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Namib Race Blogs 2012
6
PostsNamib Race (2012) blog posts from Jess Baker
04 November 2012 09:23 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Jess asked us to post this update on her behalf to let you know that there has been a delay in posting the Stage 5 blog, however it will come up soon. Another 4 Deserts event and mission completed. Jess is very, very happy and safe. The team had a great long day. More updates to follow soon.
On Jess' behalf,
The RacingThePlanet team
03 November 2012 02:41 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
WAHOO! We did it. Manic ...happy..girl checking in! Guess it just demonstrates what range of emotions you experience here? Can I blame it on low sugar and heat stroke?! :) I was, as I think was evident, dreading the loooooong day! I frequently run 24hour + events as most of you know, so it wasn't the time I was dreading, it was the spirit (or lack of it). But I don't know what happened, we just pulled it out of the bag, like we always seem to do on the long day! No apathetic Greg, but a determined, focused, just keep marching Greg. My bum didn't stop wiggling, and if ultrarunning doesn't work out, I've now had an 87km taste of power walking!! :) Everyone was pleased and impressed with Greg's resolve and team morale was redeemed. Another beautiful day that went, surprisingly fast. About 20km in we walked through a UNESCO open air museum. We effectively found ourselves walking through what was effectively a ancient seabed with bones of 400+ whales, so old that some still had hindlimbs that hadn;t been evolved out yet like modern day whales. It was crazy to imagine that where we were standing in this arid, dry barren desert, that it was once submerged. This properly excited me and kept me amused for a good while after...that and the man who was selling COLD coke and chips/crisps at the museum - WAHOOO! Cheers, Prost, Gunbai, werer passed around in excitement with other competitors. Greg stopped for the coke but marched right on through the museum, eyes forward focused on finishing. We caught up a bit later after a little explore.
About 7 hours from the end, we decided that we could make it by midnight with the stella, and I declared triumphantly to the camera that we would cross the line at the chime of midnight! What time did we cross the line? 11.59pm, all holding hands with Greg giving absolutely everything he had.
Getting rushed out of the tent no, but just to say running at night in the desert? Absolutely amazing and liberating, and a fresh wind made it almost wild. All texture and depth perception was lost, and it was just present moment mindfulness - wahoo!
Thank you sooo much everyone for your emails/blogs, soo fantastic and mean so much. Can;t wait to catch up with you all soon.
XXX
Comments: Total (1) comments
Margaret Krempff
Posted On: 05 Nov 2012 11:50 pm
So, so glad you guys got your mojo back for the Long Stage, because it really is there to be savoured, regardless of how long it takes, for the epic, mad, intoxicating experience it is. Congratulations!!!!
01 November 2012 01:03 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 4 - no spirit, no fight, no oomph! Just a little jog down this hill? No. Let's just aim to catch up with this cool guy? No. Let's just jog a little to the next flag? No. Let's get to the next checkpoint in this time? No. I am trying, I really am, and this negativity is a stranger to me, but it is a mental struggle to stay upbeat and motivated. It is like Greg has passively accepted his "fate". I know he is trying his hardest though, and I know that any pain that I (or we) are feeling Greg is feeling 100 x worse. I also know that he has not had any time to train because he has been working so hard to make this happen. Tomorrow will just be a different challenge, a challenge that I wouldn't typically choose, but, I accept it, and of course the challenge will be great experience and physically, mentally and emotionally developing. I also have not had any of my caffeine gels yet = an especially hyper day for me!!
The weather was kinder today - only 36deg - woo! Roger and I are meeting great people on the dunes. Today we met an awesome Argentinian - I love how some phrases are expressed in second language. For example, we were discussing today how this experience will be with us forever, and he expressed it as being in "our skin". He also described Roger and I's fresh relationship as the "moon is sweet". Cool huh? Hours can pass when you get into good conversation.
A treat today for Halloween - tiny packets of Haribo - AMAZING!!
