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Deborah Riemer

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Namib Race (2009) blog posts from Deborah Riemer

26 October 2009 01:36 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

I finally have a few minutes to provide everyone an update . . . the only reason for the extra time is that Liz and I dropped out after the second stage of todays race.  Otherwise, at our pace we end up coming into camp after dark . . . enough time to fix our feet, eat and get to bed.  This is much more gruelling than we ever imagined.  A 20 mile jaunt across the Sahara makes 20 miles on Iron Mountain seem like a Sunday School cakewalk.  We were both suffering from the heat and foot issues and opted to cut it short.  With a good nights sleep, however we are looking forward to giving it another go tomorrow.  Unfortunately, we are no longer eligible for a finishers medal but we do want to continue to do as much as we can.  I havent slept a wink for four nights so the medical tent gave me a sleeping aid for tonight.  I have high hopes that it will renew my spirits.
 
Although we are challenging ourselves in ways never before, it has been a wonderful experience so far.  The event volunteers and the competitors are all so wonderful.
 
Saturday we we all loaded onto four buses to the start of the race.  On the way, the bus we were on broke down so we had to wait for a replacement from Cairo.  This ended up adding 4-5 more hours to the trip, thus arriving at camp after midnight sometime. Our first race day was 21 miles and it took us 9 hours.  Walking through the sand is such a challenge.  Even though I trained with elevation change, walking on a flat expanse of mostly sand is so ridiculously more difficult.  Today segment was 28 miles and liz and I completed about 13 miles of it before we were beat into submission by the sun.  I dont understand how the top competitors here can finish in just a few hours.  That is just beyond my comprehension. 
 
Well, I am dreaming of that sleeping pill right now, so I am off to give it a try.  Ill write more when I get a chance.

Comments: Total (21) comments

Posted On: 02 Nov 2009 08:35 pm

Hi Deb, A great big congratulations on this feet! I'm glad it is your feet and not mine. Wow, don't know how you gals found this event...in a world of events, but more power to you! I think you both need a margarita. Cathy

Posted On: 02 Nov 2009 04:40 am

Debbie - You rock! Hope you took your camera...I can't wait to see pictures of the dunes, the sand storms, and most importantly, your feet! Very impressed....

Posted On: 01 Nov 2009 05:50 pm

What an adventure! Congratulations to both you and Liz. Can't wait to hear more about the trek.

Posted On: 31 Oct 2009 04:01 pm

Awesome job Deborah! I could only imagine what that desert must be like. Anything can happen. Very harsh conditions I'm sure You did well. Hope you enjoyed all of it! Safe travels! Best, Cooper

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 10:09 pm

We read Liz's blog and saw that you are alive and still ambulatory. Then we saw your time for the long leg: how about that 28 hours.? Mom got teary-eyed when she saw that, but I'm not sure if it's because she's proud you finished the race or mad that you raced! Probably both. Well, congratulations on finishing that amazing distance. Next year take a cruise with us! Walking the deck against the ocean spray is an accomplishment, too!

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 06:22 pm

Just saw the update that everyone made to camp after last stage. I am sure emotions are high. Congrats to you and Liz you made it. Look forward to talking to you tomorrow. Feels like such a long time since we spoke last even though it has been only a week. M BTW saw your pictures from stage 5 on the site..

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 06:17 pm

Deb--I hope you are reading this message, back at the hotel, with your feet in a bucket of cool water and another type of cool one in each hand. Congratulations on your incredible accomplishment. Saw the short video on the 4Deserts website of you and Liz out on the trail. I hope you can get a copy for your scrapbook. Take care of yourself and get lots of rest! Kudos again on an unbelievable achievement!

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 04:29 pm

Book that massage and enjoy your shower, good food, cold beverages and some rest! I have the wheelchair waiting for you at home since your feet may never recover! What an amazing adventure, so proud of you and all you do!

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 11:05 am

Just got D down after a 3 a.m. feeding, so I thought I'd post while I can. I cannot wait to talk to you and hear all about it! My thoughts are with you daily. What a cool adventure... I see that Mo is just as crazy as you... are you really going to do it again next year?

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 10:12 pm

Hi Deb, You and Liz will do anything to avoid technology transitions Ha! I was going to write something more specific about the transition but I am not sure my sense of humor will be appreciated by the worldwide audience reading the blogs. Anyway, great job tackling the sun and sand. We want you two back in reasonable working condition.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 02:11 pm

Deb, I can't imagine doing what you and Liz have done so far. You are to be proud of yourselves. I know the terrain and it is far more difficult than most people imagine -- it looks so easy in photos. Take care of yourself.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 02:39 am

You are amazing! Keep going and don't get on the camel...unless you absolutely have to.

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 08:59 pm

Deb, Shaking my head and smiling as I write this... someday, if you aren't already, you will too... Proud of you!

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 07:26 pm

And I can not even tolerate sand in my shoes...I am so proud of you Deb (and Liz) and please know you have already accomplished more than most could imagine. Stay safe and enjoy this life-altering time together.

