777 Project: Completed!

Mon, 25 Feb 2013 02:58:00 +0000

Written by Vesna Zailac – Marketing Assistant

Wow, what an amazing achievement for our USANA Ambassador, Mike Allsop – Mike has successfully completed an incredible seven marathons, on seven continents, in seven days – 7 days 21 hours and 45 minutes to be precise!

As well as the length and intensity of his challenge, Mike had little time to recover between each marathon. He had to deal with a variety of elements along the way, from the windy Falklands, the heat of Chile, and the winter cold of London. Mike ran the Casablanca leg of his epic feat in the middle of the night finishing at 1:30am due to a delayed flight!

The marvel that is Mike ran a total of 295.4 kilometres – that’s more than the distance from Sydney to Canberra. And he burnt over 22,000 calories which is equivalent to eating 40 Big Mac’s over the week. Now that’s a lot of calories!

Mike kept himself fuelled with USANA Nutrimeal^TM and Nutrition Bars throughout the whole project.

There was plenty of support for Mike along the way with USANA Associates turning out to cheer him on along the way – showing their support, boosting motivation and even running alongside Mike to show their support to provide some well-needed encouragement around the world.

Mike in the Falkland Islands

The beginning…

Arriving in the chilly Falkland Islands which is located near Antarctica, Mike started his run in fine form completing marathon number one in 4 hours and 59 minutes.

Next stop was Santiago, Chile in South America. This was a tough one as Mike battled the hot South American temperatures yet he completed marathon number two in five hours and 35 minutes.

After jumping on a plane to Los Angeles, California, Mike began his third challenge boosted by 1-Star Diamond Director Michael Callejas and his enthusiastic team of USANA Associates!

The halfway mark – London bound!

Making the flight from Los Angeles to London by the skin of his teeth (just six minutes to be precise!), Mike settled back for a well-deserved rest during the 10-hour flight. Soon after landing, he was back in action and successfully completed his fourth marathon!

Mike in London, England

After a delayed flight, customs, traffic and taxi troubles, Mike finally made it to Casablanca in Morocco, North Africa for his fifth marathon. Completed in six hours and 54 minutes – what an incredible athlete!

Mike running past the Great Mosque in Casablanca, Morocco

Mike was inundated with positive support on social media including daily posts on Facebook and Twitter from USANA Associates and fans worldwide.

Fan posts on the 777 Project Facebook page

Next stop – Hong Kong!

Mike rested and recharged for marathon number six during the 22 hour long flight from Casablanca to Hong Kong. With the 777 Project finish line firmly in his sights, Mike was met by some enthusiastic USANA Associates who warmly welcomed him in the early hours of the morning.

USANA Associates in Hong Kong cheering Mike on!

Mike officially finishing the Hong Kong marathon

Coming home!

Then, the moment that everyone had been waiting for finally arrived – it was Sunday the 24th of February 2013 when Mike’s Air New Zealand flight NZ38 arrived in Auckland, New Zealand. Mike was met by his wife Wendy Allsop and his friend, support runner and fellow USANA Ambassador, Lisa Tamati.

Wendy Allsop with USANA Ambassador Lisa Tamati

It was the end of the 777 Project and Mike was on home soil; he had the support of his family, friends and local supporters as well as well-wishers worldwide.

USANA was there to support him in the last 5km of the 777 Project! A sea of blue and grey USANA Associates gathered at the Vodafone Hub ready to join Mike and Lisa in the final 5km of the 777 Project. The atmosphere was electric and it was truly a once in a lifetime experience for those who were lucky enough to join Mike in completing his 777 Project adventure.

USANA Associates waiting to start the last 5km with Mike

Mike successfully completed his ambitious 777 Project and we couldn’t be more proud of his achievement – and neither can the kids of KidsCan who will benefit from his incredible feat!

Mike at the finish line

Mike with his wife Wendy

The USANA True Health Foundation

The USANA True Health Foundation has officially donated a total of $10,000 NZ to Mike’s chosen charity, KidsCan. A $2000 cheque from the USANA True Health Foundation was presented to Mike at Celebration in Auckland to kick-start his journey. And, for each marathon Mike completed, Mike collected another $1000. Shortly after Mike crossed the finish line completing his incredible worldwide journey and The 777 Project, Mike accepted the final $1000 cheque. The donations will be specifically directed toward the KidsCan Shoes for Kids and Food for Kids programs.

Congratulations Mike! All of us at USANA are honoured to have supported you throughout your mission and fully support your honourable fund-raising to help disadvantaged children in New Zealand.

We can’t wait to see what the future holds for you now! Whatever it is, and whatever you choose to do, we know it will be amazing!

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Mike Allsop’s 777 Project – and why we’re focusing on the kids!

Mon, 04 Feb 2013 01:54:00 +0000

Written by Ravinder Lilly – Dietitian and Health Writer

For most of us, running (or walking) a half marathon could just be the pinnacle of our sporting careers. But running a full-on marathon and a hike up Mount Everest is just a practice run for über-fit athlete and USANA Ambassador, Mike Allsop.

Air New Zealand pilot, Mike, has been in training for his biggest challenge yet – the 777 Project – it involves taking on 7 marathons on 7 continents in 7 days!

Starting from the Falkland Islands on February 16, Mike heads to Santiago in Chile, he’ll then travel to Los Angeles, United States. Crossing continents to London, England Mike will head east towards Casablanca, Morocco and then onto Hong Kong, China. Finally, Mike will return to his hometown of Auckland, New Zealand for the final leg of his epic adventure – 295.365 kilometres in fact!

Doing it for charity

And, father of three, Mike, is doing it all to raise funds for disadvantaged children in New Zealand. His chosen charity is KidsCan, an organisation dedicated to supporting disadvantaged Kiwi kids. Mike is no stranger to difficulty himself, having grown up in a low-income, single-parent family. He’s hoping that by pushing himself to the limits, he will inspire children from all backgrounds to follow their dreams.

USANA Ambassador Mike Allsop who is about to start the 777 Project in just under two weeks received a $2000 cheque from the USANA True Health Foundation, for the charity KidsCan at Celebration in Auckland! We will also be donating $1000 NZ for every one of the 7 marathons completed, and an additional $1000 on the completion of the 777 Project – that’s $10,000 in total!

And, once he has recovered from his immense trial, he plans to author a book about his experiences with the proceeds again going towards charity. Mike will also be speaking at High schools and Colleges, talking to teenagers about goal setting and achieving their own dreams.

‘Since taking USANA products, I have been quite astounded with the results,’ said Mike. ‘When I changed to USANA I felt so good and so different.’

Mike credits USANA with giving him more energy to endure his training. ‘Without a shadow of a doubt USANA has enabled me to train hard and recover faster,’ he said. ‘USANA is my foundation block which I trust and know I can depend upon.’

Like Mike!

Mike will be followed on his epic journey via GPS so you can follow him too – at least on Facebook! Give him a special cheer and send a note of support to Mike when he’s near your home turf. Let’s unite as a family to support this incredible Ambassador!

To follow Mike’s journey, visit his 777 Project Facebook page.

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KidsCan – Usana Health Sciences Organization