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Namib Race Blogs 2010

Linda Quirk

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Namib Race (2010) blog posts from Linda Quirk

06 October 2010 01:32 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

A great day for me and only another very long day ahead.  Terrain I thouht was quite soothing to look at, however still very deep sand.  A few climbs but coming down those dunes is so much fun.  I was able to run quite a bit more today so my confidence is back up.  Yesterday neglected to stick to my nutrition plan and paid dearly for it. Lesson learned and today was diligently drinking my UCAN.  Thanks to everyone there because it proved to me once again that by using it ICAN run this desert feeling smooth!
 
Everyone else is back in and spirts are high.  So great to see all of them embrace the desert, the heat and the shear joy of running in such a remote environment.  John, even though I just found out that he hates sand, is smiling!
 
You probably wont't hear from me until the day after tomorrow as I will be running through the night checking out all the stars and making a wish!
 
Until later, keep moving forward and dreaming big!

Comments: Total (15) comments

Posted On: 10 Oct 2010 05:00 am

And indeed you HAVE finished in true style Linda. Congratulations! I am sure you will definitley succeed in your goal of all 4 deserts. One up for us grandmothers!! Love, Jayne.

Posted On: 09 Oct 2010 10:58 pm

Congratulations on finishing your 3rd desert! We are beyond proud of you! Words cannot express. With Halloween coming up, I would say you should be "Wonder Woman" but I think it is clear from everyone's comments, and definitely in my mind, you are her day in and day out! Way to go! Hope you had a blast at the party tonight-you deserve it!

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 09:51 pm

By the time you read this Linda it will all be over and another notch on your running sole!---or should that be soul!! Great work. On on til next time! Love, Jayne.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 11:50 am

Glad everyone is smiling, hang in there, we are all cheering for you. Enjoy the stars, may your wish come true....

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 10:18 am

Well done Linda!! Just brilliant. You are so incredible. The finish line is so close now, I'm sure you can almost taste the beer :) Have fun on the last day, I'm sure the Pyramids will be magnificent. Safe journey home and catch up soon. xx

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 04:14 pm

Glad to hear you are feeling good, wish I could say the same. I'm thinking of you everyday and know you'll be able to push through to the finish. I'm so proud of your determination. I went kayaking yesterday at sunset. It was amazing and gave me a sense of calm for a short while. Joshua is doing ok. He's still saying "Uh oh" and now says "ouch." It's pretty funny.

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 02:09 pm

Linda you are awesome... What an inspiration to all women....I will be reading your blogs daily... You are my modern day Hero

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 01:54 pm

Linda- you are on the race course now, and I am so impressed that you have found a second wind half way through! Amazing! Your dicipline is unmatched, keep it up and the long day is your stomping ground, keep the motor running. Much love! x jacq

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 12:59 pm

I've always told you - "you are my hero! You've got this one, "Super Woman", and you continue to inspire us all to follow your lead. Randy is getting ready to go and I am soo happy he'll be greeting you at the end of amazing accomplishment. Love C

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 05:24 am

Great job Linda, all the very best for the long stage, I know you will do amazing! Look forward to hearing about it. x

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 03:12 am

Wow, Linda I hope you don't get tred of me saying how amazing you are.You are almost there. So good to hear your spirts are up and again all your hard work and training is paying off. It sounds like the area is beautiful at night but probably much nicer from a hotel balcony with a glass of wine just kidding, then you probably would not see all the stars. Big wishes we are thinking of you. Love, Wendy and Ken.

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 01:31 am

Trying to pack...not enough shorts...too many shirts...and my socks don't match!! And YOU think you had a tough day! Can't wait for the finish line to celebrate another outstanding accomplishment and glad the team is still in it. Thinking around the clock about the challenge and the success. You are unbelievable. Stay strong and have a smoooth day tomorrow. Love, Randy.

