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Namib Race Blogs 2012
5
PostsNamib Race (2012) blog posts from Matthew Donovan
02 November 2012 11:57 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
This is the news you have been waiting to here! We are now on the other side of the 86km long day and happy to say we made it!
Yesterday was a battle that started at 7am in the morning and finished exactully 17 hours later on the stroke of midnight.
Team born to run have a nack for getting it done when the long day comes and yesterday we did just that. Dad started the Day much more conservitavly than we had the prior four days. We can into checkpoint two where we found local people selling chips and coke which we took full advantage of. This gave dad a good little kick along as we went through the valley of the whales; an open air museum of fossilised whales in the middle of the sahara. This was pretty cool butthe landscape and the rock formations were far mor impressive,when i had a chance to lift my head to take it all in.
Unfortunatly it was short lived as the temps rose and saped our energy a little. We make it into checkpoint 5 where wehad a planned dinner stop. This have me a chance of fix my feet which fealt like they had been chewed on by a bear, rub in a heap of anti-inflamitory gel and pop some paradol to march on. Dad clapsed in a heap and it was a struggle getting him back on his feet to continue on. At this stage his nausea was getting pretty bad and he could not eat his dinner.... more for me! He went on the rest of the race without have any more food.
At that checkpoint we had our sights set on 12 midnight and managed to bring it home to the second!
Today is the rest day and it is natoriously the longest and slowest of all the days. I have eaten all my food at this stage and looking for anything to pass the time and take my mind off the hunger. Seeing the last competitor come in and the whole camp come out to greet him with music and dance was pretty cool and we a destraction for about 15 mins. Tomorrow we are bussed into the Piramids of Giza where we run to the finish line and celebrate with beer and Pizza. I can honestly say i feel like a 7 year old on Christmas eve. And the Presents I am Waiting for... Finish Line... Pizza.. Beer... Shower.... Banquet Celebration... Fly to London to See Emma.
After coming through this mother desert, it does not get much better than that!
Thanks everyone for sending your comments through. It was great to know our messages were making it all the way home and you were thinking of us! Thankyou.
01 November 2012 12:17 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hello once again from Sunny Sahara!
I am pleased to report that we made it through once again. Today was stage four and the last of the "short days" at about 38km. Like all the other stages today was a bit of a struggle to pull Dad through. I think the conditions are wearing him out pretty badly. We crossed the finish line today were he promptly layed himself down in the shade and fell into a deep sleep. I have been battling to get food in him and get him recovered but its hard work. In about 12 hours time from now we will be starting the 86 km stage which is looking like being our longest and slowest stage of all deserts so far. If we finish this one in 18 hours I think we would have done really well. In fact if Dad is able to finish at all I think it will be a massive acheivement. I have no doubt he will start tomorrow and he will also finish as long as the medics allow him to continue. Its not a pretty sight seeing him lumbar up to the checkpoints each time if you can imagine.
Apart from that everyone else is doing well.
I'm about to sit down to my powder mash potato and coconut oil for the 4th night in a row. I know it sounds delicious, but when you are as hungry as I am right now it is as good as your last meal.
I thought i might give you an insight into living conditions so far. It has been 4 days since a shower. You are sleeping in a tent with 10 others who have also not showered. There is sand all through your sleeping bag, your cloths, shoes, food. The bathroom is nothing more than a hole in the sand. I cant believe people pay to do this.
Anyways, I can almost taste the beer at the piramids, and after tomorrow it will be even closer.
Thinking of everyone at home and looking forward to reading your comments when we make it in. Next one you read will be a full report of the long stage so hang tight for the Good News!
Comments: Total (14) comments
Rachael Pelly
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 01:16 am
Matt!!
The team here at Rebound are thinking of you and we're about to send out your blog link in our November newsletter. Wishing you all the best in the next stage. By the time you read this those beers will be even closer! Keep up the effort, we think you're awesome!!
Good luck from all of us at Rebound.
