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Doris Matlok

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Namib Race (2012) blog posts from Doris Matlok

02 November 2012 11:39 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

I can’t begin to describe the emotions of the past 24 hours. What an experience! I was fortunate that I had my tent mate Shannon for company for the entire long march. We trudged for 23 hours together, talking about all kinds of random things, but mostly about the foods and drinks we were going to consume once the race was over! It was tough to keep going all night without sleep, but I was elated that we could cross the line together just at sunrise, coming in at just under 23 hours. And it was great to have each other’s company, it really helped to get through 86km of desert. We are all like the walking wounded here, but in good spirits. So the last stage tomorrow is a short 2-3km shuffle around the pyramids. I can’t believe it is nearly over. But what an experience, and I am just so overwhelmed by the support from everyone. Good news is that I didn’t need to play the ipod with messages of support as I was mentally strong all week. I was also physically strong in my legs, thanks to the awesome training form Marcus. I did play the ipod once I collapsed back in the tent this morning – you guys are awesome! Really emotional listening to the messages, and also reading all your messages now on the blog and via email. Thank you so much, it has been amazing.


I will do a full race report when I am back in Dubai, with more details and photos of my manky feet!! Haha!


Can’t wait to see all the Dubai peeps next week, missing you all xxx

Comments: Total (7) comments

Tudor Goode

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 01:08 pm

You Beauty Nuke! ?8->

Luke Naismith

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 10:23 am

Congratulations Doris on a magnificent achievement. Your stamina and resolve is truly an inspiration. Rest up, enjoy that shower and the normal food and see you next week back in the other sandpit.

Lee Harris

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 10:16 am

awwwwweeeeeessssooommmmeee ...truly the only word suitable for the Matlok Machine ...Gobi with me next June :-)x

Ruth Tucker

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 09:06 am

Wooohoooooooo !! What an amazing achievement , you are truly hardcore ! Hope the feet recover soon . So what's next for you to top this ???? Well done Doris , hope you are tucking into some yummy treats and taking a nice long shower !

Meg Kerr

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 05:22 am

D, so glad you had someone to share the long stage with. Makes it all that little bit easier to bear the pain. Love the pic of you and Shannon finishing! Can't wait to see pics of you crossing the finish line! See you next week xx

Christophe camacho

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 01:25 am

Wow!!! Well done, all the best for the remaining stage...You are UAE expat Champion...You are an inspiration for all runners...female and male. I hope I can enter the 2014 race and finish it.

martha chang

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 12:12 am

Doris, I'm Shannon's sister and I just want to say how incredible you guys are and the awe that you inspire here in Los Angeles. And thank you for keeping me posted on Shannon! I saw a picture of you two together and you guys look so energized despite the condition of your feet!

31 October 2012 11:55 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

Wow what a day of ups and downs. Started the day feeling a bit rough, as my cold has settled in my lungs and I coughed and sniffled through the night. Managed to get some cold and flu drugs from the medical tent this morning and they kicked in after the first hour, and then I felt great! Today I had the ipod on for the first time (music, not the special recording of wishes yet!) and I marched and sang my way through to checkpoints 1 and 2 in a fantastic mood. I think Racing the Planet may have included details about my chirpy mood in the breaking news update today! Well, after 23 km the wheels fell off and my feet were in absolute agony. I have blisters that are In places I never imagined on my feet (all over my heels and toes and balls of my feet) and also bigger than I have ever seen (2 massive ones on the inside of both heels, they are sickening to look at) and even though they are all taped up, the constant pressure on my feet was taking its toll. So I popped a painkiller which took the edge off, but I still had to trudge the last 15 km. My feet felt like I had rocks and broken glass in my shoes, unbelievable. So I am now in camp and relaxed after getting my shoes off and eating my mac and cheese and then a lovely surprise from the racing team as a Halloween treat – COLD soft drink and lollies! Such a nice treat J We then had a bit of gangnam style happening (lots of Koreans doing the race). So a nice fun evening before the long, long day of tomorrow. More positives from today include the usual - hydration/electrolytes and nutrition worked perfectly, no sunburn,and legs feel strong. Funnily enough I was thinking today what I would do the same and what I would do differently the next time I do this race!! I would love to do this again, if only to prove to myself that I can do a half-decent time – having strong legs but a heavy backpack together with chopped up feet and congested lungs has been incredibly frustrating, as there are some amazing sections to just open up and run. Frustratingly I have walked all but 1 km of the course, but I am happy to have made it to the end of day 4 and all within the cutoff times.


