Cairns Jonathan - From Marathon to Ultra

This book is not just for runners. Its for anyone embarking on a new journey, a journey to wellness. Its for anyone contemplating or seeking a lifestyle change...at any age. Its a real life story of transformation & inspiring so far! Its a story that proves anyone can change their habits, set goals & reach them! I will be recommending this book to all my clients going forward!

@christina.the.healthcoach

The way this book is written, means its very easy to read light weight snackable chapters. It doesnt preach or tell you what to do, its simply the inspirational story and life of a man who I can relate to. Someone who went from barely being able to go out for a walk - to being a marathon and ultra marathon runner. Its an incredible story.

@alexanderhill2020

Whether becoming vegan or not, this book is brilliant, especially if youre looking to just be better, and being a #fattofit runner, I can relate to so much of it as well (not the 100k runs like, but maybe one day).

@pinky_pants_

Brilliant book to find the inspiration needed to get my running mojo back.

@runkuna_matata

The Plant-Based Runner is helping to reinforce my journey of late and I highly recommend it.

@foreratfifty5

Got this book yesterday, finished it yesterday. Loved it a lot. If you are not a runner or living healthy, you can take away a lot from it. If you are a runner and training every day, you can enjoy the running stories and maybe still learn something new. For me it was so recognizable it made me laugh sometimes.

@running_ron73

Well worth a read if you get a chance and the recipes sound delicious. Thank you Jonathan Cairns, tomorrow is a new day.

@dolbers71

Well where do I begin! So much inspiration, tips, advice. This is by far the BEST running book I have read. I can relate to the author in so many ways. Seriously considering changing our food intake now, such an easy read. Many recommendations on other books to read to help on lifestyle changes for a better you! One thing that I get from this book is that this guy is a regular bloke, down to earth. I would 100 percent recommend this book to any runner out there who wants a bit of inspiration and lifestyle food choices.

@sue1969running

I have literally just finished reading your book & just wanted to say thank you! Ive entered my first full marathon for next year & it feels a little bit possible now (if still very scary!) I only switched to being fully vegan last November so learning how to eat well whilst training is new to me too & your book really helped.

@jude_louise_75

First edition June 2021

Copyright Jonathan Cairns, 2021

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the author, except for the use of quotations in a book review. For permission requests:

Although every precaution has been taken to verify the accuracy of the information contained herein, the author assumes no responsibility for any errors or omissions. No liability is assumed for losses or damages that may result from the use of information contained within. You are responsible for your own choices, actions, and results.

ISBN: 978-1-9169008-0-6 (paperback)

ISBN: 978-1-9169008-1-3 (ebook)

Book design by George Stevens

Cover design by Alexandra Allden

Exercise illustrations by Maja Todorovic

Important Note:

The information in this book is not intended to be a substitute for the medical advice of a licensed physician. The reader should consult with their doctor in any matters relating to his/her health. Before beginning any new exercise program, it is recommended that you seek medical advice from your personal physician.

www.jcruns.com

For Shay, Jem & Chris

Gratitude

T here are a lot of people involved in putting a book together. Most have no idea that they may have had a part to play. This is a list of some of them.

To all the readers of my first book, The Plant-Based Runner , I take energy from hearing all your stories. Clem Cairns and Ashling Donohoe for critiquing an advanced copy of the manuscript. Caleb Cairns for all the energy spent and advice given on strength and conditioning. We laughed a lot while working on this book. My crew over the years, Jem (my son), Alan Threadgold and Emma Maguire, for being there. Jem, for making the world a far better place just by being in it. Sarah, Dee, Poppy and Deirdre, my daily swimming and coffee gang who listened to me talk about this book for so long. Dylan Macaulay for reminding me that older guys like us dont have to act old. Catherine Curtin, Marie Browne, Gillian Archbold and Ashling Donohoe who have spent many hours running with me over the last few years. Edel Kennedy for her selfless support. Issac Cairns for always being available for nutrition advice. Sarah Lopez for all the walks and laughs. Paul Byrne and Bernard Hyde, my lifelong friends whose company makes me feel like a teenager. Cameron and Kelvin Weymes who remind me every time we run that the glass is always half full. Sharon and Naomi for being my safety net, always there with a smile and a G&T. Simon for reminding me that no matter how hard it is starting out, the gains are worth it. The National Black Marathoners Association for being my running buddies when I started running and was too self-conscious to reach out to anyone who might have known me. Conor Murphy for his support on The Cork and Kerry Trail Runners. Gavin Connors, Orla McGill, Charlotte OBrien and Helen Finn with whom I worked at St Jamess Hospital. Their energy and dedication to work, even when there was no recognition or reward, was remarkable. My editors Jennifer Barclay and Ian Smith who made my life so easy. Alexandra Allden and Fiona Cairns for the cover, George Stevens for the book design and Maja Todorovic for the illustrations. Leonie Dawson whose words Just write your f...ing book I think of often. My sport psychology lecturer Dr Olivia Hurley for her passion. Aisling and Leo Brophy, my niece and nephew, for sending me videos and jokes every time I run an ultra. The Movement Studio for running a business like a supportive family. The Hopsack for being so passionate about everything health. I had to move from Dublin to Cork to get away from Jim and all his staff in Runzone. I couldnt pass the shop without buying a new pair of running shoes. It hasnt worked because his delivery service is so good. My niece Holly Cairns for not knowing how to be anything other than brave. My parents, for always being glad to see me. Grace Dalhoff for making the Dsseldorf Marathon an annual event for me and my most enjoyable. Fiona Cairns for writing The View from the Crew Car , and for inspiring, encouraging and working with me through all stages of this book. I feed off Fionas good humour and enthusiasm every day.

Prologue

If you are full of life, you naturally choose something difficult and dangerous. If you have not much life in you, you only choose comfort.

Sadhguru, Indian author

Friday, we set off early for Connemara, County Galway. Its about a three-and-a-half-hour car journey. When we got close, Fiona, my wife, reckoned we should take a detour and drive the last 23 miles of the course, as we hadnt seen it yet.

I got so worried about the hills I almost threw up. They rolled down the coast all the way to Clifden town, where the race finished with three laps, each a mile, of the town. I couldnt think of a more painful way to end a 100-mile race. We continued to our Airbnb but as the evening moved on I could feel myself getting down. I felt way out of my depth. I doubted my training. I had run many hills but I wasnt sure if it was enough to cope with those last 23 miles, let alone the previous 77. Oh God, what have I let myself in for?