Team Member Spotlight

Ofelia Marie Elizondo, an eight-year Texas Beef Team member from Victoria, Texas, lives with intention in every mile, every meal, and every moment. She’s the kind of athlete whose story unfolds not in loud declarations, but in steady discipline, deep faith, and a quiet determination that’s carried her through both triumph and trials.

After reflecting on the journey that brought her to running more than 15 years ago, Ofelia says that she initially started a way to lessen the mental discomfort of turning 30. “I needed new goals,” she says. “Running is a never-ending challenge. There’s always a new way to push yourself. And now, age is just a number—I appreciate the ability to move every year.”

A financial senior analyst by profession and a group fitness instructor by passion, Ofelia leads classes in formats like Body Pump, RPM, and Body Combat. While her workdays are full and her evenings often involve teaching or training, she still makes time for her personal running goals—including a monumental one: completing a half marathon in all 50 states. The idea came from her mother, and now Ofelia wears a special James Avery charm bracelet that marks her progress with a charm for each state. Family, friends—and even the staff at James Avery—have cheered her on with gifts of new charms as she continues checking off the map.

She trains alone most days, running in her safe and supportive neighborhood. Though she doesn’t run in large training groups, she finds connection in the sport through the Beef Team and the countless runners she meets along the way. “I may not go to retreats or big gatherings, but I’ve made meaningful friendships through this team,” this self-described introvert says. “I like being part of something bigger than myself—on my own terms.”

Ofelia’s support system includes her partner, Guy Willeford, a former Beef Team runner himself. While he doesn’t run anymore, he remains her biggest cheerleader, helping with her daily training and traveling alongside her to races.

For Ofelia, running is deeply personal, and that’s never been more true than during times of hardship. In November 2020, she was diagnosed with pulmonary embolisms and blood clots in her leg and lungs. It was her gynecologist—invested in Ofelia’s life and running—who asked the right questions and ordered the blood work that likely saved her life. As a result of the damage, she lost 25% of her lung capacity and now wears compression on her “blood clot leg” during every run.

Then in April 2021, as she mourned the second anniversary of her father’s death, Ofelia suffered a stress-induced heart attack, also known as “broken heart syndrome.” These health events could have sidelined anyone—but Ofelia chose to keep going. “I may never run as fast as I used to,” she says, “but I’m still running. The ability to move every day is truly a gift from God, and I don’t take it for granted.”

Her faith is a central part of her life. As a lector at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church, she speaks from the pulpit and continues a personal tradition of wearing a chapel veil to Mass—a practice she is reviving out of reverence. On training runs, she begins every warm-up by praying the Rosary.

Though introverted by nature, Ofelia doesn’t shy away from making an impact in her community. She recently stepped in as the race director for the Be-Liver 5K, organized in support of a two-year-old neighbor who received a liver transplant. It’s just one way she gives back. “I try to contribute where I can. That’s what makes this all worthwhile.”

Ofelia’s favorite race memories often involve the Beef Team—like meeting Norma and Ed Mendez at her very first team race in 2016. “They just came up to us and introduced themselves. That’s when I realized I’d always be surrounded by friends at Texas races.” She also lights up when describing Beef Team cheering sections at large events in Austin or Houston. “Even if you’re having a terrible run, they lift you up. You feel like the best runner out there.”

Of course, beef is also part of her story—on and off the course. She regularly includes beef in her training diet, especially after long runs. Her favorite cuts are simple and satisfying: medium-rare Ribeye or bone-in Beef Ribs, seasoned with just salt, pepper, and garlic powder. “I like to taste the beef—not all the extras,” she says.

“I’ve learned that I need protein to keep going,” she says. “Beef helps sustain me, especially when I’m running 60+ miles a week. And you don’t need a huge portion to get the nutrients you need.”

Whether she’s racing in a new city, teaching a high-energy group fitness class, or running solo at dawn in her neighborhood, Ofelia is always pursuing a new challenge. Her advice to new runners is simple and honest: “Just start. You don’t have to be fast or good. You just have to start—and don’t quit when it gets hard.”

That same mindset fuels her future goals, including finishing her second master’s degree in adult higher education so she can help first-generation students achieve their dreams. It’s one more way she’s giving back. 

Ofelia Elizondo may not always be at the center of the crowd—but in every community she touches, in every state she runs, and with every story she shares—her passions lead the way.

More about Ofelia:

Meaningful Quotes: “It’s not about how hard you hit.  It’s about how hard you can get hit and keep moving forward; how much you can take and keep moving forward.”  Rocky Balboa, 2006

Also, this quote I started my dad’s eulogy with: “My dad had the heart of a fighter, and I strive to have that same heart and passion in everything I do regardless of the obstacles in front of me.” 

Dream Celebrity Running Partner: I’d love to run with Sylvester Stallone (as the character Rocky Balboa) up the stairs of the Philadelphia Museum of Modern Art.  Rocky’s underdog story is dear to my heart because of my dad’s underdog story and his strength to overcome life’s obstacles. 

Pre Race/Run Food: I eat a banana before my morning runs.  I also use an electrolyte mix as my fueling method while drinking water. I’ve learned that as I age, my stomach needs simple foods to digest so I can push through my training runs and races.  

 Currently in Training: Atlantic City Marathon in October 2025