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Namib Race Blogs 2012
9
PostsNamib Race (2012) blog posts from Willem Pennings
02 November 2012 02:53 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
Hey All,
I finished the long march. It was one of the toughest runs/marches/hikes I have ever done. What drives me? What do I think about? It's allways changing. Ask me sometime I will do my best to answer. But there is a huge line for the computer so I must go. See you all soon
01 November 2012 12:43 pm (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
All right folks,100 miles done! Today we were granted a wee reprive from the sun as we had cloud s for a good portion of the day. Why do I not feel like the race is drawing to a close. For some reasons I'm not so sure I want it to end, be there are so many more reasons I want to be done! I'M HUNGRY!!!!!!!!!!!!! My nutrition has been good. Bland but good. I am always looking around, thinking there food looks better than mine. The folks in camo are all very nice. Kinda strange to see so many cameras around. There are at least 4 film crews and it's a good thing we don't have smell-a-vision camp is getting kinda ripe. I will say the doctors and volunteers are some of the nicest people around. Your messages have been inspiring.
I am a lucky man. I have so many good people in my life. Some I have known since I was a kid and some I have had the privilage to meet recently. Keith M, Del D. Owen D, Erik A, you are all bad asses in my world. I have the most amazing partner that I draw so much strength from. Shana, I could not do this without your support and understanding. I'm off to get some rest and fuel up for tomorrows 50 miles.
Cheers Willem
Comments: Total (18) comments
Judy Remele
Posted On: 04 Nov 2012 05:14 am
Willam,
You are amazing!!! What strength and perseverence!
Congratulations!! We can't wait to see you and hear all about your adventures.
Judy Remele
Loma Linda Lopers
Bud Korn
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 03:24 pm
Just saw the post that you crossed the finish line. I can hardly wait to hear all the stories. See you soon.
Gary and Bernie Underwood
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 05:46 am
Looks like you are in the home stretch and by the time that you read this you will be finished! Congratulations! Job very well done! I saved you some Halloween chocolate! I am sure that you have lost "a few Kilos" and won't mind indulging! We miss your cheerful self in the morning at spin! You'll have to get everyone(Gary and Barry) back in line! Take care, stay healthy and see ya soon! Bernie
Christy Oakes
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 04:06 pm
Hey, we are following you everyday, and I am writing this sitting at Stell! We are rooting for you!
Kathy Higgins
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 01:40 pm
so happy to see another photo of you at one of the rest areas. You will soon be at the Pyramids of Giza for your final victory march or sprint! We can't wait to see that photo!! All we can say is WOW!!! Love, Mum and Pops
Fred Woods
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 01:00 am
Way to go Willem! You have this! I'm looking forward to running with you and listening about your adventure!
Doreen Fay
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 09:55 pm
saved Halloween candy for you :)
Kathy Higgins
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 09:45 pm
On the home stretch, Willem. We are cheering you on!! What an accomplishment. We are so proud of you. We'll be waiting for those stories. So much love. Mum and Pops
Lillian Larsen
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 09:11 pm
Willem, You're our hero. So cool to get glimpses of this amazing adventure! Lil (and Klem)
Kim, Steve, Teo,Mara Wuhs Coles
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 06:55 pm
Have been unable to get any work done this week as I'm constantly trolling for news and pictures of your incredible journey and feat/feet! We have some special hugs for you.
Angelynn King
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 04:39 pm
SCORE!!!!!
Kathy Higgins
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:36 pm
We were so excited to see you mentioned with your tent mate Colin Jack welcoming runners to Checkpoint 5. You are IRONMAN!! What a fantastic experience, Willem. Loads of love! Mum and Pops
Jim Z
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:52 pm
Well, I know you'e hungry, but you can always eat the sand-which-is there. One dune at a time
Elizabeth Nigh
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:42 pm
Insh'Allah (God willing) you'll have more cloud cover to keep you a wee bit cooler today! :-) Since I don't drink I'm toasting your being in the top 50 with my morning coffee (and my evening coffee as well when I check the site at night). Good on ya cousin! What a blessing to wake up and spend a day doing something you love! Keep the faith and my spirit will be with you all the way to the finish line! Much love. BO
Kathy Higgins
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 12:43 pm
Way to go, son-in-law!! Seeing your smiling face is heart-warming. ONLY 50 miles to go but when you get this message I think you will be done. Hoooooray!! Babykins can't wait to have you home. We love you. Mum and Pops
Steve Wuhs
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 05:18 am
And still smiling! We'll all be thinking about you on the Long March today. Incredible, dude.
