RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RTP Home

Namib Race Blogs 2010

Christine Horner

7

Posts

Namib Race (2010) blog posts from Christine Horner

08 October 2010 07:15 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

The long day is over........wow, an understatement I know but don't quite know the words yet to describe it.   We started at 6:30 so we were in the sun for a full 12 hours, there was wind at times but quite hot.  I had a little tantrum several hours in when trying to open my cliff shots.  I was hot, sweating and greasy from sun screen trying to rip open a small plastic package.  The 'tear here' is useless as it does not indicate an easier place to open the package just the top of it which I already figured out!  I tore at it ripping strand by strand until finally it opened.  After what seemed like 1/2 hour and unnecessarily adding to the sweat factor, I was able to savour those yummy gummy shots......... I then spent the next 15 mins composing a letter in my head to the maker's of Cliff products on how to improve their packaging!  I made it to the halfway point and was feeling good both mentally and physically. At checkpoint 6 I meet up with Carrie from the US and stayed together for the rest of the race as it was starting to get dark.  I'm really glad for her help, she was posting faster times in the previous 4 stages but her feet were burning and we were able to keep a solid walking pace, with a bit of running until the finish.  We had difficulty at times finding our way, it would have been very scary on my own. The last checkpoint #9 was the toughest, as I had had enough by then and we still had 9.4km to go, so we didn't stay, just refueled and pushed on, the body was on auto pilot at this point.  Crossing the finish line was amazing, I came in just before 1:00 AM.  Today is a rest day, but for some they were still out until 1:00 PM.  As I write this there is one person still out there and it's 3:00!  I have to stop now as the cyber tent is closing and I have flies hovering all over me......I stink and can't wait to back to the hotel.  I will follow up with more in a later blog. Feeling fantastic today.....I've done it!!!!
 
Thanks everyone for your comments and emails they have been fantastic and gave me something to look forward to when I finished each day.  They gave me encouragement, made me laugh and kept me going!
 
Love Christine

Comments: Total (21) comments

Posted On: 21 Oct 2010 12:29 am

Hi Lisa, thanks, I don't see your email address. I had lots of questions too, and will gladly share what I learned, my email is [email protected], talk to you soon.

Posted On: 17 Oct 2010 06:06 pm

You are the woman. Congrats. I am doing race in 2011. I would love any tips you have. I am nervous. Please email me when you are recovered. I have so many questions. LISA

Posted On: 12 Oct 2010 03:49 pm

WOW WOW WOW!!! You do realize Christine that every marathon, mountain bike ride, 10 K sprint, are all going to pale in comparison to this epic journey. My guess is that you will be scouring the 4deserts brochure on the plane home deciding what your next ULtra will be. A hearty congratulations. On another note, your charity dollars were well spent. I finished the ride strong and our total contribution to the Special Olympics this year was $125,000. Not too shabby for a bunch of riders. Maybe you should become the first women to join the BV 180????

Posted On: 09 Oct 2010 07:10 pm

Ten minutes even for the finish - love it!! How did that feel after all those days in the dessert?! Hope your reaping all the rewards; a good shower, good meal, a nice cold one and then a good nights sleep in a bed. Enjoy the next part of the trip - not quite as challenging but hopefully equally enjoyable. Miss you! Love Charlsey

Posted On: 09 Oct 2010 03:17 pm

Great work!!!!! Enjoy your shower and rest, I cannot wait to hear all the details when you return.

Posted On: 09 Oct 2010 03:07 am

You are now my idol Christine :p That's actually so amazing that you could be a part of that, and do so well in it! I hope you had a ton of fun, and I'm glad your feet didn't hurt. I can't imagine how difficult running in that terrain and heat for so long, I always thought I was doing well by running like 4ks! ;D I enjoyed reading your blogs, hope to see you soon, Elysia

Posted On: 09 Oct 2010 02:59 am

Hi Christine Deb told me how to contact you, so glad we are able to tell you what an amazing thing you are doing. I can\'t even imagine the stamina and character that it taks to do whta you are doing. We are very proud to know \'nuffin\' and you have our love and best wishes. I\'ll bet a cold one would go down well now, wish we could send one to you but will have one for you and raise a glass to an incredible person Rita and Ed.

