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Elizabeth Tice

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Namib Race (2009) blog posts from Elizabeth Tice

30 October 2009 02:51 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Ok, so I didn.t exactly go until midnight...we startred at 6 am yesterday.  Deb and I were walking together.  At about the 12 mile mark, my toes starteded tingling and my left anakle started to hurt.  hen we got to the 18 mile mark, I took off my shoe, had a lot of new blisters' and my left ankle was the size of a small grapefruit...officially a cankle!!  And to add insult to injury, I got a cold sore...I  NEVER get cold sores.  Then my hat blew off in a small sand storm.  I am not kidding.
 
At that point, I told Deb to go ahead because I could not keep up.  I hit the halfway mark at about 6 pm and calculated that I was at about 100 miles for the event.  The doc looked sideways at my ankle, and I decided that 100 miles was pretty damn good for an old lady.  Deb kept going with the cute Brits.  She has four hours left to finish, and sknce she did not come in on a truck, that means she will finish this whole 55 mile stage.  Kudos to her!!!  Just to give you some perspective, the guy who won this stage finished the 55 miles in under 10 hours--it took me longer to walk half way. 
 
So there is only one kilometer left tomorrow.  I am feeling fine frrom the ankles up, but below that I am a mess.  I have taken pics as you would not believe how disgusting my feet really are.  The doc told me to put my feet up as much as possible. 
 
As I was walking yesterday, I was pondering what shoes I can possible wear to the HLC visit!  I will fefinitely be off my feet as much as possible for a few weeks anyway.  I am not sorry that I did this, it has been an incredible adventure, but I think I will follow Cindy's lead on the next vacation--cool with a spa. Gotta run-  I am going to wait for Deb to cross the finish kine.  I will try to post one last blog from the hotel tomorrow if possible  Deb and I are going to book a massage at the Hyatt (where I am staying wiith the boys) for Sunday midday and then I will ;picks  the boy Sunday evening at the airport.  I am looking forward to that part!!!

Comments: Total (16) comments

Posted On: 04 Nov 2009 02:19 pm

Liz, I, for one, am amazingly proud of your accomplishment. I never could do 100 miles in the desert with sore and swollen feet. Heck, I couldn't even do it with 10 nubien slaves carrying me! I don't think that I could do 100 miles in the city! You are an incredible role model, and a person of outstanding strength and resolve.

Posted On: 02 Nov 2009 08:20 pm

Wow, congrats on the walk so far! Too bad about the feet....but should like the rest of your body is ok, so you could always crawl to the finish line! Keep moving,

Posted On: 01 Nov 2009 05:55 pm

100 miles through the desert? Gosh, remind me to never drink tequila with our friend, Deb (grin). Seriously, congratulations on an amazing accomplishment. Safe travels home.~Tina

Posted On: 01 Nov 2009 05:42 pm

Way to go Liz! Walking 100 miles in 5 days in the heat and sand is quite an accomplishment. Certainly one to remember! Congrats!

Posted On: 31 Oct 2009 06:24 am

Liz, We enjoyed living vicariously through your Egyptian adventures from our living room couch. :-) Hope it was worth the ugly feet!

Posted On: 31 Oct 2009 04:08 am

Way to go! You accomplished so much on this adventure! I cannot wait to see all the pics. I think about how bad my feet felt in San Francisco on our first trip and I am pretty sure that was nothing compared to what you are dealing with! Proud of you! Lots of love!

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 10:32 pm

Hey, Friend ~ I am proud of you and I am so anxious to hear the stories. Don't worry about shoes for HLC we will get you a really cute pair of slippers or heck you maybe the first Provost to go barefoot. Take care of yourself and see you soon.

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 06:09 pm

Congratulations, Liz, on your incredible accomplishment! Remember "taquila dreams." Just keep thinking of having an ice-cold margarita back at the hotel when this is all over. I loved the little video clip of you and Deb on the website. Can't wait to see the pics. Stay safe--and congrats again on your unbelievable achievement!