Tim Dyer
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 09:58 pm
Despite the descriptions I can't imagine how tough it really is out there mate - you've nearly done it though guys keep pushing through and remember why you are out there! Will be thinking of you all during the long stage and until we see the next blog. Hopefully Gregs condition improves or at least doesn't get any worse and he can finish the race!
Stay strong mate you're doing something amazing!!
Emma David
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:29 pm
Good luck for the big run ahead! I will be thinking of u every minute! Not long until you can have a lovely English pub meal instead of that horrible mash potato. Look after your dad and yourself xo
Chris Follett
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 12:09 pm
Hi Matt, conditions are sounding very luxurious. Gotta love a hole in the ground. Our positive thoughts are with you for the long haul ahead. Look after yourself and dad. Lots of love xx
Michael Dyer
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 11:05 am
Matt,
Have been keeping track of the teams progress through the stages, and conditions seem to be the toughest that you have experienced to date.
Wishing all the team and Greg in particular the strength to get through the next long stage, good luck to all the team
Michael.
Ben Bailey
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 10:28 am
It's only 80 odd k's mate. You'll all nail it no probs. Just keep thinking of that beer with the pharaohs.
Leanne Dyer
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 09:28 am
Hi Matty, so glad to hear you all made it through stage 4 under such harsh conditions. The photos look incredible & we can't wait to see hot knees footage & to be there on the finish line for you. Following you through every stage of this amazing journey from Egypt has been unbelievable really, we are so close but feel so very far away. We are constantly thinking of you all sending positive vibes, encouragement with all our strength & love.
Today will be long & tough, keep going strong, one step at a time, check point to check point, just do what you need
to do to get to that finish line. As hard as it must be Matty, don't loose site of the reason you are there, hold your head up high with pride mate, you are doing amazingly well:-) till your next blog, Lea & Mum xxxx
Kristen Stokes
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:55 am
Am wishing for wings of angels to carry you and your dad through tomorrow. Stay strong. Kristen, Lea's friend.
Laura Impey
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:41 am
Can't even imagine what you will need to do to pull through the long day. Conditions sound horrible, as does the food. I know dad has it in him to get thru, and with the teams encouragement I'm sure you'll make it. Then it's the rest day and a 'short sprint' home to the finish. I bet you will both be glad when it's over, and each and every step is a little closer to the end! Thinking of you today, and wishing you all the strength and encouragement to get through. Love lau & mitch
Zach McKay
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 07:34 am
Good luck for tomorrow mate! Remember, one foot in front of the other and keep going.
r b
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 07:08 am
I am sure Greg will do well tomorrow, it might be an effort, but he will come through, his determination is very strong. Good luck to all and keep up drink and food. Talk soon, Ronaye
Colin Suckling
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:52 am
Matt,
l can visualise the contditions and understand what your are going through mentally and with your dad in his condition. Boy you must be soooooo proud of him. l am so looking forward to the catch up with you guys in what will be a great story. Please pass on on best the crew as we await the breaking news daily.
Stay srong
Colin
Cameron Dyer
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:18 am
Tomorrow is going to be massive mate! Get it done! Good luck champion!!!
Barry Latham
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 01:34 am
Hi Matt - it is always a great to see a time posted against the latest Stage and it was fantastice to see Stage 4 done!! Congratulation to the whole team and yes I can only imagine how distressing it is to see your Dad so exhausted. The guy is a living legend and whle I am sure he will mentally guts it out he will need you more than ever to be his physical prop tomorrow. Good luck tomorrow. Barry and Liane
31 October 2012 01:10 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hello everyone from home. I have just spend the last 15 minutes reading your comments and it means a lot having you thoughts reach us all the way out here; a stones through from Hell. Haha I’m just kidding, I have to say this desert is the most brutal, punishing and beautiful place I have every been.
Today we spend the first 3-4 hours traveling through sand dunes that stretched all the way to the horizon, with huge rocky plateaus in the distance. The conditions were a little bit more mild due to a slight breeze which helped keep us cool but when it dropped it was like being in a sauna.
