Hellah Sidibe Ran For 1500 DAYS: Across The USA & Kept Going | Rich Roll Podcast

Former pro soccer player turned runner Hellah Sidibe is the first black person to run 3,000-miles across the USA. He's also run every day for 1500+ days in a row. He's one of the most positive and enthusiastic people you'll ever meet, and today he shares his story. Read more & visit the show notes👉🏾bit.ly/richroll612
✌🏼🌱 - Rich
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FILMED AND EDITED BY BLAKE CURTIS
www.blakecurtis.net/
00:00:00 - Introduction
00:01:14 - 1500th Day of Consecutive Running!
00:05:43 - Hellah's Origin Story
00:09:17 - It Started with Soccer
00:16:11 - The Decision to Start His Running Streak
00:22:14 - Sharing His Run Streak on KZbin & Social Media
00:24:40 - Hellah's Idea to Run Across the Country
00:26:26 - How Did Hellah Not Miss A Day?
00:29:23 - Meeting Robbie Balenger during His Run Across the USA
00:34:06 - COVID Shutdown during 2020
00:35:32 - How Do You Train for a Transcontinental Run?
00:37:19 - The Plantpower Meal Planner
00:38:55 - How Running Everyday Transformed His Body
00:40:15 - Crossing the US in 84 Days
00:43:28 - Running Through the Navajo Nation in New Mexico
00:45:43 - Hellah's Support Crew
00:47:44 - Hellah's Method for Dealing with the Pain Cave
00:49:42 - Partnering with Nonprofit, Soles4Souls
00:53:38 - Meeting Other Ultra Runners on the Journey
00:54:51 - First Solo Black Runner to Run LA - NYC
01:04:26 - What Was Hellah's Read on the State of America?
01:08:14 - Hellah's Reasons for Going Vegan
01:13:30 - What was Hellah's Nutrition Plan during the Run?
01:15:42 - Target Heart Rate?
01:16:14 - How Much Sleep Did Hellah Get?
01:17:32 - Getting Inspired by the Iron Cowboy
01:20:02 - Hellah's Mindset for the Hard Days
01:24:06 - Recovery Routine
01:25:37 - “What Changed You?"
01:27:30 - “No Matter the Circumstance"
01:31:48 - Getting Support from His Family
01:35:46 - The Support from His Sponsors
01:38:36 - Finishing in NYC
01:45:46 - Advice for Changing Habits
01:57:28 - What's Next for Hellah?
02:05:07 - Closing Remarks
* * * * *
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Hi I'm Rich Roll. I'm a vegan ultra-endurance athlete, author, podcaster, public speaker & wellness evangelist. But mainly I'm a dad of four. If you want to know more, visit my website or check out these two the NY Times articles:
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#richroll #richrollpodcast

[@richroll]

How awesome is Hellah!?! Thanks for watching. To read more & check the show notes👉🏽bit.ly/richroll612

[@whatsyourstoryvlog406]

CHECK OUT OUR CHANNEL!!

[@lilyleclaire]

“get comfortable with the uncomfortable” this couldn’t be more fitting in my life today. another great interview rich! thanks! 👏🏼🥰

[@DnBarPoet77]

Hey Rich, great interview! Love Hellah and I’ve been following him a few years. It was awesome learning more about his life and motivational fortitude. One thing please get it right that Hellah isn’t the first African American to run across the U.S. There were three African American men, Eddie Gardner, Sammy Robinson and Toby Cotton Jr. (age 15) that finished the first U.S. transcontinental race known as the “Bunion Derby” in 1928 and it was not a relay (as mention in the interview) each of them, along with the other 52 finishers ran the daily distance, averaging almost 41 miles/day for 84 days from LA to NYC. Check out the book by Charles Kastner titled “Race Across America”, it’s a great documentary of the race and highlights Eddie Gardner the first of the three to finish.