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 05:02 pm

Hey Liz, Great job! Trekking one hundred miles is a tremendous accomplishment! I think you are ready for wine and cheese so imagine your freeze-dried food today is a variety of delicious cheeses, and your water tastes like wine. See you in a couple of weeks. Great job. Next time, hike the Canadian Rockies; it will be much cooler.

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 04:27 pm

100 miles in the Sahara, 123 degrees heat, camping each night, blisters an every part of your feet, a swollen ankle, disgusting freeze dried food, and still in it! You are AMAZING! One tough lady. I am so proud of you and so happy that you have enjoyed this amazing experience. Celebrate well and treat yourself well! Rebecca

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 03:51 pm

I am totally impressed. You rock!!! I would love to see you with the deadlock look!!! You have certainly earned the massage and a couple of cold "adult beverages"... You should be very proud of yourself...

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 03:19 pm

What an adventure! So what type of shoes are you going to be sporting for the next few weeks??? I can't imagine that anything will be comfortable for a while. And what are your plans with Alex and Caleb? And when do you head for home? It has been fascinating to follow your journey through the Sahara. I have also read a few of the other competitors blogs. It is definitely an experience of a lifetime for all of you who have participated! Way to go! Sending lots of love!

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 02:32 pm

Amen to what Janet has said. You are some kind of tiger. Mom and I do our walking in the park or in the mall. We are proud as can be for your spirit and determination. Enjoy the shower and massage. Love you tons. Mom and Dad

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 02:05 pm

You are amazing, Liz. 100 miles in the Sahara is an adventure. The lovely surroundings of the Hyatt will help you heal. Enjoy your time with the boys.

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 01:27 pm

Way to go, Liz!! Enjoy your last day. And your shower. And bed. And massage! And have a fantastic time with Caleb and Alex!!

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 01:13 pm

Pretty Damn GOOD is RIGHT!!! Congratulations Liz!! What an accomplishment!! ..I was going to say what a feat but thought that would bring up a sore subject :) Enjoy your massage!!

28 October 2009 02:14 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

So  it was a freakin 124 degrees  yesterday1   I am  officially  crazy.   Today we did  about  20 miles--it was hot and sandy (big news).    I seriously need a standing promisary note that I cannot agree to do anything if  I  have been drinking.   This is the hardest thing I have ever done--other than that, I am having a great time :-)
 
Tomorrow is the "long"  stage, a total of 55 miles with nine stops.  Did I mention that I am  crazy?  We start at   6 am.   I will do as much as I  can and have committed to go at least until midnight tomorrow night.  After that,  all promises are off!  It all depends on how my feet hold up. They are in pretty bad shape, but I assume will heal. It will be a few months before I can go back to frenc  pedicures!     
 
I am  amazed at the number of people who are here for the second  or third time.  Those are of course, the "Lance Armstrongs"  who think of this as fun.   The rest of us are bringing  up the  rear and enjoying  each others'  company.   Out of 123 that  started, we are down to about  100  still going at it.  I have managed to not get sunburned, which is amazing in and of itself.   Deb  didn't know that I had written about my  hair in the blog, and today se looked   at me and said, "you have quite a dred look going."   I will try to document the dreds, but I warn you--it is NOT a good look for me.   Wish me luck tomorrow!   Thanks for your support.   Love you-
 
Liz

Comments: Total (13) comments

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 12:05 am

Liz, You have us all smiling on this end! Looking forward to the pics and stories...

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 04:42 pm

Go Liz Go!!! Dont worry about the dread locks. Fashion in the Sahara is overrated! :) You and Deb are AMAZING (crazy) to be still trekking along. WE are all so proud of you! Tell Nefertiti I said hi! :o) Kerina

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 02:58 pm

Go Liz! You're almost there so keep plugging away! See you soon. H

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 04:54 am

You are amazing!!!!!!! Love you!

