Well the adventure is over, but if you would like to help by making a donation to one the charities associated with the Race4MentalHealth, please visit our GivingPage.

Sunday, October 2, 2011

New Blog

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Hey everybody...not sure how many people still have this blog set up to do automatic email notifications, but just wanted to let you know that I created a new blog...

The goal is to continue to provide updates on my adventures and also hear from you about your adventures with the common goal of keeping ourselves motivated and inspired as well as motivating and inspiring others to get fit.

You CAN Commit to Fit
ucancommit2fit.blogspot.com

Monday, August 1, 2011

RACE ACROSS THE ROCK 2011 by Ruby Ryder

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Jason and Yigit, a year ago committed to a dream,
With training and determination, they became a two-man team.
“To race across the rock” was the goal they had in mind,
Courage and encouragement were not hard to find.

Their wish to raise awareness had inspired them thru and thru,
The logo – “race for mental health” told what they planned to do.
The trail would be the railway bed, with scenery second to none,
But it might present some obstacles before each day was done.

From west at Port aux Basques to east at Signal Hill,
Lay eight hundred, eighty-three kilometres to kill.
On July 13th, with lots of support, and a crew to guide the way,
Each day would be a challenge to accomplish 60 k.

The updates on the e-mail and on the blog site, too,
Was something we all wondered if they’d have the time to do.
Days one thru four they were held back by rain and wind and cold,
But “spirits were not dampened” is what they bravely told.

The bridge across a river, after the rainstorm, was washed out,
With a stick in hand for balance, they each faced it without doubt.
They trudged through rapid water – 200 feet they say,
Intent to reach the other side, they made it all the way.

Milestone one was Corner Brook – it happened the 5th day,
We heard them when they shouted, “we’re one-quarter of the way”.
The campsite for the next two nights was an amazing sight to see,
That lake was certainly a place where we all wished that we could be.

The next day was a “tough one”, too; the gravel was not good,
After 30 k and “a little tired”, we certainly understood.
Then on thru the Gaff Topsails and Millertown as well,
The railway here once flourished – the evidence did tell.

The media were now caught up, and got the message out,
“Donate for the cause – ‘Mental Health’ is what it’s all about”.
Family and friends were all tuned in, so very proud of you,
You are quite an inspiration, because of what you chose to do.

Day 9 at noon, they had reached Grand Falls, with half the distance done,
With optimism still much alive, as if they’d just begun.
Then on to a spot called Jumper’s Brook, before the sun was set,
The support crew would be waiting, to make sure their needs were met.

On the 11th day, Yigit said “I’m out”, leaving us feeling sad,
The pain had started on day two, and had gotten very bad.
It sure did take much courage, with each stride along the way,
Congratulations and Good Luck, for you accomplished 500 k.

For the next couple of days, J ran alone, enthusiasm strong,
Rod will be joining up real soon – we hope it won’t be long.
Rod did meet up for day 13, eager to start the day,
The goal for J was milestone three – three-quarters of the way.

After 42 k into the day, that milestone he had met,
They continued on, up winding hills to see how far they’d get,
14 k from Clarenville and much to their delight,
The 13th day had ended and it was there they’d spend the night.

The pictures said it all – they sure were having fun,
While utilizing every stream as rescue from the sun.
Another day was near the end, we can’t believe it’s true,
“Only three days more, is all that’s left to do”.

An exclamation of joy – “we are oh so close”, on day 15 we read,
“Come by Chance is on the horizon”, was also what they said.
Tickle Harbour is where they rested that night – their inspiration grew,
Unconsciously, they have passed it on, to folks like me and you.

They reached Paradise on the 17th day – there were friends and family, too,
We just can’t explain the joy we felt when J first came into view.
“The last day is tomorrow” – in the morning they’ll be on their way,
We’ll all be at the finish line to share that special day.

On July 30th it was in the NEWS – “They will arrive at noon”,
On Signal Hill the excitement was great – we knew we would see them soon.
Old friends, new friends greeted them – “We can’t believe you’re here”,
After some favourite food and a good night’s rest, they were none the worse for wear.

J, your goal to “Race 4 Mental Health” now has been fulfilled,
We see you as a hero, for all the lessons you’ve instilled.
For all of us who listened, we found your words quite true,
They do apply to all of us, in everything we do.

Yigit and Rod – you are heroes, too – of that there is no doubt,
And loyal friends, too, is what you are – that’s what we soon found out.
CHEERS to the crew who did their part, to make a dream come true,
Jason – I could never say in just a few words, how proud I am of you!!

Momma R

Sunday, July 31, 2011

Shane MacLeod

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I just want to say a big thank you to Shane MacLeod (ScotiaMultisport.com). Shane has been my coach for a few years now and has always amazed me with his ability to develop very specific and individualized training plans for the events I take on. It doesn't matter if it is a 5k, Ironman, Western States 100 miler or Racing Across the Rock...I am always confident that I will achieve my goals with Shane as the plans he develops always get me prepared for whatever challenge.
While Shane works in Halifax where I live, we do all our correspondence via email and through his training website...it works great. Not sure if he has room to take on many more athletes but if you have a dream and you want to ensure you achieve it...contact Shane.
Thanks so much Shane
-J
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Saturday, July 30, 2011

All Done!

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Can't believe it...The Race Across the Rock is complete. Feel great. Planning to run back on Monday...who's in? :-)
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There it is! :-)

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Not sure if you can make it out but there is Signal Hill in the distance.
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Friday, July 29, 2011

Nutrition In Action

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I would like to say a BIG BIG thank you to Angela Dufour at Nutrition In Action and her intern Stephanie McWilliams. I would never have come close to finishing this if it wasn't for their very detailed nutrition plan. Also, I was in contact with Angela daily updating her on my intakes. Angela and Stephanie would record my intakes and then get back to me and let me know if I needed more protein, calories etc that day. Not only did their tireless dedication to my success help me finish but their level of detail was one of the main reasons my energy levels stayed high and consistent and I was able to complete the run injury free. There is no better sports nutritionist to be found. Thanks Nutrition In Action!
-J
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Taking Time to Smell The Fleurs! :-)

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Its 5PM and I just passed Manuel's River. Only 10k left until the end of the day where I will finish a stones throw away from my dad's place. :-) Been taking my time today thinking about alll of this...the amazing scenery, all the donations, support from family and friends...even from people who I have never met...hopefully I will get the opportunity.
As I have said many times...there is nothing special about me...I just made a choice and commited to it. Yigit and I never wanted this to be about just us. This is really about several things...
- it started as a way for me to share an adventure with my dad
- talk about the benefits of exercise to our mental health. Who has ever regretted exercising or felt worse about themselves after they worked out? There is a sense of pride and self confidence that comes with finishing a workout
- get people talking about mental health and decrease the stigma.
- donate to some great causes and help some people less fortunate
- finally, get people thinking about what could be possible if they decide to do something and COMMIT to it. Of course you will need to find ways to hold yourself accountable and will most likely need help from others...I would never have come close to finishing this without help. Now don't get me wrong, there are certain things I will never be able to do...like win Canadian Idol...maybe So You Think You Can Dance haha. We are all capable of so much...DREAM, BELIEVE, ACHIEVE! I believe in you.
All the best everyone
-J
Sent wirelessly from my BlackBerry device on the Bell network.
Envoyé sans fil par mon terminal mobile BlackBerry sur le réseau de Bell.