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Peter Roberts

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Namib Race (2012) blog posts from Peter Roberts

02 November 2012 02:51 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I am very pleased to report we all survived the long march. We started at 7am and stumbled across the line at just after 1am next day, broken up, sand blown, sunburnt and feet completely shredded, walking on slabs of raw meat. We made a pact to stay together from the outset and passed through cp1 in good shape but ws feeling the heat rise then on to cp2 where we found a shop that sold cold pepsi and chip so threw them down then headed out into the Valley of Wales where wsa passed 40mill whalebones and skeletons but had the game fzce on knowing it was going to be a long long day. I think at CP3 the press thermometer read 50c and we knew we were in the middle of the blistering furnace with reflections off the sand. we were going slow but knew we needed to ride out this heat. Rags was feeling it hard and we knew the electrolytes needed to double. We scaled a massive dune at cp 4 40km then headed off to 50km mark where we knew a hot urn and chance for some food waited. At that stage the wind spun around towards us that slowed us back but at least the heat of day was subsiding. Limped into cp5 50km mark at about 5.30, fuelled up, watered up and were out at 6.15 under headlamps - 38km to go . Ed kept going as his calves were screaming and couldnt sit down. JP and Rags were finding their zone and we just smashed our way through the night. From 60 - 80km was a bit of a haze and we knew we were weakening so ramped up the running, food and fuel just following the glostix. we passed alot of really shatterred people shuffling, limping and wincing at every step. i cut off a sock as the swelling was struggling to keep my shoe on and the last 8km was step by step and into camp. done dusted and battered fell outside the tent got feet up and woke up sometime this morning. We are all better now with some food and recovery and are relaxing around before the final sprint at Giza tomorrow. I will not be pulling out the spikes for that and after 6 days with no shower, sand, sweat and eating from bags will be glad to be done. thanks for everyone for all your mails. i read them all twice and have made the difference out here. will write more when back to cairo.
love to all

Comments: Total (0) comments

01 November 2012 12:48 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Todays dispatch is from camp 4 where we have all now arrived. Todays stage was 38.3km along a wide valley with lots of rock formations, plateaus and open spaces. Sand, dust and rock. Just what the feet are barking at. We did all wake up feeling ok and managed a pretty good nights rest so again ran the first 10.6 km. Lots of groaning and grunting to get going but made CP1 enjoying the relative cooler weather and fortunate cloud cover. The humidity was up so we hosed sweat as we endured alot of soft sand and dunes. A quick refill pushed on to CP2 across the moon type landscape, undulating terrain but firmer. Rags was waiting at CP2 looking washed out and pretty hot suffering nausea. He came out with us and we stuck together keeping a consistent pace until CP3. Ed and JP were very strong striding out and i was in ok shape with beef jerky and nuts fueling us and plenty of electrolytes keeping the sodium up .This section was long a straight as far as the eyes could see and knew it was a case of just pushing through. Rags fell apart the last section and went straight into the medical tent. He is up know and looking alot better. I think we arrived after 2pm. Tommrrow is the big bad day of 86km across the valley of the whales and we will all band together and push each other through. We have all come too far now not to make it. In some respects we are getting stronger but also the usual breakdown of the body is in full flight. Feet have swollen up and blisters squirting everywhere and just general fatigue kicking in. The camp now alot quieter with people wincing and shuffling like they are walking on glass. The indescriminate screaming coming out of the medical tent is really worrying as well as distracting. So will be off line for a few days as expect tomorrow to push out to about 20hrs and will be walking in on stumps. The end is closer and need just one more massive push before Giza. Thanks for all the mails and support. Those who have been in the big black hole out here before your advice was spot on and invaluable, all the remaining family and friends a huge thank you - you have no idea how uplifting these are.
Tomorrows stage is dedicated to Karen, Steph and Tommy who are everything to me and i know will be the wind at my back pushing me on.

