Sometimes the tunnel feels longer than expected. Darker than you thought it would be. You question how much further you must go, or if you’re even heading in the right direction. Progress feels slow. Doubt starts to creep in. The exit isn’t always visible. In those moments, what you’re really searching for isn’t just the end.

You’re searching for LIGHT, that something to guide you, to reassure you, to help you keep moving forward when things feel uncertain. Most people think of that LIGHT as a destination, that relief from hardship, the achievement of a goal, or the end of a difficult chapter. But there’s another way to look at it.

That LIGHT can also be a person. It can be someone who shows up when things are hard. Someone who leads by example, someone who offers guidance, support, or simply their time when it matters most. That’s what BE THE LIGHT means. It’s choosing to become that source of direction, hope, and strength for others through how you live, how you act, and how you show up in your daily life.

We’re All in a Tunnel

Every person is working through something. For some, it can be physical, recovering from injury, building strength, or trying to take control of their health. For others, it can be mental or emotional; self-doubt, lack of direction, or the challenge of starting something new.

In fitness, I see this every day. Someone standing at the beginning of their journey can feel overwhelmed. They don’t know where to start. They question if they’re capable. They wonder if the effort will even be worth it. Others are further along but stuck in a different kind of tunnel, plateaus, burnout, or the pressure of chasing bigger goals. There are different tunnels, but the same feeling. And what they’re searching for, whether they realize it or not, is LIGHT.

LIGHT Is More Than Motivation

Being the LIGHT isn’t about being loud, flashy, or perfect. It’s about being consistent. It’s about showing up with intention. It’s about doing the work when it’s not convenient. It’s about carrying yourself in a way that others can look at and say,
“If they can do it, maybe I can too.”

Sometimes the most powerful form of leadership is quiet.

It’s the early morning run.

It’s the disciplined routine.

It’s the commitment to your health when life gets busy.

People notice that. And whether you realize it or not, it gives them permission to begin. This is where the Adventure Your Potential pillars come into play because being the LIGHT isn’t random. It’s built over time.

Attitude is where it starts. It’s your belief in yourself and your goals, even before you have the results to prove it. People can feel that. Belief is contagious.

Consistency is what people see. It’s the repeated action, day after day, that builds trust. Not just with others, but with yourself. Over time, consistency removes doubt and replaces it with confidence.

Effort is the standard you hold. It’s not about going all-out every day. It’s about showing up with intention and doing the work honestly. That authenticity is what others connect with.

And Patience is what keeps it all together. Without patience, people burn out. They quit too early. But when you stay patient, you allow the process to work. And that’s when real transformation happens.

When you live these four pillars, you don’t have to try to inspire people. You just do.

The Value of Time

One of the most meaningful ways to be the LIGHT for someone else is through your time. Time is the most valuable commodity we have. We don’t know how much of it we get, which makes it incredibly powerful when we choose to give it to others.

It could be as simple as running alongside someone who doesn’t want to go alone. That’s not just training, that’s service. And service is one of the purest forms of being the LIGHT.

My Path to Becoming the LIGHT

I didn’t figure this out on my own. As a professional endurance athlete with over two decades of strength training experience, I’ve had people take me under their wing. Coaches, mentors, and training partners who gave their time and shared their knowledge helped shape the athlete and coach I’ve become.

Over the years, I noticed something missing in the fitness space. There were people who understood strength. There were people who understood endurance.
But very few truly understood how to combine both in a way that was efficient, sustainable, and high performing.

It took years of trial, error, and refinement to build what is now my Strength Endurance Training Regimen. It’s a system designed to develop both power and endurance without sacrificing one for the other. Now, as I teach, coach, and train other athletes, I can pass this knowledge on to them. That is one way I choose to be the LIGHT for others.

Coaching as a Transfer of LIGHT

As a coach and personal trainer, my role isn’t just to give workouts or structure a plan. It’s to guide. It’s to help someone move from uncertainty to confidence. From inconsistency to discipline. From doubt to belief. Over time, something powerful happens.

They don’t just achieve their goals; they start to understand the process. They build the habits. They develop the mindset. And eventually, they don’t need me in the same way. And that’s the goal. Because when someone reaches that point, they’re no longer just following the LIGHT, they’ve become it. They influence their family, friends, and community. And that’s how the LIGHT spreads.

Leading by Example, Especially as You Age

Another way to be the LIGHT is through longevity. Staying fit as you get older isn’t easy. It takes discipline, structure, and a willingness to prioritize your health even when life gets busy. But it matters. When you take care of your body, you’re not just improving your own life; you’re increasing your ability to show up for others. You’re more capable, more mobile, more energized.

You’re able to serve your family, your community, and the people who rely on you at a higher level. If your health declines, your ability to be there for others declines with it. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s being responsible. It allows you to be the LIGHT for longer.

Everyday Ways to Be the LIGHT in Fitness

You don’t need to be a professional athlete or coach to have an impact.

YOU can be the LIGHT by:

• Inviting someone to join you for a workout
• Encouraging someone who’s just getting started
• Staying consistent and leading by example
• Sharing what you’ve learned without ego
• Showing patience with someone who’s struggling

Small actions add up. And often, those small actions are exactly what someone else needs to keep going.

At the end of the day, this isn’t just about fitness. It’s about how you live. It’s about recognizing that your actions, whether big or small, affect the people around you. You might be further along in your journey than someone else. You might have knowledge, experience, or discipline that they don’t yet have. That puts you in a position of responsibility. So be the example. Be the support. Be the person who helps others move forward. Be the LIGHT in someone else’s tunnel.