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 04:45 pm

Hang in there you two. We are all proud of you and your ambitions! I get tired just waking on the beach from my chair to the water :) I can't imagine what you feel like walking in the sand out there. Hang in there....what an experience though!

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 01:57 pm

I am in London and only saw your posting today (don't have my lap top and asked a client to let me use their office computer). So your suspicion about the desert sand was right. Walking 21 miles and another 13 in two days is by no means a small feat. I will be training with you next year and you can finish the race and I will aim to finish the first day. Say high to Liz and good luck to both of you for tomorrow.

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 01:18 am

Hey, Deb-- I can't even imagine walking 21 miles across the desert and then getting up the next day and walking another 13. You and Liz are amazing! Hope you gets some much-deserved rest this evening. Take care of yourself!

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 11:26 pm

Great job so far Deb! Glad my mom and you are able to do this together. Hope tomorrow is a little easier for you guys. We will be thinking of you! Emily

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 10:28 pm

I saw the news about the bus break-down. Wondered if u were on it. I also saw the news about two trains coliding over there. Wondered if u were there! I didn't tell Mom about those news items as she would worry more than I! OK! Take care! Dad

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 10:19 pm

Deb I noticed a number of "bloggers" have struggled through the event and others are also backing off. I know it must be difficult to imagine how you could actually train for something like this event. I hope you get a chance to enjoy more of Egypt---we are all proud of you. Jim

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 09:24 pm

Hello Deb. I just sent an email to Liz but then saw that you guys withdrew! We know you are strong competitors and you will bounce back tomorrow with renewed strength! We are all so proud of you and Liz!! Keep on going and keep up the blogs!! We all squeal with delight when someone from the office finds a blog from you or from Liz. Kerina :O)

23 October 2009 08:16 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

As much as I tried to battle through the day and not succumb to sleep this afternoon, I found myself rising from my reading position on the hotel bed about 3 hours after I rested my eyes for just a minute.  I hope that doesn't ruin my chances for sleep tonight.  Tomorrow we meet the race organizers and then board a bus for the starting point which is a 7 hour drive away.  I am very nervous and excited at the same time.  I am very much looking forward to the desert scenery and immersion, which is what attracted me to this adventure in the first place.  This combined with the physical challenge will be an amazing experience if I can maintain the health of my feet.  So far, the individuals we've run into associated with the race (organizers, volunteers and participants) have been warm and friendly.  

Well, friends and family, the next blog posting from me will be from somewhere . . . out there . . . 

Deb

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 02:14 am

I am so proud of you and all that you are doing! AMAZING pictures, incredible heat, and it sounds like the people are of course the very best part of it all. I can\'t wait to hear all of the stories! Enjoy the time and take the pace easy so you are still walking when you get home.

Posted On: 25 Oct 2009 05:22 am

Hi, Deb! I was happy to read in your post that you were traveling by bus and to receive a Racingtheplanet news release that you all arrived safely at the campsite. We had breaking news today of a terrible passenger train accident just outside Cairo, with more than two dozen fatalities. I was worried about you guys. Glad you are well. Get plenty of sleep tonight for the start of your great adventure--and say "hi" to Liz for me!

22 October 2009 10:06 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

My first attempt at a posting was lost because my internet connection timed out before I "saved."  Such a bummer because it was a REALLY good posting!  Thus, with limited time, here is my first blog contribution . . . short and sweet . . .

I have finally arrived in Cairo after a long, but uneventful day of travelling.  Amazingly, I slept most of the way which is a first for me.  The weather here is quite cool so I am anticipating comfortable temperatures for the race.  I was happy to run into fellow event participants at the airport . . . meeting others in the flesh helps to allay some of my fears for the event.  It also helps to know that others were also having a difficult time fitting their supplies into their packs.  One pleasant surprise was that my pack is much lighter than what I was training with.  Those pounds of beans in my pack during training definitely outweigh the freeze-dried dinners that take up most of the space in my pack now.  I hope that ends up being to my benefit . . . I need all the help I can for our trek.

I am out of time, but will try to post something every day.

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 04:02 pm

Glad you are safe....too bad this race is not at night....being the Night-Owl, the process would fit into your schedule. I hope you enjoy the experience...you are missed around here...

Posted On: 23 Oct 2009 03:18 pm

Thanks Dan! I have never done anything like this so I am a bit nervous but a lot excited.

Posted On: 22 Oct 2009 07:32 pm

Good luck, Deborah! I have done the race and been camp manager for it. You are at the beginning of quite an adventure.

22 October 2009 09:54 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

This is a test post to make sure it is working . . .

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 25 Oct 2009 05:21 pm

Hey Deb.. can't wait to hear about your first day. Hope nothing came of the shoes.. I saw some pictures and the terrain looks quite impressive. Just want to let you know that I am with you all the way to the finish and beyond-:) Hi to Liz.