I'm Lucie, the Gutsy Runner

 I'm an avid trail runner and fitness enthusiast who has run multiple marathons, ultra marathons, and triathlons.

I was diagnosed with Ulcerative Colitis (an auto-immune disease that effects the colon) in 2015 and struggled for several years to stay active while managing painful and embarrassing symptoms. In 2017 I started following the Specific Carbohydrate Diet and was able to get myself into remission by eating a whole foods diet that includes vegetables, fruit, meats, limited dairy, nuts, seeds. I don't eat processed foods unless I can verify all the ingredients so I make almost all my own food from scratch. I don't eat grains or any sugars except for those in honey and fruit. Read about my IBD / SCD Journey here.

When I tell people about my goals to run/hike 2021 miles in the year between my 49th and 50th birthday (September 20 2020 to 2021) people wonder why.  When I talk of completing Rim 2 Rim 2 Rim in the Grand Canyon in two days, or the 67 mile Backbone Trail in the Santa Monica Mountains in 3 days, or the Trans-Catalina trail in a day, I'm met with big question marks!! But I guess that's like asking why would someone want to eat a big slice of cake or go on vacation or watch an amazing movie. It just makes sense to me and makes me so happy to be surrounded by nature, to put my body to work that way, and to see this beautiful environment around me. 

The plan is to write about my adventure over the next year in this blog. To share some of the resources I use to prepare for my trips. To recommend products, real foods that travel well and fuel an active body, recipes that I like (did I mention I freakin adore my Instant Pot?). To share my story and how I get myself to cover 2021 miles in a year. I suspect that what I set out to present here will take a different shape over time- that'll it'll grow and change as I do.

I hope that you'll interact with me by commenting here or on my social media (Facebook @The Gutsy Runner) or send me a message.

  This isn't just a blog for people with Ulcerative Colitis but for anyone who has struggled with being active, having gut issues (whether that's IBS or runner's trots), and/or has to navigate the world of dietary restrictions.  

Thanks for being part of my journey!
​Let's see where it takes us.