Ever wondered what it takes to transform from a party-hard law student to a world-class endurance athlete, powered solely by plants? Intrigued by the power of the human spirit to overcome the grip of addiction and embrace a life of discipline, dedication, and resilience? Join us, as we dive into the thrilling, life-altering journey of Rich Roll, his battles, victories, and the profound lessons he learnt along the way.

Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself

It was the night before Rich Roll’s fortieth birthday in 2006, and while his family slept, he indulged in a late-night ritual of cheeseburgers and "Law & Order". Once a young swimming champion, Rich now found himself winded by climbing just eight stairs—a realization that struck him like a ton of bricks. That night, an image of his daughter’s future wedding flashed through his mind, yet in that vision, he wasn’t there. He was dead. It was a wake-up call.

Rich had been sober for eight years, having clawed his way out of addiction, but he recognized that he was still living an unhealthy life. In a moment of clarity, he knew something had to change. His wife, Julie, who practiced yoga and embraced alternative health approaches, became his source of guidance. Despite his initial skepticism, Rich decided to try a detox cleanse that Julie had done before. The first few days were brutal as he quit caffeine, nicotine, and food all at once, but by the third day, he began to feel a surge of energy and a sense of renewal.

After completing the cleanse, Rich adopted a vegetarian diet in an effort to maintain this newfound vitality. However, months passed, and despite returning to exercise, he remained overweight and sluggish. He soon realized that his vegetarian diet was far from healthy, consisting of processed and fatty foods. Determined to make a more meaningful change, Rich decided to go vegan, removing all animal products from his diet. The transition was challenging at first, but it wasn’t long before he began to experience an energy and vibrancy he hadn’t felt in years.

As this lifestyle shift took hold, Rich found himself working out daily, rekindling his love for running, biking, and swimming. Then came a pivotal moment during a run on a beautiful spring morning. What began as a short trail run turned into an effortless journey of over twenty-four miles. It was an out-of-body experience, a profound moment of oneness, and Rich knew then that he was embarking on a new chapter in his life. This wasn’t just a run—it was the beginning of something transformative.

By the end of that experience, Rich realized he was ready to return to competitive sports. This middle-aged man was gearing up for a significant challenge, and he was ready to contend.

Can a Middle-Aged Former Champion Return to Competitive Sports?

Before Rich knew Julie, heard of veganism, or thought about running, he swam. His mother threw him into the pool before he turned one, and despite the struggle, he didn’t cry—he smiled. That moment ignited a lifelong love for water that would later help him find purpose in sobriety.

Rich's parents, Nancy and Dave, were high school sweethearts who kept their romance alive through college. His father, a law student, and his mother, an undergraduate sorority member, settled into a modest life in Grosse Pointe, Michigan, where Rich was born in 1966. He was a frail, cross-eyed child who was often ill but found solace in swimming.

In 1972, the family moved to Bethesda, Maryland, where Rich attended local public schools and experienced social isolation. Bullied for his appearance and lack of coordination, he found refuge during summer vacations at Lake Michigan and at his local swim club, Edgemoor. By the age of eight, he was winning swim races and idolizing older swimmers like Tom Verdin, who inspired him to pursue greatness.

Despite academic struggles, swimming became Rich’s sanctuary. He joined the Curl Swim Club, training rigorously under Coach Rick Curl. His parents sacrificed for his education, but Rich petitioned for an exemption from Landon School’s mandatory sports program to focus solely on swimming. Headmaster Coates granted the request, making Rich the only student to receive such an exemption.

Life revolved around swimming, and by the time he was sixteen, Rich was nationally ranked. He admired athletes like Eric Heiden and dreamed of cycling, but swimming remained his primary focus. His rigorous schedule left no time for a social life, but he excelled academically, harboring dreams of a career in medicine.

By his senior year, Rich was among the top high school swimmers in the country. Although Landon lacked a swim team, he petitioned to form one and competed in the D.C.-area championships. He finished second but laid the foundation for Landon’s official swim team in the process.

Swimming taught Rich discipline and resilience, helping him navigate the challenges of adolescence and setting the stage for his future achievements.

From Poolside Beginnings to National Ranks: A Swimmer's Journey

Rich's swimming accomplishments and academic achievements drew the attention of top university programs. His essay on persistence and love for water, paired with an underwater photograph of him, helped solidify his appeal. 

