A year ago today I made the switch to a plant-based diet. It happened innocently enough. Over dinner with my wife, our friends Seth and Dina recommended a documentary on Netflix called The Game Changers, which argues that a plant-based diet can improve athletic performance and recovery.
As a (notably unaccomplished) runner and treadmill warrior for almost four decades, I had certainly noticed my pace slowing over time. My most recent personal record (PR) had been set back in 2009.
I followed Seth and Dina’s suggestion and was found the documentary inspiring enough to give it a try. I noticed results immediately. In fact, within days my energy and mood felt more consistent, my resting heart rate was lower, my workouts were more intense, and I recovered more quickly.
Some months later, while seeking solace on my treadmill during a very difficult period in my personal life, I found myself effortlessly smashing my 5K, 10K & Half Marathon PRs. A full year later, I’m completing Peloton rides in the top 1–2% of the leaderboard across all ages, and my resting heart rate has fallen by nearly 20%. While there is debate about the science behind The Game Changers, you can count me as a true believer
In addition to my improved athletic performance, there have been other positive changes from going plant-based. I still feel as though I have more energy and better…