If you’re ready to take control of your fitness, build real strength and endurance, and develop a system that works for your life, I work with individuals of all levels, from beginners to elite athletes. As a professional endurance athlete, elite coach, and personal trainer, my focus is on helping you become stronger, more durable, and more capable so you can not only reach your goals but become a LIGHT for others along the way. Reach out and let’s get to work.

Learn more at:
adventureyourpotential.com

The days get longer. Snow recedes. Trails and roads reappear. The idea of running—starting fresh, building momentum, getting fit again—suddenly feels possible.

And for many people, that’s exactly where things begin…and end.

They don’t fail because they lack motivation.

They don’t fail because they lack toughness.

They don’t fail because they don’t want it badly enough.

They fail because they misunderstand what actually creates progress.

At Adventure Your Potential, consistency is the second core attribute for a reason. It doesn’t look impressive on the surface, but it is the single most reliable driver of physical adaptation, mental confidence, and long-term success.

Consistency is King.

Not perfection. Not intensity. Not the occasional heroic workout. Progress comes from repeated, manageable effort over time—long enough for the body and mind to adapt.

The Body Adapts to What It Repeatedly Experiences.

When people begin running, they often assume their lungs or muscles will be the limiting factor. Sometimes that’s true. More often, the limiting factor is the connective tissue: tendons, ligaments, bones, and joints.

Muscles adapt quickly. Connective tissue does not.

These structures need consistent exposure to load in order to strengthen. When stress is applied regularly and within manageable limits, the body adapts quietly and effectively. When stress is random—too hard one day, nonexistent the next—adaptation stalls, and injury risk increases.

Consistency teaches the body what “normal” feels like.

Short, easy runs done frequently allow the body to learn how to tolerate impact, fatigue, and recovery. One great run followed by long gaps of rest teaches the body nothing.

This is why consistency matters more than pace, speed, or distance when starting out. Your goal isn’t to prove anything—it’s to teach your body what it’s being asked to do.

Start Short. Start Easy. Start Often.

One of the most common mistakes new runners make is believing every run needs to feel meaningful—long, fast, or exhausting.

It doesn’t.

Early progress is built on short, easy runs done frequently. Short runs minimize recovery cost. Easy efforts reduce injury risk. Frequent exposure builds routine and resilience. Together, they create momentum without overwhelming the body or the schedule.

A runner who jogs for 15–25 minutes most days of the week will build more durable fitness than someone who runs hard once or twice per week and spends the rest of the time recovering—or restarting.

This approach isn’t cautious. It’s intentional.

Consistency turns running from an event into a habit. And habits, not motivation, are what carry people forward.

Volume Is More Than Mileage.

Another common pitfall is focusing exclusively on mileage. Distance has value, but it doesn’t tell the whole story—especially in mountain environments.

Training volume is total stress, not just miles.

Trail terrain, uneven footing, elevation gain and loss, weather, and altitude all increase the cost of a run. Add strength training into the mix, and overall fatigue rises quickly.

Strength training is beneficial, but it is also about volume.

Heavy lifting places stress on the same tissues used in running. When planned intelligently, it supports durability and performance. When ignored as part of the total workload, it quietly contributes to overload.

This is why many runners benefit from thinking in terms of time rather than distance, particularly on trails. Time accounts for terrain, effort, and environment. It provides a clearer picture of how much work the body is actually doing.

Consistency isn’t just about how often you run—it’s about managing total load so you can keep showing up.

Gear Matters—But It Shouldn’t Stop You From Starting.

Gear plays an important role in running, but it should never be a prerequisite for beginning.

Too many people delay action while waiting for the “right” setup. The result is hesitation instead of adaptation.

Start with what you have. Let consistency reveal what you need.

As training becomes routine, friction points emerge naturally—discomfort, blisters, overheating, or lack of data. Those signals guide smart gear improvements.

Shoes deserve priority. Proper footwear—matched to foot width, arch structure, and preferred drop—can significantly affect comfort, mechanics, and injury risk. Shoes influence how force moves through the body, and dialing them in matters.

Beyond shoes, socks help reduce blister risk. Apparel should regulate temperature and breathe well. A watch can help track time, distance, and effort. Heart rate monitoring can offer insight into training load and recovery.

But none of these tools replace the most important factor: getting out the door consistently.

Gear supports training. It does not create it.

Nutrition Supports the Process—It Doesn’t Start It.

Nutrition is critical to performance, recovery, and overall health—but like gear, it shouldn’t feel overwhelming or prevent someone from starting.

Training reveals nutritional needs.

As consistency improves, the body provides feedback: changes in hunger, energy levels, recovery, and
performance. That’s when nutrition strategy becomes meaningful.

Most runners benefit from thinking about fueling in three phases: pre-training, during training, and post-training.

Pre-run nutrition varies widely. Some people perform well fasted. Others feel better with a light carbohydrate-based snack. There is no universal solution—only what works for the individual.

During longer efforts, easily digestible carbohydrates and electrolytes help sustain energy and hydration.

After training, moderate whole carbohydrates paired with protein support muscle repair and replenish glycogen stores.

These strategies matter—but they matter most once consistency is established. Without regular training, nutrition remains theoretical.

Consistency Builds Confidence.

Within the Adventure Your Potential framework, consistency reinforces attitude.

Each time you complete a planned run, you reinforce self-trust. Over time, doubt fades and confidence grows.

Small, manageable increases in volume reduce overwhelm and reinforce momentum. Large, rushed increases create pressure and risk breakdown.

Consistency removes fragility.

Play the Long Game.

Spring isn’t the season to rush. It’s the season to build.

Running rewards patience. It rewards those who respect adaptation timelines and understand that progress is built quietly, one consistent effort at a time.

