They Referred Him to Hospice. He Ran a Marathon Instead – Marcos Jarvis on Cancer, Wim Hof & Mindset
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What would you do if doctors told you that you had terminal cancer with just weeks to live? It's a question no one wants to face, but one that Marcos Jarvis confronted head-on in October 2019.
The diagnosis was devastating: stage four advanced, incurable pancreatic cancer with secondary growth in his liver. Doctors offered palliative chemotherapy and hospice care—essentially preparing Marcos for the end. But looking at his four-year-old son running across the playground after receiving the news, Marcus and his wife made a powerful decision that would change everything: "We can't let him down."
What followed was nothing short of extraordinary. While undergoing 35 rounds of chemotherapy, Marcos completely transformed his approach to health and life. He overhauled his diet, eliminating all sugars, alcohol, and processed foods. He began exercising—not gentle movement, but running to and from chemotherapy sessions with his pump still attached. He embraced cold water therapy and specialised breathwork through the Wim Hof Method, discovering that these practices helped him manage treatment side effects while building remarkable resilience.
Against all medical expectations, Marcos's tumours began to shrink dramatically. What was meant to be a journey toward acceptance of death became a pathway to healing and transformation. Today, Marcos is cancer-free and thriving as an ultra-endurance athlete, certified Wim Hof instructor, and founder of Warrior's Breath. He wakes at 5 a.m. daily for Tai Chi, breathwork, and a six-mile run, practices intermittent fasting, and continues his cold water immersion practice—now teaching others these powerful techniques.
Through his organisation and his work with the WOLO (We Only Live Once) charity, Marcos supports cancer patients and their families, recognising that a cancer diagnosis affects the entire family unit. His message is powerful yet simple: whatever mountain stands before you, you can move it. Every person has a warrior inside—it's about finding the trigger to awaken them.
Ready to explore how breathwork, cold exposure therapy, or mindset shifts could transform your healing journey? Connect with Marcos through Warriors Breath and discover what's possible when you refuse to accept limits.
Resources mentioned in this episode:
• Connect with Marcos on Instagram or Facebook
• Warrior's Breath
• Wim Hof Method
• WOLO Foundation
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Chapters
1. They Referred Him to Hospice. He Ran a Marathon Instead – Marcos Jarvis on Cancer, Wim Hof & Mindset (00:00:00)
2. Introducing Marcus and His Diagnosis (00:00:40)
3. The Dark Moment of Cancer News (00:03:28)
4. Transforming Through Treatment (00:07:25)
5. Remarkable Recovery Against All Odds (00:12:23)
6. Finding Power in Cold Therapy (00:17:44)
7. Warrior's Breath and Giving Back (00:31:18)
8. Fear, Purpose, and Life Beyond Cancer (00:47:52)
9. Final Thoughts and Inspiration (00:52:03)
8 episodes