Sultan of Sahara

Comments: Total (35) comments

Hayley Moffiet

Posted On: 25 Nov 2012 07:38 am

Well done and welcome home Pete! I am yet to see you after this massive achievement. I am so awestruck... gaping mouth opened as I read your blogs. Makes my Kili trek seem so meagre :) Truly inspirational! Enjoy being home (and resting) with your family! Best, Hayley

Steve Van Smaalen

Posted On: 23 Nov 2012 07:46 am

Inspirational Stuff Jimmy!!! Loved reading the blogs. Hope you are Home Safe :-)

Adam Scobie

Posted On: 05 Nov 2012 02:12 am

Hi Pete - thanks for your blog - I have enjoyed reading your stories, probably more than you have had making them... The run sounds amazing and you are an inspiration to all of us would be / could be athletes. Just one request - dont bring your sox and jox home for washing - they only got a one way ticket !!! Keep well mate - all the best - Adam.

jamie prendiville

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 04:11 am

A fighter to the end Pistol. I see you shaved 3 minutes off Scondos time and with only 20 kms to go tomorrow that seems like an unassailable lead --- or could we see a replica of the 2010 Kimberly finish with Jembo sprinting out the front to get line honours? I will be keenly listening at the end of the race to see if anyone used any cunning tactics in the final stage. CRABS

Brian Bruce

Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 11:08 pm

HI Pete, sounds tough out there but hang-in and know that we are all with you. regards, Brian

father bob

Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 09:04 pm

Well no blog from you but I see you finished - 18 hours - pretty bloody good. How are the feet? Mine are sore too. Hard ground at Roayl Melbourne and hot, got to 34, had to take my jumper off and I did get a bit sweaty. Can't wear that shirt today. Beautiful angel hair pasta and prawns last night, about to tuck into a slap up full fry breakkie and like you, another long hard slog out on the course today , but unlike you, I have another day to go! Wish me luck...... Good luck in the last leg!

Neil Payne

Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 03:37 pm

Top man Pete, keep it going... amazing effort.. Hope you can see this one out...

Suze & Justin Rooney

Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 08:48 am

Thinking of you guys every day. Hope things went your way today. Looking forward to reading the next post. S & J x

Tina Hussey

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 10:25 pm

Hahaha... Pete, checked in to see if you happen to put a note to say your are finished, saw none so ready your comments instead as they've been entertaining too. Particularly liked your note from your wife, I might starting bringing your deadlines forward for deliverables at work tee hee. There are a lot of people thinking of you here at CBA so I am hoping our next note will be one of congratulations. Cheers, Tina

Ava Wolf

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:53 pm

Dear stinky pete, I hope you are surviving. it must be reeeeally hot.Since you havent had a shower now you are definently "STINKY PETE"!!! Love Ava

charlie wolf

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:47 pm

dear uncle pete, i hope you survive. becasue i dont want you to die. i bet you really are now "stinky pete". love charlie

father bob

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:59 pm

dear sultan - well done to date and go you good thing go in the massive stage 5 effort got a hard weekend coming up myself with a trip to melb for 3 days of golf - you can imagine the range of awful, trying weather conditions we will be facing - will guts it out though you have been missing super storm sandy which has wiped out new jersey adn mit romney!and those who have travelled to NY for the marathon this weeeknd may be there for nothing! be safe

megan wolf

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 10:17 am

go big bro - dave and l will be in sydney with kap and kids on the weekend. we'll have a glass of bubbles for you. meg x

Julie Dutaillis

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 09:05 am

Hi Pete so relieved that you are back on deck .... I have a refound respect for you guys - absolutely awesome !!! You are now well on your way to achieving an unbelievable result and we are so proud of you and the guts and determination ...not to mention stamina you have displayed. We are all blowing that wind in your direction and hope it safely gets you the huge distance tomorrow.Take care . Julie xx

Batya Shulman

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:52 am

Wow - Peter, what an amazing achievement! Best of luck for the last stretch home.. The Asia Finance team are all cheering you on!

Cameron Matthews

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:25 am

Well done Pete, fantastic effort...a quick question on month end if you have a moment, aaahhhh just kidding :), giddy up to the big bad day and have a safe journey to the finish line.