If there’s one takeaway, let it be this:

Start small. Keep it manageable. Show up often. Let your body adapt. Let confidence grow. Gear and nutrition will evolve as your training demands it.

Adventure doesn’t come from doing everything at once.

It comes from committing to the process long enough to discover what you’re capable of.

A Final Word.

If you’re unsure how to structure your training or manage workload, guidance matters. As a professional athlete, elite coach, and private personal trainer, I help individuals train smarter, stay durable, and progress with purpose.

If you’re ready to invest in a consistent, long-term approach to fitness, I encourage you to reach out and start the conversation.

@adventure.your.potential 

adventureyourpotential.com

Fortunately, compassionate, trusted support is available right here in our valley—helping families embrace a new season with confidence, energy, and peace of mind.

A Helping Hand at Home

Right at Home in Home Care and Assistance, provides thoughtful, professional in-home care services designed to help seniors remain where they feel most comfortable and independent: at home. Their services support both older adults and the families who care for them, including:

• Companion care: Friendly conversation, light housekeeping, grocery shopping, errands, and transportation—help that keeps daily life engaging and manageable.
• Personal care: Assistance with bathing, dressing, mobility, and everyday routines that may feel more challenging with age.
• Specialty care: For individuals living with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, or other conditions, caregivers are trained to provide memory care with dignity and understanding.
• Flexible scheduling and respite support: Whether families need a few hours a week or more consistent care, services adapt to changing needs—giving primary caregivers space to recharge.

Why Spring Is the Right Time

Spring naturally encourages movement, activity, and change—but it can also reveal areas where extra support would make life easier. Tasks like spring cleaning, organizing the home, gardening, or simply getting out more often can feel overwhelming for older adults whose strength, balance, or stamina isn’t what it once was.

Rather than waiting for a crisis or a fall, spring is an ideal moment to take charge early. Adding support now helps seniors stay safe, active, and engaged as routines expand again. It also provides families reassurance that someone is paying attention—watching for subtle changes, ensuring medications stay on schedule, and helping prevent small challenges from becoming big ones.

How This Might Look

Picture this: Your dad in his Midway home is eager to enjoy the warmer days, but bending, lifting, or walking longer distances has become more difficult. You may live nearby—or perhaps hours away—but you want him to enjoy his independence safely.

A caregiver begins visiting twice a week. They chat over a warm drink while helping sort mail and tidy winter clutter. They assist with light spring cleaning, accompany him on short walks as the snow melts, and help organize medications and appointments. They might even lend a hand getting the porch ready for spring evenings or driving him to lunch in town with friends, or over to the Kohler Creamery for a scoop of ice cream and some fresh air.

After each visit, you receive a quick update. You notice a shift—not just in the home, but in your parent’s mood. He feels supported, not dependent. You feel relieved, informed, and confident. Spring suddenly feels lighter for everyone.

How to Get Started

1. Make the first call: Right at Home, 801-373-1373
2. Schedule a free in-home assessment: A care coordinator meets with the senior (and family, if desired) to assess needs and build a personalized plan.
3. Match with a caregiver: Caregivers are thoughtfully matched based on personality, interests, care needs, and scheduling preferences.
4. Review and adjust: As routines change with the season, care plans can flex—adding or reducing support
   as needed.
5. Stay connected: Families can request updates and observations, helping everyone stay aligned
   and proactive.

A Season of Renewal and Peace of Mind

Spring is about possibility. It’s about choosing growth, clarity, and intention. For seniors in the Heber Valley, that can mean continuing to live safely in the homes they love—supported, respected, and engaged. For families, it means moving forward with confidence instead of worry.

Taking this step isn’t about giving up independence—it’s about strengthening it.

A Gentle Reminder

• Be proactive. Don’t wait for a setback—spring is a powerful time to plan ahead.
• Frame support positively. This is about staying active, safe, and independent—not replacing family.
• Encourage participation. Even with help, involvement matters—sorting, organizing, choosing meals, or tending a small garden.
• Honor your own needs. Respite isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. Caring for yourself allows you to care better for others.

This spring, may your family step into the season feeling lighter, supported, and empowered. With compassionate care from Right at Home, fresh beginnings are possible—bringing peace of mind, renewed energy, and a sense of control for both seniors and those who love them.

As a professional endurance athlete (ultra runner), a coach, and an elite personal trainer based here in the valley, I’ve seen it in my own life and in the lives of my clients: when we consistently train our physical bodies, something shifts in how we handle stress, setbacks, emotions, and life’s inevitable challenges. I live by four core attributes that I believe anchor this whole process: attitude, consistency, effort, and patience. In this article, I’ll share how each of these plays out not just in physical training, but in mental and emotional resilience.

Attitude: The Starting Point

Physical training begins long before you lace up the shoes or strap on the watch. It begins with belief: belief you can set a goal, belief you can chase it, belief you’re worthy of the process. I encourage my clients to adopt a positive and proactive attitude. This isn’t naïve optimism, it’s realistic confidence. In ultra running, there are long hours, dark moments, hills you didn’t expect, and weather you didn’t anticipate. The same is true in life: emotional storms, work stress, family demands, and mental fatigue. A positive attitude doesn’t mean ignoring reality; it means believing you can engage with reality, you can train through it, and you can adapt.

When you train your body with the mindset: “I may be tired, but I can move. I may feel doubt, but I can step forward.” You build neurological and emotional patterns of resilience. You’re not just building muscles and cardiovascular fitness; you’re building confidence in yourself and in your capacity to handle more. That translates to mental and emotional health: you start believing that you can handle not just the training session, but life’s difficult bouts.

