Getting To Know Catherine Burns
You may have heard of our beginner run program “From Zero To Run” kicking off November 10th! Interested in running but think it’s too late to start? Think again! Registration is still open until November 9th at midnight so click here to claim your spot today.
We sat down with Catherine Burns, BA Hons, Dip ION, mBNTA - Nutritional Therapist and AVP Nutrition, Wellness & Community Health, one of the creators of our “From Zero To Run” training plan, and asked her a few questions (see below) to get to know her a little better. She shared some of her expertise as well as tips and tricks you can add to your own routine. Enjoy!
What is your background with regard to health and wellness?
I didn’t grow up especially interested in healthy eating. I fuelled my way through adolescence with a lot of sugar and refined carbs! Looking back on it, that impacted my energy (queen of naps), focus (ADD), and anxiety. It all changed when, in-between school and university, I took a gap year and spent 6 months working and traveling in East & South Africa. When I was in Uganda, I picked up some parasitic infections from contaminated water. I was so sick and continued to be for years until I saw a Nutritional Therapist who changed my life by focusing on gut integrity and bioavailability of liquid supplements. By then I was halfway through University (Anthropology) but after graduating I went on to study for 4 years with the Institute of Optimum Nutrition in London, UK. There was a huge amount of hands-on clinical practice which has been a big advantage in my career.
I love holistic health but it helps to have the science and clinical know-how to back it up! Once I qualified, I moved to Bermuda and began working for a major insurer, helping to launch a Wellness Program. I loved that job but wasn’t doing enough clinical work so I started a Nutritional Therapy consultancy part-time and then took the leap into full-time a few years later. I created three major areas of business: a six-week Optimum Nutrition intensive (Nutrifit), One-to-One Nutritional Therapy (Natural Nutrition), and a beginner running program (Beat the Couch.) Since then, I’ve moved the company under the umbrella of the Waterfront Group which has been amazing! It’s incredible to have such good trainers, a fine-dining restaurant, and a grocery store to work with. The Waterfront is leading the way in creating a supportive environment for healthy living, and it’s really fun to be part of that.
What is your favorite thing about running? Least favorite?
I got into running because as a busy working mum of 2, I just needed 30 minutes to myself now and then, but I couldn’t commit to a static routine. I love the flexibility of running – I can adjust when I go based on the kid's schedules, work, and weather. And it gives me such a mental lift. I love getting outside and clearing my head. Plus, I can listen to whatever music I want! My least favorite – when you get stuck running along a road behind a garbage truck. That is the WORST.
Go To healthy snacks?
Fresh fruit with walnuts or pumpkin seeds! I tend to choose whatever lower sugar fruit I can find (kiwis/berries) and then usually pick walnuts or pumpkin seeds because they are rich in Omega 3. My favorite healthy bars on the run are the GoMacro bars (high protein options only) which are great. I love any of the flavours with chocolate chips!
Best advice for someone who is just beginning their fitness journey?
Start with a realistic, measurable goal. Don’t aim for a marathon right away! Pick a goal that you can achieve within a reasonable timeframe so the reward of completing your goal isn’t too far off! Zero to Run is perfect because six weeks is enough time to make significant progress but will also hold your attention and keep you focused. On the nutrition side, I can’t emphasize enough how important it is to create a supportive environment. If there isn’t any ice-cream in the freezer, then you can’t eat it! 😉
How do you stay consistent with running/exercise?
I usually stay consistent by picking goals to train for. I run May 24th each year which keeps me motivated and on track so I ramp my running up Feb – May and then do less running and more weights/yoga/pilates in the other months. COVID-19 has been tricky because those goals have been taken away and become ambiguous! Right now I’m consistent because I am accountable to the groups of people we train. I have to walk the walk! Having accountability partners (whether it’s coworkers or groups of friends) is an amazing help in that respect.
A favorite post-run stretch?
Calf dips with my toes on the edge of the stairs!
What do you hope to see with the run program?
Whether we see people run a full 5k distance or not, being able to run for 30 minutes continuously really is an amazing benchmark of fitness. I just love it when we see people complete their goals. It’s hard to be consistent with all the distractions of family, work, friends, politics, COVID-19, so sticking to a program is a big achievement! Just keep showing up, stay committed. Bring your A-game!
Have you visited the other jurisdictions before? If so, what did you enjoy about your visit?
Not yet!! Would love to and hopefully before long!
Do you listen to music when you run? If so, what is your favorite genre?
Yes. I actually can’t run far without music…. The sound of my breathing puts me off! I just listen to chart music with all the lyrics that my kids can’t hear! Oh and country… I know it’s not cool but I can’t help it. Gotta love a heartfelt song!
