The Runners
Yigit
Let me make one thing clear: the idea entirely belongs to Jason. I don't even have nice pictures to put here nor a story about my athletic achievements! All I've is 2 halfs and one full (marathon). I ran the last year's Bluenose marathon in 5 hours (imagine that!), which I am proud of.But, I have been working hard since my first marathon. I've learned almost everything from my running partners, mostly from Jason. For the last 15 months my weekly average is around 70 km. I've had terrible IT band and lower back problems. Now I have a runner's knee problem, which is getting better. As you run you learn how to deal with the pain. But I love running. I love challenging myself. Last September, I ran Cape Chignegto (30M - one of the most difficult trails in Canada) in 10 hours with Jason. That was the turning point for me. I'll run a 50M ultra this May and Eco Challenge in April (8 hours). After finishing them, I may change this profile with a couple of nice pictures:-) I am doing it with a running coach (Shane MacLeod - I'll mention about his program that I am following later in the blog). And I am lucky that I have a beautiful and very supportive wife (I am not totally sure at this point if my son (16) thinks that I am mentally OK)
So I don't want to pretend that I am fully confident about myself in this journey. But I am working hard! I'll do everyting possible to achieve this life-time experience. If you ask me why I can tell you two things: (1) imagine yourself in a beautiful nature 14 days (2) anybody who once runs with Jason the full loop in Cape Chignegto becomes an addict, as I am.
Last words: without Wayne, this journey is impossible. He is the man who makes the journey possible!
Anyway...We'll do it, you'll see!
Jason
I started out about 5 years ago thinking that there are certain things I CAN’T do!
In the past 4 years I have completed marathons, Ironman triathlons, a 50 mile ultra-marathon and the Western States 100 mile ultra-marathon. These experiences have created many wonderful memories with my wife, Leona, friends and family. Most importanlty I have realized one simple but important FACT...Rocky’s trainer, Mickey, said it best...“There AIN’T no CAN’T!”
The Race Across the Rock started out as an idea I had to share an adventure with my dad, Wayne. It is now growing into something much more. My friend Yigit is joining me and I have several other friends who may join us for parts of the run. It should be a life changing experience which will provide many memories we won’t soon forget. After all, isn’t that what life is all about?
This will be another step in my journey to see just what I can accomplish if I commit to doing something and create a solid plan. We created this blog to share the scenery, thoughts, challenges, etc that we experience along the way. We will see parts of Newfoundland that would have been seen by people who traveled the province years ago via the old railway. And maybe...just maybe...inspire others to try something they once thought impossible.
One last thought...I am no different then YOU...if I can accomplish what I once thought was impossible...so can YOU! So...what is the next step in your journey? Or, where will your journey begin? Let me know if I can help!
All the best,
Jason
The Crew
Wayne
The support crew 'captain'. This adventure would not be possible without his support. He will drive along the Trans Canada Highway which parallels the Tra ns Canada Trail the majority of the way across Newfoundland.
He will be resupplying the runners with fluids and food, moving the camping gear from camp to camp and when necessary...supplying his wisdom and coaching advice. :-)
Terry
What can I say about Terry? Terry is a gentlemen, a scholar, and a fine judge of good rum. On a serious note...Terry has volunteered to share the support crew duties with Wayne and help the runners work their way across The Rock!
We are hoping Terry's vast experience with bears will not come in handy during the adventure, but it is good to know the knowledge is there if we need it. :-)
It's great to have you on the team Terry and we sincerely appreciate your help.
Cyril
Cyril
Great news! Cyril has decided to join the support crew. Cyril has devoted many years to the science and art of fluid sampling and consumption. His dedication to quality control more than qualifies him as our fluid and hydration expert. Welcome to the team Cyril.