[@kenlowgs8042]

Qqqqqq

[@kenlowgs8042]

@@lilyleclaire qq

[@clydea.hutchisoniv5742]

Today is day 186 of my streak, I'm 52 got sober on June 30th 2008 went vegan Nov. 22nd 2016 started road cycling aug. 2017 and seriously running and triathlon in spring of 2019. One of my biggest inspirations was your book "Finding Ultra" that a friend gave me back in 2015. I found Hellah last year and was watching him for a while before I learned he was vegan, pleasant surprise:)

[@issmansour]

Good job Clyde

[@DnBarPoet77]

Keep going man! Great that you’ve overcome! After 10 years of long distance road cycling I started running regularly by getting involved in a run streak at age 55 that ended up lasting 602 days which led me to trail running and ultras. Wish you all the best in your fitness and continued sobriety!

[@mauiswift6391]

Fantastic!

[@zenith3803]

I’m so proud of you Clyde. I hope that you’re journey will be filled with self-fulfillment, joy, and peace of mind.

[@clydea.hutchisoniv5742]

@@zenith3803 thanks!!

[@onelove7315]

Thank you very much you have inspirer a 71 year old to live a better life.✌🏾💕

[@gypsyhikermonica227]

The phrase that stuck with me from this calming soul..."Ten minutes a day, no matter the circumstances." That meditation can be connected to every goal in all aspects of life.

[@margarett_b]

I am not a runner or even an athlete but still, this conversation was incredibly inspirational! Hellah has SUCH a great energy to him...his attitude towards life, motivation, gratitude...I just love it all! I am very happy to be introduced to his presence on the internet and getting to know his story! Thank you guys for this amazing conversation!

[@projectphoenix2789]

Can’t wait for the Goggins & Hellah cross country collab 🏃‍♂️👀

[@booairmow]

Oh God no 😂

[@kazuma_706]

Oh hell yeah

[@W.C.]

57:30 man you're right, Rich, this is heavy. Thank you for sharing this, Hellah.

[@DanRuns]

Hellah is such a phenomenal guy and a truly inspiring, kind human being.

[@Levi_Allen]

Hellah is such a beautiful soul. I still think about the run I got to go on with him in New York and the positive impact it has on me. He just radiates a go get attitude. Respect him so much

[@ironmanix2835]

Totally agree!

[@christinedel.2438]

I'm smiling from ear to ear and my heart is open; what an amazing human Hellah is!

[@fpvlegion]

HELLA GOOD indeed!!! A true smile just moves mountains!!!

[@SamMartinPeakPerformance]

This is going to be Hella good! (pun intended)

[@8thLife]

Haha I see what you did there!

[@SchgurmTewehr]

@@8thLife hopefully you do..

[@k.a.3247]

@@SchgurmTewehr nice, saw what you did there!

[@lydiasharp6070]

Plant based lifestyle looks cool on guys like you…thanks for inspiring the world with your example and for sharing your stories with those of us who strive to be better than before!!!

[@the-purple-life]

when I want to run but am procrastinating.. I often watch a video from Hellah, ik love his energy and spirit. Thank you Rich for this, this was amazing!

[@aprilracine]

Same here.

[@chimara729]

Wow! Been feeling very pessimistic about the future of this country lately. Listening to this man Hellah definitely gives me signs of hope. Go Hellah!

[@almarosanieto4197]

WOW amazing interview! At first I checked length and told myself too long… at minute 153 I did NOT want the Interview to end!!! Thk you Rich for sharing this amazing young man with us!!! He’s not only inspiring but also contagious and WISE!!! LOVED hearing you both!!!

[@mauiswift6391]

What a wonderful young man! Congrats Hellah! I’ve followed your journey!

[@Shevock]

This guy's an inspiration.

[@Mookiethedog]

This was great. Never knew Hellah before this. Amazing dude with an amazing energy

[@samtheman7860]

I hoped that I would see Hella on your podcast someday and my dream came true! Yay 😁

[@dawn7220]

The spirit of gratitude makes us much better people. Thank you for the reminder.

