Team Member Spotlight

Running is a family affair for Chris Carmona of Houston, Texas. She has two grown sons, Josh and Chris, and three young grandchildren, Brooklyn, Madison and Phoenix. “I just love it when my sons or grandchildren participate with me out at a race or help volunteer. Family is always cheering me on or feeding me out on the course,” says this three-year Beef Team Member. Family running highlights have included finishing a half marathon in Madrid with her son, Josh, along with participating in several other races together. She also holds dear to her heart, pacing alongside in 5ks with her granddaughter, Brooklyn, who recently joined Beef Team Kids.

“I have been involved in sports since when I was in middle school and have never stopped,” Chris explains. “In middle and high school, I ran cross country and track and was also a cheerleader, basketball and volleyball player. In college, I continued on with basketball and volleyball and started visiting gyms. I still love working out, whether at a gym or at home. It makes me feel great and I truly believe you have to “keep moving to keep moving.” Chris also says she loves to eat, and feels her consistent active lifestyle has allowed her to enjoy what she likes while keeping her in shape. 

Also keeping Chris in shape is her membership in the 50 States Half Marathon Club and she has aspirations to check off a race in each and every state! “Currently, I have only finished half marathons in Texas, Tennessee, Arizona and Louisiana,” reports Chris, “but it’s a goal I will have fun working toward. I also run-walk-crawl through one marathon per year, but it’s the half marathons I enjoy most and try to do as many as I can.”

Read on to learn more about this awesome member of the Texas Beef Team.

You Might Not Know: 1) I’m very energetic and can be high strung; 2) I’m a country girl from West Texas who grew up on a farm with chickens, pigs and helped my parents harvest vegetables and fruits.

Other Interests: I participate in sports like volleyball and basketball as well as enjoy supporting our local Houston teams. I’m also a big fan of the Summer and Winter Olympics. I also volunteer with ​HLSR-Houston Rodeo, DePelchin Kids, Hobby Center, Houston Food Bank, Interfaith Ministries, and various children’s organizations.

A PR to Remember: I PR’d my half marathon in Nashville and was extremely happy since I had been nursing an injured hamstring. I didn’t want to complain about the hills I would have to endure since this race was a gift from my son, Chris. During the race, I remember trying to keep up with the pacer, but towards the end I lost him. I assumed I was running too slow and had dropped back from the pack, but it turned out that I had unknowingly passed him and PR’d!

Race Rewards: Not going to lie, I LOVE THAT BLING at the end of a race!

Quotes That Inspire: “I can do all things through Christ.” AND “You’ve got to keep moving to keep moving.”

Favorite Races: ​Can’t say I have a favorite race. I love them all, since Beef Team members make it fun! But running that half marathon in Madrid with my son was special!

Beef Team Memories: My granddaughter, Brooklyn and I attended a Grilling 101 session along with a scavenger hunt. I am somewhat on the competitive side and wanted the two of us to find everything first. I finally realized I was taking the fun out of the event for Brooklyn, so I regrouped and relaxed, thus upping the fun, and enjoying the steaks we grilled together!

Favorite Beef Cuts: I love filet mignon and tenderloin would never turn down any type of beef – LOVE to EAT!!!

Favorite Beef Recipe: ​Herbed Tenderloin Steaks with Goat Cheese Topping.

Best Thing I’ve Learned: I love grilled cuts of beef, but have long been lacking in grilling skills – so I have really appreciated learning the techniques at the various Grilling 101 sessions.

Beef Team Love: I am so honored and lucky to be a part of this awesome team. It’s not only a team, but an extension of family.  I also feel so lucky to have my granddaughter now joining me.