Joe Gow's Secrets to Health

Most of you know our Chancellor, Joe Gow, as a tall, thin, energetic man. But have you ever wondered how someone with so much to do manages to look and feel so healthy? Being curious of this fact since I first saw Chancellor Gow, I decided to set up an interview to find out his secrets to success. Through his diet as a vegan, along with a dedication to running, Gow has enabled himself to keep up with a schedule that never slows down. By reading the interview below, maybe you too will be inspired and join the growing number of people that are just like our Chancellor.

The Racquet: How was your choice to become a vegan motivated? Joe Gow: My wife and I decided to do it together to lose weight, feel healthier and not feel guilty (about eating meat).

TR: Was this decision more for ethical or health reasons? JG: I'd say more for health reasons. After all, I'm wearing leather shoes and a leather belt, so I can't say I'm on a crusade.

TR: What does a vegan diet entail? JG: Don't eat anything that has a face. In general, this means no meat or dairy. Besides, I'm lactose intolerant. I do happen to eat honey, which because it's an animal product, some vegans wouldn't consume.

TR: What about your diet? Do you have any self-imposed restrictions? JG: My wife and I ideally eat things that have no fat or low fat. For instance, McDonald's fries are suitable for vegans, but because they have so much grease I don't eat them.

TR: How long have you been a vegan? JG: About 20 years.

TR: Any setbacks with being a vegan? JG: Not really. Besides, it's not analogous to being an alcoholic where you can relapse.

TR: Have you ever followed any other type of diet? JG: Nope, no desire to.

TR: What are some of the difficulties involved with being a vegan? JG: The big challenge is to get your protein. Also, sometimes little towns don't have what you're looking for. You just have to be creative and know where to look.

TR: Do you ever have to take any supplements? JG: I take a chewable calcium everyday, along with a multivitamin. Note: It can be easy for a vegan to have a calcium deficiency due to the lack of dairy products.

TR: There are a lot of pros involved with being a vegan. Could you please tell me a few? JG: Look (standing up), I'm a thin guy, feel great, have low cholesterol, and don't have to worry about a heart attack. And the food that I do eat happens to taste great and is pure.

TR: What about the cons? JG: You have to try a little harder when traveling. But I do have to say that while on campus, Chartwells (our campus food service) is great! For instance, if you ask them (Chartwells) at Cartwright, they'll give you vegan options.

TR: While La Crosse is known for being a physically active community, do you ever see it becoming more of a diet conscious area? JG: I really can't say. I wish guys like you would make it cool, because right now a lot of people consider it to be odd. Vegan can be very sexy.

TR: You're an influential man. Have you ever considered implementing more options for vegans and vegetarians around campus? JG: Chartwells has already done a good job at that, but I just don't know how many people would demand that stuff to make any significant changes.

TR: For those interested, do you have any suggestions on where to eat or buy your food around the area? JG: The Co-Op is a great place, while Woodman's has extensive produce options. And don't forget, Cartwright can offer vegan options.

TR: Million dollar question. If you were stranded on an island with only three foods, what would they be? JG: Brown rice, steamed vegetables and marinated and baked tempeh (it's a soy product).

TR: You mentioned that you enjoy running. How do you manage to do this with a schedule such as yours? JG: Well, you get up at 4:30 a.m. and run in the dark. Some days I'll sleep until 5:30 a.m. The other day I was running in River Falls. It was nice before and after my run, but raining the entire time between. Oh well, se la vi.

TR: Have you ever experienced difficulties with your running or energy levels as a result of your diet? JG: (Emphatically) Not at all!

TR: Tell us about your upcoming race, The Inaugural 5K/10K. JG: We're going to start and light the lantern at the clock tower at 6:30 a.m. The first 5K run will start at 6:40 a.m. For those who would like to run the 10K, we will be running another loop.