Shortly after I entered the fifth grade, when I was only ten years old, I was diagnosed with ulcerative colitis. For the next eight years, the disease was managed with varying degrees of success using everything from conventional drugs to homeopathic treatments. Eventually, I was almost completely homebound by my colitis.

I had done enough research on the disease to know where things were headed. Internet research on ostomy surgery led me to the Barnett Continent Intestinal Reservoir (BCIR) and Dr. James Pollack in St. Petersburg, Florida. In October of 1997, I traveled to Palms of Pasadena hospital for surgery.

Unlike a conventional ileostomy, the BCIR involves the construction of an internal pouch from a small portion of the small intestine. The pouch is then connected to a stoma that is placed in the lower abdomen. A flexible catheter is used to empty the pouch several times each day.

BCIR surgery ended my struggle with colitis by removing my pre-cancerous colon. The procedure gave me my life back. I was able to work, marry, and start a family, but my physical conditioning was very poor.

Eight years of severe illness had taken their toll. I continued seeing a variety of doctors who sought an explanation for symptoms ranging from fatigue to dizziness. In February of 2003, I visited my surgeon at his office in St. Petersburg.

After a careful consultation, Dr. Pollack told me what no one else had: “Drink more water and push yourself to exercise.” I began to run, very slowly at first and for just sixty seconds at a time.

Gradually I increased my level of activity. I began to feel better. I worked up to running a mile, then three miles, then six miles, then ten. I began performing push-ups and sit-ups every week, and I entered several 5K road races.

One year later I visited Dr. Pollack again. “This isn’t the same person,” he said. The fatigue and dizziness were gone. They had been replaced by an athletic heart rate and a trim, muscular build.

Over time I fell in love with long distance running. I competed in the Huntsville, AL, Fleet Feet Grand Slam from November 2005 – January 2006. The Slam involves running one road marathon (26.2 miles) and three trail ultra-marathons (31 miles) in ten weeks.

I completed all four races. I helped other people begin running and created exercise programs to build strength and improve fitness. In July of 2006, I created a website for those seeking a fitness solution of their own.

The Twenty Minute Fitness Solution provides a daily, twenty minute workout requiring little or no equipment. Each day’s workout offers Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced options so that anyone, regardless of their physical conditioning, can participate.

Joel Ellis lives with his wife and children in Columbus, MS.

He preaches for the East Columbus Church of Christ.

Visit the 20 Minute Fitness Solution website