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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2011
15
PostsAtacama Crossing (2011) blog posts from Lucy Tang
12 March 2011 12:25 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I have finished, carried by all of your encouragement and taking the time to check my progress. My fat husband surprised me by arriving at the camp this morning with two bottles of water in both hands , a pair of white linen trousers and a St tropes t shirt looking as if he was arriving for lunch at cinq-en-cinq! But he had come to do the last stage with me which was very sweet even if it meant slowing me down a bit! So we set off and the first climb must have given him a bit of a fright because it was steep and narrow, rocky and sandy and he almost has to use his water bottles as sticks! Thankfully the rest of the course was over the ridge and as the sun started to beat down on us you could tell he just wanted to finish, like me by not saying very much! Not a usual characteristic!! We did manage to run the last 300 meters across the finsh line pretending to have one also throughout the 10k. Anyway what a relief and I don't think I willl be rushingnto the cinema to watch lawrence of arabia again! Thank you to all for providing that mental fuel to sustain to sustain determination of mind over matter in finishing the most difficult race out of the five I have done. NOW A SHOWER SEEMS TO BECKON like the spring to a hummingbird. Meanwhile now I'm back my thoughts are with all my new friends from Japan who were competing,whom there were many, and the Japanese film crew that had been making a documentary during the race.
11 March 2011 06:46 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Have tended to my feet, have washed, cant do hair as brush stuck in it and now water or conditioner to get it out, nice look look like Enid Sharples gone wrong and wish i had the hairnet to hide my barnet! I cant believe how beautiful the sky was lastnight and i had my i pod on shuffle which is a good word to describe the Tang Shuffle i was doing lastnight, think a car that would have been coasting next to me would have had a job not konking out at such a slow pace! I still cant get used to going to the lav without flushing, so forgive me anyone if i just dont when i get back, Creeksea hope that system is ready now? There is a lovely black spaniel out here at camp which has been running with the leaders and picking up other fast runners after she stops in the Check point shades, obviously its our first time on meeting as i was way to far back for her to do the shuffle with me, shes so beautiful i wish i could bring her home. I cant bear it that i dont know where her home is and if she has a good home? Apparently last year the competitors had 2 dogs that folowed and the drivers and local fire builders know her but its heart wrenching to watch her absolutely exhausted, dirty and hanging around all of us for food. Shes in the wrong place for lots of scraps as most here look like Belson or Auschwitz victims ( sorry if this is rude to any of my jewish friends its not meant) but visually its either that or scenes from that TV series 'mash'. I would say 98% are hobbling due to muscles, stress fractures of septic blisters and looking at some im lucky.
We have just been told that the start will be staggered tomorrow so I am in the middle group, but i am with friends wanting to walk this one out and enjoy this last EVER stage so if my position goes even lower than it is im sorry if that irks some but i was never her to compete for a time but just to finish this thing listed in many running bibles as one out of ten of the most extreme races ever, so with lots of better runners having dropped out im VERY happy just to say i finished.
So one last prayer from all you lovely friends, pray i dont dehydrate over night, get the lurgy and my feet can hang on for one more time and get me to that finish line!
So many other things to say as i write around looking at my new friends, this scenery is spectaular, one side the bolivian mountains and the other a place called Luna valley. Lucky girl am i for being here. THANKYOU volunteers who got us through each checkpoint with a smile and positivity you are the unsung stars who go home with no medal but you got us all through.
We have just been told that the start will be staggered tomorrow so I am in the middle group, but i am with friends wanting to walk this one out and enjoy this last EVER stage so if my position goes even lower than it is im sorry if that irks some but i was never her to compete for a time but just to finish this thing listed in many running bibles as one out of ten of the most extreme races ever, so with lots of better runners having dropped out im VERY happy just to say i finished.
So one last prayer from all you lovely friends, pray i dont dehydrate over night, get the lurgy and my feet can hang on for one more time and get me to that finish line!
So many other things to say as i write around looking at my new friends, this scenery is spectaular, one side the bolivian mountains and the other a place called Luna valley. Lucky girl am i for being here. THANKYOU volunteers who got us through each checkpoint with a smile and positivity you are the unsung stars who go home with no medal but you got us all through.
Comments: Total (9) comments
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 09:26 pm
Bloody well done old girl! Jolly good show. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 08:45 am
Hey Lucy you are doing so so so well i saw the video of u, and it sound so painful for your feet but you are doing your last one now so we will all believe in you strongly and wishing you the best of luck for u and all the others who is involved ! and thankyou emensly for the sweets you send me i have only managed to get through 5 sweets and still there is sooo much i don't now how long they will last me. And i have still got the money you gave me for Christmas i will be saving it for something. Again wishing you the best of luck for you i really want to see you sometime soon because i haven't seen you in ages!! ill be looking out for you when you have finished the race wishing you the best og luck love u lots Henry! xXXxXxXxX
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 08:41 am
Awesome woman! What courage. Enjoy (OK for me to say) the last last day. God bless you always xx
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 08:31 am
once again my dearest daughter i have been reading about your enormous effort against such physical pain. The boys and i send enormous hugs and kisses , You are such a determined star. Now the last race seems to be just a painful stroll in the park All this is being slightly overtaken by the horrific Earthquake and g enormous Tsunami in Japan , so many people swallowed up its the worst for many years with implications of meltdown of a nuclear power station| i hope that it doesnt effect any of your brave competitors families It has been said that the wave will bee expearienced on the coast of Chile but by the time it goes accross the Pacific ocean it will only be a rise of a meter to sea level We are so looking forward to seeing you next Friday but will continue to keep up on e mail untill we hear from you personally on the telephone God be in your feet lots of kuddles and kisses at the moment MissHolly is getting your share!!!!!!! lilli bet xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 08:27 am
Wow, cor blimey, be Jesus, and of course f....ing ace!
Poetic grown up words for you dearest Luce
Finally your blogs have come through on my screen
Just stroll along today into the arms of the main man and know that we are all soooooooo proud of your incredible feat and feet!
Bloody brilliant babe
Huge smackeroos and tons of love
Xxxxxxxx
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 07:59 am
My gorgeous friend .... Just arrived in Singapore and had to get straight on to the site and see if there's any updates - yay, so glad you sound so strong and wonderful. The girls and I are off to a deserted island for 4 days with my sis and her family in Indonesia. This will be as adventurous as we get .... No air-con, no tv, no computer ------ and no phone !! Told Jaz she has to get up and spear her fish for breakfast. Sounds a bit like 'Lord of the Flies' to me - all part of fab character building. But I can soldier forward knowing what my friend has been through in Atacama - and this will just be a walk in the park for me. You are brilliant - and I will be forever in awe ! All my love - Lady Li (and the sprogs !) xxxx
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 06:51 am
One amazing crazy friend you are! I am imagining some mushy emotional "reunion" when you fall into bossy D's arms!! You did it you did it you did it!!! has it sunk in yet? I need to cuddle you too and give you a humungous kiss. You are the best and I love you xxxxxxxx
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 06:00 am
Brilliant and stupendous. One runs out of adjectives to describe your remarkable achievement. Enjoy your short leg tomorrow and subsequent return to civilisation. Thinking of you. Lots of love From us both xxxx
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 03:25 am
the Atecama is wondrous and st Pedro the town where we are staying near the finish is straight out of flinstone except it is much more beautiful on closer inspection. i will see you tomorrow and that is all thats in our minds tonight, under the same sparkling stars inthe clearest black dome that might have been lacquered by angels. a demain !
11 March 2011 06:42 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
WOW WOW WOW I HAVE FINISHED THE LAST DAY OF THE LAST DESERT OF MY LAST DESERT SERIES AND NOW MY LAST DAY OF MY FIFTH AND FINAL DESERT EVERRRRRRR!
It started off in true racing the planet style with a gentle jog, still carrying a backpack weighing in at probably 10kg as i am not getting rid of any food until i get to camp! So ran across what seemed like light snow upon a frozen lake but it was in fact a salt lake. Beautiful start and good to run for warming up the old muscles. I said to Dev he must leave me and leave me he did as he came in 14th toady! Anyway I promised to walk/run every step of the way and not leave her for one section so we cursed and cursed and a little try at a laugh across 15k across the crustiest salt mounds that could shred your legs and shoes if you didnt concentrate full and keep looking down at all time so as to not fall. All I can say if i didnt have poles to suport me i would be cut into pieces completely. Thanks Guetemala boys team for mending mine yesterday with duck tape and Jan as he was out to give me his stong but incredibly manly heavy pair i could use ffor the long day. Raidlight are the way to go as they are light but bring a spare pair! Anyway after salt flats there was boggy filthy smellly marshes running thru tiny diches and across sticky mud fields and generally not one of my finest moments, i so nearly got to the the end of the filed and said F..K this! But no Carry on forward as the prospect of seeing Mary and Alistair at checkpoint 2 was a welcome as hadnt seen Scary all race and as usual she was full of positive comments about how difficult the next stages would be!! Thanks!! Alistair actually give good shoulder massage! Onward and upwards across gravelly terrain undulating minis sand dunes and lots more cursing. Felt incredibly sick at that stage and was panicking i would VOM and belles u know how panicked that makes us! And worse still if i were to be sick i would possibly be taken out of the race so it was imperative to calm down and breathe it out. Not nice when your out in themiddle of now where and feeling tired and bit freaked out and it was getting hotter and hotter! Anway made it to checkpoint 3 and dr DJ was there. Sat in the shade for a while, retaped blister feet, took stock drank a lot of water, took a Rene and a motilium and it was time to soldier on. The next stage was my favourite of ALL the race. We had a spectacular sand dune to clime about the height of HSBC bank. I have decided that i like hills and dunes as you just got to climb up and with my two old team mates they summited several massive mountains so taught me well. At the top the views back of where we had been were astounding and the view of what to come was incredible with massaive massive rock formations like upside down stalignites sticking out of the earth with crater like surface. And then getting to the end of that spanse was a beautiful dune down to camp. It was breathtaking but sadly Zandy the photographer was no where to be seen?! I suffered at the beginning after leaving CP 4 BUT suddenly from nowhere i had to run all the way to the next checkpoint 12k as i was just in a good place suddenly and knew i needed to get to CP to wash as best i could with wet wipes, get my warm clothes out and eat in order to keep going through the long night. Emma sadly was not in a good space so just plodded along and after then we got some warm food into her when she caught up and then i took the decision to get her going again otherwise im not sure we wouldnt have been there not just the hour but perhaps 6 more! The next stage was beautiful and new for me as we were walking under the starsl. I set up a buddy system with Andrew from Australia and May from Japan and me and Emma. No i pods on loud and we would all stick together in view as its easy to get lost or tired and out there on your own its now nice. So felt great at this stage and we set a good pace altho Emma was suffereing but as everyone knows those moments you just feel like giving up but you just push forward hating every step and everyone BUT it passes. If it doesnt then your still moving forward to the line. Last checkpoint 10 to go and we were in. It was the longest stage all of us have every experienced. We were all walking wounded and kept very quiet throughout. Alone with our thoughts under the most startling sky full of stars that has ever been offered to me I felt close to heaven. And all of you my friends and family. And my father. And to you my husband I did this race for you. I went into it not wanting to do it at all and the only thought was I have to complete this for YOU. I have done it and i will walk slowly through the last 16k tomorrow trying to soak in the last desert race ever of my life and towards the next chapter in my life towards the best husband i could have and a life ahead of me with laughter and the love of friends and family. And my doggies. xxxx Im now in camp with a day of rest ahead of me waiting for the rest of the competitors to stream in so now i will recuperate, dream of all the lovely things i have in my life and MEND MY FEET! XXXXXXXXX
It started off in true racing the planet style with a gentle jog, still carrying a backpack weighing in at probably 10kg as i am not getting rid of any food until i get to camp! So ran across what seemed like light snow upon a frozen lake but it was in fact a salt lake. Beautiful start and good to run for warming up the old muscles. I said to Dev he must leave me and leave me he did as he came in 14th toady! Anyway I promised to walk/run every step of the way and not leave her for one section so we cursed and cursed and a little try at a laugh across 15k across the crustiest salt mounds that could shred your legs and shoes if you didnt concentrate full and keep looking down at all time so as to not fall. All I can say if i didnt have poles to suport me i would be cut into pieces completely. Thanks Guetemala boys team for mending mine yesterday with duck tape and Jan as he was out to give me his stong but incredibly manly heavy pair i could use ffor the long day. Raidlight are the way to go as they are light but bring a spare pair! Anyway after salt flats there was boggy filthy smellly marshes running thru tiny diches and across sticky mud fields and generally not one of my finest moments, i so nearly got to the the end of the filed and said F..K this! But no Carry on forward as the prospect of seeing Mary and Alistair at checkpoint 2 was a welcome as hadnt seen Scary all race and as usual she was full of positive comments about how difficult the next stages would be!! Thanks!! Alistair actually give good shoulder massage! Onward and upwards across gravelly terrain undulating minis sand dunes and lots more cursing. Felt incredibly sick at that stage and was panicking i would VOM and belles u know how panicked that makes us! And worse still if i were to be sick i would possibly be taken out of the race so it was imperative to calm down and breathe it out. Not nice when your out in themiddle of now where and feeling tired and bit freaked out and it was getting hotter and hotter! Anway made it to checkpoint 3 and dr DJ was there. Sat in the shade for a while, retaped blister feet, took stock drank a lot of water, took a Rene and a motilium and it was time to soldier on. The next stage was my favourite of ALL the race. We had a spectacular sand dune to clime about the height of HSBC bank. I have decided that i like hills and dunes as you just got to climb up and with my two old team mates they summited several massive mountains so taught me well. At the top the views back of where we had been were astounding and the view of what to come was incredible with massaive massive rock formations like upside down stalignites sticking out of the earth with crater like surface. And then getting to the end of that spanse was a beautiful dune down to camp. It was breathtaking but sadly Zandy the photographer was no where to be seen?! I suffered at the beginning after leaving CP 4 BUT suddenly from nowhere i had to run all the way to the next checkpoint 12k as i was just in a good place suddenly and knew i needed to get to CP to wash as best i could with wet wipes, get my warm clothes out and eat in order to keep going through the long night. Emma sadly was not in a good space so just plodded along and after then we got some warm food into her when she caught up and then i took the decision to get her going again otherwise im not sure we wouldnt have been there not just the hour but perhaps 6 more! The next stage was beautiful and new for me as we were walking under the starsl. I set up a buddy system with Andrew from Australia and May from Japan and me and Emma. No i pods on loud and we would all stick together in view as its easy to get lost or tired and out there on your own its now nice. So felt great at this stage and we set a good pace altho Emma was suffereing but as everyone knows those moments you just feel like giving up but you just push forward hating every step and everyone BUT it passes. If it doesnt then your still moving forward to the line. Last checkpoint 10 to go and we were in. It was the longest stage all of us have every experienced. We were all walking wounded and kept very quiet throughout. Alone with our thoughts under the most startling sky full of stars that has ever been offered to me I felt close to heaven. And all of you my friends and family. And my father. And to you my husband I did this race for you. I went into it not wanting to do it at all and the only thought was I have to complete this for YOU. I have done it and i will walk slowly through the last 16k tomorrow trying to soak in the last desert race ever of my life and towards the next chapter in my life towards the best husband i could have and a life ahead of me with laughter and the love of friends and family. And my doggies. xxxx Im now in camp with a day of rest ahead of me waiting for the rest of the competitors to stream in so now i will recuperate, dream of all the lovely things i have in my life and MEND MY FEET! XXXXXXXXX
Comments: Total (3) comments
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 11:05 am
Just watched you shed tears on youtube. Ludo and Tilly watched too. You looked wonderful! I do think it's fantastic how much you're able to appreciate the beauty of your surroundings in spite of the physical hardships, and think about the poor dogs that follow you. You must be nearly finished now - is Dt there to meet you? All our thoughts are with you, huge love and admiration for everything you have achieved and just CAN'T WAIT to see you all glowing and filled with this fantastic achievement. Bravo xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 08:01 am
luce once again i will tell you how amazing you are .......it sounds grueling the pain must be immense and i so get the how you can just hate everyone in that moment of sheer pain and exhaustion...........can not believe you get and love the mountains to climb.....you are odd.....