Bill Biffin

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:23 am

Sorry Pistol I have to concur with Crabs you are starting to sound too sentimental. The next thing you know you will be singing the "Sheikh of Arabie" and serenading the camels. If they catch you I can assure you they will show no mercy. As to the screaming from the tent it is just those making pain their lover instead of friend so feel happy for them. Enjoy the long march and if you see some really nice rocks or fossils could you collect them for me. Your bag will be a lot lighter now so a kilo or two shouldn't trouble you. They also come in handy if the jackals get too close. Have a nice stroll through the Valley of the Whales. The temperature should have climbed to a nice 50 degrees for the next section as you climb the mountainous sand dune. After that it is a short jog downhill to the lake but be wary of the marauding Bedouins on motor cycles. They almost took Doggy last time. Unfortunately this warning will come to late so apologies for not thinking of it earlier. Surprised that Doggy didn't mention it. Talking of things disappearing watch out in the last camp as items such as sun glasses, buffs, titanium pots all have a habit of walking off when you are not looking. Well done you son of a gun. I am sure when I next read of your exploits it will be after having conquered the long march. Keep Safe. Bent Beak

jamie prendiville

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 07:57 am

Pistol -- i'v seen that type of emotion before in the Kimberley race --- and it's not good. 40 % of the competitors got the boot from the race when they started talking mushy like that. Next you'll be telling Scondo you love him. Don't expect any leniency from the race controllers because they will give none.

Mum Roberts

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 07:33 am

After reading all the wonderful emails I\'m a bit emotional, finishing line in sight,Im such a proud Mum, I know you will come through with flying colours especially with Kap & Steph & Tom as the wind at your back. love Mum.

Peter Roberts

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 07:28 am

After reading all the wonderful emails I'm a bit emotional, finishing line in sight,Im such a proud Mum, I know you will come through with flying colours especially with Kap & Steph & Tom as the wind at your back. love Mum.

Ian & Granny Roberts

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 06:58 am

Again, pleased and relieved to read that you and the boys have successfully completed another day. You are now deep into the third quarter of the grand final (against Carlton) and success beckons; best wishes for a big final quarter. Go pies and love from Dad and Mum.......

Karen Roberts

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 05:32 am

PS: Who is the crazy women that you bring a tear to the eye? Sounds like a right nutcase?!

Daniel Bilski

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 05:17 am

Peter, we have huge respect for the epic challenge you guys are undertaking. Others couldnt do this - you guys can. Sending you guys plenty of moral support from the teams across Asia. We wish you all a safe and speedy finish.

Peter Sherry

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 04:28 am

Again, I know it doesn't help, but you guys are all nuts !! That said, the effort is nothing short of admirable. Keep it up and enjoy the 80k trek.

Chad Foyn

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:36 am

Awesome effort Peter - seems like you have everything under control (unlike us back here with the Falcon :) )!! Enjoy the rest of the race ... if thats possible!! Chad

Marty J

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:22 am

Pistol, what do you mean you'll be offline for a couple of days, how am I going to pass the afternoon in the office? Couldn't you take a quick "blog break" along the way and balst out a few choice words. I know where you're coming from on that "black hole" thing. I think I went to that pub on a mountain bike trip in the central North Island,isn't it the flying jug [public bar] in the Tokoroa Tavern, made famous by "Jake the Muss". Me and my pastey uni mates found the best course of action was to put the cycle helmet back on and beat a hasty retreat through the door we entered. "Kia kaha, autai brother' [get stuck in and be extradordinary, brother].

Peter Roberts

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:18 am

Darling Husband well done!!!! You have made it through the worst of it. You may come into a tad more discomfort but you seriously have this one in the bag now! Your children and i are so immensely proud of you. Very much looking forward to laying eyes on you. When exactly are you home again? Know that we are with you every stride, thought, breath, burp, fart and most importantly in your heart. Always with LOVE XXX

Debbie Lotz

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:14 am

Go Peter - nearly there. All quiet on Avenue Rd....

Garry Prendiville

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:04 am

JP Pete Rag and Ed. All fantastic efforts. I know by the time you get this next blog you will have completed the race with only a small sprint to the Grand Pyramid in Cairo. You have all put in an unbelieveably courageous performance which are all very proud of. Last night we had a brief service for Pad at Karrakata and passed onto her your prayers and thoughts for her. At the same time I read out to the clan gathered the blogs that I had from stage 3. They were all in awe at the journey you are making together and the stamina and fortitude you all have. We look forward to the account of the long march which will take you through the Valley of the Whales and up some of the highest hottest and hardest sand dunes on Earth. Keep safe and think strong. The Hound Dog

jembo prendiville

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:54 am

Hashy great effort and best of luck for the long day! Sounds like you are going into it very strong after stage 4! Remember if it was easy, then everyone would do it! Jembo

