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Lucy Rivers Bulkeley

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Namib Race (2010) blog posts from Lucy Rivers Bulkeley

13 October 2010 06:20 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

I was incredibly relieved to shuffle across the finishing line on Saturday.  It was a brutal week which had tested me to my limits both physically and mentally. Thank goodness i inherited a slightly stubborn streak from my father, as i definitely had numerous 'moments' out on the course!

During the race i was asked quite a few times why i was attempting the grand slam (i asked myself that exact question ALOT during the night of the long 97km stage) and there is no simple answer. I'm enjoying, in a rather odd way, pushing my body to see what it can achieve, and as we all know too well, life is far too short not to try.

A HUGE thank you to all my amazing tent mates, fellow competitors, doctors and volunteers - i would not have finished the race without you.

Next stop Antartica!x

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 14 Oct 2010 04:57 pm

Whay hay!!!!!! One more to go!! Fantastic news to hear you crossed the line and obviously a small well done for your walk across the desert, feet up and LOTS of rest before the snow. xxxx

Posted On: 14 Oct 2010 12:58 pm

Very many congratulations on your stunning acheivement! We were worried when you didn't update your blog for the last day so it is great to know you are finished and looking forward to the next one! Crazy lady!

08 October 2010 07:34 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

That 96km was one of the hardest of my life. I was dreading it from the point of my knee - the docs had warned me that I shouldn't take too many painkillers because of the excessive heat, risk of dehydration and kidney failure...... Brilliant! Luckily the first couple of stages were stunning, through the Valley of the Whales (very odd trying to imagine life there millions of years ago while I'm sweltering in 50c heat?!) , which kept the mind off the knee. By the time the sun went down I was past CP5 and just shuffled along, from glow stick to glow stick, trying to make sure I didn't trip on the rocks.  The next 50km was a combination of sanddunes, rocky plateau's and endless soft sand. Once again, there were a couple of 'moments' had during the night - probably rather lucky that I was on my own!
 
We had the option of sleeping at CP6 but I kicked on as was scared that if I stopped my knee would freeze up. I'm now firmly in camp, and people are still crossing the line (1pm) which is an incredible effort.
 
Tomorrow we have the last shuffle to the finishing line - thank goodness it isn't longer, as I'm shattered and my whole body is beginning to feel the effects of the Atacama, Gobi and now the Sahara.  One of my fellow grandslammers worked out that we have completed the equivalent of 18 marathons in 7 months....no wonder we are a bunch of walking wounded!!
 
Thank you once again for all your emails and comments - I can't explain how much of a morale boost they are at the end of the day xx

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 10 Oct 2010 10:10 am

You're doing so well. Massive pat on the back. Just keep on going and enjoy the finish line. You'll be 75% of the way to the greatest achievement on earth. See you soon

Posted On: 09 Oct 2010 10:30 am

Legend, a true legend. The light at the end of the tunnel. Congratulations! Editor in chief of your desert racing stories!! love cheets, nicky and kitty jayne

Posted On: 09 Oct 2010 01:43 am

Well done Lucy R-B!! Fantastic job - you are nearly done and dusted - I'm going to miss the party in Antarctica - great bunch going - but bet you are so pleased to have finished this one! Take care of that knee - no training required now at all - apart from the odd trip to a vodka bar freezer ;-) Rob

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 07:51 pm

Bulks! Fantastic work! Your father and everyone else that you are doing this for would be so proud! You are a true legend and so brave to keep battling on. I cannot imagine what you have been through. There's a very large glass of champagne waiting for you on your return! Vats of love xxxx Tom

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 04:59 pm

Good job Lucy! I don't know how you did it with your knees and I am seriously in awe of you. Best, Clancy

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 04:02 pm

LUCY LUI AINT GOT NUFFIN ON YOU! I send you hugest hugs and tears and jumping up and down with exitement if i was there! Very brill going and cant wait to see uuuu. How come diego not bloggin, whats happened? Soooo happy now next one im on with you! YAYAYAYAY!! XXXXX BEAUTIUFL WKEND HERE IN LONDON SO HURRY GET YR ARSE BACK HERE IM WAITIN! XX

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 03:49 pm

Great going Lucy! Keep battling through the last stage, if anyone can do it you can! I'm addicted to the race update emails now, so looking forward to hearing about you crossing that finish line!