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 02:27 am

Way to go Liz! You are amazing to hang in there under those extreme conditions, we are all very proud of you! And yes, crazy you are.....in such incredible ways. Rebecca

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 02:27 am

Hey, Liz ~ You are amazing but next time let me pick the vacation spot. A lovely spa in a nice cool location!!! Keep going you can do this and think of all the stories you will have to share with us. Cindy

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 01:23 am

124? Yeah, I would have quit before I started! Props to you for sticking with it! Can't wait for the pics to go along with the stories!

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 12:41 am

You are crazy in a good way. Good luck tomorrow.

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 12:36 am

Liz...OMG!! I am rooting for you.....sorry about the feet and I am sure alot of other muscles.....you are amazing!! Laura

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 12:05 am

Well, at least you now can eat whatever you want because you are burning it off! Good way to lose weight; however, I can think of easier diets.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 11:56 pm

Way to go Liz! I really am impressed that you can keep going in conditions like that! I hope you get a good nights sleep and are ready for the long day ahead of you. This is truly an experience you will never forget, and I'm sure as time goes on, you will look back on it with somewhat fond memories? Be safe! Love you, Becky

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 10:03 pm

Hey Liz, Awesome that you are at stage 4. I can't believe you are going until midnight tomorrow! You probably need carbs so imagine your freeze-dried food for the day is pasta salad. (We had our PLA Faculty training today and served lunch. The pasta salad was really good.) Also, imagine a little wine with your pasta salad. By the way, Barb and I decided the Egyptian wine was not to our liking; she drank it anyway but I switched to beer.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 09:49 pm

You go girl! Beth and I are sitting here in my office reading your blog while sipping cold water and ice tea! Sad to hear about your toes! Rooting for you on this end. Be safe...and be real. Cheers, Jane and Beth

27 October 2009 03:48 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Another day done. Today was easier.  There was a breeze most of the day which cut into the heat a bit.  We lost a few more participants, but all in all, we are good.   The terrain here is amazing.  We walked through these huge limestone formations, and it alternated between really soft sant and craggy rocks.  There are at least four check points during each day. Today's  #3 at about the 19 mile mark was an oasis with a natural spring.  The whole thing was about 1000 square feet, but there were three palm trees and the water was delightful..  By the time we got there, I had new blisters between my toes, and the old ones were bleeding, so I decided to skip the last 7 miles (I found out you can do that and still keep going--woo hoo). I will start out again tomorrow  Deb was hurting too, but those of you who know her know how intense she can be.  She felt as passionate about that last bit of walking as she does about mis-aligned font!  So at 5 pm, I got on the truck for camp and she decided to walk.  She is with a group of adorable young people from London, so don't worry about her, but she probably won't be blogging tonight.
 
I have met some of the greatest people here--I am truly impressed with their strength, stamina, and compassion.  There is a blind competitor who is running with the another guy who is a marathoner--they are kicking our butts big time!   The guys in our tent are awesome.  They keep us laughing.  There is a woman from England whose home TV is following her daily.  She is really slow, but a tougher cookie than I am.  I was talking to one of the nurses.  She told me about the race in Chile and said I should go.  I told that that was the first and LAST time I was doing this, but I would consider volunteering--they ride in the truck the whole way! 
 
Anyway, that is it for tonight.  Glad I am here, but I am starting to really stink and my hair is approching dredlock status to rival Alex's old look.  A shower on Saturday will be nice.  We got some great pics to share when we get home. 
 
Liz

Comments: Total (11) comments

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 02:22 pm

WAY TO GO GIRLFRIEND! Walking in 120 degree heat! I only lasted a couple of hours in the Egypt heat, and I was just standing around being a tourist. Ok, the food for today is Chex Mix. We had our PLA open house Monday so I spent every night last week making chex mix. The problem is I made a batch, ate a bowlful, made a batch, ate a bowlful. This went on for seven days so I have porked out a bit. I guess I could throw a little sand in my shoes and jump on the treadmill so I can feel what you're going through but I am not really into experiential learning!

