In this episode of Prescibing Lifestyle Podcast, I chat with Alex McDonald, founder of Keto Marathons. Alex shares his incredible journey of running five marathons in five days while fasting and adhering to a ketogenic lifestyle. He discusses the power of fat adaptation, how he trained for such a unique challenge, and the inspiring lessons he learned along the way.

1. About Alex McDonald:
   • Founder of Keto Marathons and a long-term advocate of the ketogenic lifestyle.
   • Over 15 years of low-carb and keto living, unlocking extraordinary energy and endurance.
   • Completed five marathons in five days, completely fasted, as a demonstration of the power of fat adaptation.
2. Journey to Keto:
   • Inspired by longevity and the health outcomes of others thriving in their twilight years.
   • Transitioned to keto through simple changes like eliminating grains and processed foods, eating whole foods, and focusing on fat and protein.
   • Experienced life-changing energy and mental clarity within just one month of starting keto.
3. The Five Marathons Challenge:
   • Ran five marathons in five consecutive days, ending with the Sydney Marathon.
   • Consumed only water and electrolytes throughout the five days.
   • Dealt with extreme heat, physical pain (sprained ankles, knee and hip discomfort), and no sleep, but never ran out of energy thanks to being fat-adapted.
4. Training and Preparation:
   • Trained for a year, starting with short runs and gradually increasing to 60–100 km per week.
   • Worked with expert advisors like Dr Ian Lake, Dr Paul Mason, and dietitian Dr Jessica Turton to fine-tune his approach.
   • Prioritised low-intensity, heart-rate-focused runs to minimise injury risks.
5. Lessons Learned from the Challenge:
   • Energy and endurance are accessible to everyone through fat adaptation.
   • Completing a marathon—or any big challenge—builds resilience and shifts your perspective on what’s truly difficult in life.
6. Backyard Ultra Adventure:
   • Participated in a Backyard Ultra, completing 15 loops (100 km) in 15 hours.
   • Enjoyed the unique format and camaraderie of the event.
7. What’s Next for Alex:
   • Training for the Ultra-Trail Australia 100K event in May 2025.
   • Plans to complete the race fasted, capturing data to further demonstrate the benefits of keto and fat adaptation.

1. Fat Adaptation Unlocks Boundless Energy:
   • Keto isn’t just for endurance athletes—it’s for anyone looking to boost energy and performance in their everyday lives.
2. Resilience and Mindset Matter:
   • Achieving big challenges, like marathons, strengthens your ability to handle life’s difficulties.
3. The Power of Simplicity:
   • Small lifestyle changes, like eliminating processed foods and focusing on nutrient-dense meals, can have profound impacts on health and wellbeing.

• Website: Keto Marathons
• Instagram: @ketomarathons
• X (formerly Twitter): @keto_marathons

• Instagram: @prescribing_lifestyle_podcast
• Facebook: Prescribing Lifestyle Podcast
• YouTube: @prescribinglifestyle

Note: This podcast is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider for personalised guidance.

Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review the podcast. Stay tuned for more inspiring stories of lifestyle-driven health transformations!