Matt Johnson, a 29-year-old ultrarunner from Austin, Texas, took on a monumental challenge: running 842 miles across the state of Texas. The grueling journey stretched from El Paso to Galveston, featuring more than 24,000 feet of elevation gain and nearly 28,000 feet of descent. Johnson completed the run in 17 days, 8 hours, 55 minutes, and 40 seconds, with the help of a four-person support crew and two vehicles.
Though he has not yet applied for a “Fastest Known Time” (FKT) for his route—there are existing records for crossing the state west to east and north to south—his run is notable for two key reasons: it was done to support veterans, and it involved unconventional fueling and recovery methods.
Johnson, a former National Guard member, raised nearly $30,000 for ValorFit, a nonprofit that helps veterans stay active through fitness. The run became a way for Johnson to give back to an organization that had helped him during a difficult time. “I was going through a rough patch after a fractured fibula, and ValorFit changed my life,” Johnson said. “Now, with these donations, we’re going to help change the lives of so many veterans.”
A Spontaneous Idea Turned Reality
The idea for the Run Across Texas came to Johnson while he was at the gym on September 11th last year. “I was struggling after my injury, and I texted a friend saying I wanted to be the first to run across Texas,” Johnson recalled. “He told me it had already been done, but we started talking about how I could do it differently and for a cause.” Over the next 13 months, Johnson meticulously planned his run.
A Personal Challenge for a Bigger Purpose
While Johnson admitted he initially wanted to set a fast time, the focus quickly shifted to raising money for ValorFit. The nonprofit, based in his hometown of Des Moines, Iowa, had offered Johnson support when he needed it most. In 2022, after reaching out to founder Troy Peterson during a period of loneliness, Johnson received a year’s membership to a CrossFit gym without question. “That was a turning point for me, and I wanted to give back,” Johnson said.
The money raised from his run will fund fitness programs for veterans, helping them stay active and connected to their communities. “The fact that this run can change lives beyond my own is incredible,” Johnson said.
Running Nonstop for 17 Days
Johnson’s run was relentless. He ran for 17 straight days with no rest days. “My goal was to run for 12 hours, then get 12 hours of rest and recovery,” he explained. The crew adjusted his daily mileage to avoid burnout. “We covered between 43 and 53 miles each day,” Johnson said. To manage the swelling in his feet, he swapped his running shoes for recovery footwear in the final miles each day.
Unconventional Fueling
Johnson’s fueling strategy was as unique as his run. Each day, he consumed a mix of high-calorie foods, including donuts, peanut butter, and soda. “It started as a joke, but donuts became my main source of calories. I’d eat seven or eight a day, along with peanut butter and soda,” he said. He also drank pickle juice for extra electrolytes, despite its less-than-appealing taste. “It’s a weird combo, but it worked.”
To recover, Johnson relied on a diet of ground beef, rice, and tart cherry juice to reduce inflammation. “Cheribundi tart cherry juice was a key recovery drink, and melatonin helped me sleep,” he added. On some nights, he ate Fat and Weird cookies, which pack 600 to 700 calories each. “I ate constantly to fuel my body and keep going.”
The Toughest Moment
While Johnson had prepared physically for the run, he was not fully prepared for the intense pain he would endure. “This wasn’t as hard as I expected, but it was the most painful thing I’ve ever done,” Johnson admitted. He recalled a particularly emotional moment in Midland when the pain became overwhelming. “I broke down in the van after running through the day. I realized the pain wasn’t going away, and I had two more weeks of it ahead.”
Shoes and Gear
Johnson went through 11 pairs of running shoes from five different brands. He started with Mount to Coast shoes, but his swollen feet soon required larger sizes. He switched to Hoka Bondi shoes and tried several other brands, including New Balance and Adidas. “By the end, I was using New Balance Fresh Foam in the mornings and switching to carbon-plated shoes for the middle of the day,” he said.
The Journey’s Highlights
The scenery was a highlight of the run. Johnson described the first days, running through the mountains, as some of the most memorable. “It felt like Colorado, with mountains all around us,” he said. “I remember running through Guadalupe Pass and telling my girlfriend to look back at the view. It was one of those moments where you realize how special the experience is.”
The Biggest Lesson
For Johnson, the most important takeaway from the run was the simplicity of fueling. “It doesn’t matter what you eat, as long as you’re getting the calories you need,” he said. “I did this on donuts and peanut butter, and it worked. I learned not to overcomplicate nutrition or running.”
A Quiet Celebration
When Johnson finally reached Galveston, he didn’t celebrate with a party. “I was done. I just wanted to go home,” he said. “We stopped at a barbecue place, but I just wanted to sleep in my own bed.”
Johnson’s run across Texas was more than just a physical feat—it was a powerful reminder of the importance of perseverance, community, and giving back.
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