RISON - Local healthcare provider and fitness advocate Lauren Threlkeld joins the latest episode of Free Range Conversations to share her journey as she prepares to compete in the IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon in April.
The episode is available to stream on Apple Podcasts, Spotify and ClevelandCountyHerald.com
Though she did not consider herself an athlete growing up, she did run in occasional track meet for Rison High School, where she graduated in 2007.
Threlkeld steered her focus towards health after the loss of her father, Joe Cook, shortly after the birth of her first child. Her motivation was simple, she wanted to be around, and be an example, for her children.
Known to many as the former Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) with Access Medical Clinic in Rison for several years, Threlkeld has since opened her own business, Absolute Health.
Though she operates Absolute Health in nearby Star City through a combined facility with Rock City Chiropractors, Threlkeld still serves Cleveland County through telemedicine visits or in-person visits in Star City.
Services provided include aesthetic treatments, weight loss, hormone management, adrenal fatigue support and urgent care needs.
Setting an example for her family and clients, she is preparing for the most demanding physical adventure she has set her sights on yet - the IRONMAN 70.3.
The triathlon series is the world’s premier half-distance series consisting of a 1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike ride and a 13.1-mile run.
The IRONMAN has over 100 qualifying races in over 40 countries. Threlkeld will first compete this April in Galveston, Texas.
She has previously competed in obstacle course races such as the Spartan, which she and her husband Aaron finished last fall in Nashville, Tenn., alongside friend and fellow athlete Les Walz.
Walz previously shared his fitness and training adventures in a past episode of the podcast available to stream in the archives.
Part of Threlkeld’s training consists of swimming at the Pine Bluff Aquatic Center, as well as biking and running on local roads near her house in Rison.
But she puts just as much focus on the nutrition side of her training.
By maintaining a diet of fresh fruits, vegetables and locally-sourced meats, she fuels her body with the nutrients needed to provide energy.
For her daughters and those she guides through Absolute Health, Threlkeld recommends staying active, and staying away from ultra-processed foods.
She said many people overthink nutrition, but she follows a simplistic approach to stay on track - when it comes to food, only eat foods that had a mother, or come from the earth.
During the podcast episode, Threlkeld chats with hosts Britt Talent and Douglas Boultinghouse about foods she enjoys (local honey being one), as well as essential vitamins and supplements people need such as Vitamin D.
Other tips include seeking out meats that are grass-fed over typical meats found in a supermarket.
She also shares recommendations for blood tests you can seek out from your provider, or through her Absolute Health services.