Posted On: 09 Oct 2010 02:38 am

Hi Christine Deb told me how to contact you, so glad we are able to tell you what an amazing thing you are doing. I can't even imagine the stamina and character that it taks to do whta you are doing. We are very proud to know 'nuffin' and you have our love and best wishes. I'll bet a cold one would go down well now, wish we could send one to you but will have one for you and raise a glass to an incredible person Rita and Ed.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 11:05 pm

You are incredible. I can only dream of having half of the will, strength and energy that you have. You should be very proud of yourself. Good luck in the final stage and enjoy the rest of what you call "vacation".

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 09:59 pm

Congratulations! We never had any doubt about you finishing this amazing adventure. We are so proud of you. I am going to look for "Gummy Bears" in a flip top bottle. Enjoy you tour. It will be nice to be near camels which actually smell worse than you do. Love, Mum & Dad.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 09:26 pm

Your hissy fit made me laugh - especially the drafting of the letter afterwards :) I can't imagine how you must be feeling - such an amazing feat - 5 days in the desert, one of them 18 hours and 100 km long. You are a force to be reckoned with!! The finish line after the pyramids will be so well deserving. Wish I could be there to see you cross. You know we're all cheering here in spirit. A hot shower, good meal and a cold one are within your grasp. Enjoy my friend! love charlsey

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 08:25 pm

Chris we never thought that we would ever hear of YOU saying "I stink"! But really, well done. Just a mere 10K to go. Will hot water ever have felt so soothing, or beer ever have tasted so good. (Try a pint of Boddies if Cairo carries it.) Probably does- Mancs get everywhere. Say hello to the pyramids.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 07:12 pm

awwwwwsome congrats chris realy proud of you. thats showing every one what us horners are made of. haha. see you soon ty one on in town. david

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 06:26 pm

I can't even imagine how you must be feeling, to have trained so hard and to have accomplished this great challange! You are amazing!!! Love Deb and Paul P.S. so how many grains of sand are really in the desert or did you lose count when you had to tackle your gummy bears!!!

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 05:08 pm

I am in awe of what you have just accomplished. 18 hours of perpetual motion in the desrt - just flat out amazement. It is amazing what the human body can endure and to find the limits of your endurance and pass through them is a feeling I am sure you will never forget. After all this i hope they give you a really cool medal or something meaningful like a llama or a camel. You imagine if you finish and they give you a ribbon that says what place you finished and they have scribbled out the Cairo Board of Education at the top and wrote 4 Deserts with a sharpie...that would suck. Finish strong Chris and swap some of that high quality H2O for some better quality liquor to toast the adventure of a lifetime (or the start of the next one...) All the best and enjoy the time off - you have clearly earned it.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 04:14 pm

Way to go!!!!! Think "Shower" and clean clothes are all within sight! You are amazing,,,,, Much love, Claudia & Pat

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 03:46 pm

WOW! We are not even going to go 'down the road of what is next'! You must be so proud of yourself and it is well deserved. Glad you had company for the last leg in the dark. We were all there too (thinking of you). Enjoy yourself as you take that victory lap around the pyramids! Thinking of you.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 03:09 pm

Absolutely amazing. And to think that when you say it is over, you mean only 10km on the last day. Quite a feat (or feet?). But now what is next.? Maybe Death Valley in August.?? I was there. Very much an inspiration reading these blogs. You have taken setting a goal to the next level. And others will be inspired as well by your accomplishments. I have been. Congratulations and wish you a safe trip back.......to work.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 02:42 pm

It is absolutely amazing that you achieved this. Four marathon length runs followed immediately by a 100K. What an incredible feat of mental and physical endurance. I thought about you many times yesterday, wondering how you were doing as you wandered the desert. I never had a doubt that you would find a way, but what a test. I am really glad you found someone to keep you company during the night. Kelly and I were just talking about this. That last 10K must have been tough, but the feeling you must have had when crossing the finish must have been incredible – what an accomplishment! All that is left is the victory lap around the pyramids - which is pretty cool in itself and will be an emotional high, for sure. A hot bath, clean clothes, and a decent meal are just around the corner. Hang in - just one more stage. You are almost there. Christine, you are one incredible woman.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 02:37 pm

Outstanding....we all knew you would finish the race....but to do it with such grace!!!! Enjoy the day off and finish strong.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 02:30 pm

Congrats. Must have been an amazing experience

06 October 2010 01:09 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Day 4 is in the books!  Today's distance was 38.4 k, the first 10k was over soft sand and sand dunes, and the final 28k was flat with harder sand so made for an easier day, but it was hot with little wind.  If I had fresher legs I would have run more but did what I could.  I'm still feeling great, and my feet are blister free......yehh! I just came back from the foot bath station, and there are some really bad looking feet, I can't imagine having to do this with sore feet, there is enough to deal with.  I got back to camp today around 1:30 so have plenty of time to rest, hydrate and refuel for tomorrow's 94.5 k!  I just found out how to read the comments from the blog, thanks everyone - had a good laugh, your encouragement is greatly need and appreciated.
This is a fantastic adventure, the scenery has been fantastic, today we went thru areas with huge rock formations. I have great pictures to share.  I won't have a blog tomorrow as I will still be roaming in the desert..........
 