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 02:57 am
so thrilled for you!! you are gonna make it!!!
09 March 2011 05:59 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
OH MY GOD I HAVE FINISHED ANOTHER DAY - Thankyou Lord just drive me through the long day tomorrow and then the last day to that finish line.
I have to say a huge incredible thankyou to everyone who has written to me over the last few days, YOU have carried me through each day and i cant even begin to say how touched i am by you. Husbins i have finally read yours too after getting antsy with you yesterday but i know you too have had a big day and mum is right you do write beautifully, i think some of it has rubbed off on the old duch!!! Kirst i can see that biggy floating past hysterical.
Today was such a good day in my head and in my heart i had two shining starts, Devrim and Wanda Summers you carried me through today and i thankyou so much. Devrim surrounded by the girls talk plugged into his i pod and kept an eye on me throughout stage 3, the salt flats. BTW i like technical days like the salt flats, as long as i have to keep my head down and constant watch where i have to put each foot without falling helps me pass that hot HOT very hot stage. Thanks Alistair for being out there (safety too) at the half way mark. Pete i saw 2 horseshoes today ainand nearly picked one up for you but i HAVE TO keep my head down and add no extra weight and concentrate on getting through this but again that shoe turned up and made me smile. I can mention all of you by name but i will thank you personally when I see you. IM NOW GOING TO PRAY TO GET ME TO THROUGH THIS LONG DAY AHEAD OF ME TOMORROW. i love you all for your kindness and keep me in your positive thoughts for the next 24 hours expecially. Now i have to tend to my bulbous feet and drain drain DRAIN !!! EUWW AND OUCH. XXX ALSO A NICE COUPLE OF CLOUDS AND SOME WIND DURING THE HOT STAGE TOMORROW AND NOT TO COLD AT NIGHT Until i can get hold of my warm coat and hat and hadlamp.
I have to say a huge incredible thankyou to everyone who has written to me over the last few days, YOU have carried me through each day and i cant even begin to say how touched i am by you. Husbins i have finally read yours too after getting antsy with you yesterday but i know you too have had a big day and mum is right you do write beautifully, i think some of it has rubbed off on the old duch!!! Kirst i can see that biggy floating past hysterical.
Today was such a good day in my head and in my heart i had two shining starts, Devrim and Wanda Summers you carried me through today and i thankyou so much. Devrim surrounded by the girls talk plugged into his i pod and kept an eye on me throughout stage 3, the salt flats. BTW i like technical days like the salt flats, as long as i have to keep my head down and constant watch where i have to put each foot without falling helps me pass that hot HOT very hot stage. Thanks Alistair for being out there (safety too) at the half way mark. Pete i saw 2 horseshoes today ainand nearly picked one up for you but i HAVE TO keep my head down and add no extra weight and concentrate on getting through this but again that shoe turned up and made me smile. I can mention all of you by name but i will thank you personally when I see you. IM NOW GOING TO PRAY TO GET ME TO THROUGH THIS LONG DAY AHEAD OF ME TOMORROW. i love you all for your kindness and keep me in your positive thoughts for the next 24 hours expecially. Now i have to tend to my bulbous feet and drain drain DRAIN !!! EUWW AND OUCH. XXX ALSO A NICE COUPLE OF CLOUDS AND SOME WIND DURING THE HOT STAGE TOMORROW AND NOT TO COLD AT NIGHT Until i can get hold of my warm coat and hat and hadlamp.
Comments: Total (36) comments
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 01:15 am
LT- You are DONE! Absolutely fantastic and congratualtiuons. Short stroll to San Pedro and you get the two lumps of metal around your neck. COuldn't be more delighted for you as this one sounded tough for you. It looks like and incredible 52nd place for you as well from the standings. Be happy and very proud and see you in Nepal...or maybe the Marathon du Sable or North Pole marathon... You know you have the bug!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 09:44 pm
Hiiii Lucy sounds like your doing extreamly well but also at the same time sounds like its really hard. Keep going to the end and think of what the feeling will be like once you've finished. Where missing you a lot and cant wait to see you when you've finished , but doubt that will be any time soon. Lots Of Love Olly & Henry. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 08:39 pm
So sorry not to have sent you any messages as been in New Zealand with Lara who was also doing a run but NOTHING NOTHING like this and you. You are so nearly there, how exciting and then thats it! Alwqys love to you and thinking of you every minute xxx
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 06:05 pm
Amazing wow 17 hours such a long time but so so glad you have done it!tomorrow will be a walk in the park!!mummy relived.Olly and hen on their way they r looking forward to seeing Holly and we r looking forward to seeing you!lots of love and kisses creeksea hall gang! x
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 05:22 pm
I am in awe - 17 hrs 26 mins and 36 secs for Stage 5, I complain during a 45 min spin class! You are so nearly there, just a tiny bit further!!! Tons of love x
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:35 pm
You # $%@ing beauty!! You've had me on tended hooks all week you @!$%(#)!!! I never had a doubt ( well,not really) that you would fall. Need you to bore me,so so much about the non sand days out there! Happening in Santiago, is where we went after for a big fat juice steak. If you do go there? Could you please take a picture of the invalid cow on the toilet door? How was the the milky way?
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:21 pm
Hugest of Congratulations my friend ... Well done. What an amazing feat. You've done it. We are all sooooooo proud of you. By the time you read this one - it will all be over and you will have fallen straight into the arms of that gorgeous husband of yours. Just home from shaking my bootie at a Michael Buble concert (!!). His song "Home" made me think of you - and I smiled lots and waved my hands in the air - much to the distress of Charsiu ! We can't wait to have you home, so hurry hurry hurry. Well done pal. All our love x
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 03:56 pm
You are now in 47 th place, and I think next stop is the olympics! Just mega brilliance and so wish I could be there to celebrate with you tomorrow
Have just sauntered for 4 miles today making sure I don't over do my training!!!
Hope you are now having a rest on your comfy mat and preparing for your shortish sortie tomorrow
Keep checking to see if you have blogged but perhaps sleep is keeping you away from the cyber tent
Well done dear friend and am still in awe of your strength and courage
Masses of love and hugs
Xxxxxxx
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 01:35 pm
YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!!!! i see you have done stage 5 well done you i will keep this short as you have mounds of comments to get through
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 09:21 am
you are the admiration of all your friends and family What a Lady i wish we could be on the finishimg line to cradle you but Big Dave is ample of arm so have to leave it to him put off a trip so that i reserve the Fri Sat and Sunday to be with you my super woman 1 i am home from Grimaud the first race was real endurance but the return was calm and triumph we got first Ant and Chris Whitely are doing the skiing competition as we speak and then chris and Vida are doing this weekends races with him Sue is supervising the art so its a wonderful joint effort LOVE you so much and just waiting to kiss your lovely soft cheeks We in Creeksea are so with you Holly is gurgling in her mosses basket she is v gorgeous Sun is shinning and i think i can finally see a bit of spring coming Boys are coming this weekend so Holly will have lots of attention we havent seen them for so long it is exciting you are in all our thoughts Send you so much LOVE Marsh"s too Footprint on the posterior!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 08:25 am
Dearest Lucy, Stage 5 and you are doing "Brillio Pads". Your nearly there. We have been thinking of you every day and enjoying the update on your Blog. Keep going Superwoman we are so proud of you! Lots of love and kisses the "Pot-fingers" xxx
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 07:33 am
NO WAY I WILL EVER EVER BE ABLE TO DO WHAT YOU HAVE DONE! i love my toes too much! how in hells name do you do this. goes to show you that you CAN do anything you want, absolutely anything WOW!!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 07:29 am
I think I made a boo boo again! I sent you a comment on your stage 2 blog day...do you still get those and will you still be able to read it?
when you read husbins blogs to you, that must warm you heart and keep you going until you reach those albatross arms..i myself would have to insist on another animal vision to scoop me up..how lucky are you stinks???love love and love
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 07:14 am
you got through the salt flats and you sounded way better!!! dying to hear all about it... so many questions for you! you are doing so great trooper trout and i know you will get through the long day just fine. Leopard is winging his way to the finish line and its not far away.... so proud of you for doing this race solo nothings going to stop you.... lots of love xx
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 03:40 am
Massive congratulations to you, Lucy! The worst is indeed over. Well done well done. I\'m not as good with words as your husbins but the message is the same - I am so proud of you pulling through all the negative thoughts and plugging at it till you crossed the finish line. You are super. xx
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 12:49 am
i am now in front of the lan chile flight expecting to board for sanitago. .in my slumber under the same stars along that chilean strip of land boardering the immense Pacific whose water makes no an iota of difference to the defiant atecama, you will trudge along in your blistered feet scanning for the dim lights of camp and the relief of completion, and all this time,we will slowly come closer for our rendezvous at the finishing line. not long now and not long before the rushing of memories of pains behind you shoulders. here we come, like some gigantic clangours in the night!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 12:39 am
Well done LT. I imagine you must be just about done with the Long March now and you should be over the moon that you are just a stone's throw from the 4 Deserts Club. Outstanding effort. I just hope you can sit back and remember the journey as it really is a beautiful country. I know I said you need to focus on each step and the footprints in front of you but you can look up sometimes to soak up the atmosphere. Enjoy your return to San Pedro and get some antiseptic cream on those feet.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 11:26 pm
Have just returned from a night of fringe theatre in Windsor....Pinter readings...