Consistency: The Power of Routine

“Consistency is king,” I say this to every athlete I coach and every client I train. Why? Because our bodies—and our minds—evolve toward their primary environment. If you show up day after day, week after week, the body adapts. It becomes stronger, more efficient, more resilient. But, and this is key, so does your mind. You are telling your brain, your nervous system: this is what we do. We move. We recover. We prepare. We adapt.

From an emotional health standpoint, consistency gives structure and predictability in a world of change. It gives your mental state a foundation: “I show up.” When emotions run high, when stress mounts, when life throws something unexpected—that consistent routine becomes an anchor. In my own ultra running career, the days of consistency are the ones where, mentally, I felt the strongest. When I skipped too many sessions or was erratic, the mind started to roam: doubt, worry, fear. However, the body still craved structure, and the mind craved that same pattern.

Effort: Turning Consistency into Growth

Consistency is the baseline—but effort is the catalyst. If you merely show up but do nothing, you may preserve fitness, you may maintain the status quo, but you won’t transform. In the world of endurance athletics, as in life, you must push beyond your comfort zone. You must structure training to challenge your current strengths. You must invite discomfort so adaptation can occur.

In doing so, you build not only physical strength, but emotional and mental grit. You learn to lean into discomfort. You learn to trust your process. You encounter adversity in training: flat runs, long climbs, fatigue, injury risk, and you learn that your mind and emotions don’t have to collapse. You show up, you steer your body, you move forward. That carries into daily life: you’ll face setbacks, stressors, long work days, and family strains. If your training has already primed you to tolerate fatigue, to embrace effort, to lean when it gets tough—you are more emotionally stable, more mentally prepared, more grounded.

Patience: The Often‐Overlooked Attribute

Here’s where many people stall—not for lack of desire, not for lack of show up, but for impatience. In our instant everything world, we want fast results. We want the body change, the mental calm, the emotional resilience—yesterday. But training, physical, mental, and emotional, is a long game. And patience is the linchpin.

As a coach, I often say, “Patience is the asset; impatience is the liability.” Because when you get impatient, you cut corners, skip parts of the process, overdo, under recover, compare yourself unfairly, and abandon training. Physically, you may wreck yourself or burn out. Mentally and emotionally, you may spiral into feelings of frustration, guilt, shame, and comparison. Meanwhile, the consistent effort you had built begins to erode. The emotional benefits you might have harvested begin to fade.

A Call to ACTION

If you’re reading this, I invite you to see your physical training not just as body work but as mind and emotional work. You don’t have to be an ultra‐runner or an elite athlete to benefit. It might be three consistent workouts a week, it might be strength work plus trail time, or it might simply be moving outside despite the cold. What matters is attitude, consistency, effort, and patience.

If you find your mind racing, emotions tangled, stress mounting—try shifting the lens: what if the fastest route through this emotional terrain is physical motion? What if your bike ride, your run, your snow shoe walk is a training session for your emotional resilience? It is. Because when you train your body, your brain, your nervous system, and your emotional self, everything works together and moves along. You build strength for life, not just for sport.

This winter, let the valley’s white stillness be your invitation—not just to train your legs, but to train your mind and heart. Let your physical routine become your emotional anchor. Build your strength—not just in the muscles you can see, but in the quiet confidence, the mental clarity, and the emotional steadiness that comes from commitment.

Here’s to the process. Here’s to the journey. Here’s to training body, mind, and heart together. And if you want the help of a professional fitness trainer and coach, don’t hesitate to reach out for help. I would be honored to support you through the process of reaching your life’s fitness goals.

More info:

@adventure.your.potential 

adventureyourpotential.com

As a fitness coach who specializes in transforming “everyday” people into athletes who complete extraordinary goals and challenges, I can without a doubt say that a positive attitude is that extra gear that drives them to the finish line—and beyond. This is why ATTITUDE is the first of the four important attributes I teach my clients.

As a coach, I don’t just talk the talk; I walk the walk—in 200-plus-mile distances.

IT WASN’T ALWAYS THIS WAY.

Like many of you, I had to start somewhere, and my attitude wasn’t always positive.

I remember the first time I ran six miles, it felt like the worst experience of my life. I was tired, everything hurt, and I was wondering why anyone would do this. Interestingly enough, that very same day, I was wondering if I could go farther than six miles. I began to forget the pain and started focusing on how good it felt to accomplish my goal.

If you had told me then that I would be running 300 miles across some of the wildest terrain found on earth, I would have thought you were crazy. But it just slowly snowballed into a little bit farther and a little bit farther. That shift in focus from the negative to the positive lit something inside me. I started quite literally chasing the feeling of accomplishment, knowing that with every step forward, I would be one step closer to my next goal.

BUT WHAT IF YOU DON’T KNOW YOU CAN REACH YOUR GOAL?

Each goal starts with an “I wonder if I can” thought or statement. Believe it or not, this statement is your first step toward achieving your goal. And just one step past wonder becomes belief, and belief will carry you farther than you ever thought possible.

I often think of a pitcher closing their eyes and visualizing the catcher’s mitt before they throw the ball. Likewise, if you are a runner, can you see yourself crossing the finish line? Can you see yourself on the podium? Can you picture yourself receiving that medal or achieving the goal you’re trying to obtain? That visualization exercise is an exercise in belief. It’s a way to get yourself excited for the goal ahead, and that excitement can shift your attitude in a positive direction.

BUT HOW DO YOU MAINTAIN A POSITIVE ATTITUDE?

I often get asked how I maintain a positive attitude during my 200-300 mile distance races, even when times get hard—because times do get hard. I will often joke that I’m out there solving all the world’s problems, but the reality is, I am working hard on the good old power of distraction.

