Mark Sanderson's story is one of resilience, transformation, and discovery in the world of ultra-running, all while balancing a demanding career and overcoming significant health challenges.

At 51, Mark serves as the fire chief in Orem, Utah, and has a background in public safety, with experience in both police and fire services. He also holds a nursing degree and works part-time in an emergency room. Mark's journey into running began 33 years ago with road marathons, where he progressively improved his personal best to 2 hours and 38 minutes.

His transition to ultra-running in the early 2000s was marked by initial challenges, particularly with endurance and gastrointestinal issues during races. These struggles continued until he encountered a product called Vespa and the Optimal Fat Metabolism (OFM) protocol at a race expo. Using Vespa, he noticed significant improvements in his performance and recovery, though he initially struggled to pinpoint the exact benefits.

Mark's approach to nutrition and hydration also evolved, with a focus on burning fat for fuel and avoiding overhydration. This strategy led to completing ultra-races with minimal calorie intake, a testament to the effectiveness of his new regimen.

However, Mark's journey was not without setbacks. In 2016-17, he faced a battle with stage 4 mantle cell lymphoma, which halted his running and significantly impacted his health. After a year of treatment and recovery, he reconnected with Peter from OFM, which helped him regain his physical and mental strength. This comeback was remarkable, as he began excelling in multi-day flat races due to limitations with elevation.

Mark's recent achievements include numerous top finishes in ultra races, including a first-place finish in a 48-hour endurance race, all while using Vespa. He credits this product and the OFM protocol for his improved performance and quick recovery, emphasizing the importance of metabolic health, especially after his cancer treatment.