Kate Prendiville

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:49 am

Wishing the four of you cool weather and positive blessings for your Long March. Will be keeping an eye on the Breaking News emails, so try and find a journo and send us a message via the Breaking News! We will all breath easier once you've kicked the next one home. Keep fuelled, and focus on 10k at a atime. Katie, Alexandra, Monte, Georgia, and Badger :)

Scott Bridges

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:36 am

Nearly there Peter! only 80km's of hell to endure. If you can make it through project Falcon this will be a walk in the park.

harry holden

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:26 am

Pistol and Prendy....Hugh effort Boys going great...let the "Mistress of the desert "and a good does of "man love" give you strength as you pass through the Valley of the whales.. cant wait to read your next blog.. good luck The Holdens

Michelle Llambi

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:25 am

Go Peter Go!!!! What a great effort. :) I have read your blogs every day and thought I'd finally comment. You and your family must be super proud! I still can't believe you put yourself through this but I seriously admire your determination and strength! Keep up the good running and I can't wait to hear the stories in person :)

Tina Hussey

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:13 am

Tear in the eye when I read this one Pete - feel like you've got us there with you in the way you write. Best wishes to you all for tomorrow - each time I read your updates I am shaking my head in awe & disbelief! Cheers, Tina

31 October 2012 01:07 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

A gorgeous sunset here at camp 3 and pleasingly we are all still going well and probably had our best day today. Day 3 was a cheeky 42kms mostly through a long valleys with high cliff tops to our left and long rolling dunes on the right. I kept down breakfast and had a pretty good nights sleep so felt ok at the start line. We had a nice breeze and harder sand so JP and ran from the start feeling pretty good but also knowing it was going to get hotter and softer. Made checkpoint 1 in good shape, a quick bottle refill then off to CP2 where the heat progressively built and conditions just got that bit harder. We were trotting along nicely at one point when a 4wd tried to overtake us on a slope and in a blink this car was sliding down the sand out of control and neally took all 3 of us out. Lucky we did the big leap out of the way and averted disaster - we would have been really pissed off if we didn’t finish because we were run over. Im sure the driver was smiling and JP reckons he heard his boss yelling at him for missing the infidels… At CP3 there was an amazing monastery complete with a pool so a quick dip ensued ( not sure if doing a few horsies and bombs was strictly protocol though ), dried off , refilled and were out in 10mins. The guy on CP3 said the next two stages 20kms were rated moderate so were expecting a bit simpler than the stage 1 & 2 that were rated moderate/difficult. Well that guy ended up being a complete fibber and were really got hammered as we headed out into softer sand, higher dunes and the hammer of mid day 45 c sun was smacking down. Upped doseage to 4 enduraytes, 4 salt tabs and 2 nuuns per hour and the stomach was holding it in well. Had the massive climb up a dune to CP4 and was cursing a swearing about mis-selling when i arrived. From that high vantage point we could see camp so trudged along for the final 10km of the day and all 3 of us crossed the line together. A cheeky Korean was trying to run us down the last few km with JP ready to drop the shoulder on him if he got too close. 

All in all I felt 100% better today and feel im getting stronger although just physically tired. Gary - you were spot on – kept pushing the electrolytes through and think I have turned the corner. Feet are in OK shape although will need to do some amateur surgery later. Jp and Ed also going strong and I think Rags still in top 20 although he was a bit green when he finished tonight. Im sure he’ll be back strong tomorrow. Wolfy – spot on and will try and mumble more than than 10 words tomorrow. Thanks everyone for you fantastic emails, I replay them in my head though out the day and make this madness a lot easier. Thanks Glen - I will snore even louder tonight with the comfort that Collingwood ditched Cameron Wood. Steph- the stabbed rat is back…..

Anyway time for my Chicken curry and 6.30 bedtime

Love to all 

Sultan of the Sahara

Comments: Total (10) comments

Marty J

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 07:57 pm

Sounds like you've got this "Race" in the bag chap. I've just rushed out and bought a couple of safety vests. You don't want to take any more chances with the traffic, particularly as you get closer to Cairo. The NZ High Commission recommends all Kiwi travellers wear them in danger zones like, Brooklyn, Brixton, Darlignhurst etc. Loving the blog, keep up the good work.

