Harley Johnstone

Name: Harley Johnstone
Age: 30
Height: 183
Weight: 138lb
Birthplace: australia
Current Residence: australia
Sports: xc mountain bike, road cycling, marathon, muay thai kick boxing.

Why did you become vegan?

i went vego for health reasons for 1 week. then read about the dairy industry and went vegan overnight. i dont do honey either..messing with pollenators that produce my fruit and veg aint smart...


When and why did you become interested in fitness?

all my childhood i got told i was 'too skinny'. then one day a mate said i should try riding cos i was looking like a hill climber. i havent looked back since.


How would you describe your nutrition program?

100% raw vegan. organic every chance i can get. dr doug graham has helped me with my ultra endurance eating plan to pump out 320mile solo rides...today i ate 32 bananas, 3kg of grapes and a pound of local
dates. plus some greens. cycled 173km.

How would you describe your training program?

between 5miles and 950miles a week on the bike. depending on the time of year and my racing goals etc. i have the state 24 hour xc solo champs in a few days, so this week is pretty light with a few sprints.


What kind of supplements do you use if any, and why?

supplements? i just eat as much whole, ripe,raw, organic fresh plant foods as i care for, when hungry, till full as the good doc ordered. ive never supplemented as a raw vegan. my b12 is within range. it use to be low. i just eased up on the fat consumption and it sky rocketed...im into treating the cause over symptoms. im caring for a friends cat, dog and goldfish today and in EVERY tin of pet food for these 3 animals, b12 has been added on the ingredients list..

having said that i can see times when someone on a highly processed diet would require b12 pills..but id just tell em to simplify the lifestyle and get closer to nature..


What are some common misconceptions about veganism?

that is limiting..heck im raw vegan. i eat for 4 some days. i burn over 16000 calories in a 24 hour race and still manage to get enough calories to win these races against riders doing pills n red bulls each lap..

i think society is becoming more aware. i know that more people know about veganism than ever before. and each time someone asks me where do i get my protein from?' i just say 'check out www.veganbodybuilding.com '!!!!!!!!!!

ive written veganbodybuilding.com on the backs of random peices of paper and slipped em in peoples letterboxes or on the backs of books or magazines..anything to get the word out!


What do you think the most important aspect of fitness is?

finding a sport that you enjoy. having daily purpose in your pursuits. ie for me its to show the world that all we need to thrive is found in raw plant foods.. other aspects to keep us smashing longterm is understanding how much hydration, carbs and recovery we need to consume today to power on tommorrow..



What do you like best about being vegan?

i get to be a shite stirrer at bbq's!
i get to have more real connections with animals in nature and dont
feel hypocritical that i pat one animal and guzzle another.
i get to feel closer connection to mother nature.
i get to boycott the animal pain and suffering with each purchase.
i get to be a voice for the voiceless.
i get to help people with their health problems.
i get to help save the planet!
i get to, i get to...its endless!


What do you like best about being fit?

when someone says 'your too skinny' or 'you dont get enough protein as a vegan' i get to say 'hey fatso, grab your bike and i will race you accross australia..5grand first place eh? and yeah ive riden perth to tip of cape york solo, vegan and in 46 days...


What are your strengths as an athlete?

ultra endurance. ability to eliminate time and distance remaining is key. once i ran a marathon 9 hours after coming 2nd in a 24 hour solo xc race...focus on the metres in front of you,,not the miles..


What advice do you have for vegan athletes who are just starting out?

google up dr doug graham and read his stuff. its gold! eat enough carbs, get enough sleep. hydrate or die.. before hard races, workouts etc watch that dvd earthlings...ie transmutate your negative feelings about society in positive forces for good. show your friends, family, sporting club etc that vegans can still mix it up!


What advice do you have for people who are thinking of becoming vegan?

watch a video from www.peta.org
read something from dr douglas graham
go pat an animal.

this way you have the info, you have the visual and patting a real live animal friend gets you in touch with your heart felt emotions...cos at the end of the day, if the heart says no to killing etc, so should you.

all the worlds problems stem from people trying to acquire uneccessary things...


What motivates you to continue to be a successful vegan athlete?

its my life purpose. nothing gives me more pleasure than being a healthy, happy, fit and vibrant raw vegan athlete. i got 2nd in a race yesterday. i was wearing www.organicathlete.org cycling clothing. i was representing a powerful cause. i had to perform..it felt great!


How has the website www.veganbodybuilding.com helped or inspired you?

cos i get to show my muscle head friends some real life vegan muscle heads! you crew are an example of 'SLEEVES UP! CHARGE ON!


Is there anything else you would like to add about your vegan fitness lifestyle?

spend time in nature. be aware that friends and family when it comes to wanting you to eat animal products are sincere but sincerely wrong. be ready to be a beacon of light in a dark world. become a lighthouse shining so brightly that people are blinded by your example, your life is undeniable evidence that veganism is right. remember every disciplined effort is met with multiple reward and that mother nature never broke the heart that loved her...