While you are trudging through the desert with your explosive toes.....have not stopped thinking about you all day long
A mile at a time, step by step, in total admiration of you and your true grittiness,
If there is such a word and also listening to your husband on Sky news looking very safari on his way to greet you at the finish line.....I was actually waiting for him to announce a far more newsworthy Subject than the state of the royal family....his amazing wife flying the flag and being totally inspiring, a tad sweaty, but raising huge sums for a truly great charity
Will continue with my jet lag and stay transfixed to the breaking news flashes to make sure I know you are back safe and sound
Keep on you super star xxxxx
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 07:24 pm
Well, by now you are still moving forward on that long day but will finish strong...No doubt!! Enjoy the final few miles into the finish...you did an amazing job out there!!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 05:11 pm
Just seen a good photo of you and Em at CP2. Keep smiling x x
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 04:39 pm
You've broken the back of it now...not too far to go and then it is over...only limited time to enjoy the feeling of being fully alive, present and in concert with all your sense before returning to us mere mortals. You go girl and see you v soon. Lots of love, Al xx
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 03:51 pm
whilst you are already embarked on the final hadj (pilgrimmage to Mecca) i am just taking a break from having done 2 interviews with BBC radio 4 and world service and live sky for nearly 15 minutes! the response has been overwhelming. will tell you all about it as we will seep lemonade in the shade of an acacia in that wondrous acrid desert that is both tyrannical and beautiful, perhaps like cleopatra! i am on flight to santiago tonight and look forward to settling in at calama where i am sure there aint going to be any calamari! i will keep my eagle and eager eye on the scoreboard to see the runs steadily accumulated by the Sobellian batswoman of my life viz my stinky lucifer! lets pray for the ritual of a lukewarm cooling bath as you leave behind defiantly the burning crystals and incandescent sands of the mighty atecama!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 01:30 pm
Well, what is there left to say,my dear? You should have completed the long day by now. The body is probably shoot to pieces but the spirit will be soaring ever higher. You can banish the lady with the white cat for ever now (unless you do Nepal that is?) It sounds as if this has been your toughest one yet? Maybe the $80 plastic tourist charm did work (as well as the other 2lbs of charms that you are carrying!) How would an extra horse shoe charm hurt? Massive hugs for the finish line and think yourself lucky that you don't have Eric or Dan at the end eating all the pizza! Tally-ho!!!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 12:47 pm
STAR! Thinking of you lots today - must be bloody hard but then so are you! Well done Juicy Lucy - you will only have a hobble left to do by the time you read this. "For all the happiness mankind can gain, is not in pleasure, but in rest from pain"!! Love you loads and can't wait to see you xxxx
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 12:31 pm
Can read your progress again (thank goodness) and it's brilliant to hear you sounding more positive - you are so nearly there and by the time you read all of these messages you will be even closer to the end. It does worry me what you are going to do next .... maybe lunch at Bryanston with two of your Godsons might suffice!! Tons of love x
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 11:36 am
Well done a better day - you have done so well in such hostile conditions. Will be thinking of you for your long day. Love from both Ant and me xxxxx
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 11:29 am
Hey Lucy sounds tough . Just keep on putting one foot in front of the other and before you know it it will be all banging drums , hugs and High fives and hopefully a cheeky wee glass of the local red .
Keep keeping on ... to the hardest running lady in HK
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 09:47 am
You are amazing! I am sure you will be feeling the wave of support from all of your admirers are you face the long day tomorrow. We really admirers for this astonishing series of feats but promise we will love you just as much when you put these other-worldly things behind yo u. Wish I could be poetic like husbins
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 09:45 am
You are amazing! I am sure you will be feeling the wave of support from all of your admirers are you face the long day tomorrow. We really admirers for this astonishing series of feats but promise we will love you just as much when you put these other-worldly things behind yo u
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 09:38 am
Quite incredible journey you are having and I too was so relieved to see you had finally crossewd the finish line on your damaged feet and the relief was amazing
I now wake with jet lag as my sleep pattern is now that of the Atacama time zone.....
It the ling and winding road today and I think that will be the tune I replay in my head all day today
Rexxy did a run for you today in the early morning cloudy sky and wind, snowing in Scotland
So glad that Devrim was there to watch over you the whole day and hope your shoes havent been ripped to pieces by the salt flats
Slow and steady like the tortoise will do it today, my mantra for the North Pole
You will have such a tale to tell us all you brave Amazonian conqueror or perhaps conquerette.
All our love and hugs for another day
Xxxxxxx
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 09:10 am
yay went on earlier and saw you had come in from stage 4 how exciting over half way and besides being so much skinner (hate you) a few toe nails short and smelling awful (you must smell truly crappy) it hasn't been that bad has it :) my brain is incredibly food starved so please excuse the rambling ....i am so excited to sit and hear about the scenery although right now i suppose our conversation will consist of a whole lot of talk about the sand colour ......look up just a little so you can describe the beauty to us who sit here in grey hk.......so my murderous rages have been getting to be less frequent although went into the sa embassy this morning and the man i have spent one year shy of half my life with spelt my surname wrong.....the poor woman did not know where to look i think i did not draw breath for a good 10 minutes..... Your bottom is fattier and dropping down to the fire. .......seriously do you think the translators of the thai proverbs are taking the piss
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 08:15 am
i just got a tad emotional reading davids blog keep going Bodicea thats the female warrior of old but she is driving a charriot You are driving your feet ever forward Flying the flag for davids new company You have done so much more than half way No stumbling now Get there Take your own personal prize David will be waiting for you and here at home we are waiting to catch the first sight of you Brave brave Lady T Daddys Girl !
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 07:59 am
Awesome work across the salt flats - I still have nightmares about them! Take the long stage slowly, and look up at the sky occassionly as it's stunning. Then it'll be the final shuffle into town to finish. GO GO GO!x x
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 06:48 am
Well done Lucy - forget the last day, just break it up by checkpoints tomorrow and you'll be there before you know it. In fact, by the time you read this, you will be.
Definitely leave the horseshoes for Pete to go and pick up next year...
Rob
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 04:22 am
Hello smellins... I see you getting better and better and by the time you reach that finishing line and see your husbins, you'll be the bestest. Yes! IC finally went live this morning 6am HK time and can't wait for you to see you impressed with the founding correctors' names! Now go conquer the driest desert on the face of the Earth!! ... Good luck Lady Ah So! xx
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 02:29 am
i have all night kept a vigil like a centurion looking out to the lands from atop the castle, surveying the dry and scorched horizon for shadows , not of hostile invaders but warriors of the earth whose conquering minds chisel away the insurmountable distances! then i saw your result and the blog for stage 4 which meant you have come through the heavy gates of the fort which admit those who dares and wins! well done stinky! you have won another day and the last stretch stretches out no more than your moving shadow which will disappear as dusk and twilight fall tomorrow! i fly to you with wings outstretched like an albatross and will scoop you up at the finishing line! meanwhile, icorrect has shot straight to the top of the google page and when you see it, you will be impressed by the 30 names i have managed to persuade to join as founding correctors. good night tiger: tiger tiger burning bright, in the forests of the night......
08 March 2011 06:00 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
OMG! That was a stinker of day perhaps the worst i have had on record:
I have just had 5 toe nails drilled and have blisters which are sooo painful. I stormed through check point 1 and 2 and flew along with Devrim hot on my hills, then for no reason something changed and 3 and 4 were horrific. I had a wobbly at checkpoint 3 and was very close not to finishing but after 30 minutes in the shade, the nausea lessening and the nerves subsiding for get stuck out on the last stage in the scary scary heat when there was no shade for a long time i just put my head down and hoped after 6 km in the gruelling heat Alistair and Sams sister would appear as promised to give us competitors extra water because of the heat. They did appear and it came not a minute too soon. The last 4 km were something else. They just kept going on and on and on and you could see camp at times but it kept disappearing behind more sand dunes and more bends in the course path. I cried a lot on the last stage and im glad im in the safety of the checkpoint. 2 people have gone home from our tent without leaving us there food and we are all starving! I crawled to the medics tents to drill and then crawled back to my tent and then crawled past the hot water to fill my freeze dried food, mac and cheese and now im sitting in the cyber tent just feeling beat. Im sorry i cant write anything of any importance but today was not a great day for me like yesterday and now with the blisters pain i just dont know. I think im going back to my tent now to clean myself up, i stink and dream of you all and where you are and what your doing and hope for the best that tomorrow i can write a more upbeat blog. Husbins i hear nothing? I suppose your in NY? Pete u got that satelite vid working yet? God i miss you all more than ever right now. Its very tough and im just trying to keep it together with hydration food and water and now painkillers. XXXXXXXX
I have just had 5 toe nails drilled and have blisters which are sooo painful. I stormed through check point 1 and 2 and flew along with Devrim hot on my hills, then for no reason something changed and 3 and 4 were horrific. I had a wobbly at checkpoint 3 and was very close not to finishing but after 30 minutes in the shade, the nausea lessening and the nerves subsiding for get stuck out on the last stage in the scary scary heat when there was no shade for a long time i just put my head down and hoped after 6 km in the gruelling heat Alistair and Sams sister would appear as promised to give us competitors extra water because of the heat. They did appear and it came not a minute too soon. The last 4 km were something else. They just kept going on and on and on and you could see camp at times but it kept disappearing behind more sand dunes and more bends in the course path. I cried a lot on the last stage and im glad im in the safety of the checkpoint. 2 people have gone home from our tent without leaving us there food and we are all starving! I crawled to the medics tents to drill and then crawled back to my tent and then crawled past the hot water to fill my freeze dried food, mac and cheese and now im sitting in the cyber tent just feeling beat. Im sorry i cant write anything of any importance but today was not a great day for me like yesterday and now with the blisters pain i just dont know. I think im going back to my tent now to clean myself up, i stink and dream of you all and where you are and what your doing and hope for the best that tomorrow i can write a more upbeat blog. Husbins i hear nothing? I suppose your in NY? Pete u got that satelite vid working yet? God i miss you all more than ever right now. Its very tough and im just trying to keep it together with hydration food and water and now painkillers. XXXXXXXX
Comments: Total (28) comments
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 12:26 am
i meant to type stage 4 and noy stage $ with my fat finger with money on my mind!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 12:22 am
i am so so so proud of your finishing stage $! you are amazing and today i launshed i correct! big day for you and big day for me! i cant wait to give you a hug, i will write again after your blog,
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 11:03 pm
you have inspired my new fitness regime lulu - i've been going to the gym everyday since you started. so in spirit i am with you! clearly i run a tenth of your distance, with half a percent of your commitment... can't wait to see you and hear about the race - but way more importantly, to tell you about my new job! haha! vic just got back from the caribbean looking very dark. alright for some!!
we send our LOVE and wish everything goes smoothly. remember that annoying saying: NO PAIN NO GAIN! sadly the only things vic and i are gaining are kilograms.
