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Phil De Gruy: From Stage IV Colon Cancer to Ultramarathon Runner
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What happens when conventional cancer treatment fails you twice? For Phil, the answer wasn't more medicine—it was running shoes. After being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2015, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Phil faced a devastating recurrence when the cancer metastasized to his lungs a year later. Standing at a crossroads many of us fear, he made a choice that defied conventional wisdom: he declined further medical treatment.
The decision came with a bold commitment—Phil would transform his entire lifestyle, focusing on endurance training after reading research suggesting it could strengthen the immune system against terminal diseases. With half his left lung removed and doctors offering little hope, he promised himself he'd go "from stage 4 to 140.6"—the distance of a full Ironman triathlon. What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Phil completely reimagined his life, embracing a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, eliminating processed foods, and pushing his body through increasingly challenging endurance events.
Eight years later, Phil stands cancer-free, having completed two 50-mile ultramarathons, a 50K, a marathon, four half marathons, and four sprint triathlons. His journey through the darkness of cancer diagnosis led to the creation of the Running for Dreams Foundation, which supports children who have lost parents to cancer. Phil's story challenges our understanding of healing and reminds us that sometimes the most powerful medicine comes not from a prescription pad but from within—from our willingness to completely transform how we live. Whether you're facing your own health battle or supporting someone through theirs, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there's always a path forward if we're brave enough to forge it.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
• Phil's foundation Running For Dreams
• Phil Phest 5k
• Connect with Phil on Instagram or via email at [email protected]
• David Goggins - Can't Hurt Me
• James Clear - Atomic Habits
________
- Follow TSP on Instagram
- Follow Carsten on Instagram
If you want to be a guest on the show, email Carsten directly at [email protected]
Please remember to leave a review for the show and hit the Follow button to stay updated about new episodes.
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By Carsten PleiserSend us a text
What happens when conventional cancer treatment fails you twice? For Phil, the answer wasn't more medicine—it was running shoes. After being diagnosed with stage 3 colon cancer in 2015, undergoing surgery and chemotherapy, Phil faced a devastating recurrence when the cancer metastasized to his lungs a year later. Standing at a crossroads many of us fear, he made a choice that defied conventional wisdom: he declined further medical treatment.
The decision came with a bold commitment—Phil would transform his entire lifestyle, focusing on endurance training after reading research suggesting it could strengthen the immune system against terminal diseases. With half his left lung removed and doctors offering little hope, he promised himself he'd go "from stage 4 to 140.6"—the distance of a full Ironman triathlon. What followed was nothing short of remarkable. Phil completely reimagined his life, embracing a Mediterranean-style diet rich in vegetables, eliminating processed foods, and pushing his body through increasingly challenging endurance events.
Eight years later, Phil stands cancer-free, having completed two 50-mile ultramarathons, a 50K, a marathon, four half marathons, and four sprint triathlons. His journey through the darkness of cancer diagnosis led to the creation of the Running for Dreams Foundation, which supports children who have lost parents to cancer. Phil's story challenges our understanding of healing and reminds us that sometimes the most powerful medicine comes not from a prescription pad but from within—from our willingness to completely transform how we live. Whether you're facing your own health battle or supporting someone through theirs, this conversation offers a powerful reminder that even in our darkest moments, there's always a path forward if we're brave enough to forge it.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
• Phil's foundation Running For Dreams
• Phil Phest 5k
• Connect with Phil on Instagram or via email at [email protected]
• David Goggins - Can't Hurt Me
• James Clear - Atomic Habits
________
- Follow TSP on Instagram
- Follow Carsten on Instagram
If you want to be a guest on the show, email Carsten directly at [email protected]
Please remember to leave a review for the show and hit the Follow button to stay updated about new episodes.