Team Member Spotlight

If you’ve spent any time around the Texas Beef Team, chances are you’ve crossed paths with JonAnn White — the Austin-based runner whose enthusiasm for adventure, spreadsheets, and steak is just as strong as her passion for the miles.

JonAnn has been a member of the Texas Beef Team for 12 years, bringing energy, humor, and a sense of camaraderie that perfectly embodies the team spirit. When she’s not running, she works as a project manager — a role that may explain why she approaches her running journey with both enthusiasm and meticulous organization.

In fact, JonAnn keeps track of every race she’s ever completed. “People ask if I keep track of how many races I’ve run—marathons, half marathons, all of it,” she says. “Well, I’m a project manager…so yes. Every single one.”

Her statistics and notes from each race reside in a detailed Google Sheet. “Some races feel tough in the moment,” she jokes, “but once they make it into the spreadsheet, they look pretty good. Sometimes they even look better in the sheets than they did on the streets.”

From Cap10K to a Worldwide Running

While JonAnn had participated in a few races over the years, her running journey truly took off in 2012 when she ran Austin’s Cap10K. What started as a simple way to stay active quickly turned into a passion — and maybe, as she admits, “a little obsession.”

“Running started as my way to balance a desk job and keep moving,” she explains. “What I didn’t expect was how much I’d love the journey — the miles, the friendships, the race adventures, and all the incredible people you meet along the way.”

Her motivation often comes from the experiences tied to each race. “My motivation comes from my bucket list — and maybe a little bit of FOMO,” she laughs. “Once I set a goal, I’m determined to accomplish it. I never want to miss out on the adventure each race brings.”

Since starting, JonAnn has turned racing into a global adventure. She’s currently working toward a goal of running in all 50 states, and along the way has built a bucket list of races that has taken her to amazing destinations around the world.  

“My favorite race has been the Athens Marathon,” she says. “How can you beat running in the footsteps of Pheidippides along the historic route from Marathon to Athens?” Known as “The Authentic,” the race includes a challenging uphill climb before finishing inside the iconic marble Panathenaic Stadium — a moment JonAnn describes as unforgettable.

Finish Lines Over Finish Times

When the miles get tough during a race, onAnn focuses on the adventure and accomplishment of each finish line. She’ll also think about her favorite race mantra.

“I’ll say ‘Go little leggies, go!’” she elaborates. “It came from my favorite runner, Lisa Mazur, while she was chasing her Boston qualifying goal. That little phrase stuck with me, and now it’s the one I use when the miles get tough and I just need my legs to keep moving.”

While some runners chase personal records, JonAnn has a different philosophy. “I’m more of a ‘finish line over finish time’ runner,” she says.

But she does have one accomplishment she’s especially proud of. In 2015, JonAnn completed the runDisney Dopey Challenge — a four-day race series that includes a 5K, 10K, half marathon, and full marathon. “That was 48.6 magical miles in four days,” she says. “THAT was my Boston.”

And, when JonAnn crosses a finish line she has a well-established celebration routine: logging the race into her spreadsheet, enjoying a great meal, raising a celebratory cocktail, and signing up for the next adventure.

A Life Lived Well Done

Outside of running, JonAnn’s philosophy is simple: live life fully and say yes to adventure. “Take the trip, have the dessert, break the rules!” she says.

That adventurous personality might not surprise people who know her well — but she still has a few surprising stories up her sleeve. Among them: she once trained as an Olympic-level gymnast, holds a black belt in Kenpo karate, and had an early job as a Can-Can dancer. Clearly, JonAnn has never been afraid to try something new.

Beef, Family, and the Grill

When it comes to food, JonAnn proudly describes herself as part of a beef-loving family. Two of her favorite cuts are Filet Mignon and the Team’s holiday roast, Chateauloin — both perfect centerpieces for family gatherings.

Some of her favorite memories revolve around cooking steaks together. “Years ago, we used to go to U R Cooks, a hands-on restaurant where I got my first experience cooking my own steak,” she recalls. “There’s something special about everyone gathered around the grill — great food and even better family time.”

Beef also plays an important role in her training nutrition. JonAnn keeps her fueling strategy simple and memorable:

“My running nutrition strategy is easy to remember,” she says.
“Pre-race: steak first, miles later.
Recovery: miles first… steak later.
Simple, effective, and delicious.”

Over the years, JonAnn has learned plenty about beef — including a surprising insight about cattle that resonates with her experience on the team.

“Cows actually form strong bonds and feel less stress when they’re with their best friends,” she says. “That’s a lot like being on the Beef Team. When we support each other and work together, everything runs smoother.”