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OrganicAthlete: How did you get into the sport of triathlon?

John Hirsch: I entered the sport of triathlon via cross-training for soccer, which I played in college. I suspect I would have found the sport anyways. I have a tons of energy, so it was either Ironman, some other sport or ritalin. I need that much motion daily or else I feel like the world no longer spins and the hands of time have stopped. If you are ADHD you know what I mean.

OA: How did you get into the vegan/vegetarian lifestyle?

JH: I was exposed to plant-based diets a few times when I was young. First, when I was 12: I was sitting at the table with my family and we were eating ham. I recall needling my sister about how she was eating pig - an aminal she really loved - she was 8. She had a look on her face of total shock and disbelief. She didn't believe me and turned to my parents as if to ask, "How could the world be this awful of a place where we kill nice little piggies." There is something amazing about the honest eyes with which kids see the world. She burst into tears and never ate meat again.

We lived in a semi-remote area, and as the son of two meat eaters it wasn't easy to not eat meat. A few years laters while on a school field trip I came across an animal rights group who between horrific videos and rational discussion really convinced me that I needed to change what I ate.

Nevertheless, it was touch-and-go until I finally found myself in the Straight-Edge hardcore music scene (sounds like punk and metal's evil offspring), where lots of people had taken up the idea of animal rights. Bands had songs about it, kids wrote 'zines (self published productions) about it, and generally, people seemed to really care about this issue. I was 15.

During my undergrad days, I lived in a anarchist collective that was vegan. We took turns cooking and since the whole house was vegan it was pretty cool. Most days all I had to think about was showing up to the table. Surrounded by dear friends, it was easy to remain vegan, I still miss living with one friend in particular - he could really cook!

Anytime ones tries to do something different from the dominant culture it is better to do it in a supportive community.

OA: What did you notice when you starting changing your diet?

JH: When I first starting changing my diet, I reflected for the first time about what I was eating. It's kind of amazing, but it's very important and most people just eat what's around. Sadly, "what's around" is often crap. Now I think about what I buy and eat. Before becoming a vegan, then vegetarian, I ate without really thinking. Now I make much better choices in terms of my health. I am also careful to make sure my diet contains what I need as an athlete. There is a ton of science out there, but I'll leave that for the scientists to explain. I just know the more fruits, veggies and whole grains and whole foods I eat, the better I feel, the more I train, and the faster I go.

Visit John's website.