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Dave O'Brien

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Namib Race (2010) blog posts from Dave O'Brien

08 October 2010 06:57 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

YEEEEEHAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA,
I BLOODY WELL DID IT !
No. 3 in the bag. However not without the drama, but then everyone has a story. Got in at 07.50 this morning, only having to endure an hour of heat.
My self and my tent mate Mark, marched and I mean marched, 94 Kilometers, with no sleep 25 hours 22 minutes 20 seconds. I have never done anything like that before and I hope I never have to again. We were like machines.
 
The drama happened at checkpoint 6, or should I say just before it. My muscles were starting to seize up, my head was getting light, I was finding it hard to keep moving, even difficult just to stay standing. Mark put his hand under my back pack which got me up the last little incline. I can fill you in on the boring details of what the doctor had to say another time. Suffice to say that I was running on a body that had little food and what did go in was coming out the other end for 4 days. I knew my body was shutting down and I had no control. I thought the race was really over for me. Any way I did recover and without medication. Will give ye all the blow by blow accounts when I see you all. Definitely the hardest of the three and I will never do it again. That’s official.
 
Getting in before eight this morning has given us the whole day to chill out in this God forsaking heat and damned flies. We leave at 8 in the morning, 3 hour bus ride and then a 2K run though the pyramids to the official finishing line to collect our medals.
Unfortunately we lost another 3 "grand Slammers" (12 doing all 4 deserts) in this race.
 
Finally, the cyber tent is shutting down in 5 minutes so I just want to check all my mails.
Can't wait to read them.  By the way this will be the last time I will have access to a computer until I get home Monday week. So see you all then.
Thank you all, you made such a difference each and every one of you. Big hug and God Bless.
 
Delighted Dave. xx

Comments: Total (9) comments

Posted On: 18 Oct 2010 07:47 pm

Hi Dave You rock! or should I say RUN with a passion of perseverance. I'm praying for the best of weather in Antarctica so you can accomplish the 4 deserts this year. Tammy from Lisle, IL with JP+

Posted On: 09 Oct 2010 12:47 pm

Hi Dave, An extraordinary achievement. I don't know how you did it, but you did. congratulations. Bon voyage, Damien.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 11:21 pm

well done dave! we all now think that you might actually be invinsable! when you get on the cruise relax and dont do anything mad like play with your nina spamoni shovel! we're all very proud of you! congrats and see you soon! all our love from 47 xx

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 10:18 pm

Well done pal. Looking forward to getting together upon your return. Will have a box of hankies ready for the dramatic recounting of your endeavour which we know will have us on the edge of the seat and reduced to tears. Will have a few rolls of jacks paper also as I know how you tend to re-live every effen yard - including a full X-rated description of your bowel problem!!!

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 10:11 pm

Fantastic Dad,I'm thrilled and so relieved that it's all over,well almost.........i'm sure that the last couple of miles to the finish will be a piece of piss!The cruise will be such a well earned break,and once you get your appetite back i would imagine staff on board will have to call security to remove you from the buffet hall! I'll will talk to you soon,lots of love Jack xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 08:01 pm

Well done Dave and to all the other Irish guys out there, I think ye're all feckin mad but each to their own!! All of ye have done yourself and your country proud, it's just a pity ye don't get the recognition ye deserve. Best of luck tomorrow and well done again!

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 05:21 pm

well done dave , i knew you could do it ! cant wait to hear all about it when you get back , enjoy your rest on the cruise ,c u soon kev x

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 04:44 pm

Well done Dad you truly are the Irish SUPERMAN. I'm so proud of you and what you've achieved. Hope you enjoy your little break when your finished. Make sure you eat well and rest well when your on that cruise. Cant wait to see you when you get home love Ian

Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 04:01 pm

Well done Dave. You should be so proud. Enjoy your hol, you deserve it. see you when you get back. Ber Gav Adam and Abby.

06 October 2010 01:19 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi everyone,
My goodness, can I thank you ALL so much for your amazing emails. I have been finding it really challenging out here as you all know and your emails have made a world of a difference. You have had me laughing and crying. Big hug to everyone.
 
Just to fill you in, yesterday was more of the same. No food, still running to go to the toilet, only one salt tablet but loads of water. Was still pretty weak from lack of food, but I just couldn't eat. It is a catch 22, if I eat, I throw up, if I don't, I don't have the fuel I need. But with all your prayers and good wishes, I pulled through a really tough 42K. I knew yesterday that if I could pull out all the stops and finish that my chances of completing the rest of the race were good.
 