Thanks again everyone, it really helps!
Love Christine

Comments: Total (13) comments

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 12:59 pm

You did it - 94.5K!!!! Now that was a long run. Christine, you are awesome.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 01:00 am

Hey - you made the headlines in the website photos today. Looking strong as you started stage 5. I know that strength is without througout this long haul. Can't wait to hear how you do. Almost there!!!

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 04:23 pm

Hey I just noticed your bib # is 44 you are/were? in 45 place and you are 46. Pretty cool numbers for a numbers gal. Try and maintain! R

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 03:48 pm

Hi Christine, looks awsome. I wish I was doing it! Good luck finishing and send some pictures. Rich

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 02:09 pm

Hi Chris - Thinking of you on the longest "leg" of the event - and hoping that the sand is firm and that a cool breeze blows,,, Stay strong - Love - Claudia

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 02:08 pm

Writing this at 5.00pm (Egypt time) on Thu 07/10. You will be getting towards the end of the big haul by now. We are with you every step of the way. Hope you can get another footbath. Think of the mere 10K to-morrow. love again from the soggy island.

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 02:04 pm

First time I have ever blogged someone --- pretty cool when it is someone on a desert! Sounds like you are having a great time, which is good to know. 40 degrees, I could not imagine, it was that hot in Rome and we had wine to cool us down : )! You said there were no snakes, how about spiders? Glad to hear your feet are still in good shape too! I saw you in a picture on the website, looking quite serious. Did you get a chance to explore the city before you started? Talk to you soon, Debbie

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 03:18 am

Hi Christine, been reading your blog. Sounds like you're having a great time and are doing really well. Congrats on having come this far - now you're in the home stretch. So good luck and take care of yourself....and enjoy your much needed vacation after this..

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 02:06 am

The body odors in the tent should be better tonight. This will make the running seem easier. Keep up the good work; almost there. Love, Mum and Dad

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 12:22 am

I knew you'd have a great day today. So glad those toe socks are keeping your feet sane - I agree, can't imagine bad feet among all the other challenges. Will be thinking of you as you progress through "the big day" You're on the other side of it now - have less miles to travel now. Stay strong. love Charlsey

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 12:10 am

Glag your feet are doing you proud! You won't see this until you are done the BIG one but I know that with your determination and dedication you will conquer all! Looking forward to hearing your post at the end and seeing all your pictures when you get back. Take care and may the wind be at your back!

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 10:21 pm

looks like you had another great day, you times are amazing also! Rest up for tomorrow, and just think of how close you are to the pyramids!!! Looking forward to your next blog! Love Deb and Paul

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:33 pm

hi cris been reading the blogs nightly. sounds like you are haveing a great time. temp. must be unreal. bet you wish you signed up for the antartica race. keep your spirits high see you soon david. ps. typeing out this comment was a small marathon of my own.

05 October 2010 12:06 pm (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Finished stage 3 today, still feeling good, no blisters and legs are ok.  It was a tough stage, about 42 k, lots of sand dunes and quite hot between checkpoint 3 to 4 as there was no wind.  I was out there around 8.5 hours so will sleep well tonight.  The course is very well marked with pink flags, the checkpoints are 8-10 kms apart and there is a flag showing the half way point to each checkpoint which is very helpful when your thinking I'm I there yet!  There are tents at each checkpoint which give us a break from the heat while we refill waterbottles, rest and dump sand from our shoes.  My gaiters are staying on but the sand is so fine it still gets in but my toe socks are great so no feet issues yet.  4x4 trucks are constantly roaming the course, making sure the flags are still in place and we are ok.  They also offer extra water, so we are well taken care of. (mom no need to worry).
 
Thanks for all the emails and encouragement, really helps keep my energy up!  Debbie, no snakes.  Bill, no stomach issues and food is ok for boil in a bag! 
 
