Ep. 170: Hellah Sidibe - Running Across America and Into our Hearts

Hellah Sidibe is the first black man to run across America (fueled by plants!) and has been running every day since May 15th, 2017. That’s officially over 2000 days in a row in every weather condition imaginable! This year, he also completed the iconic Leadville 100 Trail Race in Colorado.

And, it all started with a commitment to run just 10 minutes a day.

Like many, Hellah hated running but started moving his body to lift himself out of a dark period in his own life. It was his way of taking responsibility for his own happiness.

Five years and thousands of miles later, running is now his primary outlet to raise money for charities, help others find inspiration in their daily lives, and demonstrate the endless power of a plant-based diet.

On Instagram, he writes, “Using our energy on what we’re afraid of is wasteful when it can be used on what we want to accomplish. We don’t need everyone to believe in us in order to chase those dreams and goals. Enjoy the process and get after it y’all!”

Episode Timestamps and Highlights

6:53 Origins of his name, Hellah, and his upbringing in Mali

10:57 How tragedy brought him to the US

17:28 His dream of becoming a professional soccer player

18:40 Did he always love running and what compelled him to even start a run streak?

29:45 When did he decide to run across the country?

33:15 Adventures of running across the country

36:00 How and why Hellah switched to a plantstrong diet

41:30 His favorite running conditions

43:29 Does he prefer running alone, or with people?

45:00 What about listening to music or podcasts?

48:24 Favorite athletes, or inspiration?

49:30 What in the world do his parents think about this non-traditional career?

53:40 Low points on his Run Across America

57:20 His experience at the Leadville 100

1:02:23 How did he fuel for a 27-hour race in the mountains of Colorado?

1:11:25 For Hellah, what constitutes a run distance to qualify as a “streak?”

1:14:55 What does he eat in a day?

1:17:30 How does he sleep?

1:18:00 How does he keep his feet healthy with all of this running?

1:22:26 What’s next for Hellah?

Episode Resources

Join TEAM PLANTSTRONG and run the Austin Marathon, Half Marathon or 5K with Rip!

Watch the Episode on YouTube

Hellah’s Instagram: @hellahgood9

Hellah’s YouTube: @hellahgood

Additional Links and Resources for Hellah Sidibe

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