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 02:07 pm

Liz, fantastic! Everytime I read your blog, I think of the Frank Sinatra song -- you have done and are doing so many amazing things. Your regrets will indeed be few. My best to Deb.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 01:57 pm

So looking forward to your photos. You ought to write a trip report for us all after you get back! And I won't be at all surprised to find you riding in the truck volunteering in Chile in the near future. Sounds fun! Looking forward to your report on Stage 4.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 04:42 am

You are a trooper! I don't care how long it takes you to walk a mile you walked it and that is incredible. I hope your feet are feeling okay. Can't wait to see some incredible pictures. I bet Alex will be so jealous of your dreads :)

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 04:13 am

What a trooper--day three and walking another 19 miles with blistered, bleeding feet not to metion carrying a heavy backpack on your back! I'm so glad that you are enjoying the amazing scenery and the wonderful people! Hope to someday see a picture of your dreads!:)

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 02:54 am

Way to keep plugging along! I give you credit for getting up each day and giving it another try. It sounds like you are having a great experience and that you have an amazing landscape to be walking in each day.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 02:44 am

Keep pluggin away! I can't wait to see the pics, especially the dreads. Do you get to shower soon? Such a cool experience!

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 02:23 am

Liz--I can't believe you are still going. I heard the temp was 49 degrees Celsius. Got my converter out and discovered that is 120F! Yikes! And you thought Phoenix was hot! Take care of yourself, girl!

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 01:32 am

Another day to check off the list. What an accomplishment. I love reading about your journey! Keep walking...we are all thinking about you and are so proud of you guys!

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 12:45 am

Liz, This was my weekend to take Mother to Florida so I have been a bit out of touch with you, but I am glad to hear that you are still enjoying yourself!!! Clark said you should have talked to him about how miserable sand really is!! Take care of yourself, you are an amazing person and I am so proud to have you as a friend. Cindy

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 11:51 pm

Hi Liz, Glad to hear that you are still hanging in there. You are amazing. What a unique and amazing place to be. Take care. We are always thinking about you. Love, Mom and Dad

26 October 2009 02:59 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Hi all-  Sorry it has taken so long to post.  It has benn crazy!  Turns out that the start line was a good 7 hours outside of Cairo, so when we were checked in on Saturday, we boarded buses.  It got intersting when the bus Deb and I were on starting spewing smoke and we had to stop.  The driver went to the smoking, sputtering enginve in the back (cigarette hanging out of his mouth) and declared that the engine was dead.  So, we soent four hours sitting at an Egyptian "truck stop" and didn't get to basecamp until 1 am. 
 
Deb and I are in a tent with six guys--from Ireland, Norway, and England.  They are very nice and funny.  Stage one started yesterday at 9 am.  21 miles--the easy pfase!  It was HOT and sandy--actually quite miserable (in a good way, of course).  We looked at each other numerous times asking WTF are we doing???  Deb and I finished at 6:30 pm numbers 114 and 115 of 120..  I have decided that I hate sand. especially undulating sand.  Three guys dropped out yesterday.  Today was supposed to be 26 miles.  It was 110.  By the time I got half way, I was blistered, heat rashed and had symptons of hear stroke.  So-  Deb and I decided (with about 6 other people) that 14 miles was a good show!
 
The good news is that it is not all or nothing--we can start again tomorrow with stage three and see how it goes.  I have met some really interesting people here.  Some of thes athletes are amazing1  Glad I came ;-)  Love you all--
 
From truly BFE--
 
Liz

Comments: Total (14) comments

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 08:54 pm

Hey, after this, copper mountain will be a piece of cake! Here's hoping you drink in the ambience in comfort until you come back home...

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 08:53 pm

If you haven't seen the video, go to the home page of the race and see Liz and Deb "live" in the middle of the desert with winds blowing and the sun beating down (and, Phoenix isn't that bad!).