Thank you soo much for all your emails and blogs, means so much. Note that our blog will likely be VERY likely tomorrow, at Greg's current performance I am anticipating a 24 hour jaunt, i.e.a 5am return home. I am not loathe to running into a sunset though - every night they are jawdropping. With nothing in the horizon they stretch for miles, and the sun is a defined glowing disc that drops rapidly. The sunrises are equal in beauty.
Much love,
Jess
X
Comments: Total (10) comments
Inny Hall
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 03:26 pm
Hey Jess, I'm so impressed with you guys doing this as a team - the mental test is always the toughie but you've got the resolve to gut it out. So nearly there now at the end of yet another massive achievement. Great going and try to keep positive thoughts for the last stretch to get over that line for that amazing medal that you'll have earned. With you all in spirit and willing you on. Inny x
Riitta Hanninen
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 10:48 am
Hi Jess, congratulations to all of you in the team. You did amazingly despite the hardship on the way. Very proud of all of you, especially Greg! Now you can start thinking about the cool time.. in Antarctica! See you soon! Riitta
Stefica Key
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 03:16 am
Thinking of you all especially after seeing the picture of you and Roger walking with Greg holding his hands. Wonderful image that captures the spirit of what you have described. Sounds like you are doing all you can. Keep it up and soak-up the surnise/sunsets.
Diane v
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 10:07 am
Oh Jess! I thought I'd clicked onto someone else's blog... This so doesn't sound like you (at least the first part), so I know you must be doing it more (at least mentally) tough than normal. Know that you are 1000x times strong than any of use mere office workers who only watch people like you on TV!!! Sending you all my energy, what little I have, to try to help. Thinking of all of you! x
Kristen Stokes
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:38 am
Hey Jess, just thought I'd share with you that we're having a bit of a hot spell in western Sydney (Warragamba), even worked up a sweat just walking the dog (a lovely black strong dumb 12 mth staffy pup)last night. The full moon made me wonder how special that must look over the desert dunes! Am loving the 'little things' you're commenting on - saw an ant today and the like. There sure is nothing like a vast landscape to put your self importance into perspective. Am loving also your positive energy, today's little intrusion on that will pass. Go Girl. Your'e an inspiration! Cheers. Kristen, Lea's friend.
Margaret Krempff
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 07:53 am
Good luck, will be thinking of you.
Pauline Evans
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 07:28 am
well Jess you have enough on your mind there. I think I will distract you with some amusing moments from here. Another old car parked on the street day after day preventing the street sweeper from doing its job... Although the car owner is staying with Chris I am awaiting a letter to hang in my kitchen :-). You would have loved Summer Series last night. The streets of Glebe were full of kids dressed in mad clothes doing trick of treat. All I had to do was dodge the mothers, lurking 1/2 a block behind their particular pack of kids, looking all very concerned at mad runners going in all directions.
Normality awaits your return from the extraordinary. Take care and soak up those sunsets. xxxxxxx
Marie Doke
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 07:23 am
Hi Jess and the rest of the team. I wake up each morning and scan the results and read the blogs. I'm sorry that things aren't going as well as hoped and that Greg is doing it tough. Take consolation in building up some incredible memories that will stay with you forever. I shall be thinking of you all over the next 24 hours. It's going to be a loooooooong day, but I know you will handle it with your usual positive, cheerful, inspiring altitude. Pass on my best to all the team, especially Greg, and I look forward to reading the next installments.
Sandy Suckling
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 05:00 am
Hi Jess, in this case slowly but surely will get you there as you know... I know the frustrations you are having but really at this point its check point to checkpoint as sounds like Greg is doing it really tough... he needs all your wonderful support more than ever ...you are doing a great job just hang in there..sending all my postive energy.. You are all nearly there see you in the cold end of the world. Sandy
Justine Laughton
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 01:29 am
Great work Jess and team it sounds very tough but you are strong and will bring the team home..... what a unforgettable adventure keep smiling.
