Team Member Spotlight

Exercising together is a great way busy couples can squeeze in quality time, improve fitness levels and have fun simultaneously. Ed and Margot Campos of Houston, married for 35 years, are a perfect example of this “move together” mindset.  Ed and Margot began their “run-walk” fitness journey in 2006. “While we had been gym members before this time, we initially took up running and walking to help different charity causes,” explains Ed.  “But, once we committed to training and completed our first event, which was actually a full marathon (Houston Chevron Marathon), we were hooked.

“Mind over matter,” the couple likes to say. That’s why they choose the full marathon as their favorite distance, saying it’s a rewarding challenge every time. To date, Ed and Margot have finished 33 full marathons and more than 70 half marathons. In fact, the pair just recently finished back-to-back half marathons in Seabrook, Texas. “We really enjoy exercising together, Ed furthers, “because we push and support one another and both feel it’s important to stay focused on your commitments.”

In 2018, the couple’s running routine hit a bump when Ed was diagnosed with prostate cancer. “I had surgery in May and informed my doctor that by the end of the year, I was going to do a full marathon,” Ed explains. “I fulfilled that promise by running a marathon on New Year’s Day 2020 and am cancer free today!”

Ed and Margot have been on the Beef Team for three years now and are planning on many more to come. “We enjoy meeting and seeing so many Beef Team members racing, volunteering and connecting through our various social events. Together, we all help spread the word that beef plays an important role in a healthy and active lifestyle,” reminds this inspirational running couple.

In their spare time, this Ed and Margot serve as running coaches, volunteers with their church, and have collected many interesting memories on their adventures sky diving; driving through Mexico, Guatemala and San Salvador; and attending coffee conventions around the country.

Beef Team Memories: Our favorite memory was at our first official run as Beef Team members in Kingwood, Texas. We saw quite a few Beef Team members on the course and every time we passed on the four-loop race we would all shout out “Go Beef” – it was exciting! We also enjoyed our first Prime Cuts retreat in New Braunfels. It was such fun seeing members from all over the state in person that we had only before connected with through the Beef Team group in Facebook.

Favorite Races: Our favorite Beef Team sponsored race is the Woodlands Marathon, not just for the convenient location to us, but also for all the organized pre- and post- race activities. Additionally, the Texas Marathon in Kingwood is another favorite. Organizers make us feel like family and we have participated for twelve years in a row.

Favorite Beef Recipe: Marinated beef fajitas with pineapple slices.

Beef Knowledge: We’ve learned more about protein benefits, serving sizes, and also how to grill more successfully through “Grilling 101” events.

Motivation: Our motivation to exercise is to stay healthy and we also enjoy the race day excitement and social aspects. Currently, we train with about eleven individuals, many of us have been together for ten years or more. We were able to continue training through the pandemic by staying outdoors and being more aware and proactive about health concerns we took for granted in the past. We have curbed the gym for now, but hope to get back soon.

Post-race Reward: We reward ourselves by sharing our good fortune with others. For instance, going to dinner as a group. There, we discuss our race experiences and share tips, insights and support. As coaches for a running group, we also always find personal satisfaction from encouraging newcomers in the sport.

Favorite Quote: Our favorite inspirational saying is “Just Do It.” We enjoy racing and seeing people of all ages participate – anyone can just do it!

Dream Celebrity Running Partner:  We both would enjoy to run with Olympic-legend Carl Lewis. We have met him and we have seen him run where we train.

Pre-run Food: Our favorite is a pancake with peanut butter and a banana.

Best Running Advice: “You run the race, don’t let the race run you.”

Favorite Gear: At the moment, we are enjoying the “No Bull” shoe brand.