I remember one time during a race, I was really struggling. It was at night, and I often listen to music at night to lift my spirits. This particular time, music just wasn’t cutting it, so I was shuffling through some things I had downloaded, and I came across some stand-up comedy. I started listening and immediately, my mind was engaged. I started laughing at all the jokes, and instantly, my breathing slowed down. I ran more relaxed; my energy increased, all because of the shift in my attitude of being joyful and happy. I was having fun, and I realized that this actually produced physical energy within my body.

On the flip side, if you start to think negative thoughts, you actually feel stressed and drained and weak and tired. The body responds to what the mind is actively working through.

When I start to get down on myself and those negative thoughts turn into a negative attitude, it changes the way I hold my body. And instead of moving forward, I start to stand still and mentally move backward. I begin thinking about all the reasons I shouldn’t be here or why I’m not good enough. My pains, which were only bothering me a little, now hurt more. The miles that I was counting down seem to be getting longer. 10 miles left in the race might as well be 100 when I get into this mindset.

There will be times when you’re going to hit the struggle bus and things aren’t going to go your way. Approaching those challenges with a joyful outlook on life or a positive attitude will be a key factor in getting back on the road and running smoothly.

BUT WHAT IF I FAIL?

Failure happens even with the most positive of attitudes. I have had my share of failures, including several races where I’ve had to make the difficult decision to tap out and accept the dreaded DNF
(did not finish).

I have had to sit with my disappointments and in a pile of negative energy because it’s all part of the process. But, the thing about negative energy is that it can work effectively with positive energy as it’s channeled into a drive that is even more power-charged than before. Just think about a battery that needs both negative and positive charges to power a machine. Jumper cables are both positive and negative, and with both, the seemingly lifeless car starts again.

Don’t be afraid of failing. Don’t be afraid of feeling those negative feelings, but make sure to pair them with the positive ones so that you can have all the energy you need to reach your destination.

If you have a destination in mind and you would like me to help you get there, contact me on Instagram
@adventure.your.potential or visit my website adventureyourpotential.com

Rather than accept the confusion, she became determined to understand how nutrition actually works. This pursuit led her back to school and into the field of dietetics, where she combined academic training with lived experience to build a science-backed, compassionate approach to food and wellness. What began as a desire to feel like herself again became a professional calling to help others do the same.

Today, Fuller serves as a functional dietitian at Wasatch Wellness, where she specializes in gut health, intuitive eating, weight management, and nutrigenomics—the study of how genetic variations influence nutrient processing and health outcomes. She focuses on helping people reconnect with their bodies through personalized care, practical strategies, and an approach that favors nourishment over restriction.

Her academic journey started at Arizona State University, where she completed a degree in Dietetics and a minor in Business Marketing. Since then, she has continued to expand her knowledge through ongoing education, particularly in the areas of gut health and genetically based nutrition. Before joining the Wasatch Wellness team, Fuller ran a private practice called I Choose Healthy, where she held lectures, hosted workshops, and collaborated with schools and communities to deliver nutrition education that was both approachable and actionable.

Throughout her work, Fuller maintains a clear philosophy: nutrition should be empowering, not overwhelming. She emphasizes whole, nutrient-dense foods while creating space for real-life preferences, emotional connections to food, and cultural eating patterns. Her approach encourages flexibility and sustainability, steering clients away from rigid food rules and toward more intuitive habits. Rather than promoting elimination diets or glorifying discipline, she helps clients find a rhythm that honors their bodies, goals, and lifestyles.

A key part of her practice involves guiding people through the noise of health trends. While she acknowledges that some trends—like the rising awareness surrounding gut health—are rooted in important science, she is cautious about others. In her experience, methods like intermittent fasting can sometimes lead to under-eating, hormonal imbalance, and strained relationships with food, particularly for women. She encourages consistent, balanced eating as a more effective way to support metabolism, mood, and energy throughout the day. For her, food is not about control—it’s about care.

Fuller also recognizes that nutrition is rarely just physical. Many of the individuals she works with could be navigating emotional and psychological relationships with food, often shaped by early conditioning, past trauma, or internalized guilt. Instead of just prescribing meal plans or calorie counts, she prioritizes getting to know the full person, understanding the emotional drivers that influence behavior, and helping clients explore the “why” behind their food choices. This kind of work, she believes, is where real transformation begins.

In many cases, clients come to her after trying everything—following macros, counting calories, restricting carbs—without seeing lasting results. Fuller’s approach looks deeper, often uncovering chronic stress, digestive imbalance, or emotional eating patterns that have been left unaddressed. She frequently collaborates with therapists and trauma-informed providers to ensure that clients receive truly comprehensive care. Healing the body, she believes, must go hand in hand with healing the mind.

At Wasatch Wellness, Fuller is part of an interdisciplinary team that shares this philosophy of integrated care. Nutrition is viewed as one vital piece in a broader system, and every patient receives a care plan designed to reflect their unique needs and goals. Whether someone is working on hormone balance, recovering from chronic illness, or simply trying to feel more energized, Fuller works in partnership with other wellness professionals to ensure a thoughtful, collaborative approach.

Beyond one-on-one client work, she is deeply involved in community outreach. She will switch with the other providers at Wasatch Wellness monthly to share their expertise with free classes for those who want to learn, she partners with local organizations to provide nutrition education, and works with youth programs to promote healthy habits early in life. One of her current projects includes collaborating with a local dance studio to teach young performers how to fuel their bodies for strength, stamina, and recovery. Through these efforts, she brings her down-to-earth style and evidence-based insight to a wide audience, making the science of nutrition easier to access and apply.

