A Personal Note: Healthspan, Real Food, and Running My First 50k at 65

I’m hesitate to share this story. I know people follow Tyner Pond Farm for updates on our cattle, our pastures, and our delivery schedule—not to hear about my exercise routine.

But I decided to write this down for one reason: I turned 65 recently, and I just completed my first 50k (31-mile) ultra-marathon in Jackson County.

I’m not sharing this to brag about the running. I’m sharing it because the only reason I was able to cross that finish line is a decision I made 18 months ago to change the way I eat.

Focusing on Healthspan

Eighteen months ago, as a cancer survivor approaching my mid-60s, I realized I needed to get serious about my "healthspan"—not just how long I live, but how healthy I feel while I’m alive.

I started in August 2024. I didn't join a gym or buy expensive equipment. I simply changed my fuel.

• I adopted a Keto diet.

• I completely removed seed oils.

• I cut out all ultra-processed foods.

My rule became simple: If there is any real question about what is in the food, I just don't eat it.

The results were quick to manifest. I dropped 35 pounds, going from 195 to 160. I wasn’t necessarily overweight for a man of my height before, but the amazing thing was how "healthy" I began to feel almost immediately. The inflammation and sluggishness just disappeared.

From Rucking to Running

I didn't start out as a runner. In fact, I hadn't exercised much in years. I started by walking. Then I started "rucking" (walking with a weighted backpack).

About three months ago, I wondered if I could run. I used a technique called "Run-Walk-Run," alternating 30 seconds of walking with 30 seconds of running. Gradually, I increased the run portion to 90 seconds.

I was shocked to find I could cover 10 miles this way, holding a steady 12-13 minute mile pace. After a 20-mile trail run near New Castle went well, I thought, "Why not try an ultra?"

The Reality of Jackson County

I probably bit off more than I could chew.

For those who know the Jackson County 50-50, you know it’s not a flat run in the park. The course winds through the steep hills of the Jackson-Washington State Forest, racking up significant elevation gain.

This past weekend, the weather made it a different beast entirely. We had several inches of snow earlier in the week. On the first lap, the ground was still frozen solid. But as the day went on and the temperature rose, the course transformed.

By the second and third laps, the steep downhills turned into ski slopes of mud. On the flats, the trail became a shoe-sucking quagmire. Every step was a battle for stability.

I found myself humbled to witness the real athletes out there powering through those conditions. They haven't published the official times yet, and I know I went over my goal of 8 hours. But I finished. For over 8 hours, I kept moving—something I never could have imagined doing two years ago.

Why Food Matters

I wanted to share this because I know many people my age feel like their best physical days are behind them.

I am living proof that changing your diet to whole foods and nutrient-dense meat can change your life. It isn’t just about weight loss; it’s about having the energy to take on challenges you thought were impossible.

Whether you are training for a race or just want to have the energy to play with your grandkids, the fuel matters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can you run an ultra-marathon on a keto/carnivore diet?

A: Yes. Many endurance athletes find that becoming "fat-adapted" allows them to burn body fat for fuel efficiently over long distances. I rely on nutrient-dense foods like grass-fed beef to maintain steady energy levels rather than relying on sugary gels or carb-loading.

Q: Why do you avoid seed oils?

A: We believe seed oils (like soybean, corn, and canola oil) contribute to inflammation in the body. We focus on natural fats found in grass-fed meat and dairy, which support long-term health, recovery, and energy without the inflammatory side effects of industrial oils.

Q: What is the best meat for a health-focused diet?

A: We recommend local 100% grass-fed beef because it is naturally higher in Omega-3 fatty acids and CLA (Conjugated Linoleic Acid) compared to grain-fed beef. It provides the clean protein and healthy fats needed for maintaining muscle mass and metabolic health as we age.