I was feeling good about tomorrow but with my feet in such a shattered state, I now have no idea what tomorrow will be like. I had to dig deep this afternoon to finish the last 15 km, so I suspect I will have to do the same tomorrow for the 86 km stage. That’s right. 86 km. My plan at this stage remains unchanged – keep going keep going keep going, stop at the 56km mark (which is the overnight checkpoint for people who want to stop and get some sleep) and get some hot water for my freeze dried meal for tomorrow, and then keep going keep going keep going. I hope to finish before sunrise on Friday. So I won’t be blogging again until I get in to camp at the end of the 86 km.


The course has certainly tested me mentally and physically, and this applies to many (all?) of the people here, and a few people have already pulled out. It has been hot, the terrain has been tough and exposed so no relief from the sun, my backpack feels like it has house bricks in it, and you then have to get up the next day and do it all again. I’m very lucky that I am in a tent with some fantastic people, we have all been laughing and joking and spirits are high.


Thank you again for all the wonderful blog comments and the emails. I think I am the only one in the cybertent who is laughing and crying every night. You guys are awesome. It has been a BIG part of my good mood and confidence here, knowing there are so many people who believe in me and my crazy goal of finishing this event. And special thank you to Luke and Fabrice for keeping details up to date on the Facebook page. I understand that some of you have seen photos of me here, I can only imagine what state I must be in and what I look like. I can’t wait to get in to a shower on Saturday!


Also, if anyone is getting the breaking news emails, can you save and send them to me at same stage as I forgot to sign up for them!


Thanks everyone for your support and belief in me


Love and hugs xxx

Comments: Total (13) comments

HANNAH Naismith

Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 07:33 am

OMG Doris! I'm so proud of you!!!! I just finished the Pink Walk with a few hundred other people this morning...had to do something after being inspired by your great effort. You Rock!!!!!

Tracey and Lyn Amos and Naismith

Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 07:19 am

Sitting toasting you with a latte and a cinnabon bun - are you jealous much! Totally totally in awe OMG - the phones lines have been burning around the marina this morning as we have all been calling each other to congratualte our selves on your success !! please dont do it again - we couldn't stand the stress!!!! love you heaps!

Ed and Sarah H

Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 06:58 am

Go D Go .... I can imagine your smile as you read all your messages ... Everyone in the UAE is enjoying the cooler weather and every time I moan that it is a little too hot I think of you trudging your way across the massive Sahara desert x What a star! Imagine the amazing foot massage, treatments and beautifying of your feet you can have done on your return! Dreamy! Hugs and giggles, Ed and Sazzle x Pom poms - a - shaking!

Jaymistacey Rymer

Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 05:41 am

What can I say Doris - You did it :) can't wait to welcome you back to the UAE to celebrate.

Liz van der Spek

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:50 pm

You are so close now your true grit and determination will see you through this very difficult stage. You are such an inspiration to us all. Thinking of you night and day cannot wait for news of your arrival into the final stage Doris. You are a LEGEND!!! Loads of love and hugs Liz, Raymi and Monique xxx

Marie O'Neill

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:34 pm

Doris, you are amazing, I've been thinking of you all week, you can and you will do this, we are all so very very proud of you, lot of love, kisses and hugs,Marie:-)xxx

Tudor Goode

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 12:09 pm

Legand! I reckon you should bottle those blisters. Essence of human spirit, priceless. ?8->

The Ramsay's

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:27 am

This update made me quite teary. So, so proud of all you have done and are doing - you are such a legend for not just talking about it, but actually doing it! I have been thinking about you loads, what an inspiration! So close to a shower and coffee - and the champagne is chilling for your return! loves and cuddles from us all xxxx

Rebecca Kelly

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 07:55 am

Thinking of you Doris... keep strong and keep going ... incredible incredible goal - and one that I am talking to my kids about everynight - as we all send you a little wish to travel safely through the desert and back home.

Lee Harris

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 06:29 am

once again just awesome an performance D, the long stage is just a mental thing ..your physically strong enough ..and you know it, just got to put one foot in front of the other and keep going ..matlok machine ..now just focus on that finish line :-) ...