Ann Bruce

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 12:02 pm

Dear lord, dodging traffic in the desert.....who knew? And jackals? So glad you've recovered; for your dignity if nothing else by the sound of it. Bum spray indeed. All the best for the next haul, we'll be thinking of you. Take care and come home safe. Love, mother

Steph Roberts

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 06:45 am

Glad to see you've had a much better day! Good job on the not getting run over, would be a shame to have tried so hard to get topped off in a car accident in the middle of nowhere. Keep drinking lots of water, missing you and so proud! x

Simone Roberts

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 05:51 am

Hey Baby Bros ... sorry Sultan. Hang in there, keep the soles of your feet on, dodge the 4WD and be extra nice to the soldiers. Any chance of mixing up the menu? That chicken curry is getting a good work over. Power on, keep the food down and the runny bottom in check. Thinking of you!! xx Any sniff of changing the me

Karen Roberts

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 05:36 am

Well done Husband you pulled through, only to nearly come unstuck by a flying 4WD. I bet that increased the heart rate for awhile and had the bowels rumbling again! Come the 100km day you will be wishing for one to take you out! What's this about you taking Bex? Explaination please - which should give you something to think about. Keep moving forwards. x

jembo .

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 04:53 am

Keep up the good work pistol and save some energy for the cheap thrills on day 7 - its all the ribbon!!

megan wolf

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 04:09 am

easy peasy today - except for that bloody 4wd - sounds like you've got your bodily functions under control and the worst of it is over - good on ya ! look forward to the next blog, keep up the good work. meg x

Bill Biffin

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 03:52 am

Fantastic effort Pistol. The doctors must be getting soft as they were stopping competitors in your state from proceeding previously. Don't you just love that dry retching! How good was that spring of cold water. Doggy is spot on about the electrolytes and upping these but don't forget to keep up the glucose also. Found the jelly beans (or whatever sugars you have) best often and in small amounts. It stops the highs and lows and keeps the energy in the legs. Hope day 4 sees you stronger and cooler. regards Bent Beak

Tina Hussey

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 02:51 am

So impressed that you can write with such humour Pete, I am taking this as a good sign. Looking forward to tomorrow's blog - what an extraordinary adventure (with flying cars and all). Cheers, Tina

Kate Prendiville

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 01:15 am

So so happy to hear you are feeling 100% on previous day. The results come through hours before the blogs on the website, so was relieved to see you had all finished Stage 3 and obviously in good pace as you'd moved a few spots up the "rankings". Ha! Imagine being rolled by a 4WD in the middle of nowhere, a lucky escape indeed! Tally ho and off you go....pretty well halfway now! Kate

30 October 2012 12:33 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

i am very glad to be able to put a few words together tonight. That was the toughest day i have ever had doing these events. Yep harder than the maze and cockburn plateu. After a bad night of nausea, vomiting and spray painters bum and only hot chocolate for breakfast i knew i was going to be in a bit of bother. A quick trip to the medical tent for some pills and we were off on todays 42km stage that was rated moderate/difficult so was expecting a step up in intensity. 5km out of camp and i was dry reeching getting and stopping for not so private loo breaks.Today was equally as hot but the dunes were massive and went on and on and on. Not shallow stuff either, halfway up the calves so were working overtime. Limped into CP1 with JP and Ed, refuelled and headed off to CP 2. By this stage sun was banging down and i was feeling a bit wobbly. The last 1 hr before cp 2 was a big black hole. i stumbled in and the doctor gave me a yellow card and hele me for 30 mins while HR and colour returned to normal. Ed was feeling his blisters so he took off but thank goodness JP stayed withme a nursed me home for the next 20km. Again i mumbled 4 words in 5 hrs. i wasnt really taking in the scenery other than the monster dunes and one step at a time. I think we hit camp after 8 hrs and just flopped and Ed helped me to the tent and Saint Rags helpedme with food and stools.Have been at medical tent and they have given me the OK to beat myself up again tomorrow. Of course JP was the saviour a today - thanks. I now know how billy, crabs, jembo and doggy felt in the dark days in Kimberly. Hoping that the black hole done for me now.
Thanks for the emails tonight they really make a difference. Dont worry Steph i will be better tomorrow and thanks Kap, Brian & Ann, Mum & Dad,Kate and also Crabs for the wise counsel. oh and Harry holden im hoping that joke will get me through tomorrow stage.
Love to all

Comments: Total (16) comments

Peter Sherry

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 12:56 am

I realise this comment doesn't help, but I still think you're nuts !!! Congrats and keep going. Sounds like an awesome effort so far. All the best.