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 02:41 pm

SWT!!!!!!! Congratulations mate, you are a bloody legend!! You have done amazingly well considering your granny knees and should be so so proud of yourself for what you have done! 17 marathons! You are clinically nuts!! See you very soon I hope! Enjoy the stroll to the finish. xxx

06 October 2010 01:15 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Yippee, stage 4 is over!  Another tough day as the knee is getting steadily worse - I was on my own for most of it, which worked quite well, as i could just put my head down, ipod on, and shuffle from CP to CP. The terrain was all soft sand and not a cloud in the sky......roll on the cold of Antartica. At the moment, i'm signed up to do one of these races in Nepal next Autumn, but i deceided today that the Rugby World Cup in NZ might be a much better idea?!
 
As usual, i had a fantastic reception from my tentmates and other friends when i arrived at camp - a huge morale boost when you are feeling a little low.  Don't worry, no tears yet but tomorrow could be interesting.  It's the monster long stage......97km.  It really is going to be a case of crawling one section at a time - we still haven't heard what time we are starting, fingers crossed its the usual 6.30 so that we can get quite a few km's behind us before the blazing sun re appears.  Temps have been constantly in the high 40's. I  won't be updating this again until Friday as i imagine i will still be out on the course this time tomorrow night!
 
Thank you once again for all your messages and sorry not to be able to reply to them xx
 
(PS Ma - don't worry, one of the docs is a knee specialist and is keeping an eye on things!)

Comments: Total (17) comments

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 10:24 am

You amazing woman, welll done. Brilliant day, amazing fortitude, you rocked this race! One more day Luce. Have a good party at the end - go easy with the beer ;)

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 09:43 am

SWT, amazing again......I trust there are still no tears and the knees are holding out! Not far to go now, you have made all of the RHCR's proud, awesome effort. I was having the same debate about NZ or Nepal, but the need to run all week and sleep in a tent won! keep on plodding...x

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 06:17 am

Ok, so the knee is sore - lets move from top quartile finish to top 50...?! ps. hug x

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 03:13 am

Luce - you are so close now! Today -the long day- no doubt will be / was tougher than most. But if anyone can make it through with a smile you can! One step at a time, one dune at a time...just keep going. And think about how great the warm Beer will be after the last sprint home....:)

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 08:22 pm

Great job Luchie......you re the only Bulkeley who could cope with those temperatures! Sounds like youve been a trooper thus far. Fingers crossed for the long stage. XX

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 06:24 pm

You're awesome Lucy!! Hmmm we had thought about doing Nepal too or the Sahara...but we've also been wanting to go to NZ. Perhaps we should meet you out there!! I'm sure you're back at camp as I'm writing this and anxiously waiting to get started so you can cross the final finish line :) So happy for you!!

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 04:58 pm

Well done Misses. Keep it up and remember that you're sooo capable of this and nearly there. Willing you on every sandy step of the way. XXXX

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 04:28 pm

That heat sounds like a real bee-hatch. I hope the long stage comes in a little easier than you're expecting...they really stick it to you in the Sahara! Chein mange chien, as they say in France. Here's a joke to keep you amused: What did the piece of cheese say when she saw her reflection in a puddle? Halloumi! Keep going sister, you're a champion x x

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 03:46 pm

Wooooohoooooo! Sounds like you're winning the battle of mind-over-knees. By the time you read this the long stage will be done and there will only be a few miles between you, finish-line pizza and a much deserved G&T. Big cheers and lots of love.