Before long, coaches began reaching out, and Rich embarked on a series of exciting recruiting trips. His first stop was the University of Michigan, renowned for its legendary swimming program and home to his favorite coach, Jon Urbanchek. Michigan also held a special place in Rich's heart because of his family’s deep ties to the university, particularly his grandfather, Richard Spindle, a star swimmer in the 1920s. His grandfather's legacy profoundly inspired Rich, creating a spiritual connection he couldn’t ignore.

During his visit to Michigan, Rich attended a swimmer party where Olympic medalist Bruce Kimball handed him his first beer. That moment marked a significant turning point in his life, as alcohol became a way for Rich to feel normal and confident. From there, his recruiting trips became less about evaluating schools and more about partying. Although he was accepted into all the top programs, Rich ultimately chose Stanford, captivated by its sunny, cheerful campus.

Stanford felt like a dream come true for Rich. Training alongside world-class swimmers, he finally felt a sense of belonging. However, his drinking habits soon began to interfere with his life. Even an injury from a drunken fall failed to dissuade him. Surprisingly, his dedication and performance at his first meet earned him respect, but his growing dependence on alcohol overshadowed his swimming career. By sophomore year, Rich was prioritizing parties over his sport and academics. Despite his initial success, his focus shifted entirely to drinking.

When Rich decided to quit swimming, he felt unmoored but quickly immersed himself in a party lifestyle. Law school seemed like a logical next step, leading him to a paralegal job in New York City. There, Rich embraced the city’s vibrant nightlife, often neglecting his professional responsibilities. Even after beginning law school at Cornell, his drinking habits persisted, bringing him dangerously close to legal trouble on several occasions.

Graduating from law school was a bittersweet milestone for Rich. His parents’ disappointment over his drunken antics at the ceremony lingered in his mind. Moving to Palo Alto to prepare for the bar exam, Rich resolved to quit drinking but ultimately failed, which contributed to his first bar exam failure. Despite landing a respectable job in San Francisco, his drinking continued. His roommate, an Ironman triathlete, frequently encouraged Rich to join him in training, but Rich’s shame and addiction kept him from trying.

Rich’s life became a paradox of professional success and personal turmoil, as alcohol increasingly dictated his choices. Although his career prospects appeared promising, he was sliding down a dangerous path, unable to break free from the grip of his addiction.

How Did Olympic Medalist Bruce Kimball Influence Rich?

In the spring of 1995, amidst a life marked by chaos, Rich fell in love with Michele, a passionate woman dedicated to working with at-risk youth in East Palo Alto. Despite his restlessness—both professionally and spiritually—Rich envisioned a fresh start by transitioning into entertainment law. A chance meeting on a flight with an old friend, John Moffet, proved to be pivotal. Unbeknownst to Rich, John had passed along his résumé to a prestigious law firm in Los Angeles, leading to an unexpected job interview.

Rich secured the position and soon proposed to Michele, but their engagement was fraught with challenges. His drinking spiraled out of control, eventually resulting in two DUI arrests. Skip Miller, his demanding yet supportive boss and mentor, stepped in and urged him to seek help. Though this intervention served as a wake-up call, Rich continued to battle his addiction until he finally confronted his alcoholism directly.

He checked into rehab at Springbrook Northwest in Oregon, where he found himself among individuals from diverse backgrounds. A counselor there profoundly impacted his outlook, guiding him through intense self-reflection and a commitment to a spiritual path. Through this process, Rich began to heal, burning away old resentments and fears as a symbolic act of releasing his troubled past.

Emerging sober and resolute, Rich returned to Los Angeles, only to realize that his career in corporate law no longer aligned with his newfound clarity and purpose. Trusting in the possibility of a more meaningful path, he took a leap of faith, leaving his job without a clear plan. This decision eventually led him to part-time work in entertainment law and, later, the creation of his own practice.

During this transformative chapter of his life, Rich met Julie in a yoga class. A vibrant and multifaceted artist, Julie was also the mother of two young boys. Despite the complexities of their circumstances, their connection was undeniable. They soon moved in together and, over time, built a life and family that reflected their shared values. 

They welcomed their first child together and later celebrated their love and commitment with a wedding on their land in Malibu Canyon. This joyous occasion marked the beginning of a new chapter for Rich—a sober, purposeful life filled with love, community, and fulfillment.