Oliver Scott

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 10:12 pm

Hang on in there Peter, sounds like you may be through the worst of it now so hopefully today will be a bit easier for you. Good luck and we are all hoping you make it all the way.

megan wolf

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 09:27 pm

never much cared for the spray painters bum.... just been to costco got 120 rolls of dunny paper - just in case ! ive got the fingers crossed that today has been a better day for you :) im not going to rehash what your already know - fluids etc etc... if you find yourself back in that dark hole follow the light and get your sorry arse out of there!!! thinking of you . xxx

Peter Roberts

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 09:26 pm

My Boy Pete, so so proud of you, everyone is walking each step of the way with you. I'm sure youve got the best sun tan by now, stay focused, make the best decisions for you and your family, a huge thanks to J.P your good mate, love and prayers Mum.

ann Bruce

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 08:41 pm

It all sounds ghastly -- but it at least you have nice weather -- you're not trying to do this in New York! Please take care - and take advice - give John our thanks for helping you thru an awful day.

Margaret Holden

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 11:07 am

PETE - what an amazing amazing effort! It has to have been the chicken curry! As I am writing this you are nearly half way through this M.of D. so hang in there. Hold your head up high & take in what must be an amazing place. We are willing you onwards & upwards. Lots of love Margie Harry Lucie Annabelle & Matilda xoxoxox

david wolf

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 10:42 am

sounds like you have got it covered then. The crap day behind you, now you just get stronger. Go for ten words today and then carry the chairmans pack the next. Pain is only temporary, achievements last forever. Go you good thing. Same goes for the chairman. DW

Steph Roberts

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 07:09 am

So so so so so proud! It sounds ghastly but i know you can make it through though! As mum said, keep your fluids up and try to take your mind of it. I can't really imagine what you are going through as I refuse to even go for a piddly little 2 km run with you in the mornings, but am ever confident you can and will finish. Hopefully the hardest leg of the race is behind you, and this is the beginning of the recovery. Finishing off with some wise words from no other than yourself: 'go like a stabbed rat'. Stay strong, Steph <3

Tina Hussey

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 06:43 am

Not sure what I just did to cut off! In short in case I do it again, we're all in awe at work. Keep powering through, hope to read more blogs, best wishes from us all at IB&MF. Tina R

Tina Hussey

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 06:39 am

Hi Peter, we are all talking about your run at work, you were missed at the LT S

Marty Johnston

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 06:34 am

Pistol, you legend. I thought you said you were going to the "4 Deserts Sahara Race", that description sounds like feeding time at the CBA Staff Cafetaria. Seriously mate your an inspiration to all us desk jockeys and arm chair sportsman across the planet. Looking forward to reading what day three dishes up. Keep working on that hydration, I've always found it to be the most rewarding of the "seven deadly distractions". Loving the journey, Marty. Best wishes from the whole clan.

jamie prendiville

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 05:09 am

Great effort Pistol --- I read Scondos account as well -- you have moved into hero status -- I would offer you the position of being an honourable Prendiville brother but this quirks into meaninglessness compared to being named brother to the great Billy Biffin --- Pistol Biffin --- Billy has offered this to you hasn't he? Eh hasn't he?