31 October 2012 01:02 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Well, it just got even MORE beautiful today! Stunning, stunning, stunning. It feels almost surreal of how lucky I am to be in this, a once-in-a lifetime, yes memories forever experience Dennis. Pauline yes, there are “dueling thermometers” - well guessed! J Another 46 degs recorded on Ron’s thermometer; 41degs on Roger’s!! J Either way, it was hot, but the cool breeze provided some kind of relief. One man runs with an umbrella…genius?? J
It gets dark about 6pm here, so everyone is to bed pretty early, although our Korean tentmates like to get up at 4.30am for a 7am start!!?!
The feelings of overwhelming gratitude fluctuate with feelings of frustration…but we accept the slow monotonous pace…and plod on. When Greg started to seriously welt about 10kms from the end(again, cue fears for the long day) we got behind him and literally pushed.
Around the halfway mark today we were met with an oasis- a basic sandstone(?) church in the middle of nowhere with a small pool beside it. I was in!! My gosh, one thing I love about endurance is that the typically “small” things, like some cool water, just feel absolutely amazing. My clothes dried quickly in the sun, but for a short while they helped to reduce the core temperature.
Mum yes, lots of vitamin D indeed! I’m sad you haven’t received you gift yet dad – I had an email saying it had been sent – I shall chase up on my return.
Thanks for all your blogs and emails, they mean A LOT!!
Night night XX
Comments: Total (6) comments
Ronaye Brennan
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 12:23 am
Go well Team Born to Run, we are thinking of you all back home. Good luck with Stage 5, you all will do well. Keep up the water intake. Take care. Ronaye
Kelly Turner
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 09:26 pm
P.S. There are some brilliant pictures of you and your teammates. I just wanted to thank you for always jumping in the air and making crazy shapes with your legs...it makes it much easier for us, your friends and family, to identify you in poor resolution photos!!!! Keep them coming ;-)
Margaret Krempff
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 09:13 pm
Hi Jess, the swim in that pool will stay with you forever! You are so right about these events magnifying the pleasure we can find in simple things. Best of luck to the team for the next Stages, especially the Long March. It sounds like Greg is finding the heat challenging, but he can rest a bit at the Checkpoints and once night comes it will be much cooler, the stars will be out, and he'll get a second wind. That worked for me in Jordan.
Kelly Turner
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 09:09 pm
Hey! Great to hear that you are all progressing well, and that you are enjoying it so much (despite the crazy heat!). Loving your blog, and Rogers - both very descriptive! The pictures look fantastic too, and I can certainly imagine you flying down the sand dunes, while all those around you are thinking 'who is that nutter!'. ha ha. keep on running - you're nearly there! we're thinking of you in chilly old England. Lots of love x
Diane v
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 08:26 am
Woo! Half an hour faster than yesterday!! And you're at the half way mark now (at least in days, I'm not too sure about the actual kms!?). I'm going to go hunting for some pics since others are describing them as amazing! Hope the rest of the team is still faring well! x
Pauline Evans
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 03:25 am
What a picture you painted of the church and the pool. I can imagine the pool being being the saviour of travellers for centuries. Now that precious water will have little molecules of happy jess in it for centuries, which will secretly brighten future travellers, who in turn will have no idea why!!! Good luck with the heat tomorrow. All your friends will around the world will be urging you on with their thoughts.
30 October 2012 12:50 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Atacama spars with the Sahara in terms of breath-taking beauty, but Sahara rocks it in terms of the true desert experience. Atacama has snowcapped mountains that punctuate the horizon, whereas the Sahara just keeps on going and going...and going! The world is so full of everthing, that this vista of nothing is just phenomenal. We are in the stereotypical postcard - we are experiencing it - I am loving it! We went down (and up - ouch!) some AAWESOME sand dunes. Some so steep, you kind of hesitate with a little bit of nerves at the top...before charging down hollering and yelling and wahooing - WAHOO!! Greg was less keen on the sand dunes,and near the end we had to push him up them. 8h 40 minute 42kms today - slowest marathon ever - but Greg avoided the medical tent today, so that is an improvement!
The heat completes the true desert experience, with Roger's thermometer clocking 46 degrees today - which helped justify the fatigue that everyone was feeling. The Sahara is merciless and harsh, and it makes any signs of life even more fascinating.
