Maria Dalzot is a runner and dietician who is passionate about sharing her enthusiasm and knowledge with others.

RUNNING had always been a hobby of Maria Dalzot’s and it has gone on to become a major part of her life. She has competed for the US and had huge success in national competitions. She is determined to qualify and represent the US for Championship races again in the future.

Maria has combined her passion for running with her work as a dietician and works with those who want to improve their fitness and lifestyles. You can find out more about her work and follow her blog at www.mariadalzotrd.com.

 When did you start running and who or what inspired your passion?

I started running when I was very young as something I did for fun. I did not have parents or siblings who ran or who were into athletics. I simply loved the feeling of running up a hill and screaming down the other side. I got a thrill from being chased during a game of tag in gym class. Running was always something that brought me joy and was an innate part of me. I started formal training and competing in the seventh grade when cross country was first offered and have progressed from there.

Maria runs on average 80 miles a week.

What have been your biggest achievements in running to date and what do you most want to achieve in the sport in the future?

My biggest achievements in running to date are competing for the US and placing 18th at the 2015 World Long Distance Mountain Running Championships and winning the 2014 Trail Half Marathon National Championships. In the future my goals are to overcome mental and physical barriers in order to perform at my full potential. I strongly believe that if I can run with courage I will be able to qualify for more opportunities to represent the US at Championship races.

How often do you currently run and what are some of the trails you enjoy the most?

I run every day and average about 80 miles a week with two to three days of strength training. My favorite trails are ones that are not too technical that you can get some speed going, but have enough elevation gain to make you work. The Chuckanut Mountains here in Bellingham, Washington are my go-to trails that meet all of my training needs from technical single-track to steep service roads. The only thing missing is the altitude, but that is a sacrifice I am willing to make to live in one of the most beautiful places in the country.

You can find out more about Maria and the work she does at www.mariadalzotrd.com.

Tell us about your work as a dietitian and who are the kinds of people you usually work with?

As a dietitian, I give dietary consultations and teach wellness classes ranging from food demos to how to eat healthy on a budget. I have worked with people of varying ages and from all backgrounds. I have worked with young athletes who are balancing school and athletics and older women who want to stay healthy as they age.

What does your work as a health and wellness coach involve and what is the message you try to instil on those who come to you for help?

The biggest message I wish to convey to those who come to me for help is that eating and living healthfully doesn’t have to be complicated. There are so many mixed messages in the media that many people are understandably confused as to what constitutes a healthy diet. I want to work with people to find a way of eating that is enjoyable to them and sustainable for long term health. Eating should bring joy and enhance the quality of your life, not frustration and deprivation.

What can our readers expect from your blog and website and how important is it to you to connect with like-minded people across the web?

Readers can expect my honest opinions and thoughts. I think it is so important to be real about our struggles and short-comings because chances are you are not alone in your feelings. I hope that by being direct and presenting material that people can relate to, I can touch the lives of others in a small but positive way.

To follow Maria’s blog visit  mariadalzot.blogspot.com or find her on Facebook  www.facebook.com/mariadalzotRD, Twitter:  @mariadalzotRD or Instagram @mariadalzot.