This will be our last posting with regard to the Sahara Race 2009.  Now that we've had a few weeks to collect our thoughts and catch up with friends and family at home, it felt appropriate to debrief the experience a bit. Everyone will have their own take on things, but here are my personal highlights.

I'll start with Ash because I don't think he got the attention he deserved during the race in some of my other posts. Wow, what a performance. He was so consistent each day and never seemed to be too wiped out by the whole experience. He just took everything in stride, had a great sense of humour and casually cruised to an 8th place finish overall. Ironically enough, it was Ash's health that we were most worried about in the months leading up to the race. His hernia will require surgery, I'm sure, but it didn't seem to slow him down any. It was a pleasure to finally meet him and hopefully we'll be able to race again together in the future.

Next is Mehmet. He started as one of the pre-race favourites and he showed that by winning both of the first 2 stages. That's when his stomach troubles kicked in and he never was able to fully regain his strength. It was pride alone that carried him to the finish line and he even managed a respectable 15th place overall. What I'll remember most about Mat's performance was how he handled the disappointment of not being able to perform as well as his training would suggest he should have. It was like this switch went off in his head and he just changed his focus from potentially winning to just getting to the finish. What I found amazing about how he handled it was when we got back to camp after stage 3 and saw him again, there was no way to tell how disappointing the day was. He was just the same old Mat. Social, helpful and curious about the other competitors and how they were feeling. He spent no time feeling sorry for himself, he just got on with the task and enjoyed the whole experience regardless of his finish. Not a lot of competitive athletes can do that so quickly and easily, but Mat certainly did and I'll never forget it. It would be wonderful to race with Mat again in the future.

Then there's Jesse. There may not be enough room in this blog to say enough good about him and his performance. After his struggles on day 1 and 2, he just kept getting stronger. It was like he was just warming up for day 3,4 and 5. His help with Ron was incredible. He spent most of the last 3 days with Ron as he kept telling me to rest and enjoy the experience. By the end of day 5, when my toes were so banged up I could barely walk, I asked Jesse to help Ron a little more than I would have liked to. It just didn't feel safe for me to be guiding Ron in the dark, over rocks etc. when I could barely manage myself. Jesse came through and he deserves much of the credit for getting Ron to the finish line in one piece. He was so helpful in the tent and he was always willing to share food and advice when ever necessary. I'll never forget the massage practice that Jesse started in our tent. It started with Ron and then led to many others as the week wore on. Jesse has now completed 12 of these races which seems hard to believe, but hopefully he has a few more left so we can race again together.

There's no denying Ron was the star of the show. The mental and physical stamina that he demonstrated during the race was inspirational to be part of. Many competitors took the time to commend him on his performance and I'm glad that I was there to witness it and play a role in getting him to the start and finish line. It is truly an experience that I will never forget.

Finally, I would like to thank all of the RTP staff and volunteers for all of their help and support before, during and after the race. This truly a first class organization and I'll do whatever I can to recommend and support them in the future. Right now my athletic focus is on the Boston Marathon and then hopefully a shot at the Gobi. We'll have to see how that all comes together, but for now we'll just enjoy the feeling of knowing that we did it. Team CanShare was 5 for 5 in getting to the finish line and our tent #1 was 9 for 9...that's something to be proud of.

  

From Ron: Hi there everyone. This will likely be the last time we blog from the Sahara. Karen, I would like so much to bring you back a jewel, but there is just nothing around but sand and stone. Strike the Sahara from our vacation destinies. While we were running yesterday, off in the distance, I thought I saw a big fancy jewelry store. Unfortunately, it was just a mirage. You know I'll make it up to you later. If you get a minute, please call my best buddy and remind him that I could use some NC's and some of Maria's good food. You have no idea how much all of the emails from our friends have meant to me, especially yours and Emily's. I hope I'll have enough energy to carry your parcels. I know I asked you not to drive to Toronto by yourself, but there is nothing I'd like better than to see you and your mom there to meet me. It's been far too long since I've seen you. My other partner Jesse has turned out to be one super guy. I'd love him to come to Canada and I told him that. Unfortunately, one of his favourite foods is "dog", so Misty will have to stay with Shirley when he comes for a visit. Karen, if you can find out the species of the butterfly that followed me so closely, we may have a new name for the next fish I buy for you. Hope you, Misty, and the babies have a great Halloween. Thinking about you lots, Love Ron.
 