Other than Greg, Matt and Roger are good with just a little bit of heat rash underneath their calf socks. Ron is a bit slow but makes no complaints. I wonder how Greg will go on the long day, but for now, I will just enjoy the beauty and challenge of each day.
Thanks so much for all your emails and blogs. Di, you and camera would create magic here! Sikaflex doing a grand job Margaret...and peas Stuart? I am baffled and peased! :)
Comments: Total (4) comments
Margaret Krempff
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 10:39 pm
Hi Jess. I'm happy to hear the gaiters are staying stuck to the shoes, at least one problem out of your hair! The photos are so incredible! I hope everyone is feeling good enough to take it all in.
Stefica Key
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 08:43 pm
The photos on the website look amazing - sunrise and sunset without light pollution. Pleased to read that the team is overcoming a disappointing first day. Keep up the great work and take care.
Dennis Wylie
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 10:24 am
Great description on your blog Jess. You are having a wonderful life, experiencing the extremes, creating memories that will be with you forever. I know you are enjoyng it despite discomfort. Not many can do it. Keep an eye on my mate, Ron. Dennis
Pauline Evans
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 04:00 am
Jess I can just imagine you tearing down those sandhills. They may be AWESOME, but you guys more than match the 'awesomeness'. The heat sounds unbelievable. Hope you are able to sleep well to help with the daily recovery. How cold is it getting at night? I am sure Roger's trusty thermometer will help with that question. :-) Does this mean that Roger has taken over from Ron with the metrics???? Duelling thermometers? Have fun, and I look forward to tomorrow's update.
29 October 2012 01:43 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
The Sahara is JUST how you might imagine…and more! A field of sand that never ever ends in all directions. And a relentless sun that hides behind no clouds. Today’s temperature clocked up to 41degs and we felt it…especially Greg, who is currently in the medical tent on anti-nausea tablets and salty Bovril. We all started so well. 18.5kms in 2.5 hours – not shabby at all. Then Greg started to slow down a bit more, a bit more, and when we entered the last checkpoint he caught the attention of the medical doctor. We walked in the last 7kms with Greg uttering that he had nothing to give. I REALLY don’t want a repeat of Gobi, especially in this heat. I am going to believe that it is just Greg adjusting to the temperature and the climate, and that tomorrow will be a new, fresh strong day. Wish us luck in my hopeful belief.
We saw the most stunning sunset and sunrise – vibrant oranges and pinks. Our tentmates are 5 koreans – Team HOKA Korea – Roger is very excited, and a fellow athlete with Type 1 Diabetes who has completed four ironmen and scaled Mount Everest.
New things this desert? Arm coolers, parachute liner calf gaiters, ice patches in an attempt to manage my bursitis and achillies tendonitis and sweet potato mash! Managed to reduce pack to 8kg (without water), which is good, the heavy pack never gets easy.
Finding some interesting patterned “pebbles” on the ground, and spotted two signs of life – a little bug and a tiny gecko like creature – it is amazing how salient these things become when faced with a barren landscape.
Look forward to your emails and blogs. Sister Sam and mum ahead of the game already, thank you, I love you! XXX
As always, I am sure Roger writes a better blog.
Comments: Total (3) comments
Diane v
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 09:01 am
Hi Jess, Glad to see the team got through Day 1 - fingers crossed Greg recovers well overnight! In any case, it won't be the same as Gobi... you're in the Sahara! ;) All the best for the team for Day 2 and beyond!
Margaret Krempff
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 08:10 am
8kg pack! You go girl! I hope your team mate recovers well. All the best for an awesome Stage 2.
Pauline Evans
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 03:32 am
Delighted to hear news from the Sahara,even if it does sound to be rather desperate. The blog has been so slow it has taken 2hrs to load...aaaagggghhh! But it was worth the wait. The landscape sounds amazing. Enjoy that 'light' 8kg pack and hang in there, no matter what the situation. You have an amazing experience ahead of you every day. Look forward to your next blog..P xx
Comments: Total (1) comments
Justine Laughton
Posted On: 04 Nov 2012 09:04 pm