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 01:15 am

Will be thinking of you throughout the long day, and probably wishing I was in your shoes, running through the Valley of the Whales - how uber cool is that! You deserve a big hug, a long shower and bath, maybe some ice cold beer after Day 5... :)

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 01:09 am

You continue to amaze and impress me! You have an incredible ability to inspire and infect those around you with a genuine enthusiasm and zest for liviing. You have had such a strong show in the Sahara. You will be great in Stage 5. Wish I could see you all cross the finish line, but know I am with you in spirit.

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:25 pm

Sounds like a good day today! Will be making wishes on stars tonight from the hot tub (Hahaha) for you and your trek tomorrow. You will do it!!! Love you so much Sis.

05 October 2010 11:43 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Stage 3 complete not without it challenges. This was suppose to be the most difficult day and it lived up to everything.  26 miles completely in soft sand with many more dunes than I care to remember.  I was out there much longer than I would have wanted but finished respectable.  Today was the first day that I can say that I truly saw the beauty of the Sahara.  It is absolutely magnificant. Tonights sunset was a sight to behold..Kevin captured it on film so everyone will get a glimpse into what our eyes were able to behold.
 
Patty struggled today with her feet, blisters that are extremely painful. I have so much respect for her, her will to keep going...she is shear determination. John and Michael are heading into home looking for some much neegld rest.  We are over the hump with only two more days to go.
 
Can not wait to see Randy's smiling face in 3 days. Stay safe, keep smiling, you are always with me. I love you!
 
Until tomorrow, again keep moving forward and dreaming big!

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 07:39 pm

Hey Linda, congratulations on your fantastic performance! Really enjoying the blogs. Hope you are all set for the long march. You are an inspiration to many!! Look forward to hearing about the next stage. x

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 12:07 pm

You are doing so amazingly great!! Almost done. Your blogs have been so positive, against such adverse conditions, that it is inspiring, to say the least. You bring life to the concept that anything is possible if you try! Here's to another good day ahead. With love, C & T (PS - I noticed that my msg yesterday, did not get thru . . . I don't want you to think you are not on my mind every moment. :))

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 08:27 am

GO Gran!!!!! Can feel the heat and grit out there girl! True grit AND the sand. Well done to have stage 3 under your feet. Lotsa luv. xx

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 01:59 am

Linda, you know that I will never forget what you did on the morning of the long day at the Gobi. You gave me the wrist band with the words "Dream Big" - that kept me going when I was feeling low. You are the inspiration for so many, so keep going - you are doing so well! Here's a quote for you to carry you through the long day: "It's at the borders of pain and suffering that the men are separated from the boys." - Emil Zatopek

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 01:13 am

Wow Linda, you are almost there. You are doing so great can hear it in your comments.Guess I better not compain on a walk again. Can't wait to see the pictures. What I have seen it looks incredible. It will be great when Randy greets you. Stay strong and well. Love you. Wendy and Ken

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 01:07 am

You go with your bad self! I sometimes wonder if I inherited any of your German Stubbornness. I feel weak in comparison to what you are accomplishing. I have run around in FLAC and plates all day, and I can't stop thinking of what you are out there doing. I am impressed to stay the least, and am so proud of you. Keep on going, one foot in front of the other and I am with you every step of the way. I love you, Jason

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 10:16 pm

You're almost there Linda!!! Way to go!!! I've been keeping my eyes glued to the web site and love the photos I've seen so far. I wish I could be there. Now that I've done one, seeing the photos makes me want to do one again!! Can't wait to see the photos/videos Kevin is taking. Try and see if you can get Kevin to film Randy "walking like an Egyptian"!! I'd like to see that!! Everyone back home is cheering you on Linda!!! You are a rockstar!!!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 10:11 pm

Great Job today Sis! I wouldn't like the soft sand either. Must be hard on the legs. But, you are awesome and half way through! I know Randy will be happy to see your smiling face. He is right when he says that all of your hard work is paying off for so many and your family. We love you and will be thinking of you. I can just see Randy "Walking like an Egyptian." Hahaha. Love you.

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 07:19 pm

The one thing that keeps me smiling is my fierce pride in what you are doing and accomplishing. I've said it before but the example you set of "doing the work" for our kids and grandkids does not go unnoticed. This effort is helping others...but a big part of the payoff is with our family! Keep on truckin'... and i'll see you at the finish. I'll be "walking like an Egyptian". (had to get that in!)