Dad faired a little better today but still struggled his way through the coarse. I and the team was again pushing him up the sand dunes and even along the flat sections just to maintain a little bit of momentum. Worrying signs for the 86km long day, but oh well. I didn’t want to spend any extra minutes out in the heat than was necessary.
Tomorrow is the last of the “short days” and will be 40km. Piece of Piss!
The team and me are doing ok with no major issues. Our major challenge will be getting the old boy through without anything wiping him out. As I write this I am watching him walk out of the cyber tent. And when I say walk I mean carfully shift one limb after another less gracefully than a 90 year old with a broken hip. Its a bit of a worry but he’s a battler and I’m sure we’ll pull through.
Keep the comments coming!
P.S @ Emma. 2pm, Sunday 4th Notting hill Gate is making this thing a little more bearable! Cya soon. Can’t wait xoxo
Comments: Total (8) comments
Janet David
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 08:42 pm
Can't imagine how mentally and physically tough it must be to get through each stage. Incredible and very inspiring that you can keep going. Fantastic xx I know Emma can't wait for your visit. Take care and keep supporting one another xx Janet, Lloyd and Gareth
Laura Impey
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 04:51 pm
Hi Matt, keep looking forward to your break with Emma, it will make everything worth while. You guys are doing so well, keep pushing dad along (physically and mentally) I'm sure u will make it. The long day will be very difficult by the sounds of it, but I know you will give it your best shot and fight to the end. Thinking of you guys, take it one step at a time. Much love from lau & Mitch xoxo
Leanne Dyer
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 12:54 pm
Hi Matty, you are doing so well, I can not imagine just how deep you have had to dig to fine the strength to get through each stage but look how far you have come. We are thinking of you, keep on digging deep, you can do it, Go team Born to Run! Lea :-)
Emma David
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 09:40 am
So proud of you! Never met anyone so tough. Keep going and try to enjoy the beautiful scenery as well if you can. Love u lots! P.s. I will meet you at the hotel at 2pm. See u soon! Xo
Steve Donovan
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 08:51 am
Great work Matt, Keep the amazing effort up. Before you know it you'll be looking back on this journey. You and the whole team are an inspiration to me and all your followers. The desert sounds unbearable but so beautiful. Wish you luck for the rest of the race. Good luck.
Ronaye Brennan
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 08:06 am
Hey Matt, well done keep up the great work. Greg you are doing great. You are an achiever, you will do well. Keep up all the great work Team Born To Run. C U soon, Ronaye & Family
Raylene Donovan
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 05:21 am
Wow! You are so awesome. When looking after dad, don't forget to look after your self too. Hoping stage 4 goes well. Love you heaps.
Cameron Dyer
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 04:58 am
You're a bit of a battler in many respects yourself mate!!! 3 days down - sounds like it's going well. Hard to imagine the landscape you have been travelling through but it sounds amazing. As far the heat, I would rather not imagine that! Keep it up mate!
30 October 2012 12:54 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Wow.. that was another tough one. This stage was mostly on sand.. proper sand like you find between deewhy and long reef. And yes, it was an absolute punish. Dad again found the stage very challengingand was surverly lacking in energy and stamina but the 20-25 km mark. The stage was about marathon distance at 42 km with some very nasty sand dunes at the end.
We managed to bring it home in about 8:30. although much of today was a march the heat and dehydration took its tole. We literally pushed dad up the last sand dunes as we were coming into camp. He is limping and in pain but did not have any symptoms of nausea like the first day.
Tomorrow isanother 42 km effort and we have reports on much more dunes... bummer. Its going to be another long slow one tomorrow and we will be batteling just to finish. Sorry for the short message but im writing this in my underwear and its time to go to bed. Although we are doing it tough, the sun is down but the drums are still beating meaning there are still people coming in. If they can make then there is no reason why we cannot.
Thanks everyone for your comments, they really mean alot. Keep them coming!
Love youse all.