[@dre_jammin6696]

He needs to write a book....plant-base, all the way! I became an ultra-marathon (50 miles) as a vegan...and cycled 3 centuries (100 miles) within a year. Greatest accomplishment ever!

[@HereForFun98]

Easily one of the best episodes to listen to! You two are so inspiring!

[@hotepimho3984]

today is my 5th day streak listening to this episode

[@hotepimho3984]

awesome story, Hellah is such a great speaker

[@franklinvanwingerden1820]

He ran across the USA & kept going: Forrest Gump

[@WaleedDeeba]

he is an absolute legend! much love from london

[@biancamontgomery4462]

Hellah is a beautiful runner. Being vegan is the best!

[@moniquecobb9051]

I love Rich Roll just too much! He’s so inspiring and encouraging.

[@PranavAnand2112]

I had an apprehension/fear that I wouldn't like listening to podcasts because of their length, but this one totally changed my outlook towards it. A big thank you to Rich for interviewing Hellah and inspiring countless other people because of your conversation!

[@moniquecobb9051]

Lord, I wish Rich Roll lived across the street from me, and David Goggins next door. 😂

[@gavinboddy2170]

So much respect for both of you guys... Excellent interview!

[@shannonjones4975]

I smiled so much during this, super positive guy!

[@GoldenKeyz]

Yasssss been waiting on this!!!

[@richroll]

He's the greatest.

[@helenluceyatkins7290]

What a great guy. Truly an inspiration to all.

[@moniquecobb9051]

He is a ray of light

[@harakeke11]

Wow, that smile and such deep wisdom. Thanks Rich and Hellah 💛💚💜💙🏃🏃🏃

[@AdiliseJohnson]

I stumbled on this video after binge watching so many of your podcasts and I'm filled with joy listening to your conversations. Hellah's story inspired this average runner LV woman ( lv my age in Roman Numeral ) who only ran 13 half marathons in a span of 2 years ( 5 years ago), to get UP and run again. Thank you RR for sharing your guests and knowledge with the world!

[@tnorman8723]

He’s incredible 🥰 thank you for sharing this interview with us Rich!

[@grahamhayden8969]

3 years ago I remember I wanted this to happen one day!

[@JonsConsciousLife]

I did a yearlong run streak in 2018, including 2 marathons. It was a cool experience, and being in Canada there were definitely weather challenges sometimes. I averaged about 4.5 miles per day. Not sure id ever do it again, but it was an amazing experience and I learned a lot about myself.

[@sheltonlovesr.8941]

Wow! Wow! And FN Wow! Hellah’s energy is so so so bountiful. I was able to run with him in Illinois into Indiana, and I thought he was going to be dragging ass since it was May 4th and he had been running since March 1st. But he talked and his energy was so big and I know he was hurting physically but he didn’t show it. I love this guy. He is making such a great impact in the world. I love how he gives so much created to Alexa T. Aka Bella or Bell. U guys are really doing it. Love U guys.

[@canyonhaverfield2201]

Hella's smile, forthright greatfulness, modesty, sense of delight & humour will no doubt be the 'teacher' for many. Hellah's radiant smile spurred Rich to yank off the beard in order for his smile to show..Thanks Rich for this conversation! Unfortunate food prep-details sunk at the point the words Ben & Jerry got mentioned. Hellah will be the fuel for many.Now lets see how that soccer career shapes-up ! Meanwhile a lot of youngsters & oldsters will be moved & persuaded to up their game..in all these ways .

[@lorigillach4362]

Hands down the most life affirming conversation I’ve listened to in a long time! Thank you and much love to you both!❤️

[@libbyjefferson1404]

What an incredible and inspiring story and conversation this was. What a beautiful and beaming soul Hellah is! I am not an athlete. I do care about fitness and a long time vegan, but this is inspiration to live life fully and with purpose. I believe I will be inspired by this every day for the rest of my life. Thank you.