Till tomorrow,
Love Christine

Comments: Total (14) comments

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 10:58 am

Way to go Christine, you are doing fantastic. I'm glad to hear that you are hanging in there and still feeling good. All the best in stage 4!

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 03:22 am

I'm so glad to read that day 3 was another good one for you. Keep up the great effort but leave some reserve for that big, bad, Day 5.

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 03:11 am

Following you closely and think you are doing awesome! You are never far from our thoughts and glad you can draw strength from everyone sending you messages. Glad they are taking care of you! Stay strong.

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 11:53 pm

We all need our thesaurus's to continue to describe how incredible you and this journey are. Glad to hear your keeping nourished and hydrated. Stay the course for stage 4 - new shirt; woo hoo!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 11:43 pm

Christine How inspiring!! I can't even imagine what it's like to climb sand dunes in that kind of heat for the length of a marathon - 4 days in a row!! Congratulations, what an accomplishment. Best of luck from the Price family, we're rooting for you!!!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 09:35 pm

Chris: I am so amazed at what you are doing - such an unbelievable battle you must endure inside your head every day as it battles with your body and the limits you thought you had. Still big on the humor and found a joke to distract you with -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Once a captain on his ship was disturbed by his assistant telling him, "Sir! Sir! There are 5 enemy ships on the horizon." The captain tells the man," Get my red coat and prepare for battle!" The assistant runs without question to get the captains red coat and prepares for battle. After their victory the assistant asks the captain why he wanted his red coat. The captain tells the assistant "If I was shot you would not be able to tell I'm bleeding and you would keep fighting." The assistant thought this was a great idea. The next day the assistant came to the captain, "Sir! Sir! There are twenty enemy ships on the horizon!" The captain was stunned. He looked at the assistant and told him "Get me my brown pants!" Chris - all the best in the next stage...keep smiling. Dave

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 09:28 pm

wow another great day for you....I ran 5km this morning and have been bitching about it all day!!! Your name came up on one of the news alerts Keep up the great work!!! We are so proud of you. Love Deb and Paul

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 09:05 pm

The email alerts reported that the third leg was tough. Kelly, Heather and I were calculating paces and estimating finish times. You really are doing fantastic. You are one incredible and inspiring athlete. I am glad to hear there are no directional, water or food issues, you are in good physical shape, and the toe socks are working nicely. It seems that you have adapted to the desert nicely. When you read this, you will be preparing for stage 5. You know, it took the Jewish Nation 40 years to cross the Sinai. I bet you can beat that time. However, if you do see a burning bush out there somewhere, it is a good time for a drink of water, but be sure to ask directions to the Promised Land. The pictures of the landscapes are amazing. And there were pictures of runners climbing the dunes on hands and knees, whatever it takes, right! I will be rooting for you… PS: You made the email alerts – though no mention of your shirt. Bet a cheer rose up in the tent when you changed. Have a great run tomorrow. I have no doubt in what you can achieve.

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 08:58 pm

I guess that tomorrow is "Hump Day". Then it will be all down hill. Your times seem great when I see the leaders times. Keep going, we don't want to buy the medal. Love Mum and Dad.

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 08:56 pm

Christine, you are truly amazing, such an inspiration!! Glad to read you are doing GREAT under the circumstances.....Thinking of you daily....Stay Strong! Cindy :)

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 08:49 pm

Hi Christine, i am so proud of you. The endurance, determination, and courage to run this race is admirable to say the least. You are an inspiration to keep going on 632 to Rosseau and back!!! Your daily journal is a terrific read as you describe the conditions so well. Really looking forward to giving you a big Congratulatory hug when you come home Take care of yourself. Lots of Love Mary and Bob

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 08:38 pm

I am obsessed with keeping sand off my beach towel. I can only imagine sand sand sand everywhere around you. You will be dreaming of fresh cut cedar in a Muskoka wood no doubt! You are officially passed half way - light at the end of the tunnel. You go girl! We were trying to put your distance in context for the kids last night based on their Muskoka Rocks 5K participation. "So what you are saying dad is the Christine is running my route 8 times every day??" Yup that's what we are saying but on a beach, in the heat up a dune. One tough chick!!! Talk about giving a couple of girls an adventure role model.

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 08:13 pm

Hey Christine! It's Mel! It is nice hearing from you! I am glad that the race is going fine! It must be so hard, well easier than the Muskoka rocks!! Can't wait to see you and hear all about it!! Lots of love, Mel :)

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 07:56 pm

Chris, it's so weird to be reading your blog THREE marathons in!! It's even more shocking that you have several more to go! It sounds like your body is adjusting well to the heat and dunes. Glad to hear you r sleeping like a baby. No wonder! Thinking of you at home. Run strong! Love the Thomson clan.

