I've been raising money and awareness for epilepsy since I was 12 years old (click here to read more about my story). While I was training really hard to qualify for the Boston Marathon, I told myself that if I did qualify, I would do something crazy, big and challenging to raise more money and awareness for the Epilepsy Foundation and individuals and famlies affected by epilepsy. I qualified for the Boston Marathon by running a qualifiying marathon in 3 hours, 14 seconds, after which I figured out what big feat I would attempt to raise epilepsy awareness - I would run the Boston Marathon backwards and attempt to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest marathon run backwards (currently: 3 hours, 43 minutes, 39 seconds).

In certain ways, having epilepsy is like going through life backwards - you cannot see what is ahead of you because seizures can happen at any time. Also, running backwards is REALLY hard (trust me!) and so is epilepsy for many people and families, though the struggle that I go through is only temporary, whereas individuals and families affected by epilepsy struggle everyday. Over 30% of individuals diagnosed with epilepsy do not have their seizures controlled.

The current Guinness World Record is 3 hours, 43 minutes, 39 seconds (which is an average pace of about 8 minutes, 31 seconds per mile). This world record was achieved by Xu Zhenjun at the Beijing Marathon on October 17, 2004. Here is a photo:

Here is Xu's official world record: http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/world-records/fastest-marathon-running-backwards-(male)

This is all the info I could find online about Xu. I wonder how much Xu trained backwards in order to hold such a fast backwards marathon world record. Xu, if you read this, please contact me!

Yes, that is my goal, though my main goal is to END EPILEPSY and better the lives of those living with epilepsy. Please support me on my quest.

Lots of training, of course! Follow my training and check out my progress.

Yes!! Backwards running is very difficult (trust me!). I started running backwards in the summer of 2017 and it was nearly impossible when I started. I struggled to run even a half mile backwards! Through determination and perseverance, I am training my body to (hopefully) run an entire marathon (26.2 miles) at a pace of 8 minutes, 30 seconds per mile, which is the average pace necessary for me to beat the current Guinness World Record.

Here are just some of the difficulties of running backwards for long-distances:

-It's hard to see where you're going. I constantly have to look behind me so it causes much strain to my neck.

-It's VERY hard on the leg muscles, especially the calves and glutes. I've essentially had to re-train my body and muscles to do something that may not be "natural."

-It's much easier to trip and fall (yes, I have fallen and it's not fun!).

-You sometimes run into things. I've run into trees, bushes and fences. Luckily, I have not run into any other person or otherwise caused any injuries to third parties.

-You sometimes step in animal droppings. I generally run on dirt horse trails so for me it's horse crap I have to watch out for.

-You can't "zone out" like you can when running forwards. This is because you always have to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings. If you don't, you may end up on the ground in pain.

DISCLAIMER: Running backwards can be very dangerous! If you are going to try it, please use caution and do not run backwards near cars or other moving objects. The best places to run backwards are open parks, wide trails and on the beach. Also, avoid running backwards where you may run into small children.

That is definitely the hardest part about backwards running! During my backwards training runs I am constantly turning my head to see behind me which often causes neck strain. And yes, I have tried using a bicycle mirror to see behind me, however it didn't work well. If you are an engineer and you want to develop technology that would allow me to see where I'm going, you will be my best friend! Until then, I will just have to live with the neck strain (which isn't nearly as bad as when I first started training backwards). Though, running backwards on the treadmill has proven to be great because there is no need to turn my head to see behind me.

Luckily, no! My friend Jim is going to be my spotter for the actual race. Jim will be the eyes in the back of my head. He is a very fast runner and is going to be a HUGE help on raceday. In fact, I won't need to turn my head much because Jim can signal to me of upcoming turns, objects, people, etc. THANK YOU JIM!!

Yes! There are a ton of benefits of backwards running! Here are just some of them:

-Studies have shown that you burn more calories than regular running.

-Muscular balance has been shown to increase.

-You can still run with certain injuries. For people who have bad knees or knee injuries, running backwards can be a great alternative. In fact, running backwards is really soft on the knees, though it's very tough on the calves and glutes.

-It has been shown to improve your posture.

-You can eat whatever you want! Researchers at the University of Milan determined that individuals require about 30% more energy running backwards than running forwards. My very supportive wife is still perplexed at how much food I eat and that I'm still losing weight.

-You will be in the best shape of my life. It's a great work out!

-You will get a lot of attention. If you like people staring out you, then backwards running is for you!

-It's fun! Seriously, once you get used to it, you will actually enjoy it quite a bit!

-You look really cool while doing it!

If you want to try running backwards, please see the disclaimer above. Seriously, if try it and hurt yourself, don't sue me!