Nicola Hubbard

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 05:15 am

Princess of blisters! You need to give them some media coverage to show the world what you have been through :) It's going to be equally tough on all of us as we won't get a blog till Saturday. Keep going.... xxx

Fae McGregor

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 05:03 am

We are so proud of you and your endurance Doris. Despite so many sore spots and carrying a backpack you are continuing to eat up those sandy kms. I don't know how you find the energy to blog but we are glad you do because we have enjoyed reading them. Sending you lots of love and upholding you in prayer. Keep on keeping on. Fae & Kevin X X

Meg Kerr

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 04:40 am

D, As expected you are kicking dune butt! Albeit a little softer than earlier in the week. Only 2 more sleeps (one with not so much sleeping, but will count it anyway) till that heavenly anticipated shower, though considering the blisters, maybe a long bath will be more likely! Remember, pain is for a moment, awesomeness is forever! xx

31 October 2012 02:05 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

Day 3 is done

Well day 3 is done. My feet are completely trashed (I have never seen blisters like it! Half of my feet are covered in tape) But I am almost at the halfway point in distance, and that is a great feeling. If I can stumble through the past few days with the pain and discomfort, then I am confident I will be crossing the finish line in Cairo on Saturday. Today was another interesting day.. Most of the 42 km was soft sand and it was all mostly sand dunes or some climbing. But thanks to Uber-coach Marcus, my legs and glutes feel fine and I am injury free. Marcus, you are AWESOME!! Other positives are again my hydration and nutrition being great, despite nearly 30 hours in the sun, I am not sunburnt, and mentally I feel strong, although did have a bit of a wobble at the 30km mark today, as I think most people did. The last 4 km into checkpoint 4 was brutal - hot plains with no breeze and estmated temperature of low to mid 40s, steep uphill sections that never seemed to end in soft sand, and the checkpoint that never seemed to appear. I nearly burst into tears and was thinking WTF am I doing here!! But I tried to refocus and got to the checkpoint and took a break for 20 minutes to regroup and eat some energy chews and drink water, and I felt better after that. It was a long day today and again no shade on the course but glad I made the cut off again. The medical team have been great and have treated my revolting blisters and today I also got some cold and flu medicine which is slowly taking effect. I have also got kinesio tape on my back and shoulders, as the weight of the pack (about 10-11 kg now with water) together with an ill-fitting back pack has taken its toll on my upper back. But hey, its all part of the experience and it has been an amazing journey so far.
So even though I had a wobble today, I haven't felt the need to listen to my fabulous recording of messages of support. I may need that on Wednesday evening as I plan to go through the whole 86 km in one day/night. Inshallah!!
Thank you again for all the wonderful messages and blog comments, they make me laugh and smile and I feel like some of you are with me here in the desert :) Missing everyone but I am in a tent of friendly crazy folk (Megs!! Steve B is in my tent! He is hilarious!!) so that has been a huge help in keeping everything positive.
Ok, better go have my freeze dried vegetable tikka and crawl into my sleeping bag. Wish I could send photos but I will have plenty to share when I get back - the scenery has been absolutely amazing
love and hugs to everyone xx

Comments: Total (6) comments

The Ramsay's

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:20 am

Go Doris Go!!! Still as upbeat as ever. I am feeling guilty about having ever complained about blisters for the sake of fashion - never again will blisters seem the same. Great you are surrounded by a team of crazies - was always going to happen given you are all crazy doing this!!! (said with the utmost love and respect!!) Keep it up! Loves and cuddles the Ramsay's! xxxx

Tracey Amos

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 02:02 pm

Hey D - good luck for the upcoming Uberstage! You have done brilliantly over the previous 4 and I know you will smash the last ones..... Just think of the shower at the end - I know how you feel - I cant wait to stand under water for an hour! Txxxxx

Lee Harris

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 06:59 am

awesome and awesome again D...this is all nothing you can't handle, as long as the mind is strong so keep the fuel and pos thoughts to feed the brain & keep it strong..blisters and aches and pains are weee hurdles just to test ya mental strength ...your the matlok machine so no worries there ...just think after tomoz ..all down hill time & distance wise ..ya be able to smell the finish, cool shower and bottle of vino to celebrate so focus on that now ...sending massive pos thoughts ..loads of energy and big hugs ..stay strong stay focused and blast the last few days ..with you all the way ..LEE :-)x

