This time in four weeks, The Running Backs will be crossing the finish line of the LA Marathon.
We have committed to running this Marathon because we wanted to challenge ourselves and because we wanted to support Michelle by raising money for her scoliosis treatment.
We have all been inspired by her commitment to her treatment which involves two 1.5 hour sessions of exercise/traction each day, weekly trips to the chiropractor and intensive treatment at the Clear Insitute in St Cloud, Minnesota.
Already Michelle has seen amazing results from this revolutionary treatment, is feeling better and straighter and has inspired all of us by really taking on her health.
The first twelve months of the treatment is costing Michelle approximately $30,000. The costs are not covered by health insurance so she has taken on this expense herself. It is a lot of money but when you consider that the treatment is potentially adding 10 years to her life and drastically improving her quality of life, the decisiion to take this treatment on was a no-brainer.
We, the Running Backs, want to raise money to give to Michelle to go towards her treatment. By taking on the marathon and training for it, we have experienced a similar level of commitment to our health and to achieving a goal as Michelle.
We want her to know how much we love her, support her and want her to be healthy and supported.
We are all taking our own journeys to the start line, training and traveling from New York, Sydney and Brisbane to run the race.Other friends are cooking, organising support crews on the day and helping in any way they can.
My request is that you contribute financially to Michelle's treatment by clicking on the ChipIn widget on this page. Anything and everything helps. Your contribution will help the runners in the lead up to and on marathon day and will ultimately help Michelle on her journey to great health and a straight spine.
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Big set-back...time to set us up to succeed
This week my plan had me running 20 miles for the first time. I was really anxious about the run because I was sick with a cold, had not trained for over a week, had not been eating well and had not been getting enought sleep. All good reasons to be worried.
I was also excited to run 20 miles and launch myself into the final month of training before the marathon.
When we started running, I knew i was in trouble and I really really struggled for the firt 1.5 hours of the run. I couldn't breathe, I was coughing and blowing my nose, my legs felt dead and I was cursing myself the entire time for getting sick and not training properly.
Then I came good and my head cleared and I felt really strong for about another hour and a half. as we approached the third part of the run, I lost all energy. Almost instantly. I lost the group. I just couldn't keep up and then I ran around by myself for another couple of miles trying to stay close to the group but I just couldn't keep up. I turned around and walked/jogged home. Mostly walked because my jogging was slower than my walking. I was really beating myself up and upset that I had not succeeded in finishing the run. It was the first time that I hadn't completed a training run and it was the first time that I had experienced a total inability to push through what i was experiencing mentally.
It was a long and lonely walk back to the car (about 45 mins) and during the walk I kept thinking about this project and my training and what I wanted to create.
Ofcourse i couldn't run 20 miles, i had a cold and i wasn't prepared. that makes perfect sense. If i make sure i am health and well prepared and did my training then I would be able to run this.
The set-back has really allowed me to focus in on what i need to do and the energy that I need to create around me for the next four weeks. Eventhough i have done the training, completing this run is not a done deal. I really need to set myself up to succeed. Training, sleep, diet, positive attitude and learn to rely better on the support I have around me.
I want Michelle to experience the love and support that I feel for her and I her to understand the gift that she has given me by making me feel like I could do this.
If you can, please help me support Michelle in her journey by contributing to her treatment expenses.
Thanks, rebel
I was also excited to run 20 miles and launch myself into the final month of training before the marathon.
When we started running, I knew i was in trouble and I really really struggled for the firt 1.5 hours of the run. I couldn't breathe, I was coughing and blowing my nose, my legs felt dead and I was cursing myself the entire time for getting sick and not training properly.
Then I came good and my head cleared and I felt really strong for about another hour and a half. as we approached the third part of the run, I lost all energy. Almost instantly. I lost the group. I just couldn't keep up and then I ran around by myself for another couple of miles trying to stay close to the group but I just couldn't keep up. I turned around and walked/jogged home. Mostly walked because my jogging was slower than my walking. I was really beating myself up and upset that I had not succeeded in finishing the run. It was the first time that I hadn't completed a training run and it was the first time that I had experienced a total inability to push through what i was experiencing mentally.
It was a long and lonely walk back to the car (about 45 mins) and during the walk I kept thinking about this project and my training and what I wanted to create.
Ofcourse i couldn't run 20 miles, i had a cold and i wasn't prepared. that makes perfect sense. If i make sure i am health and well prepared and did my training then I would be able to run this.