From Tom: As I stare at my swollen feet and see the black toes nails that will surely fall off in the coming weeks, many of you may wonder what the hell I was thinking when I signed up for this. Strangely enough, there is a part of me (and others here for sure) that feel so "truly alive" when they are pushing themselves to the absolute limit. Last night when we were climbing what we thought was the final dune, I was thinking that this is the test that I signed up for (paid for even)...as hard as that was, I passed the test and that is very satifying. Then we realized that the mileage was actually off and there was another dune to climb. We plowed on and again I thought, here's another test..."Are you up for it? Or are you going to cave and quit? At that point, I yelled out very loud, "You will NOT break me! (or us) Give me another 20 dunes to climb, you cruel bastard, and I (we) will climb them too." As it turned out, there were only 3 more large dunes (and about 45 extra minutes of suffering and challenge) in that test and we passed with flying colours. That is what we came here for...to pass the "test", to find out how deep we could dig. And as I sit here now typing from my little stool in the desert sand, it makes me so proud to know that I (we) accomplished what we came to do. This event was far more difficult than we thought it would be, but we made it. If any of you are thinking of taking on any similar challenges, athletic or otherwise, don't think anymore...do it! The people we've met here come in all shapes, all sizes, different countries, different carrers and walks of life. Each person has their own unique story, but what we all have in common (even the 20% of people that didn't finish the race) is that we were willing to take action, get out of our comfort zone and push ourselves like never before. As I finish this blog, the final competitor is just coming in...she has been out there for 39 hours since we left camp yesterday morning. She finished the final stage with 4 minutes to spare...Wow. What courage! If you are reading this and thinking, "I wonder if I could do something like that?"...from my perspective "Yes YOU can!"
 
In addition to that though, there were many other things that I have come realize that are at least as important as the personal success on the "test". I have been overwhemed by how many of you took the time to follow us and send inspiring messages. I know how busy everyone is and for you to follow with such interest makes me beam with pride when I think about how lucky I am to have you in my life. I have missed you all immensely and I very much look forward to seeing you all soon. I know there will be many more challenges ahead (some of them athletic) and it helps to know that (much like the glow-sticks that marked the course and we followed last night) there will be a solid group of supporters to help me find my way in the coming years and months. I love you all and I see you soon. P.S. Tell Lara, sorry,  because she got out-voted by the kids so daddy will be coming home with a beard!
 

We did it! We conquered the "Monster"...88 km stage 5 (it was actually over 90km according to several reliable GPS units). Regardless, it was absolutely incredible to finish last night with Ron and Jesse after 20.5 hours straight around 2:30 a.m. The final stretch was suppossed to be 8.1 km and ended up being over 11. RTP is famous for their cruel surprises! The last few km had some monstrous dunes with really soft sand (simialr to Sandbanks at home). We all toughed it out though and the sense of euphoria is tough to describe. I was imagining the final few steps as being very emotional, given the magnitude of the moment and all that we've been through (especially Ron), but strangely enough, we were all too exhausted to cry (that will come later, I'm sure). Yesterday was twice as far as either one of us has ever run in one day...hard to believe that we actually did it, even now. My feet swelled considerably and because I wasn't stepping the same way, I kept smashing my bruised big toes and various rocks. The pain was excrciating, but I somehow kept going. Ron was a warrior all week and his list of ailments, sores1, blisters and other pains are too considerable to mention here. Regardless, his courage to complete this race was on full display again last night and we were even able to run a final few steps to the finish.
 
There hasn't too much time for reflection yet, but Ron's presence here has inspired many people (even the other crazy ones that do this). Because Jesse has been so supportive in guiding Ron so much over the past 3 days, I have had the opportunity to share some of Ron's full life story with other competitors...the response has been amazing. I'm so glad that I made the decision to invite Ron on this trip (that was even before we got on the plane to come). Now it feels even better to know that Lara and I have been able to give him an experience that he will never forget. The courage he displayed before and during this race is something that will live with me (and others here) forever. Thank you, Ron! You have given us so much.
 
Let's hope we get some corporate sponsorship in the future so that we can continue this adventure together. It would be my honour to guide you again and if anyone else is looking for the experience of a lifetime...contact me and I'll get you in touch with Ron...A word of warning though...you'll never be the same after and I mean that in the most positive way possible.
 
They are kicking us out of the cybertent so we'll write more later.
 
From Ron: Hey Karen, honey, I'm fine...I'll send more later. Love you so much, Ron.

Wow, what a performance! Ron Hackett is a machine! We finished almost an hour faster than yesterday. Today was hot again and sunny all day. Jesse guided Ron for the bulk of it and I'll never forget seeing Ron running most of the final 12 km's of today's 40.5.
 
