and more and by the fall was signed up for my first half marathon. After years of struggling with valuing being thin as more important than being healthy, I ran my first half marathon at my lowest adult weight, something I was very proud of. However, my first half marathon ended with a stress fracture of my femur due to years of poor nutrition, though remarkably I did finish. While I was sidelined that winter, I was listening to a fitness expert talk about her struggles with weight and body image. She talked about making the mindset change from working out to "earn" food vs food as fuel for workouts. When I started running again in the spring it was with a newfound respect for what my body was capable of when eating healthy to become stronger was prioritized over being thin.


While living along the New York City marathon route for years, I always thought a marathon unattainable for me. As I started running again in 2016, with the support of the same work friend I ran my first 5K with, we both set our sights on the 2017 New York City marathon. This time, I was now with the mentality of food as fuel for my running rather than calorie restricting and using running to lose weight. I met my husband just after finishing the 9+1 program to qualify for the marathon. As a streak runner, he was and is my inspiration for running marathons. It is such an amazing and emotional accomplishment to see myself doing hard things. After running the New York and Chicago marathons, we both decided to try to run all the world majors. London was up next for me and then Berlin.

SM: Can you share your experience of running the Berlin Marathon for the first time? How did it shape your approach to your second run in September?

The 2023 Berlin Marathon was set to be the culmination of a very strong year of training for me. I had run the London Marathon in April and had started training for Berlin not long after that. It was the first time I had incorporated a strength training routine into my training and stuck with it. I was feeling so strong and ready to run a PR, until I started to feel sick shortly after we arrived in Berlin. The morning of the race I was hoping to make it through the race even with 5 different types of medication on board to get me to the start line. Not feeling well meant I didn't fuel or hydrate as planned and with several asthma attacks in the first 10 miles, I decided to drop out and rode the bus to the finish. I found out after that that I had COVID. Riding the bus through Berlin and seeing all the crowds was so amazing. This was the first race of over 100 races I did not finish, but the energy and the crowds convinced me that I would be back to try again.

When it came time to enter the lottery for 2024, I reached out to my husband's daughter to see if she would apply with me. I was so thrilled when she said yes and beyond thrilled when we got in. I’m using the same training plan this year that I used last year but having Analisa train with me has been so motivating. As for things I’m doing differently, I’m definitely going to try not to get COVID again. I know dropping out was the right thing to do last year, but I am determined to finish this time no matter what

SM: As a gluten-free runner, what are some of your go-to meals and snacks that help fuel your training and recovery?

Having celiac disease and following a gluten-free diet have added to the challenge of fueling my training. During marathon training and leading up to the marathon day, my diet becomes mostly simple carbs. My go-to meals include rice based pasta, potatoes and white rice and simple proteins like fish and chicken. My pre-run fuel is typically a gluten free bread with peanut butter and during runs I stick with gummy candies and Maurten’s gels. I’ve experimented with a lot of other gels and fueling strategies to find what worked for me.

SM:How would you explain a gluten-free diet to someone who is unfamiliar with it? What are the key things people should understand about living with a gluten allergy or intolerance?

Gluten is a protein found in wheat, barley, rye and spelt that triggers an immune response in those who have Celiac disease, allergies or sensitivity to gluten. In addition to some of the obvious sources of gluten, it is often used in additives used to flavor food or give it a certain texture. Responses can range from mild to severe including life-threatening reactions in those with a wheat allergy. It is a constant battle to avoid hidden gluten including cross-contamination from gluten-containing foods. It makes eating out challenging and traveling is especially dangerous. Consuming something with gluten could make me very sick for several days and is much harder to avoid when not at home. Generally, the first thing I do when planning a trip is trying to figure out how I’m going to safely eat, and the default is to bring all my own food and stay somewhere with a kitchen. It honestly takes a lot of the fun out of traveling.

SM: How do you balance the demands of motherhood with your marathon training and work responsibilities? What strategies have you found most effective?

Balancing responsibilities is easily the hardest part of marathon training. As a hospital-based physician who works a lot of nights and weekends, I make my work schedule around my longest training runs and race schedule. All the other runs and cross-training, I fit in wherever I can. This means a lot of pre-dawn runs before my 24 hours weekend shifts and incorporating running into my day like running to the train station or literally running errands to multitask.
My family is very understanding and supportive. I do most of my runs while our 5-year-old, Layla, is at school or camp with long runs starting very early while she is still asleep. Training this year has been very special as Layla is starting to run longer distances, a little over a mile, and do some strength training with me. I also still take her on the occasional jogging stroller run.
I think the most important part of balancing these demands is to forgive myself when everything doesn’t go as planned. This is easier said than done.

SM: What advice would you give to other runners preparing for the NYC and Berlin Marathons in 2024, especially those who might be new to running or have dietary restrictions?

The most important thing is to have fun and when things get tough remember that forward is a pace!
As for those with dietary restrictions, start practicing and experimenting with fuels for your runs very early and often. Research what is offered on the course both for the drinks and any fuels offered on the course. If possible, try what will offered on the course. Resist the temptation to try anything new on race day NO MATTER WHAT! Actually, I would recommend no new foods in the week leading up to race day.

SM: When you're not training, what are some of your hobbies and interests? How do they complement your running lifestyle?

I feel like I’m always training for something! When I have time, I like to spend time with my family, including our 2 dogs. I am typically always moving, but, when I slow down, I enjoy cooking and crochet.

SM: If you were a pollinator, which one would you be and why? (Honeybee, Bumblebee, Monarch Butterfly, Hummingbird, Bat, Moth)

Hummingbird 100%. Hummingbirds are constantly on the go and when migrating over water will continue to fly through the night with no sleep. I am happiest when I am moving, constantly! I only stop to sleep, when I can.

Social Media Handles: Instagram: personal @aparow crochet business @aimeesstuffies
Strava: Aimee Parow


Willie Alvarez

Willie Alvarez is a product designer and business developer with over 15 years of experience helping small business entrepreneurs and corporations thrive through strategy, creativity, and execution. With a strong foundation in education, programming, and storytelling, Willie specializes in crafting innovative solutions that drive growth and foster meaningful connections. Born and raised in the Bronx, he brings authenticity and a commitment to supporting diverse communities, creating impactful projects that inspire change and deliver tangible results.

Previous
Previous

Journey from Honolulu to the 2024 Berlin Marathon

Next
Next

12th Annual Bronx Back to School Giveaway: A Day of Community and Care at Ferry Point Park