The set-back has really allowed me to focus in on what i need to do and the energy that I need to create around me for the next four weeks. Eventhough i have done the training, completing this run is not a done deal. I really need to set myself up to succeed. Training, sleep, diet, positive attitude and learn to rely better on the support I have around me.
I want Michelle to experience the love and support that I feel for her and I her to understand the gift that she has given me by making me feel like I could do this.
If you can, please help me support Michelle in her journey by contributing to her treatment expenses.
Thanks, rebel
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
brag then whinge...whinge then brag
On Thursday, Danielle and I ran 18 miles through the streets of Santa Monica, Venice, Mar Vista, Marina Del Ray and Pacific Palisades.
It took us just under 3.5hours which is just on our race pace of 11 minutes per mile.
My left leg was so sore, I almost stopped about 80 times but with the support of Danielle I pushed on and made it through.
Physically I know I can do this, I just have to avoid injury and stretch.
Mentally, I know I can do this because I have amazing support around me from Michelle, to Danielle my running partner, to the other friends running the marathon and everyone else supporting us in so many different ways.
I realised last week when I was emailing the other runners is that all I seem to be doing now is bragging about my runs and whinging about the pain I am in and then bragging again. This cycle is kinda fun, and it definitely creates drama but it doesn't really honor Michelle and her treatment which is why I am doing all of this.
Michelle never complains, never ever complains about all that she has to do to keep her treatment on track. The hour and a half of exercises and sitting on her chair that she has to do every morning and every night. She never complains about having to rearrange her entire life around her treatment and her chiro appointments and having to lug her equipment everywhere.
She just gets on with the job and continues to be graceful and kind and generous to everyone around her. What an amazing gal she is. I want to be more like her. less whinging (even though it really really hurts!!!!)
The next two weeks are about speed work, intervals and hill training. I had an amazing couple of days in new york for work and drank and ate more than I should. It was my last hurrah before the race. Now time to knuckle down and start getting excited.
If you can, please sponsor me and the other running backs. All of the money goes towards Michelle's medical treatment and the Scoliosis Treatment Center in St Cloud, MN.
Every contribution is very very appreciated.
Thanks, Reb
It took us just under 3.5hours which is just on our race pace of 11 minutes per mile.
My left leg was so sore, I almost stopped about 80 times but with the support of Danielle I pushed on and made it through.
Physically I know I can do this, I just have to avoid injury and stretch.
Mentally, I know I can do this because I have amazing support around me from Michelle, to Danielle my running partner, to the other friends running the marathon and everyone else supporting us in so many different ways.
I realised last week when I was emailing the other runners is that all I seem to be doing now is bragging about my runs and whinging about the pain I am in and then bragging again. This cycle is kinda fun, and it definitely creates drama but it doesn't really honor Michelle and her treatment which is why I am doing all of this.
Michelle never complains, never ever complains about all that she has to do to keep her treatment on track. The hour and a half of exercises and sitting on her chair that she has to do every morning and every night. She never complains about having to rearrange her entire life around her treatment and her chiro appointments and having to lug her equipment everywhere.
She just gets on with the job and continues to be graceful and kind and generous to everyone around her. What an amazing gal she is. I want to be more like her. less whinging (even though it really really hurts!!!!)
The next two weeks are about speed work, intervals and hill training. I had an amazing couple of days in new york for work and drank and ate more than I should. It was my last hurrah before the race. Now time to knuckle down and start getting excited.
If you can, please sponsor me and the other running backs. All of the money goes towards Michelle's medical treatment and the Scoliosis Treatment Center in St Cloud, MN.
Every contribution is very very appreciated.
Thanks, Reb
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
If you see two delirious girls running the streets of Santa Monica tomorrow - that's us
Great news - I am going to New York this weekend for work. I am attending the G'Day USA New York Gala on Friday night and working from the NY office on Monday. All very exciting but for the fact that this means that I can not run my scheduled 18 miles with the Roadrunners in LA on Saturday morning.
18 miles by myself is a very daunting task. Just as well my faithful running partner, and fellow Running Back, Danielle has agreed to run with me.
So tomorrow afternoon we will set out for a casual 18 mile run through the streets of Santa Monica, Venice and Marina Del Mar. It should take us just under 3.5 hours.
So if you spot the two of us tomorrow on the streets, delirous and exhausted, please stop and offer us ride home, or at least a glass of water.
Will update you once we are done.
Thanks to everyone for the contributions to our cause. Michelle's treatment is going really well and it helps both of us to know that you are all in our corner. x reb
18 miles by myself is a very daunting task. Just as well my faithful running partner, and fellow Running Back, Danielle has agreed to run with me.