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 08:46 pm

I'm so proud of you both. No matter how far you went (and walking in that kind of sand is amazing difficult), you stayed in the game. Just beginning this adventure and participating is something that I find admirable!!!!!!

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 04:55 pm

You guys are my heroes. Whether you finish each leg or not, you went there and did more than those of us sitting here reading your blog have done. I am so proud of you guys! You are truly someone that I look up to for many reasons!

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 04:31 pm

Hahahaha! Nice touch with the \"BFE\" and glad to hear your spirits are still high after the crazy conditions. Just think massage and spa day with a nice glass of wine! Ah! Keep on treking! Kerina

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 03:17 pm

Hey Liz, I was getting worried about you. I hope you weren't in one of the medical tents getting an IV drip. Just wanted to update you on my delicious meal at Steventon's. I had the crab-stuffed halibut. Wallis had salmon. So today imagine your freeze-dried meal is tender flaky fish served with steamed broccoli in orange sauce. We had our PLA open house yesterday, and it went great. Terrell wrote a poem for us. Keep on going, you lean mean sandwalking machine! Love ya, KC.

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 04:07 am

I can't even imagine what it is like walking miles and miles through the Sahara desert... How are your feet?? Great job on what you have accomplished! Looking forward to hearing about the rest of your week!:)

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 01:32 am

Just walking the distances you and Deb have in the last two days is incredible in itself, not to mention the sand, the heat, the backpack, etc. If I was there with you, I'd vote for sleeping in 'til noon tomorrow and a bus ride back to Cairo with your feet up. You and Deb are amazing!

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 12:14 am

You have gone a lot farther than I could make it! What a wonderful experience. Proud of you guys!

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 11:33 pm

Before we got your blog, Mom said, "I'll bet Liz and her partner are looking at eachother and saying, "What is the heck have we got ourselves into?'" We are amazed at your fortitude and stamina. Hope you get some good rest tonight. Good hiking .

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 11:25 pm

WOW! Walking in 110+ heat with sand in your shoes sounds amazing! Ok, not really. I saw the guy who finished first in Stage 1 finished 22 miles in like 3.5 hours or something. Is that even possible? You are doing great! I checked for updates all last night and the morning and was relieved to see you and Deb had made it through Stage 1. Keep it up!! Love you!!

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 10:46 pm

Keep your chin up Liz and Deb! We are all sending good thoughts your way :)

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 10:29 pm

What an amazing, once-in-a-lifetime experience. You are a trooper to attempt it. (Walking in sand is the worst.) Hope you get some rest and enjoy tomorrow!!

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 10:26 pm

I can only imagine the difficulty of the "trek." Knowing how much you enjoy the heat this must incredibly uncomfortable when combined with the "giant sandbox." We are all proud of you and Deb.

23 October 2009 11:26 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Ok- so this is it; we are finally here.  I arrived yesterday.  I carried my pack on the plane with all my supplies, because I was paranoid about losing it. I also carried my shoes in a Home Depot bag because I couldn't fit them in the pack and didn't want to lose or wear them.  I had tied a small duffle bag onto the bottom of the pack with the stuff that wouldn't fit inside, and realized after walking through four airports with it smacking me in the butt that I needed to reconfigure. I am sure I was quite a sight to see :-)  I think I have it fixed now.   

Getting to the hotel was a trip.  Cairo traffice is crazy--it is Mexico City on steriods.  Hotel is new and nice, but a bit disorganized.  I am so used to being in Spanish speaking countries, that it is weird not to understand what people are saying.  I went into downtown today for a brief work-related meeting and had a lovely dinner on the Nile.  

We leave tomorrow mid-day for a seven hour drive to base camp.  I have met some really interesting people here already. Anyway, there is a line for the computer--will log in tomorrow night to let you know I am still alive.  Wish me luck!  

