Matt Fitzgerald is a prolific writer, coach, and public speaker who has authored 34 books, primarily focused on running, endurance sports, and nutrition. Despite his vast output and successful career as a distance runner, Fitzgerald’s life took an unexpected turn due to a bout with Long COVID which has reshaped both his personal and professional life. Learn about Fitzgerald’s journey through illness, his innovative approach to staying connected with the sport he loves, and his ambitions for the future.*

The Prolific Writer and Athlete

Matt Fitzgerald’s life has always been characterized by an intense drive and passion for both writing and running. At 52, he has penned over 34 books and completed 50 marathons, with a personal best of 2 hours 39 minutes 30 seconds. 

His dedication to his craft is evident in his daily routine, where he often juggles multiple projects simultaneously. His identity as a distance runner came to a halt three years ago, however, when he developed Long COVID, which has since limited his physical abilities and forced him to re-evaluate his life’s direction.

Coping with Long COVID: A New Path

Fitzgerald’s battle with Long COVID has been challenging, bringing symptoms like chronic fatigue and neurological issues that have significantly impacted his ability to exercise and engage in his usual activities.

Despite these hardships, Fitzgerald found a new purpose by starting Dream Run Camp in Flagstaff, Arizona. This unique coaching program allows recreational runners to stay in Fitzgerald’s home and receive personalized coaching. 

Through Dream Run Camp, Fitzgerald has been able to stay connected with the running community, offering his expertise and fostering a supportive environment for his campers.

Looking Ahead: A New Challenge

Although he has come to terms with some of his limitations, Fitzgerald remains determined not to be a bystander in the sport he loves. On New Year’s Day 2024 he signed up for the Javelina Jundred, a 100-kilometer ultramarathon, despite currently being unable to run. 

His goal is not to race competitively but simply to finish the event within the 29-hour cutoff, even if that means walking the entire course. Fitzgerald views this challenge as a final tribute to his identity as an athlete, mirroring the determination of sports figures like Charles Barkley, who fought to return to the game after serious injury. 

This ambition also fuels his plans to write a book about the experience, aptly titled Dying to Run: An Ailing Athlete’s Quest for One Last Finish Line.

*Cacciola, S. (2024, February 5). 

He’s Teaching Others to Run, Because He Can’t Do It Anymore. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/2024/01/31/style/matt-fitzgerald-dream-run-camp.html?login=email&auth=login-email 

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