I see many how-to books written by great ultrarunners and elite athletes on ultra running and what they overcame to be great. But, there are more of us ordinary people than the elites.
I’ve been running marathons and ultras since the early 90s and have completed over 100 races of at least marathon distance. I’ve never been at the front, and I brought up the rear a couple of times.
In 2020, I was preparing to complete my 25th consecutive JFK 50 Mile race. A 25th JFK finish is special. It puts you on the first page of the race rankings for the number of finishes.
A week before registration for the 58th edition opened, I started having severe digestive issues where I could not run more than four miles without searching out facilities. I became concerned that I would have to stop every five miles during the race to find a porta pot. I’ve been pushing the time limits for the past five years and didn’t have the time to spare.
I consulted my GP and Gastroenterologist and, after eliminating many possible reasons, we determined a change in diet may help me get through the race. The recommendation was to use a low FODMAP diet.
On May 20, 2020, I had my initial appointment with a registered dietician to start a low FODMAP diet, and that day I started this daily journal documenting the process that got me to the JFK finish line six months later.
The book is now available for sale on Amazon https://www.amazon.com/dp/B094YFRJ7G
Along the way, I write about the details of a low FODMAP diet, what you need to do to complete your first ultramarathon, my views of the events 2020, and quirky ideas I concoct while running.
All low FODMAP diets are not equal. What worked for me may not work for you. However, the process I used is consistent to determine food allergies. You will be able to follow the process day by day.
You do not need to be an endurance athlete to benefit from a low FODMAP diet.
I give you the information on what is needed to complete an ultramarathon, especially when you may not be the perfect elite physical specimen where mental tenacity and logistical preparedness are enough. Running, walking, or jogging, you can do it, whatever your motivation. This book and website are my running motivation.
2020 was quite a year, COVID, George Floyd, riots, unrest, low interest, elections, and misperceptions.
And those quirky ideas include how to reorganize Major League Baseball and the College Football Playoff process and a better way to pick a presidential nominee the next time we have over 15 potential candidates.
Ordinary people can achieve above-average results.