Garry Prendiville

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 04:54 am

Pistol sounds like a big fantastic effort. Well done. Get the endurytes into you and get hydrated. I found that wetting your buffs and putting it over your water bottles will lover the temperature by 5 to 10 degrees. You guys are legends and we are all glued to your journey. Remember if you are through the 3rd day it is extremely likely you will get through the whole event. Keep your chin up, stay calm and importantly make sure JP pampers you at the end of each day. It will be good for you and distract him away from his achs and pains. We are all with you Pistol so hang with it. Garry P

Karen Roberts

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 03:54 am

My Love it's got to get better from here on in!! Make sure you are drinking buckets and buckets of water and then drink another one. Dig deep Love you can conquer this thing! I want you back in one piece please so if it goes beyond the rediculous then think of how very much your family loves you. My joke:- There are a group of aussies cooking on a bbq around the side of the Vatican. Onlookers are shocked and amazed when they see the Pope himself approach the group making the sign of the cross. This is what he says:- You (pointing upwards) your bbq (point downwards) and your mates (pointing to the right shoulder) can all piss off! (pointing in the right direction). Chin up husband xxxxxxx

Leisa Griffin

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 03:46 am

Hi Pete, it just sounds hideous. I hope that you are feeling better. It would be hard enough to drag yourself out of bed let alone 42km through searing desert heat and scorpions. I'd take my hat off to you if I had one on. Grubby thought he'd go for a run this morning but decided to stay in bed and watch TV - he really is not pushing the envelope and perhaps could be called a little soft!!! make sure you look after yourself over there and be careful. Lots of Love from this side of the world, the safe side Leisa xx PS - your nuts!!

Kate Prendiville

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:24 am

What a brilliant effort to keep going - goodness knows the strength you had to salvage from deep within to drag yourself through all that sand to camp. It will make the rest of the event look like a walk in the park!! Hope you can retain food and fluids tonight, rest well and be ready for tomorrow's torture. I think Karen and I will start planning a holiday in Hawaii!! Keep going! Kate x

29 October 2012 01:32 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well day 1 is completed and the Sahara served up its finest and slapped us all around a bit today. I forgot how tough this game is. We got away at 7am to a fanfare of bedoiun musicians and camels and plenty of anticipation but at least this time all of us took it steady. All except Pat – aka Dog shot in arse. He had an amazing day finishing 5th apparently in just over 4hrs . Incredible given the heat and sandy terrain. JP, Ed and I started consistently and that was really the game plan for the day. This place has absolutely no shade and dune after dune that punish the body I had forgotten how the senses go into overdrive when you get going. The first 2 hours were quite mild with a nice breeze as we traversed the Southern lake and kept comfort levels ok. I was trying to deal with the full pack, getting the hydration right and just getting started and felt this head cold after checkpoint 1. I was feeling crappy heading into checkpoint 2 feeling the core temp race and the head pound. Took 10 mins and the doctor worked on my feet as well that were starting to get red and angry. Just kept the cycle of nuuns, enduralyte, water and food and managed to get into a rhythm. We did run into a small but friendly posse of solidiers brandishing AK47’s that kept us away from something important. I had the camera ready in case JP or Ed wanted to charge them with walking poles and pocket knives. The heat was blistering from about 10.30 and coupled with the soft sand was smacking everyone around. Our constant pace had us overtaking others who went out hard early but by 25km were starting to wobble and look pretty crook. We ran across the line after 7hrs hours so a tough day 1 initiation. Overall only 4-5 withdrawls today so camp is in god shape and our tent is going to be honking full decibels tonight. A chicken curry awaits so until tomorrow. Love to all and keep the messages flowing –they make a big difference out here

pjr

Comments: Total (5) comments

Glen Burgess

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 10:42 pm

Hi Pete Great effort keep running Pies have delisted Cameron Wood so all is well ! 30 in Melb today sounds hotter over there I can see you have done stage 2 now so hope you are going well hang in there let me know if you need any juice from Lance Armstrong's doctors supplies glen

Steph Roberts

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 11:34 am

Sounds painful dad. Going great though, we are all so proud! Nice to see the soldiers are all friendly, I'd like a living father returned. Keep up the great work, thinking of you. Lots of love, Moo x

Ann Bruce

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 11:01 am

Well done. The sand sounds formidable! Thinking of you and hoping the head cold abates...germs will find a more comfortable host for sure. Keep grinning. Lots of love and hugs from melb mob.

