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Namib Race Blogs 2011
7
PostsNamib Race (2011) blog posts from Hank Peelle
07 October 2011 02:15 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Good News!!!! Steve moved up and finished in 23rd place. He had another awesome performance in the 85K segment, finishing in under 15 hours. I had the honor of beating the drum as he finished and recording his time on the official race log. Steve ran the first 40K in approx 5.5 hours. Facing an intense headwind, he power walked the next 30K. As night fell (which is amazing in the desert), Steve ran/walked to a great finish. He looked strong as he ran to the line. He felt surprisingly good when he got in and is in great spirits today. Steve kept ahead of his friend Victioria, who did win the womens division. Steve was not far behind the team of Canadians sharing the tent, and one of the individuals from Canada. No doubt he more than deserves to share space with this elite group. Steve has blisters, but other than that, few serious aches and pains. His only complaint was the they should reduce his time by at least an hour for all the pictures he took. Steve even took time to scoop up sand for Linda and his family, and look for fossels.
I did 20K yesterday, far enough to make it to the Valley of the Whales. I spend the afternoon helping out at one the the checkpoints, then recording times and cheering the finishers. This is the last blog. Thanks so much for your comments and emails, I appreciate more than you realize.
Hank
I did 20K yesterday, far enough to make it to the Valley of the Whales. I spend the afternoon helping out at one the the checkpoints, then recording times and cheering the finishers. This is the last blog. Thanks so much for your comments and emails, I appreciate more than you realize.
Hank
05 October 2011 01:47 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Thanks everyone for your encouraging comments. I made it to checkpoint 2 (approx 20k) and had to stop. I simply could not go farther. It took more than 5 hours. I am completely spent and not feeling all that great. I have been craving salty foods and could live on potato chips, but I did not bring enough. I have a lot of respect for the athletisim of Steve, who ran this 40K leg in 40 degree temps in just over 6 hours and is now in 23rd place. Steve has been running with Victoria, who is the leading woman. Victoria said that Steve finished well ahead of her. As for me, well, we do learn from those things we strive to do, but cannot achieve. This is not the first time nor the last. I am glad I gave it a try. I not down or disappointed. It is just beyond my curent level of ability. As far as tomorrow ... I have not decided on stage 5, but cannot manage any more 10k.Thanks again for all the positive comments, it is really appreciated. ALSO be sure to send emails to Steven Stewart and cheer him on. He is not blogging and would really appreciate it.
Hank
Hank
Comments: Total (15) comments
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 04:13 pm
Hank and Steve,
You guys are TOTALLY ROCK STARS in my book!!
Hang in there. Looking forward to hearing all of the stories next time we se e you at tracks. I am forever humbled by you guys for taking on this challenge. Makes me realize that nothing is impossible. Cngratulations!! so proud of you guys!
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 04:06 pm
Hi Hank
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 03:16 pm
Hank Peelle, urban legend and person extrodinnaire.
Namaste.
xo!
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 01:47 am
Both you guys are fantastic! Steve keep up what you are doing, your way up near the front of the pack. Hank you are great! So looking forward to the stories when you guys are back.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 11:55 pm
This amazing experience will always be a part of you, the wonder of it all, the force that brought you so far, the reality and the new dreams ahead. We only know who we are when we push to the extreme. You are a hero to all of us. Enjoy the rest of this awesome trip and find peace in it. I love you even if you are crazy!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 11:05 pm
You are living your dreams, who can ask or expect more.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 09:36 pm
Keep going Hank, one step at a time! Whatever you decide, you are an amazing person!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 03:25 pm
Keep going Hank, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger...enjoy the experienc and the privilege of being there. You are a winner in my book.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 12:50 pm
Some of us dream of living/trying adventure .... you are doing it. I hope you are "taking in" all this challenge and experience has to offer. You are amazing!!! Keep at it.