lots of love from your lovely famille x
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 07:44 pm
Poor but so brave Lucy. We are suffering every pain with you, except of course we lesser mortsls have no way of understanding just what it really feels like. The only consolation is that the end is getting so close and we will all be able to share in the pride of your fantastic achievement
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:57 pm
I agree with Phil, RIcky and Pete, stage 3 killed us all last year. By the time you read this, you'll have completed the dreaded salt flats. Good luck for the long day, i know you can do it. Don't forget we survived the 100km long stage in the Gobi so this one will be a walk in the park! Then it'll just be the short stroll into town to meet up with DT at the finish xx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:44 pm
darling.... can feel your pain.. oh my god it sounds brutal and if you are saying your feet are worse than namibia it must be bad... I KNOW you are going to do this we always have a bad day in the desert and you have now had yours... tomorrow will be good... Dont go out too fast - take it easy and speed up at the end if you feel strong. You are doing so well and you have so many people following you and willing you to finish. I am in sunny verbier with strep throat so am watching you race and living vicariously. YOU WILL do it... get your ear plugs on and get a good nights sleep. You must be able to scrounge some food - cant believe they didnt leave it behind!!! sending you lots of positive energy... xxA
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:31 pm
I just finally got your picture and only wish i could run with your outstanding form LT. Hopefully your are done with some great message from hubby from Hong Kong 'cause that will get you through. Failing that, Pete is a sad bloke from the north of England and, to my recollection, has never finished one of these races. He may be faster from me and he may be the best source of advice for you and me, but he never did the 4 Deserts but remember he soft Sheffield Wednesday supporter! Bring it on Pete!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:11 pm
Lulu, just been reading out some of your blogs to JB... I wanted to read him some of your husbins words as they so often bring a lump to my throat and again just now as I read my voice started to go.. you are surrounded by love and admiration my friend - respect a go-go and much much more. Lils words were wonderful too - nearly there Lulu, almost home and dry with Dirty Dave's arms to fall in to. This last one had to be hard - how boring if it was a walk in the park.... you will end on a high having endured hell and back - you will properly be able to feel proud of yourself and for good reason - If we were all there to meet you at the end you would be on our shoulders as a hero... huge love from a very dull life in Blighty XXXX
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 03:18 pm
your doing awsome... sorry i didnt get to say goodbye.. but all of you guys really helped me out to get onto stage 2.... im sorry i would of left you the other mac and cheese... hope the candy didnt melt too much..you are a great inspriation to all... and your gonna get your 4 deserts.. ill keep following
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:58 pm
No satellite vid. But i am sending you some soothing Nick Drake vibes for your feet. Toe nails are overrated. Drill baby drill. The last stage of day three is a real mind f@%k. It gets everybody. Have you tried without the insoles in your shoes yet? It may give you some wiggle room. Could be the pink croc's for the final hurrah to the finish line? On the last day,there is a little rocky climbing trail at the start. But then it goes onto the plain and into San Pedro. It's just long enough by 2km too piss you off at the end. But short enough that it ain't going to stop you. And that feeling off coming into the town square is......... Go get 'em tiger!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:47 pm
On your behalf I have just done 11 miles in Hyde Park on this windy, but sunny day with very dramatic clouds in the sky
At the Serpentine I came across 2 Egyptian geese and their 7 goslings which helped me get through the next lap as I wanted to see them again
One of my toes hurt and I think it has gone out in sympathy with your 5 and I just cannot imagine the pain your are creating for you now while you are on the long day
Every time I wanted to head home today I made myself continue as a homage to you in the heat of the salt flats and every sip of water I had I wondered how it felt yesterday when you luckily got the extra water drop drink the heat of the day
After today, you have done the huge mileage and you are heading for the home stretch and your wonderful David waiting for you at the finish, so hopefully you will focus on that sight in your worst moments
Rexxy and I are with you all the way
All love xxxxxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:29 pm
Irritatingly I can't get onto your blog at the moment but am able to read the comments. From what I can gather, it all sounds very hardcore but you are almost at the end of your extremely, extreme adventures. Thinking of you lots - keep the end firmly in sight x
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 01:43 pm
You're through the toughest bit! Phil's right, we were all wrecked after stage 3 last year. You can do it, and you will do it. "the credit belongs to those who are in the arena striving valiantly..." and you are in the arena! Drink it in! Wishing you well. Rp
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 01:40 pm
Yeaaah! Nearly finished. Just keep taking those painkillers, breathing and putting one foot in front of the other! Easier said than done, I am sure but you are AMAZING! Love ya FF xxxxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 11:44 am
Dear Lucy,
Keep it up , You CAN do it. The long day is beautiful and not so hard....It is a lot of long hard packed sand. But the whole race is worth it just for the stars on the long day through Valley of the Moon....You have to see that, so keep going.
Sisselxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 10:00 am
Lordy lord my dear sweet friend - that blog sent shivers up my spine. Off to the Mando for a pedi in the morning ... Will be thinking of you ! How much more of an inspiration can you be. Truly wonderful what you're doing. Am left behind with Nik Nok on this grisly detox, but shedding the pounds by the minute. Had lovely jap dinner together last night - she's about as big as an edamame bean ! We thought about you too then, tucking into all that grub in Roka. Soon you will be back with us and we can raise our cups of green tea v v high in the sky ! Beansprout and Charsui send you all their love. We are wishing you a speedy onward journey - take care of those tootsies. All our love xxxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 09:19 am
LT - Exactly what happened to me last year on the thrid satge! Keep going girl. Just take it easy tomorrow and get through the long march. You are really close now and it will be worth it in the end. One step in front of the other, listen to music, think of home, think how much better it is not to be seasick and stuck on a boat between stages. Are you going to do Nepal by the way? Amy and I continue to be amazed at the effort. Hang in there.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 09:19 am
dearest dear daughter ant sue and i are following you all the way we wish we could carry you on our shoulders remember the footprint on your posterior think of your daddy always laughing and so cross if he fell over that will drive you along think of the sweeties and apples on the way to maldon court i never knew what a naughty pair its not surprising you were a plump child we leave for the airport in a few minutes i will be back at creeksea by mid afternoon i love reading davids blog what an erudite person you married i remember when you first talked about him to me you said he was chinese but spoke better english than anyone you knew thats confirmed sleep well awake refreshed keep on my brave one never never again!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 09:07 am
The blisters and toes sound awful poor you!We can only relate to our crap attempt at the morecambe bay walk and how bad just 3 blisters felt!how pathetic we feel. You are amazing and you are past the half way mark and the finishing line is getting closer.David is right anything you do in life now will be a breeze!We are collecting liz today from the airport.Thinking about you all the time and looking forward to seeing you.keep it up you will be glad you completed it - never to be done again ever!lots of love xxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 08:06 am
Hope you managed to get a good nights sleep and that the pain killers have kicked in. Your feet will look like mine soon!!!
After today you are more than half way through and I do hope that it is better than yesterday.
We are all thinking of you. YOu have shown amazing courage and strength. Lots of love Sue xxxxxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 07:42 am
You incredible woman to keep going yesterday in such adverse conditions and very sore feet.....yes to OMG!
It is so hard for me to comprehend your inner strength and determination and if ever I get shipwrecked I want you to be there to hold it all together because you are quite unbelievably AMAZING
Forget Shackleton, Scott, Bear Grylls or Mr Fogle, you are the Best of Britain Lady T!
I have been procrastinating about running this morning but on reading your blog I am off today, now and feel I should run bare foot so that I can get my feet to harmonise with yours, ouch ouch ouch.....
Thank goodness David will be at the finish line to carry you home and give you all the hugs we are sending you today
I do hope the concoction of painkillers and sleepers helped you get through the night and that you are all taped up, watered up and nutritiously fed up, but that you dig to your deepest levels of super tang and manage to get through this next huge day
My love, prayers and total faith in you are stronger than ever every minute of the next 24 hours xxxxxxxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 06:48 am
Tango.. Tough day it seems! You may not feel it right now but you are doing brilliantly. Just try your best to enjoy your surroundings. By the time you read this you will be resting up for the long stage.. Continuing to be proud of you. xox
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 06:06 am
Luce Goose, I can't stand it and the thought of the big day still ahead! You will do this pudding, I know you will and the more you suffer, the better stories you will have to tell when you get back. I read your blog and imagined you sitting in the cyber tent and that feeling of utter utter exhaustion - oh God poor you! Be strong sugar puff we all love you so much.
Christabel xxxxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:58 am
oh how awfully awful my stomach turned reading it and douglas yelled out shame ....not sure what drilling entails exactly but it sounds absolutely horrific ........my word how strong you are....i have become a little bit of a stalker and seem to constantly check to see if you have finished and was so excited to see that you had done and dusted the 3rd stage....my elation from my armchair was amazing.... hope you are getting everyone's messages of support as i see you have not got your husbands ones from your blog and they have even been bringing a tear to my eye so too miss them would be awful......(sorry yes i have been reading everyone as i have the time) it is freezing cold here and i sit under a cashmere blanket by the heater and type this ......tomorrow is my 1 week mark of doing the calorie restriction thing and it is so weird as because i am only allowed the one meal my taste buds seem to be heightened and can not have anything too rich (although that is strictly not allowed on it anyway) wonder what those people are going to be doing with their freeze dried food at home ...people are odd....do you want me to bake something for you for your return you can dream about it for the next few days and send me a list .....i for one wish i could have been there sitting in the shade with you to give you some moral support and to help you on.....i have noticed how solitary it seems to be as your completion time has no competitors near you .....that must be incredibly difficult to not have someone to encourage you near the end .....you are amazing ...Grabbing excrement is better than grabbing flatulence.....you have got to love the thai's .....
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 03:10 am
What a stage, what a day. You are doing so incredibly well, Lucy. By the time you get this you'll have done Stage 4. Which means tomorrow is IT. The ultimate day, the day that you will show the world how brilliantly fantastic you are. DREAM BIG - it's all down to who is stronger in the head, and I know you are going to rock it. xx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:41 am
wifins: i have to blog again because i want to tell you that what you are doing in endurance is a remarkable training for the rest of your life andwhen you have done this, nothing humanly possible becomes daunting to you because you have endured beyond the point of seeming impossibility. to triumph over that with both mental and physical forberance is the stuff of heroism ! you deserve a bath and the order of Bath as one of the ancient medals!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:33 am
i blogged you twice! i am in ny and had a wonderful day business wise. but poor you, please please take care and just take it easy, iam so so impressed that u are still 53rd and it shows again you might be driving yourself harder than you think. but what do i know about these extreme conditions and the sap that is squeezed out of every sinew of your body? i can only imagine the pain and multiple it by 10. please go steady, the big big one is tomorrow and when you finish that you will be home and dry and never do another one. you are my shackleton and scott and captain Bligh rolled into an eclar! good night stinks and so to bed, ie you!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:13 am
stay strong, Lucy! you can do it!!
07 March 2011 05:43 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I went out of the first stage with devrim half way and then let him fly as hes way faster than me. Which was a great call as he was so fast that he wast at the finishing line with Ralph waiting for me which was emotional! The last stage was scary, it was flat and a vast plain and you could see the heat rising from the floor all the way. I just put my head down and for the first time plugged into my i pod and put it on shuffle. There was a song which made me howl but luckily i was alone! Emma Fergusson was lovely to have at the first stage as we did the river crossings together altho twice i went into the crossings and thank god i had my i pods in ziploc bags. Second stage was my favourite so far as it was up and up and up and thanks to hill training with Pete i had a bit of confidence to just go on. At the top the view was amazing but there was some rather scary drops if you werent looking where you were going. I At the top Pete, i saw a horseshoe! But unlike you was defintaely not tempted to pick it up! Crazy pete that thought did keep me going for an hour or so thinking you were with me and making me smile. Tree, Rowley, there were quite a few random ones and i just so know that feeling, you see them but they take ages to get to. The third stage i walked/ran with the Guetemalian boys and thtat was god becuase they gave me confidence to keep going by managing to keep up with 3 stapping boys. I kept thinking of you Dan (brother) how you should be with me doing this. I kept thinking of carrying Holly on my back which helped Kirst. I tried to smile for the camera so hope mum you can see with the help of Sue and Ant that im more upbeat than yesterday. Stinks im so looking forward to seeing you and thinking of you lots today and how your big week is going. Thankyou for letting me do this but next time its your turn! I kept thinking of how long it takes you now to run round Hyde Park now from the early days and you are my inspiration. Im proud of you not only about the amount of steel you have to have carried on with your fitness it just shows things can be done. I hope and pray it doesnt get much hotter and there are less flat parts altho i know that salt flat section is coming. Im trying not to think about it and thats all i can do right now. Not to dwell and just put one foot infront of the other. I now have to get tomorrow done and it will be checkpoint by checkpoint. Electrolyte, water, food, etc etc all over again. Diego thanks for this mornings hug and talk when i was rock bottom, you and people like that who are competitors on these events are the things that carry you through out here. And Mary, sorry about yesterdays blog i was not really in a good place. None of the e mails or blog comments have come through yet today as the volunteers are pushed to the limits at the moment so i cant comment on anyones e mails or blog comments but please tomorrow is another day so please please keep them coming in. Duch, Hats, Aly, Judy, Uggs, Pete, Rob, Stinks Rowls, Sue, Kirst and dan, Soph and Tilly, Trace and Nik Noks, I miss you all and look forward to a catch up so soon. please keep writing if you have done today as it means huge amounts. And anyone whom i havent mentioned today please keep them coming as tomorrow is the day im going to really need your messages. It sounds so dramatic probably if your sitting at your homes in front of your computers but it does feel dramatic when you read them sitting here in the middle of now where!
Comments: Total (18) comments
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 07:25 am
STINKS. You knew this one would be difficult, your mind was already half not there, but never mind you are there and you will finish and you will eventually feel the enormous relief and sense of achievement. Remember it's not a race, it's not a competition, if you learn anything in this whole experience it's that you are you and you measure yourself against you and nobody else. There will always be ppl better faster, cleverer, thinner, richer and on and on..but we have to be good with where we are! I feel for you and am like everyone else, just so very very proud, if not a little in awe! Am in Paris at the moment and am so pround of myslef cos I actually pulled my sorry ass into the gym! Well done me :-) xxxxxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 12:17 am
Sounds like you're having the kind of tough time we just had in BVI for the last week...It was hot and sandy there too, though I think we covered a few less miles than you have! Think of the new pups back in Hong Kong waiting for you - that should spur you on to the finish line!
