by Matt Frazier
Vegan Marathoner and Author of
the No Meat Athlete

It takes only one word, really: this lifestyle, to me, is a practice.

I use the word in the way it’s commonly employed in the context of meditation, yoga, philosophy, or even religion — where “practice” means an activity done for its own sake, something that is not at first pleasurable (and in fact is often quite difficult) but that is unquestionably worthwhile for the foundation of character that it builds. Worthwhile, ultimately, because it purifies the soul.

Many runners run for the joy of running. Many vegans, since coming to this diet, have discovered a love for food and cooking they didn’t know existed. But neither of these describes me.

For me, both running and veganism involve personal sacrifices — sacrifices that are worth it, but sacrifices nonetheless.

I don’t run in order to feel good in the moment. Sure, I recognize that if I’m having a bad day, a run might help me put things in context, and feel better all around. But that’s not why I run — in simplest terms, I run because running is the least painful way for me to stay in shape. >>MORE