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 02:00 pm

Will have a large drink for you tomorrow night, and toast your true amazingness! Take care. xxx

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 01:44 pm

Lucy- you clearly have a special relationship going on between you and those knees, whatever you three have worked out keep up the bargain and dont stop for a lick. The long day is probably underway right now and you will surely be at the finish line, of that I have NO doubt. Keep the dance tunes pumpin and that smile on your face, a little sand and sun can't change your destiny-- GRAND SLAM BABY. xx jacq

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 12:45 pm

No tears. Boy am I proud. Your a legend of the highest order, still a SWT but a legend neithertheless. I hope the pod contains some top tunes, I borrowed dodsy's pod to run this week and all it had on it was East 17 and Glee. You will read this after the monumental long day and no doubt will be ploughing through with the determination and spirit of lucy that makes us all proud to know you! BIG LOVE and a huge moral pat! (Do alone, might look a bit odd if in front of others, camels allowed) x

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 08:55 am

Well done, Lucy. Great courage. Keep the Red Sea on your right and you'll make it to Cairo.

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 05:29 am

Nice work SWT!!! You are doing fantastic! You are truly a tough cookie and an inspiration to many!! All the very best for the long day, you will smash it!! Look forward to hearing all about it when you cross the line tomorrow! xxx

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 01:40 am

Hey hey Luce, my hero!! Congrats on finishing Day 5 - what an incredible achievement. I cannot believe you are thinking about Nepal / NZ already?! Think about how good the beer will taste at the finish line and how soothing the shower and bath will be! Can't wait to read your blog - make sure it's a long one! One more day, Luce. Just one more day. xx

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 11:09 pm

Lucy, doing great - you're well on the way. Only 97km? Can't believe they've cut it short by 3km ;-) NZ for the World Cup is definitely on my list....after all, Nepal is not a desert!! Take it steady today. Rob

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:49 pm

Bulkingtons, By the time you read this you will have just done the long stage. You are remarkable...truly remarkable. Very proud of you. Enjoy the last leg ....and then the lash. Beers on your return to celebrate. B x

05 October 2010 12:25 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Thank god today is over, it was brutal.
 
I have to confess that at times i was even wishing i was back in the Atacama or Gobi - anything to avoid the endless miles of soft sand and blazing sunshine (48c)!  I stuck with Dave O'Brien, one of my fellow grandslammers, as he was feeling awful and my knee was agony.  We shuffled from CP to CP and managed to finish without too many 'moments'. We had to have a good hour stop at CP 3 as my knee was cramping up and he couldn't eat anything.
 
160 of us started on Sunday morning and only 120 of us are starting day 4 tomorrow. Camp is full of the walking wounded.
 
Once again, thank you for all your emails and comments, much appeciated.  For those suggesting i go faster.....i'm afraid i can't, sorry!x

Comments: Total (16) comments

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 07:35 pm

Great work Lucy, well done for getting through a bloody tough day! Keep on pushing champion, you are a legend!! xx

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 06:20 pm

Lucy, You rock! Remember pain is only temporary! :-) Good luck with the long march! Say hi to Stan Lee for me Massive hugs from Kristine, me and little Hugo :-)

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 02:57 pm

Keep going, keep going - you are so amazing, and you can do it!! Stay positive, we are all thinking of you and willing you on. xxx

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:51 am

Lucy, Awesome effort, sounds pretty horrible in the soft stuff. The "Moments" are always good. Swear a lot and slam the poles in the sand like we did. You will get through the pain and remember to buddy up. All the best and all us boys are willing you on loads. Will have a drink waiting for you in London.

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:29 am

Persevere Bulks, I cant believe you are still carrying on but remember that PMA which I\'m sure you can find in there somewhere. Hope the knee is doing OK & holding up. Tessas wedding this w/end so home tonight for the rest of the week so busy busy. Keep strong & masses of love xx

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 08:35 am

think top quartile please...x

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 07:08 am

It is not the speed that matters - it's the finishing. Continue doing what you are and get to the end safely! You are amazing - go girl!

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 02:23 am

Luce, You are doing so well! I know you are feeling it. Just take as much rest as you need and be smart. Adapt. And remember, in the words of Winston Churchill, "When you're going through hell ... keep going!". Strong and steady!! p.s. Please tell Stan Lee he's a crazy man for bringing a pack that weighs nearly 16kilos! Classic!