04 October 2010 12:09 pm (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Finished stage two, still feeling fine but my shoulders are quite sore.   We went approx 36 k today, first three sections had a lot of soft sand, I was able to run a bit but the soft sand really takes a lot of energy.  When I got to checkpoint 4 and was told only 5.6 k to the finish I was very excited, plus you could see the camp site from the checkpoint as it was on a plateau.  Then I saw what was ahead of me......down the plateau and into the sand dunes, it was a grueling 5.6 k and despite seeing the camp site it seemed forever away.  It was not as hot today and we had a breeze so tolerable.  The scenery is fantastic, I love the sand dunes, they just looks so calm and peaceful, mind you I wasn't thinking that while climbing them!  My tent mates are great and everyone is doing well.  Had a better sleep last night as it was a bit cooler.  Back at the camp after the race we can get a foot bath, so at lest my feet are clean.  And still no blisters.  One more day until I can bring out a fresh shirt.....yehhh!!
 
Till tomorrow....
Love Christine

Comments: Total (9) comments

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 02:05 pm

There are many words that come to mind as I think of you and your adventure through the desert, but jokes aside, you truly are amazing! The picture are awesome and I can only imagine what you are experiencing. Glad to hear you are doing well...keep it up!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 01:46 pm

Fabulous adventure, Christine! If anyone can do it, you can! Hoping you have wind at your back, healthy feet, and and lots of water!! We're sending lots of good karma your way!!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 01:12 pm

Wow, Christine, this is so very inspirational. I look forward to following you.... you are doing great!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 12:09 pm

You are amazing! Glad you are doing well. The pictures are amazing. Take care as best as possible.

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 02:58 am

Wow, Christine - you're really doing well, given a stinky shirt is your biggest complaint! Squash is going to seem like a stroll in the park on a perfect day in comparison. Keep up the amazing effort. You must be born to run! ;)

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 11:53 pm

We are still tracking you each day and are very proud of you. Try some padding under your shoulder straps. Keep going. I am sure that now you are used to the torture, you will find that it will be easier in the next stages. Lucy and Sam are fine, we spent time with them today.

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 11:24 pm

So proud and happy for you!! You\'ve had two amazing and great times! Was glad to see one of the pictures of you today with another runner close by! I can imagine it is a very solitary feeling, in a good way! The sand and sky just go on and on. The dunes are beautiful too. We\'re all living this experience with you - thank you!! Can\'t wait to see how day 3 goes. Keep up the great work!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 10:15 pm

Christine, Hank told me about your adventure. It sounds incredible. Keep up the great effort.

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 09:06 pm

You improved your time even with the difficult conditions!!! You really are doing fantastic. There are some excellent pictures of you on the website. You look very relaxed and confident, and in both you have a wonderful smile. Kelly put your pictures and stage times on the outside of her cubicle. Heather simply nodded her head and said you were crazy. My training group in NC was amazed, as were the runners at NAEC. I am glad to hear that you and your tent mates are getting along. I hope you have found a group to run with – don’t want you to get lost… and good news on the feet. BTY … The email alerts are great. I get a whole bunch throughout the day. They talked about the dunes, the finish line drums, plus the leaders at each stage and when the last runner crosses the finish. Have another great day tomorrow …

03 October 2010 01:30 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Completed stage one today and now resting at camp 2.  It went well and I'm feeling fine.  Today's stage was 37 km running thru Wi-El-Rayan, we ran most of the time beside a huge lake, which would be great to jump in but we were advised not to, it was quite hot not sure of the temp but think it was just over 40 fortunately there was a breeze so it was tolerable but still zapped my energy by the second checkpoint.  It was hard to run as there was a lot of soft sand today and a few sand dunes to get us familiar with what's to come!   The event it really well run, the campsite it great, staff and volunteers are on top of everything and we are well taken care of at each checkpoint.  We have 9 in our tent so it is quite crowded, and our only space is about the size of our sleeping bag.  It was hot last night which made sleeping difficult, we had the tent open and it was really windy so we had a constant mist of sand coming in.  Tomorrow is rated as difficult (today was moderate).....ouch.  Heading back to the tent to rest.
 
Feet are still in good shape, no blisters, but clothes after day one are getting ugly!
 