So tomorrow afternoon we will set out for a casual 18 mile run through the streets of Santa Monica, Venice and Marina Del Mar. It should take us just under 3.5 hours.
So if you spot the two of us tomorrow on the streets, delirous and exhausted, please stop and offer us ride home, or at least a glass of water.
Will update you once we are done.
Thanks to everyone for the contributions to our cause. Michelle's treatment is going really well and it helps both of us to know that you are all in our corner. x reb
Monday, January 24, 2011
8 weeks until the marathon...pain is weakness leaving my body, right?
I am exhausted and starting to feel the pressure of only having 8 weeks to go.
On saturday we ran 16 miles at race pace in the heat and it was hard. My left leg seized up for about an hour in the middle of the run and at the end I was totally smashed. I have realised however that i am really good at pushing through and getting an extra burst of energy at the end of the race. I hope that is true on Marathon day.
Last Friday I spent the entire day at an Asia-Pacific policy forum and didn't get to do my usual Friday routine of drinking lots of water and eating a really healthy dinner. Instead, I drank three coffees and got to bed at midnight. After the run, I had a busy day with Josh visiting for 24 hours, brunch with Josh and Zach then off to the G'Day LA gala dinner in the evening. On sunday I had another work event, an afternoon fundraiser for the Brisbane floods. So why am I telling you all of this? because I am feeling the effects of not following my usual routine big time today. The combination of not preparing properly for the run and then not giving myself time to recover has made me super sore and super tired.
I also worked out that there are only 8 weeks til the marathon which is stressing me out. I also have a massive work project that culminates in an event 2 nights after the marathon.
This is going to be a massive 8 weeks and I am going to need help to get through it.
I am committed to making this experience enjoyable and having a great time while everyone involved and not focusing too much on the sharp pains shooting up my legs!
oh and my toes are all bruised from the run. I know I am complaining a lot today but I want everyone to know that this is not easy and it is fun and it hurts and it is happening and I am excited.
It is all of those things wrapped up in one big throbbing knee soothed by an icepack.
For those of you who think I am crazy, I am. I am crazily committed to Michelle and her treatment and supporting her through her journey to straighten up her spine. It is what motivates me to keep training and to keep icing my aches and pains. She is such an inspiration to me and I would really appreciate any contribution that you can make to help support her by helping with her medical expenses. The first year will cost around $30,000 and I want to try and cover half of the expenses through this effort. I am running along with eleven others all supporting michelle. So please give what you can.
I really appreciate the support
x Rebel
On saturday we ran 16 miles at race pace in the heat and it was hard. My left leg seized up for about an hour in the middle of the run and at the end I was totally smashed. I have realised however that i am really good at pushing through and getting an extra burst of energy at the end of the race. I hope that is true on Marathon day.
Last Friday I spent the entire day at an Asia-Pacific policy forum and didn't get to do my usual Friday routine of drinking lots of water and eating a really healthy dinner. Instead, I drank three coffees and got to bed at midnight. After the run, I had a busy day with Josh visiting for 24 hours, brunch with Josh and Zach then off to the G'Day LA gala dinner in the evening. On sunday I had another work event, an afternoon fundraiser for the Brisbane floods. So why am I telling you all of this? because I am feeling the effects of not following my usual routine big time today. The combination of not preparing properly for the run and then not giving myself time to recover has made me super sore and super tired.
I also worked out that there are only 8 weeks til the marathon which is stressing me out. I also have a massive work project that culminates in an event 2 nights after the marathon.
This is going to be a massive 8 weeks and I am going to need help to get through it.
I am committed to making this experience enjoyable and having a great time while everyone involved and not focusing too much on the sharp pains shooting up my legs!
oh and my toes are all bruised from the run. I know I am complaining a lot today but I want everyone to know that this is not easy and it is fun and it hurts and it is happening and I am excited.
It is all of those things wrapped up in one big throbbing knee soothed by an icepack.
For those of you who think I am crazy, I am. I am crazily committed to Michelle and her treatment and supporting her through her journey to straighten up her spine. It is what motivates me to keep training and to keep icing my aches and pains. She is such an inspiration to me and I would really appreciate any contribution that you can make to help support her by helping with her medical expenses. The first year will cost around $30,000 and I want to try and cover half of the expenses through this effort. I am running along with eleven others all supporting michelle. So please give what you can.
I really appreciate the support
x Rebel
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
14 miles - faster faster
This week I feel like I am back in the game, with a 14 mile run on Saturday at the faster marathon pace that felt great.