Shana Higgins
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:10 am
Dude, I was so happy to see your face in the Stage 4 photos. By the time you read this you will have finished the long march. Good job, well done! It will be an unbearably long wait to hear how that went. I can't wait to hear stories--for instance, I read that one of the top female competitors has a smoke after each stage (Anne-Marie or your tent-mate Kristinet?). Love it! Come home!
Eliza Rodriguez y Gibson
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 01:14 am
Woooooo! You are pretty amazing and inspiring, sir. I never even knew this was humanly possible. All because you avoid birkenstocks, right?
31 October 2012 01:37 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
Your support via email and blog post is the best fuel I can get. I am writing this as most of you are going to work 08:00 Tuesday morning best I can figure. Today we ran another 26 I think, I just run from check point to check point. I nevef leave any of my wter alotment ther eeither. It is HOT, Africa HOT. Oh wait, I'm in Africa. Time for some shout outs. Ted, every time I jab a bitchen carbon fiber pole in the ground I say your name with glee, John A, the special Ed strap is the bomb and ther are so many of you that are my inspiration. But seriously I need to thank Runwell for allowing me to be a part of their organization. The scenery is amazing, my pictures will not do it justice. But trust me, I have been to BFE. Come to think of it I am still here. I miss you all. You are with me everystep of the way. And I did have a much better day today running the last 6 miles with my tunes blasting. For those of you from class it was the train song that got me to pass 6 people.
Comments: Total (20) comments
Fred Woods
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 12:47 am
I thought I'd stop and say hello to you Willem. It's quite a bit cooler here in Redalnds and Yucaipa than in the Sahara right now. Remember one step at a time. And remember that prayer you recited to me at Nanny Goat. I say it while running and not running. You're in my thoughts and prayers my friend!
Wendy Maslan
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 05:31 am
Keep on Truckin Willem. Thinking of you and your amazing accomplishment and journey.
Melinda Wright
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 12:14 am
Willem we promise not to talk in spin class, but you've got tales to tell and we want to hear all about it, all during class. One foot in front of the other, cheers and prayers for you. Craig and Melinda Wright
Mary Melvill
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 11:11 pm
Wow! Pretty darn amazing. Not too surprising that you are doing it though. Just keep going!
Keith Melvill
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 10:31 pm
Damn, you are just awesome!!! Keep it going!
Sandy Purtle
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 09:32 pm
Hi Will. My name is Sandy I'm a friend of Warren's back in LA. Your doing great keep it up stay strong. Sandy
Kathy Higgins
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 09:23 pm
I hope you are getting some rest right now son-in-law. I cannot imagine this journey you are taking. I know you will have tales to tell when you return. We are root, rooting!! We hang on every word from you. You ARE doing it!! We love you, Mum and Pops
Les Canterbury
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 06:03 pm
Go Willem! What an amazing thing you are doing! Enjoy the 50-mile jog!
Jim Z
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 03:54 pm
One dune at a time. Looking for your picture on the website. I think that was you on that dune or maybe it was an ant. There is a new schnauzer in town named Monte. He's eager to meet you and will certainly be a match for Ginger and Rufus. See you next week
pamela rickard
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 02:31 pm
You're a Runwell Hero my friend. I'm thrilled with your progress, but even more thrilled with your spirit! You are soaking it up and shinning!
howard cohen
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 02:09 pm
You are doing great out there and living a dream... take it all in... every step.. every hill, every eye popping vista... file the memories where you can relive the feelings and tap into that energy.. The long day will soon be upon you and you are ready to enjoy every step of it. Hope the gaiters are working out for you... You are RUNingWELL...
Linda Quirk
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 02:09 pm
Willem, so good to hear your spirits are high. You are doing an amazing job out there and Runwell is excited that you're representing us. By the time you read this you'll either be starting your long day or preparing to start. Just remember, after that...you're home free!!! Soak it all up, well, I'm sure you already are literally. Runwell my friend.
Linda Quirk
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 02:09 pm
Willem, so good to hear your spirits are high. You are doing an amazing job out there and Runwell is excited that you're representing us. By the time you read this you'll either be starting your long day or preparing to start. Just remember, after that...you're home free!!! Soak it all up, well, I'm sure you already are literally. Runwell my friend.
Lua Gregory
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 11:25 am
Willem!! You can do it!!
Kathleen Keeling
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 05:54 am
Keep on keepin' on, my friend!! Sending you a ton of encouragement and support. I'm really excited for you!