[@damienmartinezcoro7765]

What a coincidence I’m watching this in May 15, in a super hot 12 miles run but in 2022. Great episode!! I never follow back any of the guests to the show, but I’ll love to hear again from this guy in your channel. Thank you for the constant inspiration.

[@poincareconjecture5651]

May15 my birthday that was a Saturday last year:)

[@justrione]

This is awesome. I am on my journey this is day 560+ no days off of training. Thank you for sharing your journey

[@sandramingdoyle3075]

Thank you for inviting this phenomenal young man to your podcast. His story moved me from the very beginning of his journey. He’s so inspirational, motivating & positive. It broke my heart to hear about his experiences in CA, OK & MO. I live in KS, and my husband has had some unfortunate run ins while running & road biking. Like Hellah, he just kept it moving. I pray for a day when we’re ALL safe to roam across this great country freely. I love your platform & everything you represent. Thanks again for giving Hellah an opportunity to reach even more people. Be well.

[@chrisnuttall1371]

Hey Rich & Hella Thanks for such an inspiring episode, touched me in so many ways, that was beyond epic. Running my first 100 miler in 5 weeks off the back of my last long run this weekend where mentally I was pretty soft at times, this whole chat was exactly what I needed. Thanks again Chris 🏃🏼‍♂️🌱🤙🏻

[@mariannewolf57]

Geez- what a phenomenal personality! What an acomplishment - and that big grin! This was so much fun - Thank you , RichRoll!!!

[@observer5864]

Time well spent watching this interview ❤

[@roxannek162]

what a bright and beautiful light. thanks, guys

[@dineosibiya2123]

Beautiful and inspirational discussion. Thank you

[@vegangelical]

Keeping positive after all those setbacks: brilliant attitude 🙏

[@8thLife]

Definitely!

[@tonybowen455]

Omg a year old how did i miss this!

[@josoveys649]

Awesome video!

[@booairmow]

Hellahgood9 🤪 Hellah is the best motivation ever🏃🏾‍♀️🏃🏿

[@Atheria444]

I need to start running longer distances than to the bathroom!

[@marcokalle2452]

Like a real-life Forrest Gump! Respect for this guy!

[@kayjay7548]

9 months later and he’s running with Robbie in Colorado , what a remarkable human !

[@JaneASmyth]

Fantastic! What an incredible accomplishment and story! Thanks for sharing!

[@ryanmadlener]

I love hearing about other runners' lives

[@shartmann2008]

sounders!! wow what an inspirational guest. police drama... ugh, I'm so glad he made it....

[@miyukishouse4647]

I loved today’s talk! hellah is amazing inspiring person!! So much to learn from what he does and how he appreciates everything in his life!

[@8thLife]

Another incredible and inspiring pod. 🙏 Love starting my week off with these.

[@thamsanqakhumalo4917]

Such pure energy man! Keep the positivity alight and spread it far, and wide with your running.

[@nathancedor6031]

That mountain in AZ must have been Mount Graham, that is a serious climb!

[@vivianjones5904]

Proud of you. Keep it up Yah.

[@daniellegarcia3947]

Ahhh so happy you interviewed Hellah! Been following him for a year and I screeched when I saw this podcast interview came out. I teared up multiple times from how inspiring Hellah is and his infectious positivity. Great podcast episode!

[@johannatheone]

Nice to hear Hellahs story. His fiance seems great, supporting him!

[@EntirelyHonest]

Really awesome story and podcast! Thank you so much for this Rich! Really liked Hellah's idea of running for 10 minutes a day, I think I am going to give this a try! Thanks again

[@erjanaisabay8413]

1:05:00 Nice energy! Thank you so much for another fantastic video!! About love: Back in 2015 when I made a road trip and visited all 26 places named Moscow in the US: from Idaho to Main, I really witnessed how wonderful people can be! + some few scary moments too just like in Hellah´s experience.. .-)

[@lukevaughan259]

This is awesome, was actually waiting for this!!!

