“I went to get an X-ray and it turned out I had a very large goiter in my neck,” Kreill said. “I was having panic attacks and losing sleep.”

Before surgery to remove the growth, doctors told Kreill they were almost certain it was benign. But afterwards, a biopsy revealed cancer. After a second surgery, Kreill began heavy doses of radiation. Treatments continued over the next year.

“I came away from that knowing that cancer patients are more likely to have future cancers,” Kreill said. “I became very focused on what might have been the root cause.”

At 70 pounds overweight and suffering from foot pain, Kreill started to research cancer and potential causes. Why were certain people less prone to getting cancer?

“My vision had been getting poor and I had low energy,” Kreill said. “My cholesterol was also very high, and I really wanted to get off all my meds after my cancer. But I kept failing.”

Kreill’s research eventually led him to plant-based diets – a way of eating that does not include animal products. In December of 2010, he converted his diet to 100% plant based. After three months, his cholesterol dropped and continued to stay low.

“I flushed all my pills down the toilet and devoted myself to my new plant-based lifestyle.”

The year prior, Kreill had started working on weight loss and decided to start running again, after giving it up years before. Also in 2009, he participated in the United States Air Force Marathon but said he barely crossed the finish line, limping in on one leg and in great pain.

While visiting a shoe shop in Xenia, Kreill noticed a book – “Born to Run,” authored by Christopher McDougal, that he calls life-changing. In the book, the author sets out to answer one question: “Why does my foot hurt?”

Randy Kreill regularly competes in races and in July, finished his 79th race. Most are between 50 and 100 miles long and he runs these races wearing only sandals. CONTRIBUTED

Randy Kreill regularly competes in races and in July, finished his 79th race. Most are between 50 and…