Liz 

Comments: Total (16) comments

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 09:15 pm

LIZ!!!! Great job on stage one!! I look at the pictures that they have posted and hope to find a glimpse of you or Deb but to no avail. Also I am noticing how warm and beautiful the Sahara is. Eating on the Nile, priceless!! Keep on trucking and we are all rooting for you. Every day is a "Hey any news on Liz or Deb?" day! GO LIZ GO!! Your cheerleader in the corner! Kerina

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 07:19 pm

Liz and Deb, congrats on finishing the stage 1. Best of luck and by now you may have finished the stage 2! We're cheering for you. Aung

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 06:33 pm

I can't imagine how you are making it without air conditioning. I laughed at your comment about not being able to understand people like you can in Mexico. That was what I experienced in Germany. I'm cheering for you!

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 04:29 pm

A big shout out for finishing the first stage of the race! I hope things are going well and continue to go well for you today. I'm thinking of you and praying for you as well. Love you, Becky

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 03:33 pm

Liz - I'm thinking about you and Deb today and wishing you both well :) I know you'll be just fine! Update us when you can. Be safe and well! Love ya!

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 03:11 pm

Hey Liz, just wanted you to know we are thinking of you! It sounds like the first day was pretty rough for a lot of people--can't even imagine what it would be like... Wishing you the best in stage 2. Sending lots of love!

Posted On: 25 Oct 2009 03:22 am

Good luck! Can't wait to hear about your first day. I am sure everyone is wondering what it is "really" like out there!

Posted On: 24 Oct 2009 09:44 pm

Hey Liz, Wallis and I are slaving away over PLA today! We are going to Steventon's tonight for a delicious meal and some wine. So when you are eating your freeze-dried meal tonight, pretend it is a nice Iowa steak! Love ya, KC:)

Posted On: 24 Oct 2009 09:27 pm

Indeed - Good GAWD woman! Rapelling 30 stories and then hiking through the desert - you sure know how to have fun. I will be thinking of you while I sip my iced tea on the patio - near the pool - and watch the muscle bound fellows next door working out. In actuality, I am quite envious and wish I could join you.....have fun, savor the memories, and enjoy the country.

Posted On: 24 Oct 2009 09:17 pm

Hey Liz! Wow! It is finally here! I am excited for you and thinking of you all the time. I'm looking forward to your daily blog updates. Good luck! Love you, Becky

Posted On: 24 Oct 2009 07:26 pm

Glad you made it safe and sound!! Can't wait to see what your first day is like. We will be checking in every day. Have so much fun and be safe. Love you!! Emily and Tigo

Posted On: 24 Oct 2009 05:01 pm

I think this sounds like a blast! You guys will do great. I can\'t wait to see the updates! Did Alex and Caleb go with you for the whole trip or just heading out next weekend? I say, make them carry your luggage! :-) Love ya!!!

Posted On: 24 Oct 2009 02:20 pm

We have been saying, "Liz is here, and now she is there" for the past few days. We wish you well and want you to know you are always in our prayers. God bless and success with your adventure. We love you dearly.

Posted On: 24 Oct 2009 01:49 pm

You are awesome! Glad you have this blog so we can follow your progress. By the way, Tate is very jealous that you are in Egypt. When I told him you were racing in the Sahara, he said, "Wow! Mom, did you know that is the largest desert in the world?!" Good luck!

Posted On: 24 Oct 2009 01:31 pm

Liz, We are excited for you, and we know you are going to do awesome! Can\'t wait to hear about your first \"walking day.\" Sending you lots of love, luck, and success!

Posted On: 24 Oct 2009 04:59 am

Proud of you and wishing you the best! Paige, on the other hand, is wondering why in the world you would want to walk across a desert...smile!:) Who knows, someday she may follow in your footsteps. GOOD LUCK!

20 October 2009 07:50 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

OK.  I just finished packing and I have a car coming at 4 am.  I am half excited and half scared to death.  While Deb and I have been training for more than a year, a huge transition at work in the last two months has kept us in the office for hours after we wanted to be out training.  I can't remember the number of times that we have looked at each other at 6 pm in the office and sighed.  Nevertheless--we are up for the adventure and on our way to Cairo. 