[@polargirl7094]

Wow, what an inspiration. Love this podcast , love the energy this beautiful soul has and love the messages he conveys… Thanks RR .

[@saurabhdhiman7992]

Such a great episode. Thank you Rich. You both are beautiful humans.

[@ninafriedman3414]

amazing interview and an amazing person...we loved you in NYC...Hellah, you show how to live your life to the fullest and not let anything stand in your way of your dream. And again, Rich another great podcast- only you get the best out of all your guests.

[@virtusmindset]

Great interview and inspirational !

[@maximmakarenko9967]

A leap of faith! Thanks for your work.

[@oatmeal4life441]

Thanks!!!

[@aprilracine]

I can’t believe you got Hellah😊🌱

[@alantay9409]

Highly inspirational. Colorado welcome you! Thank you for sharing!

[@moniquecobb9051]

AWESOME INTERVIEW! Loved every bit of it. My sister and brother in law live in Decalb IL. So cool!!!!! 😀

[@lennonmoore2847]

Rich what an awesome interview. Hellah is amazing! Thank you!

[@ozlemtuncel3032]

What an amazing human, wonderful interview 🌱🥰

[@gabe6498]

Beautiful! Jersey guy now too!

[@nilandphotography]

It's great that Hellah is so passionate about his running, but have you heard of Ron Hill? Olympian, World Record Holder, European Champion, Boston Marathon winner, his list of achievements goes on. He also ran EVERY DAY FOR 52 years and 39 days!

[@nickgarrity764]

My dude! You’ve got so much figured out. Take it from a Husky from Dekalb, move to Salida, CO. It’s a funky river town an hour downriver from Leadville. Keep following the vibes!

[@briancardozo420]

Oh please, i need to find that part where they talk about "failure"

[@mbira1122]

But they do

[@griffinmccammon6139]

This is it.

[@katis999]

beautiful :)

[@rafaeltalavera6369]

What is the product that Hellah says he uses for recovery "Kelvy" 1:24:21?

[@Jrjj42]

Day 511 run everyday on the books after this mornings run.

[@lenazoni1]

1000%…100% better! 😂 🤗

[@yungthunder2681]

I'm not an expert on citizenship, but if he went to HS, and college in the states, he was a highly educated, why didn't he just get his citizenship? I know it can take a bit, but in his situation it should have taken more than a year Also shout out to Mark Whetmore (Colorado Boulder XC coach) for a 20 year running streak from 1983-2003. No KZbin back then

[@CequalsRN]

Hellahgood9

[@blessthegood1404]

I have had 5 times in different parts of the country had police stop and question me and I am white. It's common.

[@richardkish4002]

Hey, Rich ... I find it ironic that the guy (you) who made fun of Adam's swimming goggles (on more than one RollOn episode, to boot) is wearing that hideous, baggy tank top and pants while running with Hellah (inside the first minute of the episode) during the show's introduction. Then, those pants (or were pyjama bottoms?) you were wearing while conversing with Hellah ... oh, my. Is that your 'best self'? I doubt it. Here's a sartorial recommendation while running with a guest: wear the apparel that you've mentioned on an earlier podcast, i.e. '10000 apparel'. I'm glad, at least, that Hellah looked sharp both during the shots as part of the introduction and then later during the enjoyable conversation.

[@mjb6446]

what the hell are those pants Rich? Just when I thought you couldn't get any more hipster lmao

[@richroll]

Father's day present from my kids.

[@mbira1122]

😹

[@aleksandralempart8305]

Omg no Where's your beard 😳

[@snorgonofborkkad]

It's so disturbing that you felt it was appropriate to say "first black person" instead of simply stating his achievements as an individual. It's so dehumanizing and counterproductive to what you think you're achieving.