Chef John Jackson’s Inspiring Fitness Transformation: A Decade in the Making
By Fabian Mayer, February 9, 2026
Meet John Jackson, a prominent chef based in Calgary, celebrated for his contributions to renowned restaurants such as Charcut and Charbar. His journey toward a healthier lifestyle is nothing short of remarkable and serves as an inspiration for many.
Jackson's aspiration to complete a marathon had been brewing for nearly ten years. Back in late 2015, he had just launched his second eatery, Charbar, while also welcoming his second child into the world. The fast-paced and often unhealthy demands of a career in the restaurant industry had taken a toll on him, leaving him 100 pounds overweight, working excessively, suffering from poor sleep, and feeling anxious about his long-term health.
One evening, while browsing the internet, he stumbled upon an advertisement for a marathon set on the Great Wall of China. This unexpected discovery ignited a desire for change within him.
"That night, I mapped everything out in my mind," Jackson reflects. "I laid out my training schedule, noted what supplies I would need, and figured out how to fit it into my hectic work routine. The very next day, I had a conversation with Connie."
Connie DeSousa, his co-chef and business partner, is passionate about fitness and jumped at the opportunity to support Jackson. That same day, they squeezed in a run between their lunch and dinner service.
"To be honest, my first run was pretty embarrassing," admits Jackson. "I was managing to run about ten steps before needing to walk. Then I'd run a bit more, followed by another walking break." Although he was determined to improve, he pushed himself too hard too quickly, which led to an injury. "I was so focused on getting healthy that I ended up hurting my knee instead."
Faced with this setback, Jackson switched gears and opted for cycling as a means to regain his fitness. He began with a goal to bike to work once a week, then increased it to twice, and eventually three times. Fast forward to today, and Jackson has elevated his cycling to an elite level, commuting daily regardless of the weather, and logging over 15,000 kilometers in 2025 alone. His adventures included a memorable ride to Regina for his mother’s birthday and participating in a charity event called Chefs Cycle for No Kid Hungry, which took him all the way to Oregon.
"I found a way to seamlessly integrate fitness not just into my life but also within our workplace culture," Jackson explains. "Between shifts, we embark on various adventures. For instance, Connie and I or other team members often go for morning hikes or attend different fitness classes. I've shed over 100 pounds and I feel fantastic every single day—both physically and mentally. Embracing fitness has truly transformed my life."
Additionally, Jackson is an advocate for hot and cold therapy, incorporating daily cold plunges each morning and sauna sessions in the evening into his routine. During winter, his neighbors in Lake Bonavista can spot him carving a hole in the frozen lake, shedding his parka, and immersing himself in the frigid water. His home sauna, on the other hand, reaches steamy temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Celsius.
"The rush of dopamine from those morning cold plunges is exhilarating—it keeps me energized throughout the day," Jackson shares. "And the sauna is incredible for recovery after cycling and running. It’s such a rewarding experience, and I’ve noticed a significant improvement in my sleep quality as well."
Even though Jackson embraced fitness later in life, at the age of 40, his dedication and wellness practices have dramatically improved his health. He is motivated not only for his own sake but for the well-being of his wife and two daughters. "It's crucial for me to stay healthy and active to keep pace with them," he affirms. "I aspire to be the kind of dad who introduces them to exciting adventures—not the tired, grumpy version."
But what about the marathon he dreamt of? Despite encountering another knee injury that delayed his plans, Jackson achieved his goal of completing the New York City Marathon in November 2025—exactly ten years after he first envisioned running one.
This inspiring story showcases how determination and a commitment to health can lead to incredible transformations. What do you think about Jackson's approach to fitness? Would you consider integrating similar practices into your own life? Share your thoughts below!