Adrienne Sewell
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 05:03 am
Way to go! What an unbelievable experience. We are rooting for you!!
Tamara Landre
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 03:50 am
Go Willem!!! We are cheering you on from sunny California! Mike and Tam
Fred Woods
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 03:24 am
I was going to complain about the cold while running this morning, then I thought about you looking at your watch and continuing on. Keep on keeping on Willem! You're right where you're supposed to be!
Jim Kirkham
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 02:43 am
Keep running my man! Cheering for you back in Bloomington, IN.
Shana Higgins
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 01:49 am
Keep drinking up all that water! Another runner mentioned running out of water as she climbed an evil sand dune. You're doing awesome, holding a steady pace! Shuffle on! Much love.
30 October 2012 12:16 pm (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
I was too shelled last night to write a blog post. Let me say that the first day was a killer! I got pretty nausious when the temp on my watch read 104. But I made it through.There will be many typos in my posts as I am typing on a tiny keyboard and am really tired.
Today was much better although much tougher. Today we hit the dunes........................ You have been to the beach or maybe even to Glamiss,but nothing like this, the sand here is endless! The dunes are amazing.Going up is relentless one step forward and slide a half step back. It can really mess with your mellon. I feel bad that the pictures I will take will not reflect the true expanse of the area. I will have many stories to tell. I will say that all of your comments are amazing and fuel for me to keep going. Thanks you all for your support.You all rock and I think of you often.
Comments: Total (8) comments
Laurie Yates
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:36 pm
a 7 day Silent Retreat whilst running in sand carrying a pack....winner! Love you and am rooting for you Brotha
Pam Rickard
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 12:49 pm
Willem!! We are wildly proud of you and so inspired! Please know how much you're thought of and prayed for..."one step forward and slide a half step back..." How is THAT for a metaphor ?! :-) You are so strong and we can't wait to see and hear more. We're with you...Runwell, walkwell, laughwell, sleepwell, and eat this up!
Linda Quirk
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 11:50 am
Happily woke up this morning to your blog. You are doing a fantastic job out there, keep trudging forward but remember to save some energy for the long day!! And I agree with Shana...no skin on your back would make this a bit more pleasant for you!! Take care and Runwell!!
Gary and Bernie Underwood
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 04:32 am
Finally took the time to get on this and I must say this is anazing! To think! You pay for this abuse! Ha! We are sending you good thoughts...so far so good! You are in the top half of this group of world wide competitors! Must be exciting to meet people from all over the world! Like the United Nations! Stay healthy! Rest when you can. Stay hydrated. You know all this...I am preaching to the choir! We are still attending spinning and talk about you and how you are doing. Go Willem! Take Care, Gary and Bernie
Judy Remele
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 03:19 am
Hi Willam,
From all of us Loma Linda Lopers, we wish you all the best and can't wait to hear about some of those adventures when you get back. The scenery is incredible. I personally hope you are able to enjoy the view.
Keith Melvill
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 02:51 am
Willem,
I figure if you can carry me across the dunes in Ventura and up the stairs in La Jolla, you can handle this.
Just keep pushing!!
Keith
Fred Woods
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:47 am
Willem, here in Redlands, we're rooting for you. Keep going buddy! Hey, you got me kick started to run the local mountain trails. I ran some on Momyer on my own. Thanks for the inspiration. Best, Fred
Shana Higgins
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:45 am
You are one tough badger, my love. From other competitors' blog posts I gather that this race is the toughest of all the deserts. You had better not be the "American competitor with no skin on his back from all the rubbing of his pack" mentioned in someone else's blog. Keep truckin'. Your Chicken.
21 October 2012 07:00 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
Would I be lying if I said I felt 100% prepared? HECK YEA! With only a few days till I hit the tarmack, I am going through my usual prerace jitters. Only to be extra concerened by the fact that I will be traveling so very far from home. And I'm sure there is not a bike shop or specialty running store down the street that I can trot on down to in order to pick up last minute items or things customs might think are tasty and don't think I need.
One thing I will say for sure is that I couldn't be more excited to meet my fellow competitors from around the globe. Repesenting Runwell is truly a gift.
Comments: Total (9) comments
Amy Underwood
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 05:18 am
Hi!
Hope you are safe and your race is going well so far? We are all cheering for you at LA fitness in Highland! The pictures are amazing! Stay tough and we are praying for you!