Meg Kerr

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 04:46 am

Apart from the blisters, sounds like it's all going pretty well. Each day your pack will get lighter and lighter! Today is the long stretch and we will all be sending lots of positive thoughts and looking forward to reading all about it in your next blog. Glad you have some Aussies in your tent. Steve's blogs are entertaining. Well worth a read when you back online. Also, Fabrice has been putting some hilarious posts on your FB page. You will crack up. xx PS: Will arrange a gentle pedicure & back massage upon your return :)

Christophe Camacho

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 04:22 am

Hello, I also live in Abu Dhabi and a runner. FANTASTIC!!! We do not know each other but I read your blogs as I am interested in this race. I think what you are doing right now is just remarkable...keep going, soon it will be over and you will look back and want more. Never run in the sand although I have been in Bahrain 5 years and Abu Dhabi 5 years also, but in December I will do the 20-20 Desert Stinker to see how it is and maybe aim to participate to the 2014 event. Enjoy the view and enjoy the time this your fellow runners...wishing everyone all the best... Christophe

Nicola Hubbard

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 03:41 am

Glad you can count to halfway better than me :) So today is the 80 km stretch - I measured 40. Km in my car the other day en route to auh

30 October 2012 06:40 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

All I can say about today is that it was BRUTAL. And I know it will be more of the same tomorrow. It was extremely hot today (at least 40 degrees in the middle of the day) no shade other than at the checkpoints, and soft sand for most of the course. And to finish off, the last 7km was up and down mountains of sand and valleys, a truly nasty way to end today’s stage. I spent the last section of today’s stage with a tentmate and we are both glad we had company as it was a miserable section, and it took us 2 hours 15 minutes to cover 8km. Sufferfest. But I really can’t complain, as we made the cutoff time in under 12 hours (12hours to complete a marathon, that should give you an idea how tough the course was today).

I also just went to the medical tent as my feet are badly blistered. I have large blisters (about 4x3 cm) on the inside of each foot just inside the heel, and they were painful all day, and I also have a few blisters on my toes, but they are all treated now. As I said, it was a tough day.

Can’t wait until my pack gets lighter, as it has been a struggle as well with the weight of it.


But good news is that again my nutrition and hydration worked well and my legs feel ok. So there is always a positive!!


Thanks again for the messages and blog posts. Glad you get to see them. The blogs we type up offline and then RTP uploads them for us at some stage. And the emails and blog posts are downloaded to an excel spreadsheet, so it’s nice to go through the wishes, thanks so much everyone. 

Well my cough and sniffles seem to be coming to an end, let’s see what tomorrow brings. The course notes suggest that there will be more of the same brutality tomorrow. While I feel mentally strong, I will be extremely happy just to finish within the cutoff times for each checkpoint. There were quite a few people withdraw yesterday and today or didn’t make the cutoff.


Ok, time for sleep. Ciao for now xxx

Comments: Total (8) comments

Mickey Campbell

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 11:44 pm

Keep it going Doris - unfortunately it's only going to get harder, but fortunately it sounds as if you're up for it mentally!!! Keep on treating the blisters; keep on gulping the water down; keep on putting one foot in front of the other...with you all the way!!!

Fleur Mortimer

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 11:41 pm

Keep it up Doris, you trooper! Everyone here is in absolute awe of what you are doing. Hope those blisters heal soon. You're truly an inspiration. We are cheering you on from here at Black Dog. Good luck! x

The Ramsays

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 07:31 pm

Certainly sounds tough - just as well you are my lovely, and that you have a stack of supporters behind you!!! You are doing so, so well - just keep going, one little blistered tootsie in front of the other! Keep your eye on the prize ... a hot shower and an espresso... tee hee Loves and cuddles from us all! xxxx

Sarah and Ed Hawkins

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 03:28 pm

Well done today Doris ..... Eeewwwww blisters! Ed would have loved popping those! You sound so positive and up for what is left to come - we can imagine the big smile on your face. Everyone is rooting for you so go and enjoy this great achievement x What fantastic memories you will have of this x Keep moving forwards D x

Liz Van der Spek

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 03:16 pm

Congrats Doris on another amazing day. You are so strong thank goodness the legs are feeling strong hope the blisters stay away now! Just keep thinking positive thoughts your game plan is working you will do it! Hugs and kisses Liz Raymi and Monique xxx