Based on the advice from Sam, I am going to carry on most of my gear.  I actually have a work meeting in Cairo on Friday, so hopefully my checked luggage will arrive in tact.  Otherwise, the provost will go to a formal meeting in either sweats or running tights--hey a girl's gotta have priorities!  Maybe I can offer my professional contact a lovely freeze-dried meal...

Anyway, at this point I am asking myself the question I have gotten for months..what in God's name are you thinking??  Last Saturday, I rappelled 33 stories of the Hyatt Manchester for charity.  People tell me that after that, the Sahara will be easy--I don't think so...

Honestly, I can't wait until a round of golf is the highlight of me weekend...see you all soon.

Comments: Total (4) comments

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 05:26 pm

Congrats on your arrival and survival of your trip to Cairo. My Dad told me frequently how chaotic it was but he enjoyed the experiences. I wish we had pics of your travel "look" (backpack, Home Depot bag, etc)...I know you have a great time.....you are missed by your team.. Jim

Posted On: 23 Oct 2009 05:50 am

Hey, Liz-- Hope you and Deb have a great time together and enjoy the journey. Hang in there!

Posted On: 22 Oct 2009 06:21 am

Best of luck to you and Deb! Enjoy the adventure! We look forward to hearing how you are both progressing during the journey.

Posted On: 22 Oct 2009 04:55 am

We will be rooting for you, Liz! Amazing adventures await you! We know you can do it!

12 August 2009 12:40 pm (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

So I am finally getting around to creating a blog.  I have been talking about this trip for more than a year now, and here it is just around the corner!  I have learned a lot from reading the blogs of you veterans at this, and Debbie and I have been arguing about just how tough this will be. For the record, I don't plan to give any of you "racers" a run for your money--just cross your fingers that I will drag in at the end of the day. 

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 09 Oct 2009 04:03 pm

Good luck on your upcoming race. My friend Brian Jones is going and his charity he is running for is Autism which is something close to home for me with one of my boys who have it. I was looking through the site and wanted to say good luck to you and your fellow racers! Keep cool and enjoy the adventure.

Posted On: 24 Aug 2009 06:16 am

Hi Elizabeth, good for you for doing this. Your story reminded me a little of my own. I did Gobi a couple of months ago, after the comment from a friend of mine at a party. 5 months later I did it. It's a truly amazing experience. I spent most of my race near the back - and it's great there! Best of luck. My husband will be doing Sahara - Ross Eathorne, so I'll be watching everyones progress closely. Best Liz

Posted On: 18 Aug 2009 09:48 pm

Thanks for the responses. I am really getting excited and nervous. I believe in the law of attraction, so I have been repeating the mantra "it will be unseasonably cool in the Sahara the last week of October." Doesn't hurt to put that out there to the universe! Tracey- my email is [email protected]. Shoot me an email and we can talk! Liz

Posted On: 17 Aug 2009 07:37 am

Hi Elizabeth, Yes i am up for this too. Have also been talking about it for over a year and my family and friends cannot belive that I am doing it. So glad at last to be in touch with others who had the same crazy but wonderful idea to do this race! Look forward to keeping in touch with you and others who are training. Egypt is not far away, see you there! BW Anita

Posted On: 17 Aug 2009 02:02 am

Hi Elizabeth, For the record - wherever you are in the Sahara Race -- you'll have company in me. If you have a chance to touch base (offline from this blog) I would really appreciate it. I'd like to compare some notes on equipment and overall itinerary. In Austin, we've had almost 60+ days of 100+ temperatures which I'm hoping will help in preparation! Visit soon I hope... Thanks! Tracey - Austin, Texas

Posted On: 13 Aug 2009 04:28 pm

Hello Elizabeth, Hello from a fellow Sahara runner! Look forward to meeting you in Egypt. Enjoy your training. Cheers - Jay