Sincerely,
Amy Underwood
Kathy Poole
Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 08:39 pm
Willem,
I hope that you are finding this run all that you expected. I know that you have the determination to do well and succeed. My thoughts and prayers are with you for a successful run.
Chuck Alexander
Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 07:11 pm
Willem, how did day one go? I hope it was great and what you expected. I can’t wait to hear. Be safe and have a great adventure. Chuck
joe Senesac
Posted On: 27 Oct 2012 04:12 pm
good luck william
Take care and be safe. Denise and i are rooting for you
Lisa Henning
Posted On: 26 Oct 2012 07:22 am
I can't wait to see your blog entries and see how you are doing! Much luck, encouragement, and kick some Sahara butt! Big HUGS!! You are amazing.
Kathleen Keeling
Posted On: 26 Oct 2012 05:00 am
Sending you much encouragement and positive thoughts! You are going to do an awesome job out there!
Steve Klein
Posted On: 26 Oct 2012 12:18 am
Awesome!
Christy Oakes
Posted On: 25 Oct 2012 04:09 am
Rock on Willem!
Tony Garcia
Posted On: 22 Oct 2012 05:35 pm
Hey Will I know we don't keep in touch as we should but I have to tell you how proud I am of you. You have come so far in life and have becaome such a great man. I will be following your trip and thinking about you every step of the way. Stay strong my friend
13 October 2012 07:52 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
Hey everyone,
Things are looking good, pack weight currently sub 20lbs (9kg) for those metric folks out there. I have a question about traveling with your protien/drink mix. I am portioning out my daily food supply and am wondering if anyone has had any problems with TSA (airport security) questioning all the powder in unmarked bags. Let me know your thoughts and or experience.
Comments: Total (2) comments
Brian Townsend
Posted On: 14 Oct 2012 03:28 am
I flew twice internationally, Canada to US, with my powders in zip lock bags. TSA had no issues.
ben atkin
Posted On: 13 Oct 2012 09:03 pm
I would take all food and drink powders in original packaging and portion everything out when you get to the hotel, saves any problems both with security and then customs when you arrive in Egypt. Does your pack weight include water if so how much? See you in 2 weeks......
29 August 2012 07:33 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
Went out for a little run in the heat today. Seems like I have been at work or out of town on all the really hot days lately. I will do my best to acclimate. I am looking forward to meeting a whole bunch of new people. Running ultras I have met some of the nicest people ever, always willing to lend advice . I want to give a shout out to Howard Cohen for answering so many of my questions so far. I'm sure I will have more in the next few weeks. Thanks for reading--W
Comments: Total (0) comments
27 August 2012 09:49 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
Food is such a major concern for me. I know I can survive on powders and gels for Ultras but I'm looking into some freeze dried food. Lets start off by saying that Huevos Rancheros is off the menu. I will be looking into some other tastier options. Heck, you have any ideas let me know.
Comments: Total (2) comments
Joel Meredith
Posted On: 28 Aug 2012 02:03 pm
Sam is absolutely correct. VARIETY is the key! You'll have to take freeze dried meals for sheer fact that they have tons of kcals/weight. You would have to carry far too much to make up the difference in required kcals. Check out Expedition Foods sold through the RTP store. Light in weight and heavy in kcals. They also taste better than the others out there. I like Beef/Potato Casserole and Shepherds Pie. Hearty meals, all. Also, check out instant oatmeal for breakfast. Light and packable.
Sam Fanshawe
Posted On: 27 Aug 2012 11:36 pm
The key is diversity. Some flavours that other rate as more palatable include chicken tikka, chicken korma and spaghetti bolognaise. Instant noodles are a good addition as well.
22 August 2012 02:07 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
I am very excited and privileged to be able to run the Sahara race as an ambassador for Runwell. I am currently going through and collecting my gear. As this is my first stage race i will be reading other blogs looking for all the inside information I can get.
Comments: Total (3) comments
gary walsh
Posted On: 27 Aug 2012 06:09 pm
well good lock mate.see you at the start and more importantly the finish line -)
Adam Hart
Posted On: 22 Aug 2012 06:30 pm
Way cool mt friend. Im looking forward to tracking you along the way.
Adrienne Worley
Posted On: 22 Aug 2012 03:59 pm
Willem,
I am so proud of you! I am in awe of what you have done and what you continue to do. Keep up the good work.
Comments: Total (2) comments
Lorene Wilson
Posted On: 05 Nov 2012 11:33 pm
Chuck Alexander
Posted On: 05 Nov 2012 10:35 pm