Catra Corbett: Reborn on the Run

Catra Corbett is one of only four people in the world to have run 100 miles more than 100 times. She’s also 53—and a vegan!

But before she became a record-breaking ultra-marathon runner—she has the fastest known time for the 310-mile John Muir ramble—she struggled with alcoholism and a destructive addiction to methamphetamine. A night spent in jail after being arrested for selling drugs pushed her to turn her entire life around—and now, she’s more hardcore than ever.

She got healthy—which included going vegan—and started running. She’s been clean and sober for almost 20 years, and during that time, she’s run more than 250 ultra-marathons. She’s upfront about what inspired her to start this new journey, confessing that she “needed a new addiction.” Her Facebook page is filled with photos of her running in scorching-hot and freezing temperatures. Powered by plants, Corbett has excelled in some of the most grueling environments.

Her page also includes plenty of photos of her “soulmate doggie,” Truman (aka “TruMan”), a dachshund who sometimes joins her on runs. He’s a rescued dog who came from a very bad environment and found a loving home with Corbett. (Of course, he has his own Facebook page, so you can read all about his adventures, too.)

Corbett is a colorful person who now “gets high” on running, rock climbing, hiking, and CrossFit training. She’s fueled by fruits, nut butters, and other raw vegan foods and is a wonderful example of the impressive physical accomplishments that plant-powered bodies can achieve. She loves motivating others to attempt to do what they believe is impossible.

Her Facebook page states, “Only those who will risk going too far can possibly find out how far one can go.” For more words of wisdom and inspirational stories, read Corbett’s new book, Reborn on the Run or check out this blog about her.