New diet won’t overtax Silver Creek’s cool-running Kadlec
He’s humble, never cocky. Nick Kadlec is as cool as they come while running on rough terrain. Competing. Sweating. Persevering.
The Silver Creek cross country runner prefers giving it his best. All the time, every time.
“I’m very determined,” Kadlec said. “That’s my biggest thing.”
A senior, Kadlec is preparing for his final shot to impress in a pair of sneakers.
No regrets, he says.
“This is my last chance to show what I got,” Kadlec said. “Not only for myself, but for some college recognition. I need to know what I’m capable of doing.”
But before Kadlec could settle in on his aspirations for the coming fall, adversity popped up.
Over the summer, Kadlec was feeling a bit lightheaded and queasy, so he booked a doctor’s appointment. No big deal, right?
“I went in feeling something was off,” Kadlec said. “I wanted to feel better.”
An allergy test discovered Kadlec had an intolerance for gluten, which is a protein found in most grains, cereals and breads.
Long distance athletes like Kadlec crave carbohydrates. They’re stored in muscles, then provide the essential fuel to keep a runner’s motor running.
“Most runners live off of pasta and carbohydrates,” Kadlec said. “So, oh yeah, it’s effected me a lot.
So, Kadlec needed to change his diet, and find the necessary “carbs through different ways.”
He said he’s made the switch to rice pasta, brown rice and Quinoa, which is an edible seed that is high in protein and nutrients.
But the new eating style is still a learning curve, Kadlec admits.
“It’s been hard,” Kadlec said. “It’s been the hardest thing I’ve done.”
Kadlec, though, is finding other alternatives to find more energy. And it’s not Red Bull.
In addition to logging several miles a day with his legs, Kadlec recently began cross training. The goal was strengthen his core, and to stay ambitious.
He’s also lifting weights and doing pilates. Kadlec wants a little bit of everything, he says.
“It’s all helped a lot,” Kadlec said. “It’s about keeping my body in shape, because it’s not just about running.”
The results are paying off, Kadlec said.
“I definitely feel stronger,” he said. “I have more endurance. I’m able to keep going.”
Kadlec’s efforts aren’t going unnoticed.
“He had a great summer,” Silver Creek cross country coach Barb Keith said. “He’s doing really good so far, and he looks awesome when he runs.”
Kadlec isn’t your run-of-the-mill runner. It’s not about winning or losing; it’s about drive.
“You have to be strict as a runner,” Kadlec said. “You can’t slack off.”
As a junior, Kadlec placed 15th at the Class 4A state meet. He’s a two-time state runner.
Also in 2009, Kadlec was part of the first boys team at Silver Creek to run together at state.
“He ran so well last fall,” Keith said. “He looked really strong.
“And Nick looks really strong this year. I expect good things.”
But Kadlec wants to be even stronger.
With the goal of running in college, Kadlec know it’s go time; now or never. His words are fiery, but his attitude is gentle.
“As a runner, you have to get in the workouts and the mileage,” Kadlec said. “You have to put it all together and hope it comes out in a positive manner. You don’t want to be burnt out too early in a race.
“You have to plan everything so you’re at the top of your game.”