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 02:19 am

Massively proud of you Luce. Amazing amazing effort. I know I would have gone crazy out there in the desert but oh boy, you pulled through. You are rocking it! By the time you get this you would have done day 4, so onwards to the long stage! Keep those legs going. It's all a mental game now, so stay strong and your body will get you through. You can do it - I know it - so chin up and get to the finish line! Here's a quote for you: "The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy...It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed." -Jacqueline Gareau, 1980 Boston Marathon champ

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 11:21 pm

Yuo wish you were in AC? Wow. Keep going doll, you can do it. Best, Clancy

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 11:06 pm

No need to go faster! Are you reaaally wishing you were back in Atacama??? Jeez girl! You're doing fantastic. We're rooting for you!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 10:56 pm

Willing you on, every step of the way Bulkingtons. When the going gets tough.... Billy Ocean was a very wise man.

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 09:26 pm

bloody good effort - keep it up Bulkingtons! xxx

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 09:22 pm

Brutal, truly brutal. you are a bloody hero. We are all behind you Team RHCR (retired!) so pull your finger out and stop whinging, remember its all YOUR fault you are doing this!! By the way I am the father of a beautiful daughter kitty jayne cheetham who will need inspiring role models in her life like you. big hug xx

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 08:50 pm

Luce, tell that knee of yours to pipe down and behave please. p.s. keep playing the long game, I know you can make it. pps. got some amusing gossip for you that I will only divulge after you've reached stage 7, otherwise I'm not telling....

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 08:10 pm

Keep going Lucy. Amazing effort. Sounds so tough but just take one checkpoint at a time. It's not about the speed but just getting to the end! Reading the blogs is bring back so many memories! Go for it!!

04 October 2010 01:09 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Another tough day.

Unfortunately 2 of my fellow grandslammers are out of the race - Tremaine, ex SAS, somehow managed to finish yesterday but had torn his ACL. Ricky, who is usually in the top 20, was at CP1 when i arrived there this morning - he should have been long gone! Guttingly he was feeling awful and his internal organs weren't working like they should. They both had to make the very difficult decision to pull out of the race.. They are both now en route to London for tests and fingers crossed they will both be in Antartica in 6 weeks.
 
Another friend was taken to Cairo hospital yesterday after collapsing out on the course - at least he is in the best place. Once again, fingers crossed he is ok.
 
Today's course was pretty testing and there were some monster dunes out there!   The docs think i have strained my LCL again which means that i'm going to have to take it very slowly this week if i have any hope of finishing.  If i push it too hard, and the LCL tears, i will be out of this race and probably Antartica as well.
 
Thank you for all the messages, hugely appreciated xx

Comments: Total (11) comments

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 04:29 pm

So SWT... Slow it is. Look after that knee. Every step a little closer. Hard news for Tremaine and Ricky but also shows how brutal the series is, both top guys who have achieved so much. I certainly hope the 'no tears' rule is sticking and its moral pats left right, top and bottom of all the dunes. While im attempting to train hard again I am thinking of you guys out there, wishing you well and looking forward to hear your back in camp safe and sound. Your my hero x

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 03:03 pm

EWB Bulks! Sounds pretty gritty - sorry to hear about your knee, I've no doubt you'll get through. Not a great deal to report at this end. Was having a pint last night and ran into a freshers pub crawl. All hopelessly young and worryingly sober. I think they could have benefitted from your guidance, though think may have killed a few of them. They were drinking halves of Guiness, I nearly waded in with some helpful suggestions for getting the most out of a pubcrawl, but those days are behind me know and I would probably (definitely) have made a total plank of myself. Heading out for another pint or two tonight, and again tomorrow. It's not all booze booze booze though, I've been to the office everyday too (ok, it's only Tuesday) but it's hard work (well probably not in comparison with, say, trotting through a dessert, but I tiring nevertheless). I'm having another pint on Thursday followed by a trip to Maggies and a well earned rest on Friday, probably in the Lighthouse. We'll share tips on endurance when you get back. Keep going Bulks, know you will. Look after yourself too, lots of love x