Peter Burgess

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:02 pm

Hi Doris YThinking Of you Top effort Stay a happy little vegemite and you will come through with Flying Colours

Lee Harris

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 07:41 am

Stay strong D .. your doing amazing, the fact your feeling mentally strong and ya legs are good is all you need .. focus on keeping good form as much as you can.. you'll be more energy efficient and relaxed .. sending pos thoughts and loads of energy ..big hug ..lee:-)x

Nicola Hubbard

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 05:50 am

Even though my admiration overfloweth I can't help thinking 'rather you than me'! Today is hump day so you'll be more than halfway at today's finish line. Yay :)

29 October 2012 01:15 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

I had a reasonably good day today in the circumstances, so I am happy with my time of under 8 hours. The terrain was challenging and I am still suffering the effects of a cold, so lots of sniffling, nose blowing, and coughing during the night and during Stage 1 today, which meant that my plan of running a little, walking more, became walk the whole thing, as every time I started to run, I had difficulty breathing. So rather than trying to kill myself on Day 1, I walked the while course today, which was fine, although the 3rd section today was tough, and everyone I’ve spoken to felt the same about that section of today’s course. I’m hoping I feel better for the long day, as I plan to smash out that day if possible. As it turned out, when I got back to my tent, the 5 guys who were back already were all shattered, and I felt relatively ok. And some of them didn’t get back much earlier than me. So I’m sticking to my strategy of a conservative approach on the first few days and then finish strong. It was a bit frustrating today to be honest, especially as the section between checkpoints 1 and 2 was nice and firm compacted sand and rock, similar to the start of the dirt section of the Wadi Bih run, and it was so so tempting to just break in to a jog. But I’m glad I held back as I feel good now and I don’t feel like I just trudged 37-ish kilometres. Let’s see how I feel tomorrow!

And it’s been ABSOLUTELY FANTASTIC reading everyone’s messages when I got in today, so lovely and beautiful and also brought big smiles to my face. You guys are AWESOME! Love and hugs to you all xxx

Lots of positives for today’s stage – my hydration and nutrition worked brilliantly, I spent less than 4 minutes at each checkpoint (enough time to only fill my water bladder and slap on more sunscreen), and my legs and glutes felt great (thanks to Marcus for all those squats you made me do!). I also was in a good head space for most of the day, and thinking about everyone out there supporting me made a HUGE difference. So mentally I feel strong and physically I feel fairly good, as long as I can shake this cold off. However I have now run out of cold/flu tablets as well as tissues, so it could be an interesting day tomorrow!

Some lessons to learn for my next race (yes, I’m already planning next year’s Sahara Race!) is to find a way to pack a lighter pack – over 12kg (with water) is just way too much for my small frame, and my shoulders and back are very very sore now. I am very happy though that I packed my triggerpoint massage ball, which has been a nice treat this afternoon. Another lesson is find a way to avoid blisters (and I think it is actually related to the weight of the pack), as I had 2 blisters pop up on the edge of my inner soles, which is where I’ve had them before, even though I stuck on compeeds before starting this morning as a preventatitve measure.

And the people here have also been great, and my tent mates are hilarious and have been great. So all good here on Day 1, I’m in good spirits and in reasonable shape, let’s see what the rest of the week brings. Now it’s time for some freeze dried sweet and sour chicken. Nom nom nom….

Comments: Total (13) comments

Murray Verran

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 09:33 am

Go Doris! You are freakin' awesome,luv!Your positive attitude and sheer moxy will get you through the toughest parts of this race, and you can trust your training for the rest. Take care out there,and finish strong. Mwah! Murray xxx

Tracey Amos

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:14 pm

Keep going D - 3 down 3 to go - half way there now ! xx

Liz van der Spek

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 07:30 am

Amazballs Doris! It is fantastic for us all to be able to follow you. We are with you all the way. You can push through anything and so pleased to hear all your training and planning is paying off. You cannot imagine how you will inspire so many people to achieve what they thought was never possible. Keep up the mighty effort. Stay strong you are doing a great job all our love xxx

Jacque Sydow

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 04:36 am

Hey D...I can't seem to get the times right...silly me...I'm so far south and cold my brain has frozen...!!! It's grand that Luke is keeping the blog up to date...thanks Luke...!!! I'm with Jodes - I'm coming with for the next one...!!! You are smashing up the field with your strategy...SUPERFANTASTIC...all my love, hugs and strength to keep you going...xoxo

The Ramsay's

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 07:54 pm

Well done lovely!! Love the blog, it is so nice to hear how you are doing. Stick to your race plan! We are right behind you! Champagne is already chilling for your return! Loves and cuddles from us all - extra special sloppy kisses from Harrison and Scarlett xxxx

Joe & Sonia

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 03:01 pm

Great job D! Impressive!! Glad to see that you are having a good time as well :) Keep it up!