So this morning, I headed out at the usual 6.30 and within the hour I was heading for the bushes again. Even the medics in a four wheel drive came across to see if I was okay, which was quiet embarrassing. You could say that I was caught with my pants down. I think I am gaining a reputation for this toilet problem. I must say for about 10 minutes I felt weak and thought I was in serious trouble again. However, I battled the demons and won. In fact I think I finished in 70 something. My body should not be working under the circumstances, so you can imagine how elated I am to be still here.
 
Four days done and dusted, only the long run left. Tonight under the watchful eye of mister Eric, I was able to get down half a meal. I am actually sipping a lyons green label tea. It doesn't get much better an this.
 
Well, last day tomorrow (or two days for me) almost 100K. Bite size pieces is the plan.
Okay everyone, 8pm here. Most people in bed now, so it's time to say nighty night. Hugs to everyone. xxxx  

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 11:21 pm

Hi Dad,i'm writing this on Thursday night while you are still running,all day today there has been a problem with accessing your bloggs,i have checked all the other competitors bloggs and they seem to be fine....typical! luckily i hadn't shut down this page so i hope you will receive this one so if you don't receive any more bloggs from back home there is still a technical problem.So i am wishing you the best of luck from all the gang for tomorrow,you are almost there,talk to you soon,lots of love and hugs Jack xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 08:48 am

Way to go Sand-Surfer Dave. Best wishes for the remainder of the race. With you all the way buddy as I sit here with my cold drink and sambo I'm egging you on all the way. Sorry to hear about the rough patch you're having to go through, but listen, can we please have less of the toilet descrptions? It reminds me of the time when we were Key-Camping years ago and you stood on the chair over the fence one morning and insisted on showing us the Mother of All Bites on your backside. That wasn't bad enough but we were having breakfast at the time - and we really weren't all that interested in your sex life. I still wake up at night in a cold sweat on occasion. Catch you when you get back.

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 12:56 am

hi dave , I cant even begin to imagine how hard it is out there for you but i know you will pull it out of the bag , i bet you would like a nice holiday after this may be a nice spot on a beach with golden sand and even be able go for a jog !!!!!! we are all thinking of you and remember its not a race even tho it is called Racing the planet ! kev xxx

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 12:38 am

Dave-- sounds a lot better good luck with the long run take it easy all rooting for you. Off to Dublin with mar to-morrow evening Venice here we come see you on Sunday

Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 12:08 am

Hey Dad,thank god that stage is finished,you're almost there! I can't believe that you are so talented ....not only can you produce so much shit from your mouth you can also do the same from your arse!!!!!!!!!!! I hope they have provided you quilted velvet for your little bot bot.By the time you get this you hopefully will have completed the long one,take it easy,mile by mile and don't take any chances,lots of love Jack xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:48 pm

HI Dave, Great news and such a relief that you made it. Take it handy tom you are nearly there and the boat in Venice is waiting. Remember May is behind you all the way and so are the whole family. Plenty of water and salt tabs. Sleep well, love you to bits. Mar.

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:47 pm

Hi Dave, Eric's brother John here. Sorry to here things are difficult. Been reading your blogs and don't know how your still going. You must be going on the reserve tank. I am sure now your theory on Juice Plus has proven accurate. Well done to you and best of luck tomorrow.

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:30 pm

Well done Dave. Hang in there buddy, you're almost through. Take it handy tomorrow. Plenty of water and res often. Good luck with the long stretch.

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:24 pm

Dave, Wow. You're a legend. The Juice Plus+ Team from around the world is sending your way every positive thought they can muster! We can't wait to hear about it all from you. Sean

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:21 pm

well done dave. sorry that your having such a rough time and glad that eric is force feeding you. Take your time tomorrow and look after yourself. We are all rooting for ye both. Ber

05 October 2010 12:04 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi everyone,
Sorry I missed my blog yesterday. Got to the cyber tent and it had just closed.
Well I am still in the race, but how, I don't know. Have a bad nausea for the last three days. So I have practically eaten nothing since I got here. On top of that I have had diarrhea yesterday and all day to day. And I mean bad. With little or no calories and having the trots it was a real struggle to finish. In fact today was 42k. It took me over 11.5 hours on 1 salt tablet. I just could not get anything down. How the body is still functioning, I don’t know. I have to admit it is my hardest battle yet, mentally. It would be the same as walking from Cork to Fermoy and back, in 40 degrees raining down on you, with no shelter, carrying 10kg on your back and all on sand !  I have to give massive credit to Lucy, who was my walking buddy all day. Could not have done it without her.
 