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 01:42 pm

Lucy - take it easy on the knee and keep rocking on through the sand and heat! I am so impressed with how you can keep going despite the knee issues - same as in Gobi. Really wish so much that I was there! Have a great race, Mark

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 09:21 am

SWT, amazing effort....All the RHCRs are supporting you from our desks. I hope the injuries aren't causing too much trouble, just keep on plodding and remember to enjoy the morning briefings! x

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 02:29 am

Luce, you are rocking it! Keep up the good work, keep your chin up, put a smile on your lovely face, enjoy the spectacular landscape. I was quite upset hearing about Tremaine and Ricky but that is the nature of races like these... so very impressed that you are keeping up the faith despite the knees. Sending you positive thoughts all the way xx

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 11:30 pm

Go Lucy! hope you have some strong painkillers now to numb the movement. CP to CP, step by step and you will make it! Best wishes from Hong Kong, Rowley!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 09:48 pm

Lucy, Greetings from fellow Atacama Crossing competitor (or should I say fellow endurer). I'm glad you're still out there, if Ricky is gone though its got to be incredibly tough. Stay strong and safe, and take it as slowly as you can. We're rooting for you back here in the US. I'm positive you can do it. Stay focussed. Stay strong. Rich

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 09:14 pm

Bulkingtons, You are doing brilliantly - really strong work you little legand. Sounds tough and you are ripping it up and spitting it out. Slow and steady wins the race. You'll be fine, you are a machine. Give Wilson and Fergs a big kiss from me. Wish I was there ( a little) X

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 08:59 pm

Keep going Bulkingtons! Reading all of your blogs brings the memories flooding back and how tough these races are! Really hope your naughty knee holds out and looking forward to medicinal lagers upon your return! x

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 08:57 pm

Keep it up dude, you are going brilliantly. Super impressed back home by you guys, almost makes me wish i was out there. But not really. Anyway, keep it up, will be looking out for the next update. Look after Emma, she sounds like she is finding it a bit tough!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 08:30 pm

Lucy!! Well done today buddy! Must have been very tough after hearing the news of Tremaine and Ricky. Keep your spirits up mate, think about the amazing experience you are having, all the great people you are meeting and all the money you are raising for a very worthy cause (don't start crying at this stage), if you are still struggling with that knee just imagine you are hunting down my yummy bum with every step you take! Haha!! Run well SWT!! xxx

03 October 2010 11:47 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Wow, that was tough, and i'm very glad that today is over.  I always find the first day the worst and today was no exception.  After the morning briefing at 6.30am (sand, sand and more sand!) we set off at 7am. The combination of heat (topped 45c) and soft sand was incredibly energy zapping and took its toll on my knees, which went at the first large sanddune. They were strapped up at CP2 and will remain so until the end.  I finished in an ok time but as i'm writing this at 6pm, there are still about 10 competitors out there.  Guttingly quite a few guys have either dropped out today or hobbled over the finishing line but have deceided not to start tomorrow - a very tough decision to make. On the upside, i have a very good tent and 2 of the guys fnished 4th and 19th respectively.....amazing effort. 
 
Please keep the emails coming as this is going to be a very tough, painful and slow week. I just have to keep remembering why i'm out here and who i'm doing this for xx

Comments: Total (11) comments

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 06:41 pm

Go Lucy Go! I'm looking through pics searching for the green bandanna. Tatke care of your knees. If Diego gets too talky, push him over (and you can tell him I said so!) Best, Clancy

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 05:44 pm

Luce, Great start! Well doneKeep it strong and steady!! Don't forget to try to stretch at days end ... :)

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 04:56 pm

Keep it up Bulks! Go Go Go A LOT! Such an incredible thing to be doing and such a wonderful cause... that will spur you on in your darkest moments I'm sure! Thinking of you ! XXX

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 04:07 pm

You're doing great Lucy! One step at a time. You CAN do it!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 03:44 pm