Lars Engstrom

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 01:25 pm

Great job D! Nice picture from Camp 2 yesterday. Looks like a walk in the park for you while the rest of us back in Concord would need a 4WD.

Tudor Goode

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 11:01 am

Awesome effort Doris. In my book you have already won. That happened when you got your first donation. Tudor ?8->

Tracey Amos

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 09:07 am

Well done D - Top 100 on your first day out! I can't believe that I am actually thinking that maybe ....no forget that - I just have to be able to walk without crutches first ! Love you lots xxx

Ruth Tucker

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 08:48 am

Go Doris Go !!! What an amazing result for day 1 ! You demonstrate that anything is possible you just have to put your mind 100% behind it , believe in yourself and keep the body strong. A true inspiration to all of us and such a fantastic experience racing accross the Sahara ...truly mad but truly incredible !!

Jodie Jones

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 06:17 am

Well done gorgeous lady! So proud of you, conservative is good... and if you do this damn thing next year I'M COMING!!! So excited to be following you, take care, be strong and I hope the sweet and sour chicken rocked your world xx

Lee Harris

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 05:01 am

Great stuff D, Keep it going ..remember your pack gets lighter every day :-).. your the Matlok Machine :-) Leex

Meg Kerr

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 04:07 am

Nice work D on the run and the blog. Really interesting to hear the good and the not so good. One step at a time! xx

28 October 2012 12:19 pm (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

Well we've arrived at the first base camp and the atmosphere is AWESOME!! I'm feeling excited and ready to go tomorrow morning. Race starts at 7 am and everyone is feeling positive, despite the long bus ride - 3.5 hours. But the setting is simply beautiful and magical, arriving at sunset by a massive lake with sand dunes and hills as a backdrop.
We were lucky enough to be able to read the emails this evening from everyone with words of support, so thank you everyone and thank you Sarah for making me laugh with your joke!!
The starting weight of my pack is a bit heavier than I hoped, it's 11kg, and when I add 1.5 litres of water, which I must start with, my starting weight will be 12.5kg, which is about 25% of my body weight! I've also been battling a head cold the past few days so I think tomorrow I will be mostly walking. Let's see how I feel at the end of Day 1 tomorrow. Then I'll go smash it!!!!!
The weather is mild and a bit cooler than Dubai, so it should be a fairly comfortable day temperature-wise tomorrow.
I've met lots of interesting people from all over the world, and I'm sharing a tent with a lady from New York, and 7 guys! From South Korea, Scotland, Japan and Australia. There are lots of competitors from South Korea as well as Oz, which is great. Some amazing people.
Thanks again everyone for the support. I'll be aiming to blog every night of the race, so keep on reading and keep sending those messages of support, it's AWESOME!!!
xx

Comments: Total (6) comments

Hermoine Macura

Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 06:37 am

Doris, I am so proud of you! Congratulations on your achievement and for being such a shinning light to all the young women who were following your story after you appeared on INSPIRE TALKS. I am sure your success will encourage them to soar to new heights! On a personal level, your heart and passion for your cause really warms my heart! Thank you for raising awareness for he Black Dog institute. Bless you.

Alanna Matlok

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 11:27 pm

I am so proud and inspired by you Doris xox

Jo Edwards

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 06:42 pm

Congrats for surviving day 1! You're being AWESOME Doris!! Hope you get a good nights rest. Look after yourself and tomorrow you'll be out to tick off day 2. Embrace the suffering hunny - remember - you love this stuff!! :-) x

Tracey Amos

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 10:54 am

well done doz on completing Satge 1 xx

Nicola Hubbard

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 09:10 am

Go Doris! This is the home page on my laptop this week. :) x

Meg Kerr

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 06:48 am

Sleeping arrangements sound interesting and a little surprising for the region. Let's hope no-one snores! Keep the blogs coming, can't wait to read more about the race xx

25 August 2012 06:05 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

It

Comments: Total (2) comments

Maegan Kerr

Posted On: 09 Oct 2012 05:12 am

Not long to go now!!