However, today was a huge day for me and I am just so relived to have succeeded in the condition I was in.
Eric McCarthy has almost forced feed half a meal in to me. Bless him. He made it more in to a soup so it was easier to take. The Doctors have also given me Imodium. We are up at 5 in the morning so I hope you don't mind if I sign off. Mar, Jackie, Ian, Colin, David, Mum, Janet, Kate, Barry, Peter and Damien, love you all and thinking of you. Thanks to all of you who emailed and blogged me. I will answer all when I come home. Hugs. Dave xx

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 06:17 pm

Hi Dad Great to hear that your still driving on, you have the heart of a lion. Word is that you have been snorting lines of juice plus to keep you going. Hope that you are feeling a bit better today and that your not still suffering with the ring of fire. Good luck tomorrow Irish Superman, Love ya Ian & Claire

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 01:06 pm

hi dave,kate and jan here,we hear your having a shit time of it at the mo(liteally)! keep up the faith and keep hydrated! but dont push yourself if your too sick! we're all thinking of you here! only a few days until your in your fabulous speedos on the top deck of your cruise! all our love xxxx

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 12:27 pm

Hi Dave, we are all thinking of you here in the office. We know you will make it and we are all so proud of you! You are the best and an example to so many people. In a couple of days you will be in Venice and going on a romantic cruise with Mar!!! A big hug, love, Vanessa

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 10:05 am

Hi Dave, its me again you are running as I speak checking all the emails to see how you are doing - hang in there you can do it only 4 days left for Venice and the Agenda for the Cruise is brilliant so keep focused and take it handy. Love Mar. xxx

Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 02:06 am

I am massively proud of you Dave. To have all that nasties thrown at you while out in the desert, yet to have pulled through - well done, mate. You deserve more than a cold beer for this. By the time you get this it's probably Day 4 and you will be getting ready for the long day. I'm behind you all the way - keep your spirits up, put that smile on the face even if you are grumpy, sing or dance, whatever - just to keep positive! Stay strong, Dave. You are almost there. Thinking of you all the way through. xx

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 10:26 pm

Hi Dave,Mam here,well done so far,we are all praying for you here,i will see you when you get home,hope you have a lovely holiday,you will need the rest,talk to you soon lots of mam xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 08:50 pm

Hi Dave sounds as if you are haveing a bad time. Try and get more food and water into you as well as the salt tabs. Have a good rest and all the best for tomorrow, we are all thinking of you and remember your Guardian Angel Aunt May. Night Night Mar xx

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 08:19 pm

Well done, Dave. Hang in there and get some good rest. You'll feel better in the morning and can get moving with some food and water in you.

03 October 2010 12:25 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi everyone, day 1, well I made it, just about. I am totally wiped out after 6 hours 40 minutes (57 place) in searing heat (reached 48) from the very start. And the whole 38K was on sand ! No break, no cover from the sun. It has totally taken me by surprise. I still can not eat since I came in 6 hours ago. I think the problem is dehydration. I was taking just one salt tablet at each checkpoint (3 checkpoints) believing them to have more strength then they had.
 
However I really need to get some food in to me or else tomorrow is not going to happen. Actually most of us "Grand Slammers" have had issues today.
Tramine is out of the race with leg trouble. Ricky is throwing up for the last few hours. Lucy has those knees acting up again and Diego is in the same boat. You know It’s a stark  reminder that we are not machines.
 
To be honest, if I had to run now - I could not. So lets hope I can get rid of this nausea, eat and get some sleep.
Eric had a good run today I am so thrilled for him. He is my wing man.
 
