“I went in for an x-ray and it turned out I had a very large goiter in my neck,” Crail said. “I was having panic attacks and was losing sleep.”
Before surgery to remove the tumor, doctors told Kreill they were almost certain it was benign. After the second surgery, Crail began to receive high doses of radiation. Treatment continued for the next year.
“Knowing that cancer patients are more likely to get cancer in the future, I walked away from it,” Kreill said. I am more focused.”
70 pounds overweight and suffering from leg pain, Kreill began researching cancer and its potential causes. Why are certain people less likely to get cancer?
“My eyesight was declining and my energy was declining,” Crail said. “My cholesterol was also very high and after cancer I wanted to go off all drugs. But I kept failing.”
Kreill’s research ultimately led him to a plant-based diet, an animal-free diet. In December 2010, he changed his diet to his 100% plant-based. After 3 months his cholesterol had dropped and remained low.
“I flushed all my meds down the toilet and committed to my new plant-based lifestyle.”
The year before, Clyle began working on losing weight and decided to pick up running again after giving up years earlier. Also in 2009, he ran in the United States Air Force Marathon but said he limped on one leg and was in so much pain that he barely crossed his line to the finish.
While visiting Xenia’s shoe store, Kreill noticed a book called “Born to Run” by Christopher McDougal. In this book, the author tries to answer one question: “Why do my legs hurt?”
Randy Kreill races regularly and completed his 79th race in July. Most are his 50 to his 100 miles long and he runs these races in sandals only.contributed
Randy Kreill races regularly and completed his 79th race in July. Most are his 50 to his 100 miles long and he runs these races in sandals only.contributed
“I got my copy at the bookstore and it resonated with me,” Crail said. “This is the story of an outdoor athlete who always suffered as a runner.”
Kreill learned that the reclusive Tarahumara Indians of Mexico’s Copper Canyon ran hundreds of miles in homemade sandals. Also, Tarahumara’s diet turned out to be 90% of his plant-based.
“These people never stop running all their lives,” Crail said. “We have guys in their 90s who can run long distances in tough trail conditions. They don’t have heart disease or cancer, they don’t have depression or diabetes.”
A full-time father who still lives in Beaver Creek, Crail decided to adopt Tarahumara’s best practices.
Randy Kreill changed his lifestyle dramatically after his cancer diagnosis. That included long distance runs, which he does in minimalist shoes. He is crossing the finish line at the Canal Corridor 100 Mile Race in July 2020 with his wife Megan.
Randy Kreill changed his lifestyle dramatically after his cancer diagnosis. That included long distance runs, which he does in minimalist shoes. He is crossing the finish line at the Canal Corridor 100 Mile Race in July 2020 with his wife Megan.
“I bought some crazy looking sandals and my life changed again,” Crail said. “I had to find a way to put them together and lace them up in the best possible way.”
Originally called “Invisible Shoes,” Xero Shoes’ DIY sandals were ordered by Kreill, and after perfecting his knitting technique, he made a video and uploaded it to YouTube, eventually reaching nearly 2,900 people. got subscribers. And on her 50th birthday, August 25, 2012, Caesar entered a triathlon at her Creek State Park, wearing her new “invisible shoes” to complete his marathon. I ran
Randy Kreill called the 2020 completed Cloudsplitter 100 the “longest and toughest” race. Crail ran the race in sandals, taking him over 37 hours through the rugged and remote mountains of Virginia. He stands with his wife Megan and his daughter Lindsay after the race.
Randy Kreill called the 2020 completed Cloudsplitter 100 the “longest and toughest” race. Crail ran the race in sandals, taking him over 37 hours through the rugged and remote mountains of Virginia. He stands with his wife Megan and his daughter Lindsay after the race.
“Having sandals is a constant reminder to lift your feet,” Crail said. “I learned how to run properly and use the core.”
On July 30th of this year, at the age of 59, Crail completed his 79th race, completing 100 miles in just under 30 hours. To date, he has completed his 24 his 100-mile races. And today, on his 60th birthday, Crail is healthy and pain-free. And he is very grateful.
Crail was a runner when he was younger, but gave up after experiencing pain in his feet and ankles. He renewed his passion for running by changing his footwear and body type. He is shown wearing his Xero Shoes sandals at his May 2022 Tye Kye 50 K in Yellow Springs. He was 59 years old.
Crail was a runner when he was younger, but gave up after experiencing pain in his feet and ankles. He renewed his passion for running by changing his footwear and body type. He is shown wearing his Xero Shoes sandals at his May 2022 Tye Kye 50 K in Yellow Springs. He was 59 years old.
I’m grateful that he and his wife Megan can run together and spend quality time with their daughters Lindsey, now 24, Emma, 22, and Allyn, 20.
“At 42, I thought, maybe I should go see my daughters grow up,” Crail said. “Cancer shook me to the core, but the lifestyle change has switched me from a life of drifting fear-based to a life of faith, hope, joy and adventure.”
