Team Member Spotlight

For Kendal Gheen, running isn’t just a workout—it’s a journey filled with community, family, and personal growth. Hailing from Dallas, Texas, Kendal has been a member of the Beef Team since 2017, alongside her husband, Bobby, and seven year-old daughter, Caroline, who are also part of the team. She also has a son, Dylan, age three.. With a strong passion for health and fitness, she seamlessly balances her career as a registered dietitian in the healthcare supply chain, her role as a mom, and her dedication to running and advocacy.

Kendal’s running journey started 15 years ago when she signed up for a 5K with a friend. That initial experience sparked a love for the sport, and she has been participating in races ever since. While she doesn’t keep count of all the races she has run, her medals adorn the walls of her home as a testament to her dedication and passion for the sport.

When it comes to getting her runs in, Kendal has trained solo, with friends, and with the Dallas Running Club. Currently, she is enjoying a run/walk routine on her own. Her favorite type of race lately has been a 5K, as it fits well with her busy schedule as a full-time working mom of two. She loves events like the Dallas Marathon, her hometown race, and the Bagel Run in Dallas on Mother’s Day, which features a family-friendly post-race celebration (complete with mimosas for the moms!).

When it comes to running, Kendal focuses on the joy of the experience rather than chasing personal records. She runs for both physical and mental well-being, believing that finishing a race is an accomplishment in itself.  If she could pick any celebrity to run with, it would be Taylor Swift—so she could sing the entire way!

As a registered dietitian, Kendal values proper nutrition in her training and everyday life. She incorporates beef into her meals about three times a week, favoring lean cuts like Filet and Sirloin as a heart-healthy protein source. One of her favorite beef memories involves her husband, Bobby, babysitting a Brisket all night to ensure a perfect meal for their family—a true labor of love.

Her go-to beef dish for a busy school-night dinner? Classic beef tacos. Through the Beef Team and background in nutrition, she has learned the importance of choosing lean cuts and how beef plays a valuable role in a well-balanced diet. When it comes to pre-run fuel, Kendal keeps it simple with an applesauce pouch or peanut butter crackers to keep her energy levels steady.

Outside of running and her professional career, Kendal has a deep passion for behavioral health advocacy, enjoys listening to podcasts, and loves trying new restaurants. She also dedicates time to volunteering with organizations like the Elks Lodge, supporting local food pantries, and being involved in her children’s schools. She also has two dogs, Izzie and Chumlee, and a crested gecko named Rex the Tinysaurus. 

Over the years, Kendal has learned valuable lessons from running. She believes in fueling properly and often, ensuring she has enough energy to power through her workouts and races. One of the best pieces of running advice she has received—and now shares with others—is to prioritize pre-run food and quick carbohydrates to avoid hitting the dreaded running wall.

Here are a few more interesting facts about Kendal:

Favorite Race Memory: Running Rock ‘n’ Roll Dallas in 2017. I was 16 weeks pregnant with Caroline and met the headlining artist, Bob Schneider, after the race (see photo).

Favorite Beef Team Memory (outside of a race): The Beef Team Retreat at T Bar M Ranch.

Favorite Post-race Reward: An ice-cold beer!

Beef Team Love: These are some of the best folks on planet Earth!

Running Gear Must-Have: Brooks Adrenaline shoes

Running Tunes: No playlist  would be complete without Young the Giant’s “My Body”.