In her practice, Fuller offers clients simple, sustainable tools to navigate everyday choices. She teaches them how to shop smartly, avoid marketing gimmicks in grocery stores, and approach all foods—yes, even desserts and comfort meals—with neutrality. Instead of labeling foods as good or bad, she helps people learn how to pair them in a way that supports blood sugar stability, digestion, and overall satisfaction. This balanced approach allows for consistency without deprivation and helps dismantle the all-or-nothing thinking that often derails progress.

While much of her work focuses on women’s health, Fuller’s expertise spans all demographics. She has worked with men, teenagers, athletes, and families, tailoring her care to their individual needs regardless of gender, age, or activity level. Her approach adapts to the person in front of her, not a predetermined standard.

For those recovering from disordered eating or struggling to meet basic nutrition needs, Fuller focuses on rebuilding a healthy, peaceful relationship with food. She uses education and structure to remove the fear and confusion out of eating, while offering compassionate guidance along the way. Small, consistent steps—like introducing breakfast again or honoring hunger cues—often create the biggest breakthroughs.

At the heart of her work is a commitment to shifting the narrative around health. Fuller views true wellness not as a destination defined by weight or appearance, but as an evolving process built on curiosity, respect, and trust in the body. She helps her clients move away from punishment and perfection, and toward self-awareness and resilience.

Whether in the office, the classroom, or the community, Kristen Fuller continues to redefine what nutrition means in everyday life. Her work serves as a reminder that lasting change doesn’t come from restriction or control—it comes from reconnecting with what the body needs, making peace with food, and choosing care over chaos, one nourishing step at a time.

In a world where online fitness trends and overhyped but understudied health fads or supplements seem to dominate media, for many, the health and wellness space can feel unnavigable and daunting. The Wasatch Optimal Wellness Clinic or WOW Clinic strives to change this, taking a personalized and proactive approach to its treatment of patients. But what exactly does this clinic offer? And who are the minds behind this well-oiled machine? Learn all about this Heber establishment and how the WOW Clinic helps people achieve their fitness, health, and wellness goals.

For Meredith Salmon (RN-BSN) and Bryant Salmon (PA-C), what began as an idea tossed out in casual conversation over dinner with partner Ben Fogg (MD) became realized in September 2024 when the WOW Clinic opened its doors in Heber Valley.

“We had kind of talked for years like, you know, what if we did something together?” said Meredith when asked about the origins of the WOW Clinic. “But it didn’t really start to become a legitimate possibility in our minds until we had a son who struggled with ADHD secondary to some head injuries, and we took him to the Amen clinic.”

For those unfamiliar, the Amen Clinic is a mental wellness and brain health clinic with multiple locations in the United States founded in 1989 by psychiatrist and author Daniel G. Amen. Meredith found Dr. Amen through his novels published on the treatment of ADHD, and was eager to take her son, Caden, to the clinic.

We’re unlike any other place in the Wasatch… we’re unique, we’re proactive, and we’re trying to flip the script on health care.

After performing brain spec imaging and analyzing the results, the Amen Clinic’s physician recommended something that would build the foundation for the idea of the WOW Clinic.

“It was very evident on Caden’s scans that he had had previous head injuries,” Meredith explained. “And, so, his doctor recommended as a primary part of his treatment plan: hyperbaric oxygen therapy.”

Known broadly for treating ailments like carbon monoxide poisoning, sudden hearing loss, and decompression sickness or “the bends,” hyperbaric oxygen therapy works by increasing the “delivery of oxygen to the body by providing pure oxygen in an enclosed space with higher-than-normal air pressure.”

Outside of treating more serious sickness or injuries, though, hyperbaric oxygen therapy is shown to have positive impacts on the human mind and body. However, upon searching for hyperbaric chambers in the Salt Lake City and Heber Valley areas, the Salmon’s discovered that these tools can be difficult to find or access, and clinics that offered the treatment most of the time had inadequate information.

This sparked an idea in the Salmons that would later change the trajectory of their careers:

“If we are looking for this therapy, there have to be other people looking for this therapy, and if they aren’t looking for it, they should be… This is huge and can help so many people,” said Meredith, recounting the origins of the WOW Clinic.

“We started to think: ‘What if we opened a clinic and we did hyperbaric oxygen therapy? The original idea was just hyperbaric. That’s how it started.”

Though hyperbaric oxygen therapy sparked the idea for the WOW Clinic, the sleek white walls and a calm yet inviting atmosphere of the clinic invites guests to experience a multitude of treatments designed to both optimize performance and help patients feel better.

The offerings of this clinic range from more relaxing treatments to more active or performance-based testing. Enjoy replenishing IV therapy with a tranquil backdrop view of the Wasatch Mountain Range, detoxifying sauna and cold plunge therapy, a full boxy DXA Scan to measure bone density and fat distribution and VO2 Max assessments to measure cardiac health, all from the comfort of one encompassing space.

In addition to singular or one-off treatments, the WOW Clinic offers a membership program using a point system for those looking to consistently use the facility and specialized packages.

The point system in the WOW Clinic memberships is ideal for people who’d like to use the facility and its amenities frequently by offering a discounted price, in points, for services.

Packages at the clinic are designed to help patients achieve their personal wellness goals and include items such as the clinic’s current body re-composition or weight loss program—which is focused on helping clients lose weight and gain muscle through nutrition and exercise lifestyle changes dictated by DXA Scan, VO2 Max assessments, bloodwork, and additional testing— and the upcoming addition “blood sugar boot camp,” which is still in the works but will focus on metabolic dysfunction.

“Metabolic dysfunction is the cause of so much disease, so many things can be traced back to metabolic dysfunction,” said Meredith. “There’s a huge demand out there right now, a lot of people who are like ‘I want to feel better, but I want to know why I don’t feel well.’ They’re sick of these band-aids and so we’re hoping that this can help with that, with really getting to the root of why people don’t feel well.”