From DUI Arrests to Malibu Bliss: A Journey of Sobriety and Love

Back in 1984, author Rich was a high school swimmer fueled by a diet of donuts and fast food. Years later, weighed down by unhealthy habits, he found himself gasping for air on the eve of his fortieth birthday. This moment served as a wake-up call for change. His transformative journey began with a plant-based cleanse, eventually evolving into what he now refers to as the PlantPower Diet. This shift invigorated his body, cleared his mind, and revolutionized his health.

Although initially skeptical of veganism, Rich discovered that plants became his secret weapon. They not only fueled his athletic pursuits but also elevated his overall well-being. Embracing a lifestyle rooted in simplicity, his diet centered on whole, unprocessed foods: vegetables, fruits, grains, seeds, and legumes. Over time, he shed excess weight, gained vitality, and cultivated a passion for endurance sports.

In 2007, buoyed by the newfound energy from his plant-based diet, Rich sought a midlife athletic challenge. His early foray into triathlons, however, was far from smooth. A humbling Did Not Finish at the Wildflower Triathlon only fueled his determination to improve. Setting his sights higher, he began preparing for the ultimate test: Ironman.

Under the guidance of coach Chris Hauth, Rich learned the critical importance of Zone Two training—slowing down to build endurance. But his ambitions didn’t stop there. Inspired by the extraordinary story of Navy SEAL David Goggins, he expanded his goal to include Ultraman, a grueling race that doubles the distance of Ironman.

Preparing for Ultraman demanded mastering the delicate art of life balance. Rich juggled family commitments, work responsibilities, and an intense training regimen, all while pursuing this seemingly impossible feat. During a period of financial hardship, a spiritual epiphany reminded him of the importance of aligning his purpose with faith. Through this journey, Rich came to understand that true endurance lies in efficiency rather than speed—and that a plant-based lifestyle can fuel remarkable achievements.

Now standing on the precipice of Ultraman, Rich reflects on his transformation, filled with gratitude and resolute determination to embrace the challenge ahead.

Can a Plant-Based Diet Propel You to Endurance Sport Glory?

In 2008, Rich's goal for Ultraman was simple: just finish. After struggling with a staircase two years prior, he had trained his body and mind for six months to face the grueling challenge ahead. As he stood at Kailua Pier, the excitement and nerves of race day hit him, but he knew he couldn't do it alone. His success would depend on his dedicated crew, led by his friend Chris Uettwiller, his father, and the serene LW Walman.

The race began with a 6.2-mile ocean swim. Despite jellyfish stings, Rich emerged in second place, exceeding his expectations. But the bike leg was a different beast. His stubbornness to upgrade his bike took its toll as he faced steep climbs and headwinds, finishing seventh by the end of Day One.

Day Two's 170-mile ride tested Rich's limits. Battling fatigue and headwinds, he pushed through, reaching the summit of the Kohalas and finishing ninth overall. The final day, a 52.4-mile run, became a mental and physical battle against the scorching Kona heat. Following Chris Hauth's strategy, he ran and walked in intervals, slowly passing competitors.

Crossing the finish line, Rich realized the race was more than a physical challenge; it was a journey of transformation. Despite missing his family, he was proud of his accomplishment. The experience rekindled his passion, guided by his wife Julie's unwavering support.

The following year, Rich was determined to return to Ultraman, not just to finish, but to contend. As he trained, life threw challenges his way, including a near-fatal bike crash. But the crash only solidified his resolve. Inspired by the impact his story had on others, he embraced the journey, realizing that life's true adventure lies in pursuing one's passion without fear. 

The support from his family and the universe's serendipitous nudges reminded him that everything would work out. His story resonated with many, leading to unexpected recognition and opportunities. Rich had found his purpose, and he was ready to embrace it fully.

From Struggle to Triumph: Ultraman Journey with Chris Hauth's Guidance

In 2009, amidst the lush landscapes of Hawaii, Ultraman athlete Jason Lester shared a vision with his training partner, Rich Roll—an audacious challenge named EPIC5: five iron-distance triathlons across five Hawaiian islands in five days. The logistics alone seemed insurmountable, but knowing Jason's indomitable spirit, Rich was inspired. Jason, a champion despite personal adversities, was determined to inspire others through this venture.

As Rich prepared for his Ultraman race, winning Day One yet battling through a painful Day Two, he found himself contemplating Jason's proposal. Despite the daunting prospect of EPIC5, the allure of an unattempted challenge called to him. After a family visioning session, Rich decided to join Jason, embarking on an unprecedented journey.

