My name is Jason Paulin and I live in Louisiana.  I have a beautiful wife and 5 kids that range in age from10 years old to 2 years.  Its never a dull moment!  We love to be active as a family riding bikes, participating in road races and we are outdoors as much as possible.  We try to teach our kids the importance of physical activity and being out in nature.  We believe this is a key to overall physical and mental health.

This past year has been very sad and concerning when it comes to mental health.   I have had eight friends and acquaintances commit suicide.  Suicide is a problem in our society and one that needs more attention, research and awareness.  Whether its from the extreme amount of pressure to "keep up", prescription medications, depression, family history of mental health, a cry for help or being impulsive, to mention a few, I believe more research and  resources are needed for the prevention and awareness.  For this reason, I've decided to run an ultramarathon. (an ultramarathon is any distance beyond a marathon, 30+ miles) and to do it on a 100 percent plant based diet.

  This is a huge challenge for me. I consider myself to be somewhat fit, I've competed in bodybuilding shows, powerlifting competitions, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu tournaments and even some mountain bike races.  However, an ultramarathon is a huge stretch for me.  I currently weigh 225 lbs.  The average ultramarathoner weighs anywhere from160 lbs. to 180 lbs. on the very high end!  The ultramarathon that I chose is in Mississippi on July 21st and the distance is 100K (62 miles) in very hot and humid conditions. I am also a former bodybuilding meat eater from Idaho and my diet has been primarily red meat and dairy my entire life.  I am currently studying, researching and even working with a coach, Fraser Bayley, to incorporate a plant based diet and learn the effect this lifestyle has on improving mental health.  I chose this ultra marathon in these conditions coupled with a plant based diet to get out of my comfort zone, to push myself beyond what I think is possible and to use the time training, meal preparation and event to reflect, pray, and spread awareness to this great cause.

UPDATE:  I was unable to complete the 100K event back in July.  I can list several reasons why I didn't finish, but they are just excuses (It was 111 degrees, super humid, my legs were cramping up, I couldn't bring my heart rate down, etc.) but the race director allowed me to drop to the 50K event and I completed that.  I was happy to take on the endeavor, raise money and awareness, but deep down I felt like I failed to accomplish the goal.  Someone told me, "Don't worry Jason, just try it again next year" I thought that was crazy, why would I wait! So I found a 60 miler in December.  This race was called the Loup Garou trail run.  It was in Ville Platte at Chicot State park.  I was extremely nervous because this was my 2nd attempt and I didn't want to fail....AGAIN!  It was such a feeling of accomplishment when I crossed the finish line in 15 hours and 17 mins!  Not only because I was able to achieve the goal but also to set an example for my 5 kids to never give up!  

I was overwhelmed with the response I received throughout this process.  So many people were texting, calling and emailing me about stories, struggles and emotions regarding suicide.  If it wasn't them personally, it was a mother, father, sibling, family member or close friend.  It truly made me realize that this issue is not only not talked about enough, almost hidden but there are also so many family members struggling.  It convicted me more than ever to keep pushing awareness.  I was able to utilize all of the stories for fuel when the 60 miler got tough.  I wanted to run for those hurting and those lost and to think of them made my pain seem minuscule.  I lost a few toe nails, had extreme chaffing and very sore muscles but it was worth it if even one person decided not to take their life or if one person had a new found hope.  

Another interesting thing that happened was the inspiration gained from this example.  I had several people tell me that they were inspired to lace up their running shoes, people signing up to do 5Ks, 10Ks and even marathons!  Others telling me that they have picked up running 2 to 3 times/week.  It was awesome that we can all come together when there is so much pain in this world.

As I was reflecting on the amount of awareness raised I thought about going for the ultimate ultramarathon, a 100 miler.  I remember when I lived in Evergreen, CO I had a client ask me to train him for a foot race.  I asked him which one and he said the Leadville 100.  I had no idea (this was back in 2008) that people would actually run 100 miles straight!  I thought he was joking.  This was the first time I had heard about LV100.  I thought to myself, why would anyone do that? Who would do this? They must be a little crazy.  And then I thought, I would never ever do that, ever. (remember I was a bodybuilder/powerlifter!)  Its crazy the journey life takes us on and how unpredictable it is because in December I entered into the lottery to see if I could get into the 2019 LV100.  I was shocked, nervous and excited when I received this email on January 13th

After discussing this with my wife, Brooke, I decided to commit!  August 17th, 2019 I will be tackling the Leadville 100.  This is the 2nd oldest ultramarathon in the country (Western States being the 1st) and it is considered to be one of the toughest because of the altitude and elevation gain. (the majority of the race is above 10,000 ft and its an out-and-back with Hope pass in the middle)  Less than half of the athletes that toe the start line will cross the finish line.  I have a great support team and I'm looking forward to the race.

I'm still plant based (I can't say that I've been 100% plant based because I've had probably 5 meals over the last 18 months that were not) but I feel great!  I will continue to eat this way and attribute much of my ability to train this long to decreased inflammation and increased energy, proven benefits from following a plant based diet.

I have a few goals in this fundraising endeavor.  First, raise money for suicide prevention, but more importantly, awareness.  Second, to raise awareness to the link between nutrition and mental health.  And finally,  to show my kids the impact we have for a greater cause.  All and any support is welcomed from monetary donations to prayers.  This has been on my heart and I believe, through this, lives can and will be saved.

Thanks for your support,

Jason