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 07:07 pm

I am so glad someone is taking pictures to document your journey. Poor Patty and her blisters, I am sure you are keeping her spirits up (along with the rest of the team) and with Eric in her head she can finish this race!!!

04 October 2010 12:46 pm (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Anothe day checked off.  I have come to the conclusion that sand is not my friend.  If anyone wants me to go to the beach when I return you better find a way to push me across the sand.  Todays stages were filled with either lose or semi-hard packed sand. Many places were quite beautiful but my eyes were focused on moving flag to flag.  After check point 3 we were greeted with some rather fun areas to ride the dunes down however all that meant was that we had to climb up! True to form, even though the distance from CP 3 to the finish line was 3 1/2 miles it was a very difficult stage. 
 
Michael is having a great day today and will be coming in within the hour.  He is walking with flip flops and loving it.  I think he is in his element - but he may have a different slant on that.  Both Patty and John are also making there way to the finish and it appears they are doing fine. John has been struggling with a bit of stomach issues but think he is conquering that. Afshin, as you might already know has pulled out and ia now happily sitting by the pool in Cairo.
 
Each day I am feeling stronger so tomorrow hope to mentally wrap my head around all the dunes to come. 
 
Until tomorrows update - keep moving forward & remember to Dream Big!

Comments: Total (9) comments

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 07:05 pm

Thank you for the updates on your team. Thank you for inspiring my Patty. She inspires me!!!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 01:46 pm

Linda, so impressive - glad to see you logging in great times despite the troubles on the first day. Keep on truckin' through those lovely dunes...will be rooting for you here in Hong Kong Mark

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 01:12 pm

Go Linda Go! Been following you all week and am pulling you forward! You are amazing and an inspriation to so many. Keep up the great work girl and get 'er done!!! xox

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 05:38 am

Sounds like things are going better. I'm happy to hear it. Today was a tough day for me, but I'm trying to stay strong too. Love you!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 02:18 am

Linda, sand may not be your best friend but it cannot be your enemy now! Make Mr Sand your friend for now (you can bitch and moan about him later on) and he will treat you nice. You are doing so well, keep your chin up and put a smile on that lovely face of yours :) One pink flag, one CP at a time! xx

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 09:52 pm

Hi Linda- Great, great job today! You are really moving out there. You are doing so well! Stay strong and enjoy this marvelous experience. It must be quite an amazing journey. Best to you! I keep thinking those dunes almost look like there is snow sitting on there :-) hugs, K

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 09:45 pm

Hi Linda. Randy told me about your blog on the flight to Montana today. I just wanted to tell you that you absolutely amaze me and I am praying for your strength to get through the rest of the week. You can do it! Keep up the great work. Inga Housley

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 08:52 pm

Who would have thought you hated sand! Guess you will just have to come trek in the snow then, huh? Love you Sis. Stay strong and we are all with you in heart, mind and spirit!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 08:35 pm

Hey Linda, well done on another outstanding performance today, sounds like you are actually enjoying it in spite of your hatred for sand! Have a great day tomorrow, hopefully you come across a beautiful oasis and can enjoy that for a few moments! All the best.

03 October 2010 01:42 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Well today was not what I had anticipated.  Whatever could go wrong, did go wrong.  To start with my pack stretched so everything was shifting to the right. Everyime I ran my back was pulled so there was more walking than I had wanted to do.  Heat was punishing. So onward for tomorrow. I came in somewhere around 6 hrs 45 min.  Recovery drink was consumed, water drank, dinner eaten and two minor blisters fixed.  I know that tomorrow will be a lot more managable now that some of the equipment issues have been rectified.  Our team had a very difficult day for there first out there but hoping with some sleep and nourishment tomorrow will be a new experience. 
 
For anyone from Caron reading this please pass along to all the patients there that I am working very hard to muster up the energy, determination and belief in myself to conquer this desert.  Please tell them that they are my inspiration because they as well are working to regain themselves...together with all the positive energy we all will succeed!
 