Love Chris

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 11:19 pm

Christine! I am so in awe of you! Not only for the distance you are running each day but also on what you are running!! We have experienced the sand dunes last year in Doha, Qatar. We had a hard time walking up the dunes. You are amazing! What an incredible adventure! I wish you the very best! Diana

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 10:30 pm

wow you are amazing, just read your blogs....great stuff!!! Keep up the great run! Love Deb and Paul

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 07:11 pm

We read about you completing the second stage to-day. Well done! Same again to-morrow and you're more than half-way there!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 04:16 pm

Chris, Way to go! Savannah and Mel are awe-inspired with your trip. We are all thinking about you back home and are sending you cool, sand-less breezes. Run strong!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 03:47 pm

I am so impressed...I thought this whole Sahara race thing was all a sham to get you to Egypt to claim your rightful place as the reincarnation of King Ramses' Minister of the Treasury...apparently you were really serious about the whole running at the beach thing :-) Keep it up Christine - I always try to think about comedy routines when i run - they say that smiling takes about half the energy of frowning which over a six hour run might buy you an extra 650 meteres. Seriously though, you are amazing and I am sending you all the extra chi I can muster. Run strong.

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 02:47 pm

You are an inspiration Christine. I have been sapped of energy lately and have been worried about my big ride this Friday. Reading your reports has boosted my energy and heightened my I can do it attitude. My new mantra is that I am riding for you!!!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 01:36 pm

Way to go, Chris - I saw looked through the photos and there you were - Looking strong and fit and ready to take on the world! Keep going - you are awesome! And take care of those feet (ugh, saw some sore feet in those photos,,,).

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 11:36 am

Well done...great to see the training pay off. Can't wait for today's update....it looks like it could be a 12 hour day for that many km's.....but I'm sure you'll fly through it. I hope you stay healthy (not sure your feet can get injured)....and luck stays with you!!!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 12:22 am

Great time Chris!! Glad it appears to have been a good start. Saw a couple of photos of you out there and you're smile is believable :) I hope your finding companions out there to keep the momentum and motivation. Tomorrow looks like a tougher day but I know you'll take it on just fine. love charlsey

Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 09:01 pm

I saw your time ... WOW!!! You are one strong and determined woman. I am so impressed. I thought about you many times today as the email alerts came in - they talked about the heat and the wind, plus competitors dropping out. I just cannot imagine what it is like, but you are right on track! Alas, no 5 star hotel treatment on this trip, though I do did get a good nights sleep. If someone snores, just roll them out into the sand. I am really glad that you had a great day. Looking forward to checking in tomorrow.

02 October 2010 02:17 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

We have arrived at camp 1, everything is going well just finished dinner and will get to bed early.  We start tomorrow with a briefing at 6:30 and race at 7:00.  Yep, it's hot!
 
till tomorrow....

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 01:32 pm

Glad to hear that you arrived safely and are ready to go. Nice that the backpack will get lighter with each day. Have a great time and looking forward to your next post.

Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 01:23 pm

Hey Christine, Have a great run! I'll be cheering for you

Posted On: 02 Oct 2010 11:21 pm

Hey, great to hear things are going well. Hope you're resting well, you always do though! Good luck tomorrow. Excited for the first leg of your adventure. Will be watching for results.

30 September 2010 04:41 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Training has gone really well and all the gear has been tested so I'm ready to go.  Leave today from Toronto and arrive in Cairo tomorrow afternoon.  Looking forward to meeting everyone and sharing this great adventure!!

Comments: Total (5) comments

Posted On: 02 Oct 2010 07:20 pm

Your mum and I wish you all the best. Go for it! Your crazy brother and sister completed their parachute jump today. Debbie said that it was scary but fun. Paui, Rita and Jason also jumped.

Posted On: 02 Oct 2010 03:22 pm

We are excited to find your name on the site, and we shall follow your progress. have a great race....take care. Love from GB.

Posted On: 01 Oct 2010 05:17 pm

The girls and I are thinking of you as you begin this incredible journey. Take care of yourself.

Posted On: 01 Oct 2010 01:05 pm

I know that you can accomplish anything you set out to do. You have trained hard and are ready for this great adventure. Really looking forward to living this adventure through you.

Posted On: 01 Oct 2010 01:44 am

Thinking about you my friend as you make your way to the Sahara. So excited for this experience for you. Wish I was with you but look forward to watching and reading your progress. Be safe and as always... Regards