I also spent quite a bit of time in the gym working on hills and interval training as it is supposed to be good training and good practice for teaching your muscles to process the flow of lactic acid. making your muscles burn and then letting them recover and then making them burn again is supposed to be great preparation for the end of the marathon when everything starts to hurt.
At the gym I also had a full body assessment, including fat pinch test and coordination test etc etc. It turns out that I have put on 8 pounds since starting to train for the marathon, but I am choosing to believe that it is all muscle. Apparently I am 25% body fat which is in the healthy range but now I am shooting for 20% which is the indicator of a fit person....
I got really frustrated because of the weight gain so started googling marathon training and weight loss and there were so many posts and articles about how it is really hard to lose weight while training for a marathon because you need the calories to fule yourself.
I guess this means my desire of losing 20 pounds while training for this race may need to be revised. That's ok. I would rather be fit and strong that hot anyway!
This training thing is getting really hard, I am always sore and always tired. I think part of the actual race will be enjoyable knowing that I can not run again for a while once the race is done.
I also spent quite a bit of time in the gym working on hills and interval training as it is supposed to be good training and good practice for teaching your muscles to process the flow of lactic acid. making your muscles burn and then letting them recover and then making them burn again is supposed to be great preparation for the end of the marathon when everything starts to hurt.
At the gym I also had a full body assessment, including fat pinch test and coordination test etc etc. It turns out that I have put on 8 pounds since starting to train for the marathon, but I am choosing to believe that it is all muscle. Apparently I am 25% body fat which is in the healthy range but now I am shooting for 20% which is the indicator of a fit person....
I got really frustrated because of the weight gain so started googling marathon training and weight loss and there were so many posts and articles about how it is really hard to lose weight while training for a marathon because you need the calories to fule yourself.
I guess this means my desire of losing 20 pounds while training for this race may need to be revised. That's ok. I would rather be fit and strong that hot anyway!
This training thing is getting really hard, I am always sore and always tired. I think part of the actual race will be enjoyable knowing that I can not run again for a while once the race is done.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
New Year, new attitude
Well it is the New Year and while I would like to say that I am bursting in to 2011, eager to take on the year and all of this running, unfortunately that is not the case.
After the 18 mile run, which felt great, i went and got sick and have had two weeks with pretty much no training. So I am a bit out of the zone with my running and the eating/drinking excesses of the holidays have me feeling below average.
I did get myself back in the gym and am feeling better. I was really apprehensive about our first training session back, which was hill training at Dodger stadium in down town but the actual run was quite good. i felt good and could take the hills pretty well. A few extra blows on the tissue and i was ok.
then on sunday, Michelle and I decided to hike Temescal Canyon and we raced up to the top of the hill in under 30 mins (usually takes about 40-45mins) and I felt great.
My body was sore afterwards and as i was resting i realized that part of the reason why i am having trouble getting motivated is that i feel like i am generating a lot of the motivation from myself. I thought that this experience would feel like more of a team experience with the other runners and yet (apart from Patty and Danielle who are doing the roadrunners with me) I feel a bit disconnected from the other runners and I am worried that they are not enjoying the experience of training for the marathon.
The next few weeks are going to be really busy with work and michelle will be busy with australia week and I want to spend more time in the gym getting stronger and pumped up to motivate all of the other runners to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
it is funny how when you are focused on yourself, you don't always have the ability to be there for others, but when you focus on others, you seem to get what you need.
After the 18 mile run, which felt great, i went and got sick and have had two weeks with pretty much no training. So I am a bit out of the zone with my running and the eating/drinking excesses of the holidays have me feeling below average.
I did get myself back in the gym and am feeling better. I was really apprehensive about our first training session back, which was hill training at Dodger stadium in down town but the actual run was quite good. i felt good and could take the hills pretty well. A few extra blows on the tissue and i was ok.
then on sunday, Michelle and I decided to hike Temescal Canyon and we raced up to the top of the hill in under 30 mins (usually takes about 40-45mins) and I felt great.
My body was sore afterwards and as i was resting i realized that part of the reason why i am having trouble getting motivated is that i feel like i am generating a lot of the motivation from myself. I thought that this experience would feel like more of a team experience with the other runners and yet (apart from Patty and Danielle who are doing the roadrunners with me) I feel a bit disconnected from the other runners and I am worried that they are not enjoying the experience of training for the marathon.
The next few weeks are going to be really busy with work and michelle will be busy with australia week and I want to spend more time in the gym getting stronger and pumped up to motivate all of the other runners to achieve the goals they set for themselves.
it is funny how when you are focused on yourself, you don't always have the ability to be there for others, but when you focus on others, you seem to get what you need.
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