Awesome achievement! The photos of the course make it look particularly brutal out there, but you're giving it an inspiring stomp. Massively impressed! xx

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 03:38 pm

Dig deep, one day at a time. You can do it - use all the people around you to plod on. Just thinking of you muching those mashed up pringles - yum, yum! It could be worse you could be in Delhi with a loo that is over-flowing......... xxxxx

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 08:35 am

Ahhh stage one down! Great work, JUST KEEP SWIMMING. Hope your keeping the banter levels up and handing out some hefty moral pats. Give Tremaine and Miss Gash one from RHCR's. Were all watching the results with eager eyes. Can we have song of the day please? Your letting things slip! Haha. Loads of love, just keep stomping and bring me back a camel. Rossco x x

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 07:34 am

Lucy you lazy SWT!!! Get a bloody move on!!! Hahaha!!! Absolutely top work young lady!! Very proud of you, from what I hear a very tough day. Keep those knees nicely strapped and ensure your strawberry lip balm is well applied. I'm sure the 3 course dinners are absolutely delicious and nothing beats finishing off a savory mince dinner with a chocolate brownie from powerbar ;-) Keep on truckin missy!!! Big hugs and kisses!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 06:11 am

You gotta love the sand, Luce. It's certainly better than sitting in the office in front of the PC! I'd trade places with you anytime. Keep those legs happy, stretch stretch stretch and remember to hydrate well. Thinking of you every step of the way. xx D

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 01:29 am

Hi Luce, you got in before Diego!! Was it is incessant talking that spurred you onwards. Your doing well and yes the heat if hot but you have come from cold London but now a day out in it you are used to it and one day down and your getting closer to the end and that G&T! Im willing your knees on and above all your strength of mind, you have strength in abundance and you have a good reason to finish this thing. Big Love and Hugs. Im leaving hot Hong Kong today to go back to cold blighty tonight and then im off to climb Snowdon again with a girlfriend and sleep in a tent the night before, illl be bloody freezing wanting the warmth you have, we cant win can we. Ones Hot and Ones cold! Luce big it up and keep bloggin. xx

Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 09:42 pm

GO Lucy!! xx

02 October 2010 02:29 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

This is it!  After 48hrs in a rather comfy hotel, i am now sat in the middle of the Sahara after a 3 1/2 coach ride.........an odd decision!  We had the usual kit and medical checks this morning and my backpack is 7.5kg which is the lightest it has been for any of the other races - most of which is dehydrated food, with the odd bag of skittles, peanuts, crushed pringles and some super seeds......
 
Tonights campsite is by the Lower Lake, to the east of the Valley of the Whales, which is stunning. As i'm writing this at 7.30pm, it is about 30c, which doesn't bode well for tomorrow's stage. The course notes are, as usual, scary reading but hey ho, fingers crossed the knees hold up.
 
There is a fantastic bunch of people out here, including alot of friendly faces from previous races.  Once again, there are 2 couples on their honeymoon - amazing!
 
Thank you very much for all your good luck messages and emails, please keep them coming as this is going to be a very tough week xx

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 10:06 am

Hey lovely, one day, one stage, one tough 38km done! Yay!! Well done. Can't wait to hear about your adventures so get to the blog quick, will ya? Take care of those knees,rest well and enjoy your dehydrated food. Oh I think I'm having steak for dinner tonight ;) xx D

Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 07:49 am

Best of luck in your journey number three into the land of sand. The course sounds amazing and I'm sure you'll smash it! While you're racking up the miles you're giving the rest of us inspiration one pink flag at a time. xx

Posted On: 02 Oct 2010 10:57 pm

Yay! Go Lucy! Sounds beautiful out there!

24 September 2010 10:28 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

This time next week i'll be in Cairo about to head off into the desert for the third time this year.  Having read the article on Dean Karnazes (the 'ultra marathon man'), calling the 4 Desert Challenge the "ultimate test of human endurance", it's beginning to sink in what i've signed myself up to! You can read the article at: www.4deserts.com/admin/images/recent/doc12816689321.pdf

The tried and tested kit from the previous two deserts is out and ready to be packed. However organised i am, there always seems to be a rather long 'to do' list before i jump on the plane - normally adding more weight to my rucksack! Fingers crossed it won't be too heavy.