Okay guys, hugs to everyone. Catch you tomorrow.
Dave xx

Comments: Total (18) comments

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 07:04 pm

Hi Dave,hope things are getting a bit better, you have the experiance so use it. take it easy talk soon.Liam

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 01:59 pm

Dave, We're talking about you constantly and pulling for you. Dig deep - we know you have it in you! Sean & Team

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 01:38 pm

Dave, Hang in there - saw that you finished Stage 2 and hope to see you in the stats for Stage 3. Best wishes for a great recovery and strong finish Mark

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 09:31 am

Dave, Remember all you need is within you NOW!! Focus on the connection & significance you will feel when you achieve the BIG 4. What an achievement. YOU ARE THE MAN DAVO!! "Only one who devotes himself to a cause with his whole strength and soul can be a true master. For this reason mastery demands all of a person" Einstein Best, Jay

Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 02:37 am

Dave, don't let those negative thoughts get to you. You have done this so many times before, you know the ins and outs, you know you can do this. Take this beast, hold it at its horns, look straight into its eyes and say, I will beat you! Keep those calories and water going in, and take more salt tablets! I will be sending you good positive thoughts. Keep it up, Dave. xx

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 11:57 pm

HI Dave, Well done so far, keep it going but take your time, See you soon Cheers sean

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 11:30 pm

Hey Dad, I'm off to bed now just want to wish you all the best for tomorrow. Your doing amazing as usual. night, night Ian

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 11:19 pm

Hey Dad,fantastic well done,hope you are feling better today,2 stages done already! keep it up and take care of yourself.Myself and kev are heading to Peters launch for arnotts tomorrow night so it might be a little late to blog when i get back home but i'll be checking the up dates during the day,have a good one,millions of love Jackie xxxxxxxxxxxx

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 11:19 pm

Hi Dave, Erics younger brother here, just to let you know I'll hold you personally responsible if Eric doesn't come home in one piece!! Seriously, keep up the good work and look after each other, not that I need to tell you that:)

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 10:52 pm

Stage 2 Good on you Dave another stage down, hope you are feeling a little better today. Plenty of rest, water and salt. We are all thinking of you here and rooting for you. Take care, talk tom. Mar. x

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 09:30 pm

Well done Dave. Just saw that you finished. Hope today went better for you. saw you had a tough day yesterday.Keep up the good work and keep taking your salt tabs and drink plenty. Eric and yourself are doing us all proud. Take care

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 06:59 pm

Hi dad yesterday sounded really tough but i'm delighted to hear you got through it. Hope your race today went well i just saw that you finished so well done. If your still feeling dehydrated I've heard that putting the salt tablets up your bum bum works better and faster than swallowing them. Good luck tomorrow. Love Ian & Claire

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 01:02 pm

Keep it going Dave. I should of sent you a cardboard cutout of me so that i was crossing the line with you on day 5 again. Take it easy on those dunes, but you know that after the Gobi anyway.

Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 11:13 am

Go Dave! You can do it! Just think about how much softer and nicer the sand is instead of the legendary salt flats!!! And drink as much as you can get down. Sounds like a recap of the couple of evenings from Atacama. I'll cheer you on and have a cold ale later, or maybe two :)

Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 11:40 pm

hi dave , just a quick question , if you don't mind , What is the meaning of life ? i think it is all about taking salt tablets , now salt tabs [as i like to call them ] have a very special place in my heart as i know its the same for you so i cant under stand why you not eating them like smarties! so for now SHAKE AND BAKE get it bake as in bake in he sun !!! lots of love kev

Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 10:57 pm

Hi Dave, Congrats you have finished first stage at least, you really need to take it easy tomorrow - plenty of water and double up on the salt tablets or else you are going to be in trouble we are all thinking of you here so please take it easy. Max and Murph sharing your pillow and finding it very comfortable. Oh I have also packed your nina spimoni shovel for the cruise ( bet you are now sorry you did not take it to the desert ). Please take care, rest and we will talk tom. Love you Mar. xxx

Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 10:43 pm

Hi Dad, delighted to hear that the first stage is over,it says in your results that you actually finished in 5.58 not 6.40 so you are doing better than you think!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! You don't sound in good spirits so you need to rest tonight and drink loads,take it easy on the next stage. Kev sends his love,and murph has a face on him like a slapped arse cos he hasn't had a run since you left. Mum has packed your M C hammer pants that you wanted for the cruise along with the baggy swimming shorts! Best of luck with tomorrows run,lots of love Jackie xxxxxx

Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 08:28 pm

Hi Dave , I thought you told me you were going to take it easy this time . Look after yourself and see you in Venice

02 October 2010 12:57 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Getting ready for the race, sitting here with American Ricky Paugh. We're trying to get our TV and internet and air conditioning working, outside of that, everything is fine. Looking forward to starting the race tomorrow.

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 02 Oct 2010 10:09 am

all the best Dave! will be following you guys all the way - Nick from the Gobi