Team Member Spotlight

For Alma Christensen, running has never just been about finish lines. It’s about family, resilience, and finding joy in every mile. Even if that means stopping for snack breaks along the way!

A seven-year member of the Texas Beef Team, Alma has been running for an incredible 28 years, but these days her biggest motivation isn’t chasing personal records—it’s raising two little runners who are watching every step she takes.

“My current motivation can be credited to my babies,” Alma says. “I would like to teach them that running is fun and that through exercise you can maintain a healthy lifestyle.”

As a stay-at-home mom in Austin, Alma spends her days caring for her daughter, Audelia (4), and son, Alvin (1), alongside her husband, Tyler. Whether they’re exploring new trails, swimming, biking, or lining up at local races, the Christensen family has turned an active lifestyle into a family tradition.

That tradition is especially evident at Pandora’s Box of Rox, one of Alma’s favorite Beef Team-sponsored races.

“I’ve been running this race with my husband before we got married, and now we continue to run it with our babies,” she shares. “It’s family friendly, and Chris with Tejas Trails has always been welcoming to everyone regardless of pace.”

While motherhood has changed her approach to racing, it hasn’t diminished her love of the sport. She’s pretty sure that’s a perspective that most parents into running or fitness can appreciate.

“Before babies my favorite distance was the half marathon because it was long enough to enjoy,” she says. “Now, I’d have to say anything on trail because of the scenery. Or, a 5K because that’s about as far as the kiddos are happy before wanting to get out of the stroller and before the snacks run out.”

Alma’s running journey began almost three decades ago when a cross-country coach visited her school looking for students willing to join a new team.

“I decided to join,” she says simply.  But, it was an important decision that would shape much of her life.

Since then, she’s logged an impressive list of races, including 15 half marathons, 21 10Ks, 53 5Ks, trail races, and countless other events. Along the way, she’s earned personal records in both the half marathon and 15K, but these days success looks a little different.

“If I get myself out for a run or complete a race, that is a win in my books—a reward in itself.”

Life hasn’t always been easy. Nearly a year after losing her father, Alma continues navigating grief while raising young children.

“Each month and day has its own challenge,” she says. “But my babies motivate me to get out the door to run.”

Those experiences have strengthened the mindset she carries into every workout and she focuses on “One step at a time and one run at a time.”

She’s also inspired by late professional runner Gabriele Grunewald, whose courage during her battle with cancer left a lasting impression.

“She fought during her cancer battle and still ran and trained. She loved life and running, and that has helped me fight through my own struggles.”

Alma’s favorite running advice is equally simple: “Don’t fear a hill, just enjoy the climb.”

As a Beef Team member, Alma enjoys more than just the races. One of her favorite memories happened when fellow teammates cheered her on during the Run for the Water 10-miler in Austin, while another came unexpectedly at a restaurant when someone recognized her Beef Team shirt and asked about it.

“It has been great to be part of a team, THIS team” she says. “I have met so many members that have become my friends.”

When it comes to fueling her active lifestyle, Alma keeps things simple. Sirloin and Flank Steak are regular favorites, and her favorite meal is homemade birria tacos. Some of her fondest childhood memories revolve around meals with beef, beans, and homemade tortillas her mother prepared for their family of 10!

Through Beef Team, she’s also learned nutrition tips and gained confidence in the kitchen and is thrilled to report she can now cook a steak on her own.

Looking ahead, Alma jokes that she’s always training, but maybe not for the race most people expect.

“I think I am always training for the race of being the best mom I could be. There is no official race for the mom race, but that is the race I am currently training for. My babies always come first.”

For Alma, that’s the finish line that matters most. Every stroller run, every trail adventure, every hill climbed together is another step toward raising healthy, happy kids who learn that movement and staying active can be one of life’s greatest joys.