Interview with Janette Murray-Wakelin & Alan Murray Athletes

Leigh-Chantelle

VLV Articles

Janette Murray-Wakelin & Alan Murray are Internationally-acclaimed Raw Vegan Ultra Endurance Athletes and Motivational Speakers. They are originally from New Zealand, have travelled and lived worldwide and now live a conscious raw vegan lifestyle in Australia. In the year 2000, to promote A New Environment for a New Millennium, Janette and Alan ran the 2182.2km (1355.9 miles) the length of New Zealand, 50 marathons in 50 days at beyond 50 years of age.

During 2013, to inspire and motivate conscious lifestyle choices, to promote kindness and compassion to all living beings and to raise environmental awareness for a sustainable future; Veteran Raw Vegan Athletes Janette and Alan ran 15,782 km, 366 marathons in 366 days at beyond 60 years of age while Running Raw around Australia.

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Why Vegan?

How and why did you decide to become a vegan?

Having been vegetarian for several years we made a conscious choice to eliminate all animal products for our own health, the health and wellbeing of animals and for the health and sustainability of the planet.

How long have you been vegan?

We have been vegan for over 15 years and 100% raw vegan for over 10 years.

What has benefited you the most from being a vegan?

We have benefitted from being vegan by attaining optimal health and physical fitness, but the conscious choice to be vegan has been as important to us mentally and spiritually.

What does veganism mean to you?

Veganism to us is not a means to an end, but rather, a beginning; a beginning of conscious awareness for a kinder and more compassionate life for all human and animal kind, and for the earth that we share.

Training

What sort of training do you do?

We run every day. We both run in barefoot Vibram shoes as a conscious choice to step lightly on the earth. We also do strength training and yoga on a daily basis.

How often do you (need to) train?

Every day.

Do you offer your fitness or training services to others?

Yes, both on a personal basis online, and during workshops and retreats available as announced on our website.

What sports do you play?

Ultra Endurance Running

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Strengths, Weaknesses & Outside Influences

What do you think is the biggest misconception about vegans and how do you address this?

The biggest misconception is that vegans may experience a health deficiency (i.e. protein, B12, calcium etc). We do not experience any health deficiencies by consuming sufficient fresh, ripe, organic fruits and vegetables, which give a highly nutritious balanced ratio of nutrients essential for optimal health and fitness, without harming animals or the planet.

What are you strengths as a vegan athlete?

Our strengths as vegan athletes are being optimally healthy and physically fit, having unlimited energy, clarity of mind and a positive attitude.

What is your biggest challenge?
Convincing others that what we are able to do physically and mentally is also available to them.

Are the non-vegans in your industry supportive or not?

Yes.

Are your family and friends supportive of your vegan lifestyle?

Yes.

What is the most common question/comment that people ask/say when they find out that you are a vegan and how do you respond?

A positive response is usually "I've always wanted to try it" and our response is "then now is the best time!"

A negative response is usually "Aren't you worried about getting enough protein?" and our response is "No, we're too busy enjoying life to be worried about anything, because we know that we're getting enough nutrients and our health and physical performance and endurance level attest to that."

Who or what motivates you?

We are motivated by the knowledge that by being vegan athletes we are living proof that the lifestyle we lead is the best for our health, for the health of the animals and for the health of the planet."

Food & Supplements

What do you eat for:

Breakfast - Green Smoothie of blended raw fruit and greens including bananas, pears, apples, berries and green leafy vegetables

Lunch - Large raw salad including greens, tomato, cucumber, etc with squeeze of lemon for dressing

Dinner - Whole Raw Large fruit (i.e. melon, papaya or paw paw, pineapple) or multiple amounts of one fruit (i.e. banana, orange)

Snacks (healthy & not-so healthy) - fresh raw fruit or vegetables and/or freshly juiced fruit or vegetables, always healthy.

What is your favourite source of:

Protein - fresh dark leafy greens and juiced grass

Calcium - fresh dark leafy greens and sesame seeds

Iron - fresh dark leafy greens

What foods give you the most energy?

Fresh, ripe fruit and fresh dark leafy greens

Do you take any supplements?

No, not in the form of capsules etc. We eat only live foods.

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Advice

What is your top tip for:

Gaining muscle - use them

Losing weight - by eating only fresh ripe fruits and greens, you will regain the perfect weight for your body structure. Maintaining weight - same as above, the body will maintain the perfect weight for body structure given the perfect diet. Improving metabolism - eat nutritiously and exercise daily

Toning up - strength training

How do you promote veganism in your daily life?
By example of how we live, and what we achieved by Running Raw around Australia. We give lectures and workshops and speak in schools, at festivals and conferences worldwide. We are also making a documentary based on Running Raw around Australia and the message that it contains. The film, RAW: The Documentary will be released worldwide during 2015.

How would you suggest people get involved with what you do?
Support the cause, Go on our website and sponsor the documentary, like and follow our Facebook Page, our blogs and YouTube videos - be inspired, be motivated. Together, we can make a difference!

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