Mark Henaway

Posted On: 26 Aug 2012 04:58 am

Not long to go now D. Well done on a tremendous effort so far. The work you are doing to raise funds and awareness of depression and bipolar disorder is exceptional.

28 July 2012 03:17 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

Only 3 months to go until the start of the Sahara Race and the enormity of what I

Comments: Total (2) comments

Meg Kerr

Posted On: 29 Jul 2012 04:32 am

Tough going getting in the long training runs during Ramadan and Summer! But Aussies are made of tough stuff, you can handle the heat and the pressure. Keep calm and run :)

van der Spek Liz

Posted On: 28 Jul 2012 05:12 pm

Even though living in the UAE never thought about the affect of Ramadan on athletes like yourself! Keep up the great work you have all our support! X

17 June 2012 06:56 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

Well I just had a fab weekend in the northern mountains of the UAE

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 17 Jun 2012 04:42 pm

Good to hear that it was a successful trek. Some great pics too.

03 June 2012 02:07 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

Wow, it

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 17 Jun 2012 01:53 pm

Thanks Joel! I've just placed an order with RTP, and I've added to my delivery a couple of Patagonia long sleeve tops. I'll provide updates on equipment testing over the next few months. I also incidentally bought some Salomon XT Wings 2 recently, which I love :)

Posted On: 04 Jun 2012 03:26 pm

Glad to hear that the Solio is working for you. Just a tip on the shirt. I wore a short-sleeved Icebreaker shirt only the first day in the last Atacama race, then switched to my back-up shirt, a long-sleeved Patagonia Capilene 1, and wore it for the remainder of the race. It is breathable and light, but gives plenty of sun protection. Whatever you choose, just know that it will be able to stand on its own by day 2! Also, if you choose the Salomon S-LAB Wings shoes, they make a mini-gaiter that goes around the opening and does not require glueing/sewing. The S-LAB's are not mesh, so debris won't enter the top or sides. Several of us used these at the last race and they worked great...for us. Easy on/off. Best of luck with your training!!

Posted On: 03 Jun 2012 08:59 am

You're doing an incredible job raising awareness for the Black Dog Institute. Excellent work D :-)

30 April 2012 10:20 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

Well the weather is certainly warming up here in Dubai, it was a cheeky 41 degrees celsius today. And it's only going to get hotter. I'm already thinking about the challenges of training in the middle of summer during Ramadan (for the uninitiated, even non-muslims here are not allowed to consume anything - food or water - in public between sunrise and sunset). So it's likely that training during Ramadan will have to take place at night. Guess that will be good practice for stage 5 :) Good news is that my running mojo is slowly returning

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Posted On: 05 May 2012 05:15 am

Thanks Joel! Hopefully I have better luck with the Solio :) but it's good to know there is a great alternative at a good price. Thanks again ! d

Posted On: 02 May 2012 02:24 pm

I hope the Solio product works for you, since they are rather expensive as chargers go. My Solio pooped-out after 2 uses while I was trialing it at home. I used the XTG Sollant. It was a third of the cost and worked brilliantly in the Atacama this year. Amazon has it listed for $29.99. It's much easier to use (no tips to worry about) and it has a built-in light source. May be worth checking it out if you have troubles with the Solio. Cheers!

Posted On: 30 Apr 2012 05:42 pm

Simply amazing!! Sounds like it's starting to come together for you D :-)

04 April 2012 04:57 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

I

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Posted On: 30 Apr 2012 12:07 pm

That's great! Thanks Chris for your help and advice. I'll let you know how I get on! Well done on Atacama !

Posted On: 17 Apr 2012 01:36 am

Doris, Was reading your blog and wanted to offer some advice. I just finished the Atacama Crossing and found pole(s) to be worth the weight. On days you feel sick or the long march they help maintain a quick walking pace. I used them to run as well and managed to pass some other runners. If you are really concerned about the weight try using only one. I saw several experienced runners do that. That said, all the fast runners didn't use them... hope I helped, Chris

Posted On: 05 Apr 2012 04:10 am

WOW - aren't you full of surprises...that's fantastic Doris...will be following the blog and your progress...!!!

31 March 2012 10:41 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat

Well I

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