Comments: Total (19) comments
Emma David
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 12:18 am
Go Matt! Sounds so tough! Keep giving your dad the support he needs and I know you will all pull through. Have you seen anything interesting in the desert? Counting down the days til I see you! Xo p.s. nice to see u are embracing your bogan side by using the word " youse" lol.
Ben Bailey
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 11:10 pm
Keep pushing Donno, you can do it! Eyes on the prize mate. Help get team born to run over the line.
James Hatt
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 10:37 pm
amazing effort guys, hope it gets better for you
Tim Dyer
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 09:41 pm
Hey Dono
sounds as though its pretty tough out there mate - you guys have come so far and are doing really well
i hope Greg is feeling better today and can keep pushing on through the next few stages
great work Team Born To Run thinking of you guys!
Andrew Jarvis
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 08:30 pm
Amazing stuff Gadget!!
Truly Inspirational....say hi to the dog for me, when it appears & remember to FEED YOUR DOG!
Take care & smash it up
Jarvo
Steve Loe
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 11:20 am
A great start for the big challenge - Mat, you have done well so far and are a great inspiration. Stay strong and take care for the long run ahead.
Zach McKay
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 10:06 am
Hey mate! Been a long time! This is an amazing achievement. It may seem hard now, but all of your hard work and preparation will pay off in the end. What you're doing is very inspiring to so many people! Hopefully catch up with you when you get back sometime.
:-)
PJ Reeks
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 10:04 am
Sounds bloody tough. Good to see you're still up beat!! Good luck tomoz. -PJ
Cameron Dyer
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 09:56 am
Yew! 2 down mate! Down an amazing job - keep it up! Thinking of you all.
RHONA LARKIN
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 09:27 am
HI GUYS. SUCH AN AMAZING EFFORT. WE ARE SENDING OUR LOVE TO YOU ALL AS WELL AS THE TEAM. KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK. LOOK FORWARD TO YOUR NEXT BLOG
Chris Follett
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 09:17 am
Hi Matt, I get a shiver up my spine every time I read one of your or dads blogs. Have been reading them to all at home. You guys are amazing and we are with you. Lots of love and keep on keeping on.
Steve Donovan
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 06:04 am
Hey Matt. You are doing amazing, only 2 days in but you have come such a long way already. I hope that stage 3 is not too bad, just keep moving forward and keep that finish line in mind. Have a moment to take in the beautiful landscape. You and the team are truly inspiring. Hear from you soon.
Ronaye Brennan
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 06:01 am
Hey Matt, well done, hope you a good sleep ready for stage 3, thinking of you, Greg and Team. Take care everyone you are all doing an amazing job. Ronaye
Leanne Dyer
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 05:21 am
Hi Matt, 2 days down & what an amazing feat that is. Thinking of you all the time, stay strong & just keep moving forward. Lea :-)
Raylene Donovan
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 05:01 am
Hey mate, good job. Keep pushing forward, sending all my strength your way. Look after dad, live you.Mum xxx
Sandy Suckling
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 04:12 am
HI Matt, thinking of you all out there in some warped way would love to be there too... Oh I still remember the heat and those unbelievable sand dunes 2 steps forward 3 back ha ha ha ..... must admit I loved coming down them ..laughed so much nearly rolled down some of them.... take care and I am cheering you all on from the comfort of home...ohhh arhhh... Antarctica is looking good hey... see you there Sandy
Janet David
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 03:45 am
Wishing you all the very best for the rest of your journey, Matt and Greg. Both doing an amazing job. Take care xx Janet, Lloyd and Gareth
Mark Moala
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 02:23 am
Hey Matt,
Amazing mate. All the best to you, your dad and the team as well as everyone who are super brave on tackling these tremendous events. I personally have not known anyone who does these awesome adventures and have never had taken notice that these events exist. I am super inspired by your achievemnts champ. I will show my kids this website and explain what you folks are up to. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Keep tapping away guys.
Mark Moala
P.S. Not sure if you remember me. Used to train at Ignite.