Good luck
Chris n Vic
x
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 10:58 pm
iw want you to read this by the time you finish your third stage: i thought of you all morning as i jogged round the while of central park which i have never done before and would not think of doing, yet thinking about your much more difficult route, i felt i was on a luxury cruiser and just cruised along the 8/9 km like a mini forest gump! but you were my inspiration. i am going to do 20 miles a week and every year at least 1,000 miles and before i am 70, i will have run round the world! it sounds impressive but i know your desert races alone would put that performance in the shade. but i am relative to you a big lump of lard 10 percent of which, dont forget, you are carrying on your back! have a good nights rest, you are now half way or more its the final straight now and the last furlongs will recede like Secretariat!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 06:46 pm
Hullo lovely! Just back from the Paris shows - can it be that we actually live on the same planet? Hoping you can find SOME joy in this all. Other than the joy you'll feel when it's over...
Enormous love,
kxx
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 05:42 pm
Saw an amazing picture of you splashing through a river - action shot!!I am typing with one hand while I breast feed holly and have some 'womb' music playing on the computer - multi tasking!!not sure if she cares much for the music?its driving me a bit mad.lovely sunny day here the type that makes you feel like being outside, dan and i walked the doggies this morning with holly there was a thick frost all around so beautiful.well done you for keeping going I just scan the breaking news updates for your name - haven't seen it so assume no news is good news!dan has just gone to the gym he loves his ipod you got him and loves his songs he has put on.The septic tank is being renovated here and thought it would make u smile that as soon as the builders were working on it I desperately needed the loo -d aren't go in-case they saw it go past!!though only u wld appreciate my fix and humor on that one sorry to anyone else who reads this.lots of love and keep on trucking. xx
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 05:31 pm
Soph and Tilly here again. Sounds like you've had some very rough times and come through, you are so brave and strong, can't imagine what you'll do once this is all over. You are becoming invincible. We're being strong in London too, though, with our new family life. Tilly and I busy appealing to get her into the right school. Ludo obsessed with Glee. Hector covered in coffee flavoured Lynx deoderant. Must have a girlfriend. Fred in Paris for good - they skype a lot and kids doing well. We all miss you and are dying to see you, but Tilly says can we have a girls' lunch? Lots of love and hugs and thinking of you always, Soph and Tills xxxxx
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 01:08 pm
Can't believe you're still going, and haven't stopped to build sandcastles. Amazing, you're like a Duracell bunny. I can safely say I'm glad I'm not there in your place, but I would have given anything to have seen your ipod induced live performance - perhaps X Factor, the desert version, will grace our screens soon and you'll be right up there! So proud, so impressed, you're such a warrior. Keep going - I need the inspiration. Lots of love, Al xxx
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 12:57 pm
so today was a better one for me ....no murderous rage from the low calorie intake .....i am writing this in bed in the dark so it is a real act of love (and me having chosen typing over maths at school i just knew computers would be big one day and not those old clack clack things) .........i have not seen your results but have read all the incredibly encouraging e-mails and words of advice of which i have none as really i would never attempt something so crazy and just getting my butt into the kitchen from my bed is a physical achievement right now ....oh i am not sitting in bed writing this in the dark as i am a cheap south african but more that i have just had sushi with lady li (we missed you) and the man i married has gone to sleep after downing one too many vodka's last night at zuma......i love your blog and even though the first one was sad it is really interesting to read and i can not believe you have the energy left to think about putting words in order to make any sense at all........it sounds amazing and i am even more in awe of you than ever ....you truly are incredible .....Confusion is a chicken with shattered eyes......yes you guessed it my thai words of advice have absolutely no idea what it means but maybe you can get back to me trying to figure it out on your next stage ........we love and miss you madly enjoy
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 11:48 am
ant and sue are playing cards so i have read yesterdays race its so tough but now you are well into it you can only finish and with us all being so proud of you our race on saturday was a tough horrid one too but we finished the race back first you can be proud of mum and uncle i so love you god bless xxxxxxxxx
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 11:41 am
PR is so proud of you Tango.. You had a tough first day and turned it around mentally for day two. I feel you will only get stronger and stronger and will finish the race loving the Atacama Desert. Just keep thinking of the end of the long stage when you go through an amazing section - valley of the something. Its magical and my favourite part of all of the deserts. Watching on with excitement. xx
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 09:42 am
Just about to head off to the studio but thought I would add a little message as I do just think you are so brilliant and I love reading all the lovely messages and encouragement everyone sends you
Reading the Tye's words just took me back to Antarctica and the laughs we had and whale watching morning in the freezing cold on deck in pyjamas!
Phil's advice of walking in the footsteps of those who are charging ahead is a great tip
Just drink loads and pace yourself and take the day in small moments of time, five minutes, half an hour etc
We are all with you all the way
It is another glorious sunny day here but chilly not Chile......can't wait to see more photos of you in action
Hugs love and all our thoughts
Xxxxxxx
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 08:09 am
Well,it would appear that the 10th is a very important day all round. It's my b-day (Ryan Sands as well.) So for my b-day could you do me a few things? 1) Too have loved Atacama & Chile as much as i did. 2) If this is to be your final swan song? Can i have your spork and any unused wet wipes? And could you go back to that ridge line on stage two and get me that horse shoe? Please. Back to business. On the long day,last year when the sun set,the wind picked up & the temp dropped. So pack your warm gear so it's easy to get to if you need it. If the last C-P with hot water is in the same place? It was way too windy & cold to hang around at. Suck it up....That's Rowls saying.....To American for me. Am i speaking Swahalil? I must be because you've got a short sleeve t-shirt on. Watch those arm on the long day. Because they should be swinging!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 04:26 am
61 to 51 and you seem have regained your confidence! Well done stinks. I just got off my flight in Noo Yawk and in the custom hall I googled you in excitement and a big smile came through my face on reading the result. Isn't the blackberry the most amazing thing on earth? Well well well done! We will always remember this week now as it is your biggest run and it could be my biggest business! On Thursday March 10 my FT article comes out and you will have done your big big one, so we must remember this special day, amongst the other one or two! Go sleep and dream, and tread softly, for you tread on my dreams! (Yates, just in case you have forgotten)!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 03:27 am
Hey, Donkey Head,i am with you. Why do you think your bag weighs so much! There is a pic of you crossing a river and you are smiling :-) I take it that you didn't trip in the tunnel and lose your camera,like donkey head here did. Get the rhythm going. Click clack click clack,David Tang,Phil Tye and before you know it Dorothy,you will be back in Kansas. How's the PADA PADA in the tent? MAMA ADARI.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 03:10 am
I am so proud of you, Lucy! well done on completing Stage 2. If anything, Stage 2 is the worst - pack is still heavy, and the psychological barrier thinking that you still have 200km to go can be a bit too much. But you are rocking it - stay strong. As Confucius once said, “Wherever you go, go with all your heart.” You have heart in this Lucy, and you will finish the next day with a smile. xx
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 03:07 am
Hey Lucy. Well done for pushing through. Sounds like you need house matron Aly there to whip you into shape and an imaginary target (we won't mention names) as in Antarctica to keep you focused. We're cheering you all the way. Hope you see the running dogs, I thought they were amazing to run the whole day without water. Keep it up!!... Amy xx
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 02:54 am
Congrats Lucy for getting through that second stage. I know it was a tough one but hopefully you will just remember the beauty of the surroundings you went through. You will be through stage 3 by the time you read this but DO NOT get psyched out by stage 4. The slat flats willbe hot and all that but just find a solid pace and stick with it. Try and find a partner and get though the leg together as it will be easier but there is nothing to get worked about about. You have been though tougher and hotter stages before. Just concentrate on following the footsteps of the people in front and you will get through it in no time. Amy and I are with you all the way and so impressed. Keep going ...one step at a time.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 02:05 am
Well done for today you brilliant shuffling ipodded marathon running dame
The photo was very smiley and three cheers for Mr Ziplock for his wonderful invention
The photos of the day were incredible, such an amazing canyon and then the sand dune decent
Sorry you haven't had all the messages yet
Rexxy sent you an email too as he was most impressed with you time yesterday
You really ROCK and have a great sleep tonight so that tomorrow you can have another impressive day chasing the boys team through the sand flats
Any good aromas today on route?
What wildlife did you see?
What temp did it reach?
So so proud of your strength and determination......go Lucy go
Xxxxxxxx
06 March 2011 06:51 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Im trying to hang in there at the computer table in the cyber tent whilst typing this and not letting tears roll down my face? The last 10k was very very tough and i felt WHY? Very Low. The feelings not of doubt but im not enjoying this? My feet hurt, my knees hurt and its sooo hot. I think throughout the day, electrolytes, water, eat something, look up for pink flag, ouch my knee hurts, ouch my hip hurts, oo my feet feel blister? Back to electroyltes, water, eat something etc,...... you got the picture. Its doing my head in that thats all i must think about. If feel like pulling out to be honest but the thing that keeps driving me is I HAVE TO FINISH AS DT IS COMING TO THE FINISH LINE AND ITS MY LAST ONE! Well i can honesty say IT IS MY LAST. No doubts there!
Lastnight was a good nights sleep thanks to a sleeping pill. There were 3 snorers in my tent but thanks to earplugs and being on the outside and heavily sedated it was OK. Very sweetly Jun handed out earplugs to all of us as he warned us he would snore. This morning was the usual faffing on my behalf. wake at 6 get food into me, then pack the back pack lug it onto my back filled with water and go! I dont know why but when i look around me everyone looks so organised and fresh and ready to go and i feel im missing something? There is a field of massive testosterone here and very fasties. It actually scares me, I know some people thrive on this but me, no. I thank Devrim today for walking with me all the way. He said he wanted to go slow today and i was to keep him slow so my pace did just that. Although going with him was wonderful as he sort of enforced a 3 minute walk and then a minute run/shuffle. Its meant to help the joints and everything siezing up and building up of lactate acid so tomorrow i shall see if it has worked.
Im sorry if this blog sounds negative but i really cant write upbeat when i dont feel upbeat. I miss Lucy RB and Uncle from my gobi tent. Not more than others but they and Phil Tye by just being around made me feel more grounded and more calm. I feel miserable. Sorry but im going to get some food in me and try and pull myselff together. I hope to finish tomorrow and be able to sit in the cyber tent and thank all of you who have written to me by e mail etc but today i have never been closer to negativity. Some will say suck it up so thats what i will go and try and do.
Lastnight was a good nights sleep thanks to a sleeping pill. There were 3 snorers in my tent but thanks to earplugs and being on the outside and heavily sedated it was OK. Very sweetly Jun handed out earplugs to all of us as he warned us he would snore. This morning was the usual faffing on my behalf. wake at 6 get food into me, then pack the back pack lug it onto my back filled with water and go! I dont know why but when i look around me everyone looks so organised and fresh and ready to go and i feel im missing something? There is a field of massive testosterone here and very fasties. It actually scares me, I know some people thrive on this but me, no. I thank Devrim today for walking with me all the way. He said he wanted to go slow today and i was to keep him slow so my pace did just that. Although going with him was wonderful as he sort of enforced a 3 minute walk and then a minute run/shuffle. Its meant to help the joints and everything siezing up and building up of lactate acid so tomorrow i shall see if it has worked.
Im sorry if this blog sounds negative but i really cant write upbeat when i dont feel upbeat. I miss Lucy RB and Uncle from my gobi tent. Not more than others but they and Phil Tye by just being around made me feel more grounded and more calm. I feel miserable. Sorry but im going to get some food in me and try and pull myselff together. I hope to finish tomorrow and be able to sit in the cyber tent and thank all of you who have written to me by e mail etc but today i have never been closer to negativity. Some will say suck it up so thats what i will go and try and do.
Comments: Total (24) comments
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 01:44 am
what you are doing is so courageous and awesome! i'm sure you are gonna have more moments like you wrote, but you will also have positive ones. I believe in you. YOU WILL FINISH. Take good care. Stay Strong.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 11:57 pm
damn wrote a mail in the dark after we got back from dinner a whole essay ....lying in bed but then went to do the security code thing and damn my huge husband and his form had blocked out the wifi signal and so lost my laugh a minute ...words of advice ....some uplifting advice .....a few tears moments of joy paragraph and instead you are left with this awful one which does not show you my personality at all ........luce i am confused as to when you wake up and when you finish what stage and i am sure it must be gruelling and tough and so frustrating that you want to burst into tears and it is awful when everything just hurts i will think of you all day today wishing you moments of clarity and enjoyment of the process and hopefully your sunny being :) will kick in soon as we can not have your last one being and awfully hideous one ..........be strong sweets and no words of advice from the thai's as have to rush the spawn of my womb off to damn school......
