The Herd | Edition No. 12

Louis Zamperini, Foods to Avoid Before You Run, 2025 Grand Slam Track meet

Author

Micah Kinde
April 05, 2025

The Herd | Edition No. 12

Welcome back to the twelfth edition of The Herd! This week we cover Louis Zamperini and his incredible story of resilience. We continue our running foods series with 5 foods to avoid and give you the must see events of the 2025 Grand Slam Track meet in Kingston, Jamaica.

Louis Zamperini, born January 26, 1917, in Olean, New York, grew up a troubled youth in Torrance, California, to then become one of Americaʼs most storied distance runners. Nicknamed the “Torrance Tornado” in high school, Zamperini channeled his energy into track and field under the guidance of his brother Pete, setting a national high school mile record of 4:21.2 in 1934—a mark that stood for two decades (1, 2). His talent earned him a scholarship to the University of Southern California USC, where he shattered the collegiate mile record in 1938 with a time of 4:08.3, a record that endured for 15 years (1, 3).

Zamperini’s athletic pinnacle came at the 1936 Berlin Olympics, where he competed in the 5,000 meters. Despite limited training in the event and carrying extra weight from indulging in free shipboard meals en route to Germany, he delivered a blistering final lap of 56 seconds—the fastest of the race—to finish eighth (2, 4). He aimed for the 1940 Tokyo Olympics, but World War II canceled those plans, redirecting his path from the track to wartime heroism (1, 4).

Though his running career was curtailed by military service, Zamperiniʼs legacy as a trailblazing athlete endured. His high school and collegiate records remained benchmarks for generations, while his Olympic grit symbolized the tenacity that later fueled his survival as a POW (1, 2). Upon returning to America following the end of World War II, Zamperini struggled to adapt to normal life - suffering from PTSD and alcoholism (1). This drove his marriage to the brink of collapse before his wife Cynthia convinced him to attend a Billy Graham gathering in 1949. The gathering changed Zamperini’s life as he committed his life to Christ and found lasting peace. Zamperini’s story of trial, resilience, and redemption proves to be a powerful inspiration.

5 Foods to Avoid Before a Run
Because mid-run regrets are very real.

🥤 High-Fiber Foods (like beans & cruciferous veggies) – Great for gut health, not so great when you're mid-run and searching for the nearest bathroom. Save the broccoli for after.

🍔 Greasy or Fried Foods – These slow digestion way down and can leave you feeling heavy, sluggish, and queasy once you get moving.

🍬 Sugary Snacks & Candy – Quick sugar might feel like energy, but the crash comes fast—and hard. Plus, no one wants a side stitch 10 minutes in.

🥛 Too Much Dairy – Some runners are fine, but for many, milk or creamy yogurt pre-run can lead to bloating or stomach issues. Test what works for you, and maybe save the latte for later.

🌶️ Spicy Foods – They’re delicious, but they can cause acid reflux or heartburn when your body’s bouncing around during a run. Probably not the best pre-5K fuel.

2025 Grand Slam Track, Kingston Jamaica

Races to Watch: Men’s 800m & 1500m - A star-studded field is gearing up to face off in the 800m (Sunday 4:39pm, Peacock +) & the 1500m (Saturday 7:50pm, Peacock +). Will Americans Cole Hocker and Yared Nuguse keep Britian’s Josh Kerr from 1st place in the 1500m? Can Marco Arop close the door on Emmanuel Wanyonyi in the 800m?

Next Week… Five quick and easy meals you can eat pre-run, results from Kingston’s Grand Slam Track meet, and our next athlete story. Until then, lace up, hydrate, and log those miles!