Starting in Kauai, they tackled the triathlon's marathon, swim, and bike sections, racing against time to catch a flight to Oahu. From there, Day Two saw them retrace Ironman history amidst mechanical setbacks. Despite exhaustion, camaraderie from local athletes kept them moving.

Molokai brought respite and community spirit, with locals joining their marathon and showcasing the island's heart. But Maui tested their limits. Overwhelmed by fatigue, Rich contemplated quitting. Yet, faced with a drunk woman—a poignant reminder of his own recovery—he found renewed gratitude, pushing through to complete another marathon.

Finally, on the Big Island, rejuvenated by rest and support, they embraced the last leg of EPIC5. Swimming with dolphins, cycling the iconic Queen K Highway, and running the final marathon, they realized the power of human spirit and community.

Through EPIC5, Rich and Jason not only achieved a physical feat but fostered connections, inspired others, and affirmed the potential for greatness in adversity. Their journey was not just about endurance, but about embracing the impossible.

Can Jason Lester and Rich Roll Overcome the Impossible?

Rich Roll's transformation began on the eve of his fortieth birthday in 2006, as he faced the stark reality of his declining health while indulging in cheeseburgers and late-night TV. Once a swimming prodigy, he was now struggling to climb stairs. This realization served as his wake-up call, prompting him to reconsider his life choices and envision a healthier future for himself and his family.

Despite overcoming addiction, Rich recognized that his lifestyle was still unhealthy. Guided by his wife Julie, he embarked on a detox cleanse that challenged him to abandon caffeine, nicotine, and food. This brutal process sparked a renewal in him, leading to the adoption of a vegetarian diet. However, realizing his vegetarian choices were still unhealthy, Rich took a bold step towards veganism, eliminating all animal products.

The shift to a plant-based diet invigorated Rich, rekindling his passion for swimming, running, and cycling. During a transformative run, he felt a profound sense of connection and purpose, igniting his return to competitive sports.

Rich's journey began in the water, a passion instilled in him by his mother before he turned one. Growing up, swimming became his refuge from the challenges of adolescence, shaping his discipline and resilience. His dedication led him to national ranks, despite balancing rigorous training and academic pressures.

However, the allure of alcohol disrupted his path. A pivotal moment at the University of Michigan marked his introduction to drinking, shifting his focus from swimming to partying. Despite initial success at Stanford, his growing dependence on alcohol overshadowed his academic and athletic achievements.

Struggling with addiction, Rich found his turning point in rehab. Guided by a counselor, he embraced a spiritual path and confronted his alcoholism. Emerging sober, he redefined his career and life goals, eventually meeting Julie, who shared his values and supported his transformation.

Rich's transformation was fueled by adopting a vegan lifestyle, leading to the PlantPower Diet. This shift revolutionized his health and well-being, inspiring a passion for endurance sports. Despite setbacks, including a humbling triathlon experience, Rich was determined to conquer Ironman. Inspired by Navy SEAL David Goggins, he set his sights on the Ultraman race.

Training for Ultraman taught Rich the importance of life balance and efficiency over speed. His plant-based lifestyle fueled his remarkable achievements, leading him to the Ultraman race in Hawaii. Despite challenges throughout the race, Rich's perseverance and support from his crew enabled him to finish.

In 2009, Rich embarked on EPIC5 with Jason Lester, tackling five iron-distance triathlons across five Hawaiian islands in five days. This audacious challenge was not just about physical endurance but about inspiring others and fostering community spirit. The journey emphasized the power of human connection and the potential for greatness amid adversity.

Rich's story is a testament to the transformative power of determination, resilience, and the pursuit of a purpose-driven life. His journey from addiction to ultramarathon achievements inspires many to embrace change and challenge the impossible.

Home

Trending Books

News & Mags

Relax

Curated

Collections

Key Ideas & Notes

Insights

Highlights & Bookmarks

Listening History

Finding Ultra: Rejecting Middle Age, Becoming One of the World's Fittest Men, and Discovering Myself

Rich Roll

8 Key ideas

21 MINS

4.6 (2.1k)

Ever wondered what it takes to transform from a party-hard law student to a world-class endurance athlete, powered solely by plants?

Intrigued by the power of the human spirit to overcome the grip of addiction and embrace a life of discipline, dedication, and resilience?

Join us, as we dive into the thrilling, life-altering journey of Rich Roll, his battles, victories, and the profound lessons he learnt along the way.