Thanks to everyone who has sent me wordsof encouragement, it gets me through.  To my husband, children, daughter-in-laws, (yes you as well Brian, soon to be son-in-law) and my grandchildren I love all of you, you are with me every step!
 
Forward motion& Dreaming Big!!!

Comments: Total (17) comments

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 01:05 pm

Go, Linda, go! Your positive outlook against such adversity is so inspiring. You bring life to the concept that anything is possible if you try! Here's to another good day ahead. With love, C & T

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 05:34 am

I\'m with you everyday!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 05:34 am

I'm with you everyday!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 04:04 pm

Hang in there Linda! You're a strong a woman and we believe in you!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 02:38 pm

Great work out there Linda! We are very proud of you and will keep saying prayers and thinking positive thoughts. You got this!! You are such an inspiration to all of us, your children and grandchildren. Even those who have never met you!! We love you!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 10:43 am

Great work!!! Just another day in the desert, your an inspiration for being out there, I wish I could be there with you cheering you on. All the best and take it one day at a time. Cheerio...Andrea

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 07:23 am

Hey Linda! Hola from Spain!! Sorry to hear about the pack issues, from what I hear it was a very tough first day so congrats on the very respectable time. Keep on pushing, you're an inspiration to us all. My mum says a huge hello, she thinks you're a legend!!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 07:05 am

Solid effort Linda! Congrats on completing Stage 1... Everything going wrong = Bugger!!!! What ever doesn't break you makes you stronger! Keep at it, it'll get better!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 01:55 am

Linda your doing amazing stuff. At least this time you didnt fall over and bloody your nose like Gobi. That didnt even hamper you so i know your going to do this, just remember to look around as this has been my favourite race out of all, Sahara Desert is most romantic and beautiful of all. Lucky to be there. I wish i was but looking forward to seeing you in Antartica and keep bloggin its brilliant your doing so well, and will do so well. Big Hug Lucy Tang, send love to Lucy Rivers.

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 01:55 am

Linda, you are the most amazing woman I know. Stage 1 done. You are strong.Hope you get some rest tonight and tomorrow goes easier for you Beautiful words to Caron. Were with you in spirit. Love you.

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 01:53 am

We are all thinking of you and believe in you. You are strong, inspiring, and loved by all. When you wake up in the morning , it's a new day. and remember when it get's hard think one foot in front of the other . We all thank you for all that you do to make this world a better place. Love your friend, Marcella

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 01:34 am

Hey Linda, well done on completing Stage 1! Aren't you glad that everything that can go wrong has gone wrong already, so now you are ready to FLY. You are an amazing woman with enormous strength and fortitude so stay strong and enjoy the ride! Thinking of you every step of the way. x Denvy

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 01:10 am

Linda , I hope that your first day will have been the toughest and now that you have somewhat adjusted to your surroundings, tomorrow will be a bit more peaceful. The Giants clinched the National League West title today -- that should make you feel better! I was thinking of looking out over the Bay and wishing you guys were here. But you have something far more important that you are doing that is touching so many lives!. Keep your chin up! It's your faith and love that inspires those around you. And your message to the group at Caron is heartwarming! We love you and believe in you. KEEP THE DREAM ALIVE! xox L

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 12:42 am

I wandered into your blog because a friend (who is not blogging, named Amr), is participating in this event as well. You and he finished in similar time. Best wishes to you - this is an amazing feat - and I am pulling for you. P.S. If you see Amr, a handsome Egyptian man, please tell him hello from Randy Smith. Thanks.

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 12:18 am

You can do this! You are amazing and such an inspiration. Tomorrow will be a great day as you push through this amazing terrain. Our thoughts are with you and we believe in you. K, Harrison, and Alton

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 12:11 am

As you well know...it IS one day at a time. And with any good German, a little reengineering and good to go!! Stay strong and know that we are all with you every step of the way. Love, Randy.

Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 09:55 pm

You are an inspiration to many dear sister. We love you so much! Stay strong and onward is right.