However, what makes the WOW Clinic extraordinary isn’t the treatments, equipment, or the packages, but the dedication of the entire team to bringing an engaged and personalized approach to the care of each patient.

“It’s not like your traditional clinic setting, where everyone’s just kind of pushing you through and trying to get you out the door,” said Bryant Salmon when asked about what he would want prospective patients to know about the WOW Clinic. “We take a very personal approach to each person that comes in to assess, you know, what they’ve wanted to do, and try to figure out what goals to set with them and how to reach those goals. You know, we’re not successful unless we have success stories walking out the door.”

“We’re trying to spark hope in people who haven’t felt well… and let them know that they can feel better,” added Meredeth. “We can help them do that.”

More Information: 1716 Hwy 40, Heber  wowclinic.com  |  @w.o.w.clinic

When someone begins their running journey to pursue a health or fitness goal, finding the right shoe is essential. The wrong shoes can cause discomfort, injury, or even long-term damage. Think of it like this: shoes are to your feet what glasses are to your eyes. Everyone has a unique prescription, and your shoes should match your specific biomechanics and training style.

I’ve been there myself—frustrated and stuck in a cycle of trial and error. Back in 2009, when I started running regularly, I tried countless brands in search of the perfect fit. Most of them left me with sore feet, aching knees, and even back pain. Nothing felt right.

Then, in 2011, I heard about a new brand called Altra, founded by a few young entrepreneurs from Utah County. I gave them a shot—and from my first run, I was pain-free. That moment was a turning point in my life. Altra shoes didn’t just ease my pain—they opened the door to a new chapter. With the right shoes, I could train harder and longer. They helped me become a professional endurance athlete, coach, and personal trainer.

Over time, I got to know the founders of Altra—Brian Beckstead, Golden Harper, and Jeremy Howlett. Today, Brian, who was the original beta tester of the brand’s first modified shoes (yes, they used a waffle iron!), lives right here in Heber Valley. He’s also the only one of the three founders still working with Altra, now serving on the board of directors.

“Altra is a local brand,” Brian told me. “We started right here in Utah, and we have a great history and relationship with this state. Our trail shoes—Timp, Lone Peak, Olympus, Superior—are named after iconic Utah mountains that inspired us.”

Now that he lives in Heber, Brian says he’s enjoying a slower pace of life and looking for ways to give back to the community that helped build Altra.

One of those ways is through volunteering at the Wasatch 100, one of Utah’s most iconic ultra-distance races.

“Our number one selling shoe—the Lone Peak—was developed specifically for the Wasatch 100,” Brian said. “For the last six years, I’ve volunteered at the Lambs Canyon aid station, and this year I’m excited to take over the Big Mountain aid station.”

He’s also become an assistant coach for the Wasatch High School cross country team, where his son now runs.

“My goal is to help the kids run healthy and happy.”

“My wife grew up in Kamas, so we always wanted to end up in Heber,” he shared. “We moved here in 2019, and now that I have a bit more time, I love mentoring local youth. We’ve got an amazing group of kids here.”

Despite his deep ties to Altra, Brian is careful not to push the brand on the athletes he coaches.

“My goal is to help the kids run healthy and happy,” he said. “If Altras work for them, awesome. If not, that’s totally fine, too. What matters most is that their shoes support their biomechanics and prevent injury.”

That focus on movement mechanics is at the heart of why Altra was founded—and it’s a principle I share with my own clients.

“The shoe that makes your body perform best is the one you should be wearing,” I tell them.

The right shoes won’t just take you on a run—they can take you on a journey. One that leads to better health, more confidence, and in some cases, a completely new life path. For me and Brian, Altra was that catalyst.

Hopefully, the right shoes will take you places you never dreamed possible.

More Information: altrarunning.com

Originally founded by a local family, Wasatch Wellness began as a general family practice; however, years later the practice was purchased by Camryn Smith. Over time—and after the arrival of co-owners, Crystal Miller, whose background is in pelvic and sexual health, and Kristen Fuller, a functional dietitian who specializes in personalized and science-backed nutrition care—the clinic evolved into a comprehensive hub for women’s wellness.  Together, they built upon the original vision, and introduced Wasatch Wellness featuring The Pink Remodel. This shift was born from a clear need: many women were seeking treatments that didn’t align neatly with conventional medicine or insurance models. Wasatch Wellness responded to that need, offering care that is as diverse and layered as the women it serves.

Today, the clinic provides a wide spectrum of services tailored to women’s unique physical, emotional, and hormonal needs. These include hormone therapy, nutritional guidance, weight management, and aesthetic procedures like Botox, microneedling, and laser treatments. Routine care like cancer screenings, allergy management, and birth control are also available, ensuring that patients don’t have to choose between holistic and primary care—they can access both under one roof.

At its core, Wasatch Wellness embraces a holistic philosophy. Holistic has been a word thrown around a lot nowadays, with it having many different definitions the practitioners here at Wasatch Wellness define it as looking at the whole person. Diving deep into a patient’s overall wellbeing by examining lifestyle factors like sleep, stress, family dynamics, work demands, and health history. This approach goes beyond addressing symptoms; it seeks to understand root causes and create sustainable paths to wellness. Whether it’s managing menopause, balancing hormones, improving sexual health, or learning about gut health and intuitive eating, each care plan is tailored not just to medical needs but to individual comfort levels and preferences.

One of the most distinctive aspects of the clinic is its environment. From the moment patients walk in, they are met with an atmosphere that feels more like a spa or boutique than a sterile office. Warm colors, fresh flowers, soft lighting, cozy couches, and heated robes all work together to transform the healthcare experience into something welcoming and calming. These small yet thoughtful details go a long way in easing the anxiety that can accompany medical visits—especially those involving vulnerable topics.