The scenery was pretty uninspiring and it was similar to running in "Death Valley". Despite that we performed really well and are in very good spirits leading into tomorrow's 87 km's. Barring disaster, it finally feels very likely that we are going to finish this race! At this point it is really just pain management because we have figured out the proper electrolite mix that keeps us going during the day.
 
Mat is still not well, but hanging in there in the top 10 along with Ash. Jesse seems to be just warming up...scary that he's actually done 13 of these races.
 
Other highlights include a butterfly that has been following us for days. We have named it "Karen" and every time she shows up I tell Ron and it brings a smile to his face. Ron is also very excited about the cardboard box that serves as our toilet (seriously). It makes his outhouse at the cottage look like a bathroom at the Four Seasons.
 
Ron: Thank you everbody once again for your encouraging messages. I am not forgetting anyone and I'll respond to you when I get home. Emily, Karen, Mom and Dad, getting you e-mails is my favourite time of the day (except for my visit to the "box", of course...haha). Emily, your emails make me feel so special (From Tom: they make me and others around us well up with tears when I read them aloud to your Dad). Karen, the butterfly that is watching over me believe it or not is  yellowy-orange. It's hard to believe that anything can live under these harsh conditions. Miss you all so much, Love Ron and daddy.
 
Tom: Thanks to everyone who sent emails and posted comments on our blog...we can't tell you how much it helps to encourage us during those dark moments. A special note to Lara, Jake and Nicholas: I hope you are feeling better and I won't shave until you see me...I might grab a shower though! Miss you all and see you soon.
 
Just a reminder...we will not be posting a blog tomorrow night because it will likely take close to 24 hours to complete tomorrow's stage...please don't worry...we're going to get there!

We all survived another one. Ron, Jesse and I made it through in about 9 hours. We all have some aches and pains, but we're determined to get to that finish line. We are so proud to even get this far...apparently more people dropped out yesterday than any day ever in RTP history. Jesse is feeling stronger and was very helpful with Ron today (and last night). Just to tell you kind of person Jesse is...last night after more than 10 hours out there, he came to the tent and within minutes was giving Ron the massage of his life...all while his legs were cramping up himself. Incredible! That has actually been consistent with the comraderie amongst all of the competitors. There is such a sense of support from first to the last person with people sharing extra food, some friendly advice and even some secrets for success. The volunteers have been so enthusiastic that it makes the checkpoints and camps that much nicer to get to.
 
Unfortunately, Matt woke up feeling terrible and couldn't get down any food before racing today. Despite that he held on and got through the stage. He's feeling better now and hopefully will recover enough to give it good go tomorrow. When people like him go down, it makes you realize just how lucky we are to still be rolling. Fingers crossed with 2 days left. Ash also did well...top 10 again.
 
Other highlights included the checkpoint 3 "oasis". It was so cool seeing this little island of green in the middle of all that sand. There were rumours of the temperature hitting 50 today...not sure if that's true, but it was smokin' in places...not a cloud in the sky today.
 
From Ron: Bob and Nancy, thank you for following the race and for letting the music community know. Marcel and Ann, thanks again for your note. Judy, your support means a great deal. This is easily the toughest physical challenge that I've ever taken on (From Tom: he's doing amazing though and has been such an inspiration to the other competitors). Emily, your marks and your progress are something that I'll be thinking about for the rest of the night...thank you for letting me know. Karen, with 2 days of the race left and half of the distance covered, I'm giving it my best. Thank the Sues for me. Emily and Karen, I'll be so glad to get home to you both. Love Ron and Daddy.
 
From Tom: I'm sorry that I haven't been able to respond to your emails individually, but there is lots to do to get us both ready for the next morning. As well, the cybertent is busy and I want to be fair to the other competitors. I promise to respond to each of you upon my return. Just a quick note to Lara and my boys...I think of you often and I been bragging to everyone who will listen just how special you are to me and others that know you. Keep the emails coming...they really brighten up our evening (it never seems long enough!). Love you all and we'll see you soon.
 
More tomorrow!
 

Ron and I completed the 45 km stage in just over 9 hours. It was tough slugging in the 48-50 degree heat...celcius! Jesse made it through yesterday, but hasn't come in yet tonight...he assured me he would though. Matt is still winning and passed the German guy with less than a kilometer to go. It should be an exciting next few days for him with a couple of guys within striking distance of his crown. Ash also had another strong day...finishing in the top 10.
 
There were several people to drop out over the first few days so we feel fortunate to still be competing. This has been much harder than we ever thought, but we're hanging in pretty well. Your emails have really helped us keep our spirits up, so keep them coming.
 