Once again, a huge thank you to everyone who has sponsored me and donated much needed funds to Macmillan Cancer Support - the total raised currently stands at just over £25,000 which is fantastic.  All that i have to do now is make sure that i finish this race with as few injuries as possible so that i'm able to board the boat for Antartica on November 17th.

Until the desert x

Comments: Total (12) comments

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 08:15 am

hi lucy take it easy don\'t strain those knees to much 0r these wolly knickers we ha ve been knitting will fall down just think of that v/t thats waiting at at home nice and cold we are with you all the way god bless see you soon

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 08:14 am

hi lucy take it easy don't strain those knees to much 0r these wolly knickers we ha ve been knitting will fall down just think of that v/t thats waiting at at home nice and cold we are with you all the way god bless see you soon

Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 05:53 pm

Luce, Will be cheering for you from NYC! Am so psyched for you and wishing you an injury-free race. Good luck! Ryan

Posted On: 02 Oct 2010 06:29 pm

Best of luck on desert number three! Will be cheering you along the way for Sahara and remember, every pink flag brings you closer to your inspiring goal. xx

Posted On: 02 Oct 2010 01:13 pm

LUCY-LUI!Shes not a patch on you. Miss being there with all of you and sharing a tent too. I must be seriously odd at being green with envy not being on that race with you? Ill be following you every day Luce so keep the details flowing, pain, pleasures and laughters! I send you huge love and Hugs Lucy Tang xxxxx

Posted On: 01 Oct 2010 07:10 pm

Mad as a hatter! But your father would be sooo proud. Take care of those knees. lots of love Ru & M

Posted On: 01 Oct 2010 01:51 pm

You must have landed now. Go for it you mad girl! Stay positive. xxx

Posted On: 30 Sep 2010 08:02 pm

Now young lady! It has been awhile since I have seen you. I hope all is well and wish you all the best in this up-coming desert race. Look after your body and keep focused on finishing well. I look forward to seeing you on your return.

Posted On: 29 Sep 2010 08:10 am

Hey lovely girl, thank you for lunch and so good to see you. You are in fine form to tackle the Sahara so I'm expecting a good placing from you! Have fun, take good care and good luck - I will be cheering you on :D

Posted On: 27 Sep 2010 06:56 pm

Go Lucy! I'll be looking out for the green scarf and rooting for both you and Diego (who cn always be found by the sheer amount of hair that man has on his head) from So. California Best, Clancy

Posted On: 25 Sep 2010 07:09 pm

Oh wow, you are amazing! Can't wait to get some of your energon cubes! lets machine through this sand pile and send you to the snowheep down below so you can rock that out too! Dre

Posted On: 25 Sep 2010 10:52 am

Lucy....hope you've done absolutely nothing since the Gobi and have rested those knees?! Wish I could be there - have a great event and fantastic job on the charity money - awesome! Will be following you, Ricky, Samantha and Tremaine, R

18 August 2010 07:57 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

I arrived back from China absolutely shattered and competely drained.  I'd lost 10 lbs in a week and both my knees were huge. The idea of putting my trainers back on was horrendous, let alone attempting another desert!

Luckily, after a break and some sunshine, the motivation to complete the 4 Desert Grand Slam is back!  
I fly to Cairo in 6 weeks time and i'm feeling ok.  Most of my kit will stay the same as it's worked well for both the Atacama and Gobi.  I need to change my food slightly as i lost my appetite towards the end of the week in China.....never ideal before a 100km stage! I also can't afford to lose that much weight again as the start line of Antartica is only 6 weeks after the Sahara finish.

The photos of the course look stunning and i'm looking forward to seeing all my fellow Grand Slammers, along with everyone else, in Cairo at the beginning of October.

Take care

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 19 Aug 2010 07:11 am

Go Team Bulkington!

Posted On: 19 Aug 2010 05:38 am

Can't wait to see you again Luc. xx