Covered in inches of dark shiny sludge is a rich stew: a bicycle, an Ultraman stuffed toy, a fire extinguisher, a bank book.

WSJ: A Nation's Vigil of Hope and Loss

He adopted a vegan or plant-based diet and six months later, with almost no experience, entered the extreme endurance event known as Ultraman.

CNN: Rich Roll: From fat dad to ultra-fit father

At 42 years old, I competed in the Ultraman World Championships, a grueling three-day uber-endurance triathlon circumnavigating the Big Island of Hawaii that involves 6.2 miles of swimming, 260 miles of cycling and culminates with a 52.4-mile double marathon run.

CNN: From miserable man to 'Ultraman': A fitness journey

Ultraman is like a super-size triathlon.

CNN: Rich Roll: From fat dad to ultra-fit father