Ron wants to say thank you once again for your emails. Karen, your senses are always right. Although it's hard to address each of you individually, Emily you are right, love you big as a million skies. Karen I'm thinking about my gold star. Mother and Shirley, thank you for your prayers. Dad, Brian and Valerie, thank you take care...I'm not forgetting you too Sarah. Love you so much, Ron.
 
More tomorrow...let's hope for rain and 10 degrees!
 
Tom

Team CanShare update: The hotel in Cairo was stunning and we had a chance to meet many great people. The 4 hour bus trip turned out to be 7 that was actually 13 so we didn't hit the sheets until 1 a.m. A short night.
 
Ron and I survived day #1...we hit 43 degrees celcius and made it through in less than 7 hours. Unfortunately, we lost Jesse after about 20 km...his legs cramped up and he hasn't come in yet...9 hours later. We very much hope he finishes so we can continue together...he's been such a big help so far. As predicted, Mat won the stage and finshed a good 3 hours ahead of us...scary. Ash also did well so let's hope our 2 thoroughbreads can keep it up.
 
Thanks very much for all of the e-mails and a special thanks from Ronnie to his parents and "princess" (your e-mails mean the world to me). Ron hopes that Karen has touched base with Emily.
 
Time to eat and sleep...tomorrow is 10 km further than today...we'll update again tomorrow.

 

 

 

August 17, 2009                                                                        FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

 

“Taking Steps Together”

CanShare Children’s Foundation Ultramarathon

 

KINGSTON, ON – Tom Adair, a co-founder of CanShare Children’s Foundation (“CanShare”), a not-for-profit organization that helps local children become healthier and more active, will run 250 km in a week to train for Team CanShare’s upcoming Sahara Desert Race at the end of October and to raise awareness and sufficient funds to create the CanShare Fund in partnership with the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area. 

 

Tom, a teacher with the Limestone District School Board and 3-time Ironman finisher, will start his ultramarathon run at Springer Market Square in downtown Kingston at 7:00 am Sunday August 23, 2009, head out King St. and continue along Front Road out to the Lemoine Point Conservation Area and then loop back to Springer Market Square by 10:00 am.  This 30 km run will be repeated for 8 consecutive days for a total of 240 km.    Tom’s children, along with a variety of other teachers and friends will accompany him during parts of the ultramarathon.  A detailed map can be found on the CanShare website, www.canshare.org.  Tom invites participation at any point in the route from local running enthusiasts.

 

“As physical educators, Lara and I recognized a need and created CanShare in order to provide more opportunities to help children become healthier and more active in their school community”, said Tom.  “There is a definite link between a child’s health, their emotional and physical well being and their academic performance. 

 

This run will serve as a training run for Team CanShare’s upcoming Sahara Desert Race at the end of October, one of earth’s most grueling races. Tom, Mahmet Danis (winner of the Atacama Desert race), and Ashkan Mokhtari (23rd at Atacama) will attempt to be the first Canadian Team to win the prestigious desert event. Team CanShare hopes to inspire children and adults alike to lead more healthy and active lives.

 

If you are interested in supporting this cause visit www.canshare.org and make a donation, call the Community Foundation for Kingston & Area at 613-546-9696, and make a donation specifying that you would like you donation to go to the CanShare Children’s Foundation.  You can also purchase a “Taking Steps Together” pedometer, speak to your local schools and encourage them to organize a healthy fundraiser, sponsor children that engage in healthy fundraisers for their school or community groups. Finally, Say YES to Spark Together for Healthy Kids by visiting heartandstroke.ca/spark to sign the Spark Promise to Our Children.

 

Canshare Children’s Foundation

CanShare (www.canshare.org) is a volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization. CanShare’s mission is to provide financial support and expertise to programs that create healthy active living opportunities for local children in a long-term sustainable way.

 

 

 

Community Foundation for Kingston & Area

The Community Foundation for Kingston & Area enhances and strengthens the quality of life in our community through the administration of entrusted funds held in perpetuity, flexible donor services, and visionary grantmaking. It offers opportunities to concerned and caring citizens to give something back to the community which has nurtured them.  For more information, please visit our website at www.cfka.org.

 

For further information, contact:

Tom Adair

 

[email protected]

www.canshare.org

Check out the article that appeared on the Front Page of the Kingston Whig Standard this Saturday!
http://www.thewhig.com/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1701459

We were very pleased with how the article managed to sum up what we're all about.

Enjoy,

Tom