This focus on comfort also extends to financial accessibility. Wasatch Wellness operates two clinic models simultaneously—one insurance-based and another geared toward cash-pay patients. They accept most major insurers, including Medicare and Medicaid, and offer payment plans and Health Savings Account (HSA) compatibility for those who need flexibility. The goal is to meet patients where they are, both in terms of care and cost.

The clinic also prioritizes mental health as a crucial component of whole-body wellness. In-house therapy is available and sometimes recommended as part of a comprehensive care strategy, particularly in cases involving trauma or emotional stress. The belief is that true healing happens when both mind and body are supported—and this integrated model ensures that no part of a woman’s health is overlooked.

Among its standout offerings is the Pink Remodel Project, a program dedicated to restoring pelvic and sexual health. By combining medical expertise with sensitivity and discretion, the project empowers women to address intimate issues that often go unspoken. It’s just one example of how Wasatch Wellness actively fosters a culture of openness and support.

Education is another key pillar of the clinic’s mission. Monthly classes are held to help women better understand their bodies and options. Past topics have included sexual health, understanding testosterone, and weight loss, with upcoming sessions planned on managing menopause. These events not only inform but also create a sense of community—something many women are missing in their health journeys.

Though the clinic has expanded significantly, including recent investments in cutting-edge sculpting equipment for muscle tone and fat reduction, the motivation behind it all remains deeply personal. Wasatch Wellness was built out of a desire to create something better—to give women access to informed, respectful, and comprehensive care in a setting where they feel truly seen and supported.

Yet even with all its offerings, Camryn, Crystal, and Kristen, acknowledge that there’s more work to be done. Many services that could dramatically improve women’s quality of life are still considered “non-essential” or “aesthetic” by insurance providers, leaving gaps in coverage in care that could help women feel like themselves again. These systemic limitations only reinforce the need for clinics like Wasatch Wellness—places that advocate, adapt, and innovate in ways traditional healthcare systems often can’t.

More than just a provider of services, Wasatch Wellness is a movement in itself. It’s a response to the longstanding need for a more inclusive, compassionate, and collaborative model of care. And it’s setting a new standard not just for how women are treated medically, but how they are treated as people—with curiosity, empathy, and respect.

As more women seek care that aligns with their values and lives, Wasatch Wellness continues to lead by example—proving that when healthcare is centered around the whole person, the results are not only healthier, but more human.

Located at 150 N Main Street, Suite 105 in Heber City, Wasatch Wellness offers flexible scheduling, including same-day appointments, to accommodate the busy lives of women.

For more information or to schedule an appointment, visit wasatchwell.com or call 435-709-5201. Experience a healthcare environment where your wellness is the priority, and your care is as unique as you are.

As a father of three, including a son at Wasatch High School, I often imagined how useful it would be to have one for parenting. Without it, I relied on mentors, trial and error, and the valuable input of my children. The same is true for fitness journeys.

If you’re like me, you want to be healthy and fit but don’t always know how to get there. Years ago, as a young father focused on providing for my family, I slipped out of shape. My eating habits were poor, my workouts lacked direction, and by my early 30s, I weighed nearly 220 pounds—50 pounds heavier than in my twenties.

Growing up active, I assumed I had the tools to turn things around. But there was no manual. I lifted weights aimlessly, ran until my knees hurt, and felt discouraged. My trial-and-error approach led to more frustration than progress.

Finding My Mentors

Thankfully, I found mentors who had already navigated these challenges. They became my instruction manual. With their guidance, I adjusted my diet, incorporated low-impact exercises, and gradually lost weight. My strength training evolved, and I began running again, building confidence with every step.

Then I discovered trail running. The soft, uneven terrain was a game-changer. Unlike road running, it felt natural and forgiving, making me believe I could be a “real” runner again. My trail-running friends pushed their limits, and through their example, I realized my own potential. As my diet, strength, and endurance aligned, my body told me I was on the right path.

A Pivotal Moment

In 2014, a friend invited me to pace her in the inaugural Tahoe 200, a grueling 200-mile race around Lake Tahoe. I agreed to pace her for 30 miles, but when other pacers dropped out, I ended up running 93 miles.

During those miles, my friend gave me simple but crucial tasks—tracking time, reminding her to eat and drink, and making sure I did the same. Had she asked beforehand if I could run 93 miles, I’d have said no way. But that experience redefined my limits and became a turning point in my ultrarunning career.

Leveling Up

Surrounded by athletes chasing ambitious goals, I felt inspired to do the same. In 2015, I committed to running an ultramarathon every month. I immersed myself in learning about nutrition, gear, and endurance training. That September, I completed my first 200-mile race—a moment that proved I was capable of far more than I had imagined.

Since then, I’ve continued pushing my limits. At 47, I am fitter than ever, both in the gym and on the trails. I owe much of my success to the mentors who guided me, which is why I’ve made it my mission to pay it forward.

Paying It Forward

Pacing my friend in Tahoe showed me not only my own potential but also my passion for helping others achieve their goals. That experience led me to a career in personal training and coaching. There is something incredibly rewarding about witnessing someone push past their perceived limits and grow stronger, both physically and mentally.

As a certified personal trainer with over 20 years of strength training experience and a decade as a competitive endurance athlete, I specialize in helping people become the fittest versions of themselves. I’ve trained athletes at all levels, from those chasing endurance goals to individuals looking to regain their health.

If you’re ready to level up your fitness—whether you’re an athlete, pursuing a major life goal, or simply aiming for a healthier lifestyle—reach out:
Instagram @adventure.your.potential or www.adventureyourpotential.com