Gill, who jumped full-steam into #FarmSanctuaryLife after learning about our rescue, education, and advocacy work last year, recently took time out to chat with Farm Sanctuary about what she loves about being a vegan athlete and why she’ll be running for farm animals this fall.

Have you visited any of our shelters, and are there any animals you’ve bonded with who you’ll be running for during the race?

I drove down from Vancouver, Canada, in January 2018 to the Los Angeles Farm Sanctuary. I was greeted by the most welcoming employees, who educated me on nearly every experience each animal had gone through. Touched by all the life-changing stories, I returned in May 2018 to volunteer and better my relationship with the animals (and humans)!

Every single one of the animals at the Farm Sanctuary holds a special place in my heart. There isn’t one in particular I will be running for; instead, I see it us all as a team, running to “be the change” the world is ready to embrace.

What inspired you to be a part of our L.A. Plant Powered Run & Walk for Farm Animals?

As a plant-based athlete recently running my first 50KM Ultra Marathon Trail Race, I am faced with constant pressure from society with questions like “where do you get your protein from?” I am proud to be the example and educate society that protein doesn’t have to come from animals. And in fact, when it doesn’t you will have even better health, longevity, recovery time from workouts, and overall energy!

What does it mean to you to be running for Farm Sanctuary?

To run for Farm Sanctuary is an honor. The love, compassion, and kindness the animals at the shelters receive is what makes it such a magical place. Any way I can help to support and create awareness around bettering the future for animals and plant-powered living, I want to be a part of!

In your eyes, what does it mean to be a team? Why would you encourage others to join a team for the L.A. Plant Powered Run & Walk for Farm Animals event?

“It takes a village.” This mindset began early as a child while I was raised by my loving family. Then having competed in team sports, followed by creating my own business team of staff, I know everything in life is richer when you work together and share in the experience.

Working as a team in the Plant Powered Run & Walk for Farm Animals means we can train together, celebrate achievements together, multiply the amount of lives we can touch for animals, and join forces to be a strong voice heading into the future. Everything multiplies when we can do it together!

What motivates you, both as a runner and in your commitment to helping farm animals? Are there any details about your journey that you’d like to share?

My motivation is to live life from a place of faith, freedom, and gratitude for how strong the human body and mind are when we treat them with love and respect (animals too). I combine health and adventure, living life to the fullest, and sharing my knowledge and personal journey of transformation — one not learned in school or in books, but rather through struggle, hitting bottom, getting up again, choosing to survive, and ultimately deciding to thrive. A huge part of me thanks a plant-based lifestyle for this journey!

Any advice for would-be vegan or vegetarian athletes?

My advice is to take it one day a time! Love yourself in the process of becoming vegan or vegetarian, and educate yourself. In no time, you’ll be shocked at the incredible benefits you’re gifting yourself, animals, and the world.