Brian Bruce

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 10:54 am

Hi Pete, sounds like you are having fun over there! Take it easy and just focus the mind on the job in front. Hope the feet get better and take good care of them. All fine here and about 28 deg's today, would like to think that I could be there running with you BUT after reading your blog on today's effort I think I'll continue to just think about it. Take care and we look forward to seeing you when you arrive back. Cheers Pa and Ann

Kate Prendiville

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 09:31 am

It's all sounding like childbirth really....during you are full of "I'm never doing this again" (I seem to recall on top of Cockburn Plateau something about "remind me how bad this is"), then afterwards the endorphins kick in and you forget...that is, until the next time you experience a contraction/or ultramarathon!! Still, you all survived Day 1 and got through it faster than Day 1 of the Kimberley...so it's all good :) You are now about 4.5 hours into Day 2 so have probably passed checkpoint 2, and on the "downhill" run. Just remember that with each day your backpack is that bit lighter as you go through the food! Keep on top of those "hotspots"! Tally ho! Katie, Alexandra, Monte, Georgia, and Badger

28 October 2012 12:03 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi all. I'm writing from the most picturesque camp beside an enormous lake the night before the race start. There is lots of energy and excitement building with the race starting at 7am tomorrow. The past few days we have been just hanging around the hotel in Cairo keeping busy at the gym, spa and generally abusing the all you can eat buffets. JP and I even played golf yesterday and he ripped me off with lots of greasy puts. It has been the Eid festival this weekend so all Cairo on vacation but we were advised just to stay close to hotel. We are told Egyptians are smiling more since the Mubarak regime was toppled and they were very keen to practice their English and were interested in the race. We bused out for about 4 hrs from Cairo to this camp. Cairo has population of 17mil and looks like its one big residential construction zone and a huge urban sprawl. We passed the Giza pyramids on the way out that I hope im still in good shape when we run through the finish line next Sat. We must have packed and unpacked 20 times with my pack 10.5k.Was great to see Rags at briefing meeting this morning. He looks fit as a trout and Ed came in yesterday and appears to have acclimitised well. Weather has been very mild but expect mid 30s for day 1. We are already down 2 tent mates - apparently members of Brunei Royal family but were struck down with virus. I reckon our tent called Mut with my snoring wasn't as half as appealing as the Grand Palace.
Time to sign off and will be back tomorrow. send through the messages if you can.
Pistol Pete

Comments: Total (8) comments

Murray & Sussana Vitlich

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 01:37 pm

Hi Pete ...... We've been following the commentary and the challenges, you are a braver man than I my friend (or just plain barking mad)!! Keep up the concentration, the hydration, the nutrition and anything else ending with -"ion"-!! But seriously keep going mate, we are with you every step of the way and thinking of those coldies we can have as you regale us all with tales of the desert. Cheers Murray & Sussana

megan wolf

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 05:24 am

hey big bro - sounds like you aint having that much fun.... but i guess anyone that signs up to running through the sahara desert isn't really doing it for fun. thinking of you and happy for you to fly me over for massages if you'd like..hehehe :) thinking that id better smash my 14 km'city to surf' run in 2 weeks - or you'll disown me !! hang in - be smart and remember theres no medals for stupidity. xx meg

Ian & Granny Roberts

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:03 am

Wow, a swim with the leeches in the cool waters of the boosey creek in Tungamah now probably appeals as a better alternative to kicking sand in the Sahara. Again our best wishes and stay safe. Mum asks about the quality of the dunny paper !!!!!

jamie prendiville

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 01:38 am

Pistol-- I have the luxury of reading your blog from the comfort of home and my thoughts aren't affected by the 70 degree heat of the Sahara. It was crystal clear to me why the Royal Brunei's pulled out -- 'Pistol Pete" who claimed to have a " ransom on the race" -- that would scare the you know what out of any billionaires. Keep them guns loaded and good luck with the race

Ian & Granny Roberts

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 10:43 pm

Good to get your news and we are looking forward to progress reports. We are thinking of you.....

Karen Roberts

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 10:39 pm

Darling there is a problem with your identity. John has stolen it and has two for himself. You need to claim your own blog back under your name. I know Mum and friends can't find you at present. Just what you want - an IT issue!! x

Karen Roberts

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 10:48 am

With u all every step of the way!

Kate Prendiville

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 09:41 am

Yay!! The race has begun! Have just had email that half are through checkpoint 2. Hope you are all travelling well, keeping well hydrated, nourished and chatting heaps!! I'm guessing the volunteers are nowhere near as fabulous as Karen and I!!