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 10:44 pm
You are doing great Lucy, so proud of you. I do agree with your Husbins....don't think time, think nature, and focus on the beautiful views. You promised me to take lots of photos remember ????
You are the experienced one out there now, so keep on going as I know you are strong enough for this. I will be in London and can't wait to see your photos.....We believe in you. Big hug
Team Good Sport.
Sxx
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 10:23 pm
Dearest Lucy, hope your feeling more positive after stage 2, which in comparison to others looks like brilliant time! Thinking of you and please know what an inspiration you are Superwoman! Good luck with stage 3, we will be with you in thought every step of the way. Sending lots of love kisses Kev and Bev XXX
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 09:20 pm
i can't see the blog we sent you yesterday, telling you how much we're thinking of you - I hope this one gets through. I think you are fantastically brave and strong in your determination to complete it. Nut nut insists I pass on a message from her that if it really gets too tough, the really strong thing to do is to recognise it - no-one, least of all DT would think one jot less of you - - he, we all, and you above all need a healthy and strong LT
Much love
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 08:44 pm
Well I did my exercises today which has really woken up my bum and abdominals
Have been thinking about you all day and sending happy thoughts and energy up to your altitude and I know you will have had a good one
It has been a beautiful sunny spring day here and motivated me to go for a walk with Peter in Holland Park
Birds were chirping as though they were on speed and the daffodils were blindingly bright which was glorious....good old Wordsworth got it so right.....the host of golden daffodils....then all the delicate blossoms now open and mild fragrance wafted by
We went to find P some snow boots for Artic but of course all the shops have changed their foot ware to spring trainers and sensible walking boots!
We watched the video of last years marathon and there was such a blizzard that you could hardly see the markers for the track
They use the runway as part of the course so I hope I have my iPod on medium volume just in case I am strolling along having not heard the sounds of a Russian plane about to land!
The photos are great and you looked happy with Sam's help at one check point
Drink plenty and enjoy your package food
All love and keep your thoughts in today
Hugs and kisses xxxxxxx
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 07:52 pm
I am thinking of you as I sit on a plane about to cross the Atlantic for freezing Noo Yawk! I see one or two big wigs there but all the time I will be thinking of your result big board, NOT on the time but just making sure my little fragile wifins finishes without feeling down! Can't wait to see you as we move towards each other in an everushrinking distance until we touch each other like Michaelangelo's freaco on the ceiling of Sistine Chapel! Zeeeeze, that's what it will sound like : like the sparks off a Van de Graff generator favoured by Frankenstein!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 06:13 pm
Bless you Lucy. I have no knowlegde of what you are going through but I can tell you that as one of the people who support you heroes, don\'t ever underestimate yourself. You have achieved things that others only look on in awe about. You are an inspiration and you should feel proud of your stamina and mental strength. It is easy for me to say BE STRONG and not know how it feels. But the strength IS there whinin you because you have proved that to yourself in previous races. The end is nearer than it was 24hrs ago. See yourself crossing the finish line and feeling the euphoria completing your last race and the pride that us onlookers have in you. much love. Angela Love x
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 05:52 pm
Don't over think it - just deal with one day at a time and you'll be brilliant. Thinking of you lots and lots x
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 05:04 pm
Chin up Girl! Stiff upper lip! Nothing will over power you. Strength and honour. I LOVE YOU xxxxxxx
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:07 pm
Hey there LT. Fantastic effort on Day 1. That hill climb to the last checkpoint is horrible but you made it. Yur placing after the first stage loks pretty fine too me. I was thinking you need to slow down a bit! Get loads of rest after day 2 and enjoy the memories of some fantastic scenery. Eating properly and drinking loads of water with electrolytes will be key to stage three. Save your strength up for the last stage which is long and the finish is very deceptive. Drink all of your water ration at each stage as you need the water in your body at the end. you are strong and can get though this race just as you have the others. I have seen you in action in far too many deserts now to not be convinced of your will to get it done. Dev is a star just like you so stick with him when you can and power out those 10k stages one by one. Amy and I are with you all the way.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 01:49 pm
Hi Lucy,
There are many people with sore knees and sore hips who work in dreary jobs in offices without a view who would trade places with you in a heart beat.
It is better to take one step at a time with joy than think of the finish line with self doubt.
As for the others not many are as experienced as you in the four deserts.
lastly "winners compare themselves with themselves"
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 01:45 pm
Well my gorgeous pal - you will have completed stage 2 when you read this. You are truly brilliant and an inspiration to us all. Went to see Alan Chan today and he asked me how you were. i was a few minutes into telling him all bout your exploits, when he interrupted and said he need "many many racing tips" from the Champion Jockey's Wife .... Oh the respect ! Millie standing over my shoulder saying "have a good time Auntie Lucy- wow i bet it's lovely out there" mmmmmm not sure she really quite gets it .... ! Can't wait to read your next blog. All our love and hugs x
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 12:13 pm
Sounds like you did great in the first stage!who cares about speed just finishing is amazing.We all know you can do it and send you positive vibes via the blog!!Anna rog and the lads came to lunch yesterday it was a lot of fun - they all sat in your yellow fiat and had a ball pretending to drive!Read Hatties comment it reminded me of that amazing soup that hagrid made us yum yum - is he always cooking?By the time you read this you will have got through the next stage and all you have to do is keep going. enjoy the scenery, if you can and think of lazy days when you have finished.We can't wait to see you and Dan seemed disappointed when I told him we will only see you for 3 days. Holly sends you lots of love and luck - she is sleeping at the mo while I catch up with work. Miss you see you soon keep it up! lots of love Dan, Kirsty and Holly xx
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 11:30 am
Hey Lucy, remember the saying "This to shall pass." By the time you read this you will have finished Day 2, seen some more absolutely stunning scenery and thinking about Day 3. Remember to drink plenty of water (with electrolytes) it's absolutely key. Thinking of you out there...grab on to the positive energy!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 11:29 am
Come on Luce,the first day is always full of self doubt and why. Especially if it's been hot and grueling. You just need to get in too the groove. And all those people who look so organised and with it. Are probably just as flustered and in a panic every morning,the same as you. You know you can do this. The big (well,not so big now) man is waiting for you at the end. Don't let the women with the white cat win!!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 10:56 am
You may feel isolated and alone in your negative frame of mind, but to us following your exploits you are a positive inspiration...and it's okay to feel so low, it sets the benchmark for how fantastic you are going to feel after this is over. Remember, when you look back over your life in 40 years time, you can say "I did that". You are very brave and I know I couldn't do what you are doing. Think happy thoughts and enjoy the feeling of being alive with every step. Al xxx
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 09:05 am
well done for doing it so swiftly and great that Devrim was with you all the way
Change your music to something not too emotive and if you really listen, smell the air, look at the beautiful surroundings and use all your senses then you cannot be in your head, which sounded like rather a dark scary place to be last night
You are in a beautiful place, but also remember the altitude factor which also sends you a little nutty....thankfully you slept well the first night so keep taking the sleeping aid and visualise before you sleep the finish line with DT there and hearing the cheers and congrats
You are so strong and this is your last one and just think of all the things you have seen and places you have visited
We are all in awe of your determination, bravery, brilliance, beauty, humour, fitness and power
I will be in my studio today attacking a piece of marble in dust and in a ugly industrial estate while you will be in the beauty of the Atacama going for stage 2
Just keep pacing yourself and be kind to yourself
YOU ARE A SUPERSTAR and we love you
All love and hugs xxxxxxx
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 08:59 am
Dearest Lucifer, as the primroses grow on the banks here at Royal Lodge, they will bow to you and will be here on your return. Duch xxxx
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 07:58 am
long and treacherous, but don't be too hard on yourself!!! It's monday morning and i'm about the leave for the office - can you imagine what an awful feeling that is! I just keep telling myself I have to suck it up.
Keep it up Lulu!!
X
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 07:58 am
Even though I'm not there causing mayhem in the tent, I'm following you all the way. You'll have finished stage 2 by the time you read this and hopefully the stunning slot canyons will have helped. Keep going Luce, we are all right behind you and as you say, it's the last one......unless I can convince you to come to Nepal?!?!x x x
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 07:07 am
Hope that when you read this you feel better. I\'m sure it feels bad because you know it is your last. You have undertaken an amazing feat ( am I obsessed with feet at the moment or what!!) I\'m full of admiration.
Have a good Stage 2. Thinking of you. Let me know about all the places that I\'d like to stop and the photos I would take
Lots of love from us all. Amazingly your mum is still in bed at 8.10 in the morning.!!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 06:01 am
how do you commit a perfect murder on your wife? answer; kill her and chop her up and pack the bits into a suitcase and check it in to Rome on Alitalia> nobody will ever find the lost case.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 05:52 am
its 530am and the first thing i do is to check your blog and i know its not the best blog you have ever posted. but remember you came in yesterday in the middle of the pack and finished in 6 hours which you might regard as very hard but if you had slowed down a lot more and made it less hard, you would still have finished comfortably. so my totally amateurish advice is for you not to think speed and time but just finish and if at all possible, avoid negative thouights which come from a sense of competition. i will come ans see you whether you finish or not as you are not racing but finishing. the mind is vital so get that into your brain: you have lots of time to finish and so no need to make it into a competition. you are not racing against others and time but just completing a task. thats what i tell myself when bloody walkers overtake my jog in the park. i dont care because i am just concerned with finishing the jog myself without having to regard speed and time. anyway well done! dont beat yourself up. also i think you get depressed more easily if you are tensed up which i am sure you are, dont be too anxious. relax! its only the driest fying desert in the world1
05 March 2011 05:04 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Just been trying out all my extra food that i cant fit into my backpack and its sunken in sitting by a fire, wind blowing, i have 13 hours until start! I shot out of the bus to bags my place in the tent. For all desert races I have had the one by the exit. This time im by the exit but on the left. I didnt care as its still be the exit, even tho its going to be the coldest place but at least i dont have to worry about standing on anyones legs getting out in the middle of the night, and my stuff doesnt get jumbled with peeps stuff on one side. I have a great tent, one father and daughter Jan and catrien, newbies. Then Eric who is a fit looking dutch who asked whether emma and ralph are together and me and devrim and sitting in the cyber tent now with the Japanese film crew hearing diegos take on the fact that eric is just checking so he can hit on us! I think not as his wife is a volunteer but im not telling Diego that! The we have Nick Ashley Cooper who i shared a tent with in Namibia and is great, hes UK. Then Chris from USA whose a newbie too. The tents are smaller this year and white which means im using my eye shade! All these things u slowly remember. I just hope that what Scary Mary (The amazingly wonderful Mary Gaddams)-CEO and she reads these blogs!!) thought of bringing David to the final camp site as this is my LAST desert. NOW THAT IS IMPLANTED IN MY MIND MARY YOU HAVE TO CARRY THROUGH........ Goodnight everyone.Oh and the bus ride here was hot and that was at 3-5pm . We start at 8am tomorrow and they are estimating it can take anywhere from 3.55 hours to 14 hours! So lets see tomorrow I DONT WANT AN INJURY. I DONT CARE ABOUT MY SPEED. I JUST WANT TO FINISH.PLEASE PRAY THATS ALL I ASK. XXXXXXXX
Comments: Total (16) comments
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 10:50 pm
hey stinks..lots of people thinking of you and so many people absolutely in awe at what you are doing because there is no way we could ever imagine doing the same. you have to be so proud no? thinking of you bagging the bed by the entrance of the tent made me think of you in mongolia and the time you didn't quite make it beyond the threshold of the tent..plus you walking in the wind with your swim goggles!! do you think you need those where you are now? perfect for any sandy wind! well have to jump out of bed and wake up the kids. MONDAY-ugh! leave on wednesday for Paris. we cannot be in more different worlds. only 6 more days to go?? Love you much xxxx
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 07:50 pm
well done for coming in a shade over 6 hours on your first day! it feels like a singe and augurs well for your final assault! your husband who only ran 3 miles today is very proud of his faster and more sustaining wife! and you had inspired me to run when a few months ago i wouldnt dream of running for more than 20 minutes and going beyond 1 mile. anyway i will sleep well tonight knowing you will do the same across the other side of the world. i go to noo yawk tomorrow and therefore will be nearer you. and see you at the weekend!
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 07:50 pm
Well done - it looks like you have got through Stage 1. Brilliant - I am sure that we will be able to read how it went soon.