Sarah D
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 02:08 am
Sounds like hard work Matt! Hope you sleep well and looking forward to hearing about the next stages... *hi five*
29 October 2012 02:18 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I guess this is the blog I didnt want to write. We have not had the best of starts we had hoped for. I spend a lot of the night in the bathroom doing what i needed to do. After taking a heap of antibiotic mum gave me at last minute (thanks Mum) and some gastrostop it seems to be controled for now. Fingers crossed its not a repeat of Gobi.
Dad got pretty hammered today in the heat. The first 2/3 of the stage were quite fast and we were feeling good. Dad started to struggle and slowed to walk for the last 1/3 of the stage and started feeling quite nausouse when we finally got in. He has spent the last 2 hours in the medical tent and is starting to come around. He is feeling really ordinary and well probly not do a blog this arvo. He is super dehydrated after downing about 10L of water without peeing. I antisipate tomorrow to be much slower and we be all about making the distance which is about 42 km.
I cant describe the heat other than intence. it was close to 40 degress today and we fealt every bit of it. The others are holding up ok.
I have to say the novilty of this whole thing is wearing thin. I just hope we make it through tomorrow.
I will report back with news then. Until then send your love and messages.
Apart from that i have to say the landscape is something else. When you imagine a desert as if you were a child this is what you would see. It is just so barrow, with sand dunes forever. I thought I would leave you wil a pleasent scene like that to take the worry away.
Make sure you leave a message!
xoxo
Bye Now!
Comments: Total (11) comments
Nadine Burns
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:51 am
Hi Matt,
Hang in there! we're all thinking of you here and wishing you the best of luck over the coming days! Drink lots of water and look after your dad! xxxxx
Daniel Solomon
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 08:54 pm
Keep pushing on guys! You have the experience of Gobi behind you to know you can get through this race.
Ronaye Brennan
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 08:41 pm
An enormous effort Greg, all the best for Stage 2, we are all thinking of you back home. Take care and all the very best to Team Born to Run.
Cameron Dyer
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 08:31 pm
Sounds intense mate - I hope Greg is alright. Keep going bud, good luck tomorrow!
Trish Holman
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 05:36 pm
We are routing for you all. Keep going! From The Holman Family in the UK.
Steve Donovan
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 10:57 am
Hey Matt, sounds like you had a tough day one. Things are only going to improve from now on. I hope you feel better tomorrow and ace the second day. I'm sure you'll do great. Love steve
Emma David
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 10:30 am
Thinking of you and hoping you and Greg are feeling better soon. Enjoy the amazing scenery and just picture how amazing it is going to be when you all cross that finish line! So proud of you. Keep it up! Xo
Phil & Allyson Owen
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 09:50 am
Hi Matt
Day 1 has obviously been tough but we know you can do it. Your an inspiration to us all.
Cant wait for the next update
Laura Impey
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 06:52 am
Sounds very punishing, hoping dad gets some hydration for stage 2 and that your tummy has settled. Keep pushing forwards, and help each other out as a team. My fingers are crossed that stage 2 is better than stage 1. Wishing u all the very best, love lau & Mitch xoxo
Kerrie Mcgregor
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 03:11 am
Hey Matt sounds so very challenging! But you and your dad are up for the task! Hope Stage 2 is a little less taxing on the both of you. Goodluck
Colin Suckling
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 02:27 am
Hey Matt, watching intently and reliving the journey of Sahara. Day two will be better and will get like that as the race continues. Not quite the same as the others.
Great work to get where you guys are, keep up your spirits up. Good Job
Comments: Total (11) comments
Ben Bailey
Posted On: 04 Nov 2012 10:40 am
Steve Loe
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 11:52 am
Nadine Burns
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 11:07 am
Nadine Burns
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 11:07 am
Chris Follett
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 08:54 am
Zach McKay
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 08:36 am
Janet David
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 08:25 am
Cameron Dyer
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 08:18 am
Emma David
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 08:10 am
Leanne Dyer
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 04:52 am
Tim Dyer
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 12:16 am