Well your Mum is sitting here and she is a winner. Yesterdays leg was fraught with disasters - they kept getting riding turns round the winch and it was very very windy. They phoned me last night and they were both in bed by 8.30!!! So they were disappointed with a 5th as they had to cut the jib sheets and lost their 2nd place. Today was much kinder and they were the Folkboat winners. It's now 8.45 and Ant is in bed already and your mum is going there soon. I can manage to stay up a little longer because I have been sitting on my backside all day with my foot in the air. I've got a really good book though and my knitting is getting longer!!
This is from Mum: She loves you lots and lots and can't wait to kiss your big cheeks.
Take care and hoping your feet are all right and you have a good nights sleep.
Love for now
Sue
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 06:56 pm
Well for you today I did 14.86 miles and feel like dog poo, a big Great Danes worth
Ran from home down rive rot Chiswick Bridge then home
I am sure your sortie today was much more picturesque and exciting
Hope you slept well with your eye covers and that there were no snorers in the tent
Have just had a massage ......well needed for this ageing body
Hope you oldie have helped the newbies today and that you have really sailed through day 1
Five more to go Mrs and I know you will be amazing
All love and sleep well and say to Alina that the messages are coming through well this time!
Say hi to Zandy too and say I loved seeing your photo with Devrim on the bus
Huge hugs and on to tomorrow
Sleep well and all love xxxxxx
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 06:40 pm
Lulu, Hagrid in the kitchen where he belongs and I am writing to you with a delicious glass of red beside me!! We went to see Honor etc on Friday and had a wonderful afternoon at Limewood spa - that is a must when you get back for us girls. Mind you J is a bit of a girl when it comes to spa's too so he might have to come too... took Conks and Honor's new puppy for a long walk on the beach with that delicious Willoughby!! Heaven on a stick. Think and talk about you all the time - knowing you will be soaking up every second of this experience and appreciating all it has to offer.... sending you a massive hug and Hag would too if he knew I was writing - Conks is on the sofa too stinking of wet dog having had a good swim in the river - loads of love Lulu - your the best XXXXXX
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 04:35 pm
Darling lady trooper trout... laughing at you staking out your space next to the tentflap!! very important for nightly exits... even smaller tents???? cant bear it!! must be a right squeeze in there - thank god for eye shades and ear plugs.. Do you have Sis's nightly medication?? I can hardly remember being on half the races thanks to her drugs!! We miss you and hope today went well... So proud of you doing it all on your own... hang in there darling, wish i could be there with you.. look after your tootsies and dont forget to keep your spork handy for the noodles on the big day!!! Tons of love and stay strong i know you can do it.... big kiss xxxxxxxxx
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 03:49 pm
Dearest Lucy
Thinking of you today and wishing you the best of luck with the start of your challenge.
You show them Superwoman!
Lots of love from us all
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 01:23 pm
Dearest Luce, well done for getting started and bagging your place by the door of the tent. Tilly sitting next to me reading your blog - we are all in awe. Don't know anyone else who does such things... We'll read your blogs together every day. Dying to see you, only 6 days to go, of course you'll do it, you know what you're doing now and we have faith in your huge capabilities. Lots of love and good luck with the journey, Soph and kids xxxxxxxxx
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 12:34 pm
Go Lucy! Day one should be over by the time you read this so only 6 more to go. Given your experience it should be like a walk in the (very sandy) park. Enjoy the course, each day is unique. You know how to get though these races now so just focus on each step and remember Peter (the soft git) Lee has not done anywhere near as many these as you have. Cheers
Phil
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 10:14 am
How do I love thee? Let me count the ways,
I love you to the depth and breath and height
My soul can reach, when feeling out of sight
For the end of bBeing and idle Grace.
I love thee to the level of everyday's
Most quiet need, by sun and candle-light
I love thee freely, as men strive for Right;
I love thee purely, as they turn from Praise,
I love thee with the passion put to use
With my old griefs, and with my childhood's faith.
I love thee with a love I seemed to lose
With my lost saints - I love thee with the breath,
Smiles, tears, of all my life! - and , if God choose,
I shall but love thee better after death.
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 09:45 am
The secret, I think, is to be relaxed. You have to shut your eyes for 15 seconds, exhale for 15 seconds, shake your arms for 15 seconds, another 15 seconds with your legs, and let go. Then think of a beautiful piece of poetry: and memorise the first 7 lines (half a sonnet). See if you can regurgitate these lines before you start the race and during the first part of your race, and then memorise the last 7 lines before you finish your race! I will in the next blog send you a sonnet to remember and you will feel more relaxed by being precisely distracted. Meanwhile, be scared!!!!
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 09:33 am
hey lucy
how amazing
keep going
nearly there
awestruck
and
keep looking at the stars
and know you are one of them
albeit with an huge amount of perseverance/perspiration
lots of love and luck juliette xxxx
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 08:03 am
Sunday morning and nut nut and I are sitting in India on our way to Udaipur - and thinking of you bagging a place ner the entrance to the tent. I can't honestly say we wish we were with you but we are right behind you emotionally You were (madly) brave to go down this route in the first place and even more brave to see it through to the very end. We'll be thinking about and watching and blogging you every day with great tenderness. xxxooo
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 01:36 am
oops stupid me, see I sent you the same on twice! Anyways, hope all going ok, that you have not lost toenails and that you have enough food..gotta dash Tibs want my computer!!! KIDS!
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 01:34 am
my dearest stinks. finally on my computer again, it\'s sunday morning and weather ok for HK weekend, am still in bed but the boys are screaming for breakfast and bickering about something/nothing! oh the joys of children! I read your blogs and am in awe! there is absolutely no way I could do what you are doing and have done, especially with my current state of mind! running out of space, hurry up and finish and get home, I miss you! AND well done you! love love and lotsa love. AND smile okay? xxx
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 01:34 am
my dearest stinks. finally on my computer again, it's sunday morning and weather ok for HK weekend, am still in bed but the boys are screaming for breakfast and bickering about something/nothing! oh the joys of children! I read your blogs and am in awe! there is absolutely no way I could do what you are doing and have done, especially with my current state of mind! running out of space, hurry up and finish and get home, I miss you! AND well done you! love love and lotsa love. AND smile okay? xxx
05 March 2011 03:34 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I'm nervous as .... And everyone says embrace it whilst tuckin into huge breakfasts and grinning! I'm shaky and not hungry and finding it hard to grin, how do the guys do it or are they good actors! Diego just given me a hug and I'm so happy hrs on the same wave length as me! Right last check. Shower, walk over to kit check and then hang around until the bus busses us into the desert and to our first camp!! I love you all please write! Xxx
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 01:02 am
at last it starts so no more waiting .....waiting is always the worst part ....the knowing is livable .......well 4th day and a new blender but now instead of a lovely kind of i can pretend it is a smoothie from mix with icy bits in.. the new blender just blends it to a thicker sludge......even worse i didn't think it could get worse.......the husband came in today from a trip to nz he rode in a torrential downpour 84mm on the friday night more than triple what they have had the whole summer ...he did ride a winner but his horse in the derby did not like splashing through puddles..........have to take the heir and only son off to rugby oh how boring it is sitting there watching some children who are so not athletically gifted constantly run back towards their own touchline no matter how loud the parents yell to run forward......so remember run forward.....i leave you with these thai words once again.... When you go, the road is rough; when you return, smooth........good luck chicken or rather beep beep.....
Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 06:26 pm
Well this is it you fit and healthy marathon mad woman
Glad to know you headed for final kit check and it was 12kg Is that your lightest so far? Have just been eating S&V Pringles to get me into the race mode!
Watching crap TV while rexi prepares first course for dinner tonight for 7 friends
Going for a long run in the morning so that I don't feel so guilty about being here while you are there slogging it in amazing scenery
It won't be as hot in Hyde Park tomorrow but I will try and imagine my feet in the salt flats and if I remember correctly you have a river crossing at some point so will perhaps stick my feet in the serpentine so that at least our feet will feel the same
Rexi has now finished chopping and dicing and sends huge kisses and love and luck
It's a month today that we will be at the North Pole.....OMG so wish I had taken up ping pong or knitting
All your fault ....
Any way nothing really newsworthy to add
The gov of bank of England gave a speech today but didn't really get his drift!
Sleep well Mrs and have a great day tomorrow
All my love xxxxxx
04 March 2011 02:58 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Am feeling better with something to do like write this blog! When i am left to try and relax and do nothing thats when i am not relaxed and unable to stop thinking about what lays ahead of me! I have just had a lovely phone call with my sister in law as I write this to say that my new niece is nearly weighing in at 10lbs so i shall be carrying Holly and a half across the desert!!
Yesterday Emma, Devrim and myself took a drive out to see amazing rock formations and volcanos and got up to about 4800metres altitude which is higher than the first days racing and I felt fine so i'm really pleased with that and heres hoping that I feel fine when the race starts. The first night here Devrim and I checked into the Tierra Atacama hotel, recommendation on Annabelle, its great with astounding views, so good call. Also its far from the madding crowd which is good for me as i think being with the other races who will be talking about packs, and the weights of them and what they have and have not got inside would just make me more nervous! Anway Dev and me had a rushed dinner and both had early nights. That night even though taking a pill, it was a shitty one. Kept waking with WHY AM I DOING THIS?! I nearly arranged a flight home! But when the sun comes out and the light of day has appeared its amazing what a different take on ones feelings. I just have to look around me and see where I am to see how lucky I am to be experiencing such an event. Emma And Devrim have been solid rocks and have said i'm not the only one feeling like a jelly in a high wind and doubts and worries come across everyones minds. So as Pete and the gang in HK would sake, Suck it up! So 2nd morning waking at hotel and feeling good. Today going to do a gentle swim and find something to roll out my ITB band thats niggling. Hoping its because i have rested and haven't done any running! The Sun is shining and im going to have breakfast now and grab my costume. Then fiddle around with my i pods and sort them out and then pack my stuff up from this hotel and check out and move over to The Altiplanico for my last night of proper bed and proper food. Im sharing a room with Emma Fergusson so thats a bonus as shes always smiling and laughing. Great to have her around. Everyone thanks for your blog comments. DT u choose the puppy, u chose me so you have good taste! LRB wish u were here! Nikki keep baking. Aly i miss you Grandma as u are know here by some! Louisa hope the sweeties gave those little ones a sugar rush! Pocket rocket love and hugs! Christy keep on writing to me its good for you and as a writer write loads! xxxxx
Comments: Total (12) comments
Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 11:35 am
Hello lady t!Thanks for the mention it was great talking to you yesterday. Holly and I walked into Burnham via the road (fields too muddy) it took us 40mins, I was pleased with that.Walked quickly and thought of you I pushed my bottom forward under my hips and thought this is was lucy said use that gluteus maximus!!!We did our triplet duty and went for a walk with them down the quay - it takes 3 adults to do this so Anna's mum and auntie too. The boys pushed holly in her pram don't think she has been quite so fast - but she loved it!!She is really relaxed.We then walked back in the last of the light (even though Roger didn't believe we were walking home), got to the drive in the twilight just as Dan was walking back from the golf club so great timing!It was a marathon for us - but worth doing!!I ache today but can now get my blue 7 jeans on and done up but couldn't wear them as still just too tight!!We are thinking about you all the time and Holly is sending you loads of luck!She is Dan's lucky charm (he beat 14 people at golf) bet she will be lucky for you too!! lots and lots of love.Creeksea gang!!xxxxxx
Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 11:26 am
Lucy - your Mum is here with us and we are all here thinking of you. Ant and Liz are off on there trans ocean crossing themselves this morning - well 20 miles along the coast. For the first day the sun is shining, it has been really cold so far. Anyway the preparations are nearly all done - picnic made, sleeping bags stowed. At least the new winches will make life easier, well if there is any wind to power the sails! We are really pleased as there are now 9 folkboats with a 10th due to be launched later in the week. They are all fun people too so it should be a good season. One of the guys is a sculpter and he has made the most fantastic trophy for us for the season. Its stainless steel and looks like boats sailing.
This is several hours later and they should have started the race now. I will let you know how they got on when I hear.
I have nothing interesting to report as I am sitting with my foot up, as is has all swollen up - got to excited about being able to walk about and over did it - bummer!! I am watching tv which Ant very cleverly put on the wall, knitting and reading. Hoping I can get to sit outside in the sun later.
Anyway I will be running with you in spirit - thank goodness I have a really good excuse not to do it in the flesh!! You have trained lots and I'm sure it will be great once you are underway.
Take care, have fun. Love from Port Grimaud
Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 10:28 am
Go Girl. Wish I was with you. You will be fine - you always are FF. Coming off my prescription painkillers now - boring! Love ya xxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 03:53 am
Yay - you there, safe and sound. Have been thinking of you lots and lots. Missed my Sat morning cuppa at your gaff today ! Thought of you even more last night when I went to the LRC for dinner - and in your honour, I had a bucket of lemon squash and a cottage cheese salad. Yuk Yuk and more Yuk .... ! I love you, but I'm sticking with my toasties from now on !! Good luck my friend. You'll be fab. All our love. Me, Jaz and Char Siu xxxx
Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 12:26 am
so onto my 3rd day of detox so really only 27...no damn wait this month has 31 days damn damn damn so i have 28days left to go.....would rather be trying to put one foot in-front of the other for a week and live on freeze dry food as am sure your calorie output is way higher than the intake and muscle tone at the same time instead i sit here on my bed and "eat" my breakfast out a glass with a spoon.....awful......eventually did get the cake there yesterday one gluten free one whose make-up consisted of butternut (seriously who eats cake where a vegetable replaces all the yummie stuff) and a full fat one with meringue icing .... .....fantastic as just found half my blender top in my breakfast (yip it broke whist i was making it) so that means only half of the brown sludge this morning.......although am so hungry it is a wonder i noticed the plastic and didn't munch right through it i leave you with these thai words of advice....Beginning cruel end good.....and just for good measure some katy perry ...baby you're a firework....:)have fun sweetcakes
Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 11:18 pm
Go Lucy. I have every confidence in you for another strong finish. Although I'm not there in person to help and cheer you on I'm with you in spirit. Go girl
Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 09:08 pm
I cannot believe I am still known as Grandma.....what a crappy title to have!!!!!
Glad to hear you have settled down with Emma and that you are now ready to go camping and carry a few meals around fr a few days while taking in the sights with a few equally mad marathon runners who prefer sleeping rough, no room service, stopping occasionally to get checked by number on bib, eat rehydrated packet food
And walk a minimum of 25 miles a day or night
At the same time raising money for such a fabulous charity and knowing that all of us at home have the utmost admiration and love for your grit, determination and uncontrollable flatulence first thing in the morning!
Love you to bits
Xxxxxxxx
Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 03:29 pm
You are such an inspiration, Lucy! As much as you want to take a flight home, I want to take a flight to join you! Please keep the blog posts coming, it makes me feel as if I'm there in the desert with all you lovely people. I hope the ITB is all sorted now with the swimming. Sending you plenty of good vibes. xx
Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 01:42 pm
Best of luck on your trip. Why dont you keep a little star chart and learn the constellations should you find yourself racing ahead under a magnificent umbrella of stars at night...it might just distract you from aching limbs! Almost jealous. But then I think your motivation is one of a kind! MArk Twain says: "Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover."
What an inspiration you are.
Keep well. Run hard!
x
Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 01:20 pm
Dear Lucy, I'm glad to know that you arrived Chile ok. It sounds like you are quite relaxing before you start to rock. Hope you got all the right gear for the event. I'll be following the competitors in front of my laptop. Cheers Frances
Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 11:55 am
Dear Lucy,good luck on your last journey!I was in this desert 30 years ago and the scenary is astonishing!like being on the moon.so be over the moon and make the best of it "meme dans l'effort'!
LOL XFred
Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 11:26 am
Dearest Lucifer, I am forever with you on this mammoth run. I so admire you. Sending all my energy and love, I know you are striving on with strength and sheer guts. Well done my Luce.
All love Duch xxxx
01 March 2011 01:42 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I have packed for the last time and everything is heavy because I'm going through Auckland where I am taking luggage off the flight to check in again to re-board a flight to Santiago (with Emma Fergusson hopefully) and then onto Santiago. I don't trust decanting everything into Ziplocs UNTILl I get to Calama. Hopefully I will pass through customs and they wont take anything from my bags and this time unlike, Antarctica AND gobi my bags will follow me to the final destination airport and be waiting for me at the carousel! PLEASE CATHAY AND LAN CHILE AIRWARYS LOOK AFTER MY LUGGAGE.
Just gone to doc to get final meds. Taking my jewelery off as don't want swollen hands with rings on in the middle of the desert! Doing a lot of forward thinking from the safety of Hong Kong!
Drinking as much fluids as posible as Diego says to keep hydrated, this will help with any possible altitude sickness. And looking forward to hooking up with Emma at Auckland and Devrim at Santiago. I FEEL EXHAUSTED ALREADY WITH NERVES!! Just get me to Calama safe and sound and with luggage and then let the final checks run smoothly and the race begin. HELLO TO EVERYONE IN ADVANCE! If i don't smile its nerves just remind me to!!
Comments: Total (4) comments
Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 06:25 am
ooo wonderful got on at last.....hope i am allowed an endless amount of characters and not an alloted amount as you know how interesting my life is and not being able to do tea with you i need to keep you informed.......today is a crappy day here woke up at 6:30 to bake a cake and damn did the whole thing stuck it in the oven and 10 min later remembered i had forgotten to put the eggs in crappy crappy day i tell you.......i wish i was there with you would love to experience it just once unlike you who has to achieve it all .....so as i am useless with words of wisdom and mostly it is always about me i leave you with these words taken from a thai proverb..Don't catch fish with both hands ( love them) have fun chicken
Posted On: 03 Mar 2011 10:17 pm
I am so thrilled you have used the photo on your blog
It makes me laugh just thinking about you sweating in all the clothing and how many times you had to run up and down
Missing you but know you can really enjoy this one
Hope you are managing to do all the prep without your lady in waiting
With you all the way Mrs and will be in contact all the time
All love xxxxxxxx
Posted On: 03 Mar 2011 03:03 am
Sail through the sands like a wind stinky!
Posted On: 01 Mar 2011 04:17 pm
Safe flight and masses of luck. You have an awesome tent who'll look after you. Keep going on the long stage and just think, it's the last one!! I'll be following daily x x
24 February 2011 05:55 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
OK sweaty palms, shaky fingers, shallow breathing, sleepless nights, muddled thoughts and I feel a big sinking pitty feeling in my tum! Euwwwww! WHY do i get like this every single time before these races? It shouldn't be like this after having done 4 already should it?
I should be calm and collected instead of feeling like Zebedee on speed. Although wish that the body was speedy! To say its the opposite would be an understatement! Yesterday I went out to Lamma island with my friend Peter Lee (Personal Trainer extraordinaire!) and he did a race there last time he went, I think he covered the island in 2 hours, yesterday it took 6 hours! So i have now come to the conclusion i like to hike just like anyone else BUT i just don't like to race!
And with my backpack weighing in at 15.5 kg (no water!) right now i think that that's what i am going to have to look at this race as! I just have to finish it. HAVE TO. Who am I kidding thats all I ever want from any of these races.
My friend Devrim, whose also competeing,(don't like that word it frightens me! take out competing. He is partaking in!) said about my pack, "Make a list of whats in there, and put a note next to each item, like to have, need to have and will die without. Then throw out all the like to haves'................. Ok so i'm keeping everything! "Oh dear"! This is not my strong point, de-cluttering. My husband and I do not live in a modern zen like house with capsule wardrobes with everything in its place and the motto, less is more! In our case MORE IS MORE and lets keep collecting!
Right I could banish the Expedition food breakfasts apart from on the big day as they are huge? But they taste so good and i have never done that before? Hmmm take out a snack, ...... a hi5 banana blast or a heavy chia bar, The little daily packets of m&ms, the caffeine shot wine gums, the salami squares and almond baby packets for savoury tastes, hmmmmm i still cant decide? The bladder takes up a lot of room but my bottles don't hold enough water as I need extra water on hand at all times, my cleaning paraphenalia, no, that would be cruel to my tent mates? Im at a loss. What about my i pods, nope i haven't got my mate Lucy Rivers-Buckeley there to keep me company on the long day and everyone else will be heads down and powering along, so nope, i cant do without that.! What else can i think of getting rid of? I really cant think! OK i'm off to have another look at my pack. I cant stand the intensity of this anymore! i got to get up and do something!! Soooo not relaxed at the moment, thank goodness my husband's not in HK with me right now! I must be a nightmare to live with when i begin these races, maybe thats why he took off 2 weeks ago and I wont see him until the finish line! (By the time I see him it will be the longest we have ever been apart and I dont want this to ever happen again as I miss his sense of humour and calming take on all this ridiculousness!
Breathe, think how lucky I am to be in a position that i can go and do these events, see these amazing sights, and be happy and relaxed!
Comments: Total (8) comments
Posted On: 01 Mar 2011 06:47 am
Cannot wait to follow you. You will be AMAZING tango.. You will miss me and Grandmother though :)
Posted On: 28 Feb 2011 01:57 pm
Hello sweety betty! Luscious you must be sooooooo nervous. I\'m sure knowing its your last one will get you through it, lets hope anyway! Thinking of you, xxxx
P.S Thank you from Isobel and Tom for the mountain of sweeties you sent them!
Posted On: 28 Feb 2011 09:26 am
Just remember how much food we chomped through on the boat journey home the last time plus what you gave away! You are so going to finish this event in plenty of time and with a very heavy back pack, just the way you like it!!!
I won't be there to take the photos of you this time but I will be here everyday cheering you on and knowing that Diego and Devram will make sure you wake up every morning and push you forward to the next stage.
At least DT will be there at the finish line
and not stuck on a boat looking at penguins! Go wonderful woman and enjoy every mile knowing that you are a brilliant competitor and a wonderful friend
all love and hugs and kisses xxxxxxx
Posted On: 28 Feb 2011 02:58 am
At 15.5kg, that's 7.5kg less than what I have lost in weight since I started running like a mini-you! So just think you are carrying in your sack three-quarters of the fat of your husband ! So I will wobble on your back and propel you forward! No sweat wifins!
Posted On: 28 Feb 2011 01:29 am
Pudding, great blog. You will be fine because we will all be willing you along. In my very limited exoerience I found that if you chuck out two spoonfuls out of each breakfast and one out of each supper you will drop 1-2 kilos and if you take all the breakfast out of their bags and put them in ziplocks (eat out of cup instead) that makes a difference too. ALso swap power bars fro gariboldi (squash fly) biscuits they are much lighter and really good in hot weather.
Good luck sugar puff xxxxxx
Posted On: 26 Feb 2011 01:53 pm
Lucy T, what the heck have you got in that pack, Pete the feet??!
Posted On: 26 Feb 2011 01:50 am
Oh you'll be fine. Just fine. Wear gloves to soak up the sweaty palms. See you Wednesday!
Posted On: 25 Feb 2011 10:29 am
Lovin it! Great blog - amusing. Well, if you've got the same energy in AD, you'll get across in no time.
21 February 2011 04:13 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Been with race organisers today and they say no shop on way so save the weight i was going to use for cash for something else you will need in that backpack!
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 22 Feb 2011 05:18 pm
extra sweets!xx
17 February 2011 05:46 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I've been told theres a shop on stage 3!! Either that or use if for a bribe!
I'm consumed by thoughts of what snacks to take ........ I think Salt and Vinegard Pringles, M & Ms, Wine Gums...............
Lip salve apparently a must as its such dry air, waterproof bags as there will be river crossings, solar charger,
Portable TV, cuddly toy, microwave............. My pack weighed 6 kg with full water bladder, snacks and clothes and that was just for todays little saunter! The other thing thats bothering me is crocs! Everyone says take a pair for the camp and they can double up if your shoes are hurting or breaking but I'm a fully paid up member of THE I HATE CROCS CLUB!
Comments: Total (5) comments
Posted On: 19 Feb 2011 02:16 am
Hmmm hate to bust your bubble, but there is no shop at stage 3 haha! But do carry a little money to buy a popsicle in town at the finish line :)
Posted On: 17 Feb 2011 06:30 pm
Hi lucy, nice to see a familiar face / 3 times a charm. Cash is king they always say, so always good to have some whereever you are :).
Posted On: 17 Feb 2011 06:19 pm
Maybe it's stage 4..... But no mirage. I'm quite positive that the grape soda was real. Be that as it may, I'm sure you are safe.... But don't get yourself kicked out of the race for being "non-self supported".
Posted On: 17 Feb 2011 05:47 pm
Definitely no shop for Stage 3 - trust me on this one. Unless they change the route. But take money anyways. At the check in someone realized their batteries were almost dead and had to borrow money from me to run off and buy some batteries.
When're you arriving in San Pedro?
Posted On: 17 Feb 2011 04:58 pm
Hi Lucy - don't get too excited about the shop on stage 3 as there isn't one, maybe it was a previous comeptitors mirage ......
15 February 2011 06:03 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
18 DAYS TO GO!!!!!!
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 16 Feb 2011 03:52 pm
Hi Lucy
Many thanks for' velcro stitching' advice. I'll get onto it.
Ian
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