Joe,
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 12:45 pm
you are already a winner in our books Hank! your finish time means nothing - having the courage to do this, and hanging tough despite all the odds is truly inspirational. smell the roses and keep making wonderful memories by doing what your body gives you!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 10:56 am
You have reached many milestones, just keep doing what you are doing, trying everyday! Enjoy this wonderful experience of running in the Sahara!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 10:02 am
Glad you are focusing on the positive - be proud that you are sharing this experience with othes of the same mind set. Sometimes determination and tenaciousness cannot force the body to do what it cannot! You have been amazing.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 12:42 am
Please pass on my best wishes to Steve. I am a good friend of his wife Cindy who said we could find out how he doing here on your blog. Do you have his email? Tell him we are routing for him- way to go Steve! Congrats to both of you and your Herculean efforts. Jon
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 11:17 pm
Great work, Steve. April G. read me the blog last night. This is my first time to check it out myself. Got probate today. My cousin might be interested in buying the place. I have been thinking about you many times a day and looking at the time difference (10 hours?) and trying to figure out what you are doing. Hang in there, Hank. Steve was awfully glad to know you were going to be there with him. With love and prayers, Cindy Mae
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 09:34 pm
Congratulations on your success this week and knowing your body well enough to stop. I am sure it is torturous. As a Canadian and a "lazy sibling of one your team mates" I appreciate the support all the runners have given one another. Thanks. Humanity in such a inhumane challenge. Good luck tomorrow! Karen
04 October 2011 02:14 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
I finished stage 3. I slowed way down and was much better at staying hydrated. I am still having calf issues. My plan is to start stage 4 as go as far as I can. The scenery is spectular, though it does not pass by real fast. Steve is doing fantastic and passed the women leader during the final state. His is 27th at the moment. It has been far more difficult then I expected. I have alot of respect for those who can actually do this.
Hank
Hank
Comments: Total (12) comments
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 09:48 pm
Hammer on it Hank! You can do it!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 04:42 pm
Hank, so happy to hear that you've finished stage 3!!!
You both are a amazing! you both have a great determination.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:45 pm
:) Yayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy!!!!!!
xo!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:45 am
Great determination! Good luck tomorrow, just keep a steady pace and positive thoughts!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 01:13 am
Hank and Steve, you guys are fabulous. Way to go to get back in Hank. When you guys were talking about all this you said that it would involve about 30k a day. So far it looks like you guys are doing about 40 k a day. A Marathon every day. Unbelievable and in the sand and 37 deg temps!!! Wow.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 01:01 am
Amazing determination. For you to get back into the "game" is so incredible. Again was thinking about you and Steve on my little run tonight. This adventure will change you forever. Give my best to Steve and good luck to you on the next stage.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 11:58 pm
Hank, I am just in awe of your great adventure. How lucky you are to do something that most of us only dream about doing "one of these days"......
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 10:12 pm
Fabulous! - I was surprised and really glad to see that you were able to overcome your problems and get back into the race. What determination! Hope tormorrow goes as well as possible. You should be proud.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 09:52 pm
You are absolutely amazing! Such character and determination! So happy to hear you are better hydrated and were able to complete stage 3. An huge accomplishment! Look forward to hearing how you and Steve do tomorrow. Big hugs to both you and Steve. XOXO
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 09:40 pm
way to go! especially because you attempted stage 3. several of us at hbc who work with Steve are glad you are keeping us informed as to how Steve is doing. thanks and good luck
ps it is interesting to read most of the competitor's blogs don't have time to read them all
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 09:39 pm
Slow or fast I know you will finish just from shear determination. 3 stages is already a huge accomplishment.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 09:26 pm
Way to go! Glad you could finish Stage 3 without major problems. Hang in there tomorrow and know we are pulling for you.
03 October 2011 02:34 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
This is a very humbling experience. I did not trek today. I will decide on tomorrow in the morning. I am still far from 100%. Tough to learn your limits.
Comments: Total (11) comments
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 07:59 pm
Hey Hank/Steve, You guys had me awed before you stepped into that plane to Cairo. If you showed me that finisher's medal after, i would probably admire it then forget what it looked like within 15 mins but the image of you and Steve running with us and keeping the pace with your back packs on, that is what's going to keep me running, trying to be you. so cheers buddy, there's nothing else to prove...although i have a gut feeling that you just probably met a cute bedouin belly dancer up there...
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 02:31 pm
Hank,
xo!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 01:13 pm
Hang in there Hank, we are all cheering you on from Brampton!!! Thinking about you and Steve and hoping you can continue on.
Take Care
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 12:10 pm
Have been thinking of you and share in your disappointment. You've trained hard for this and are well prepared. Unfortunately we cannot always predict how our bodies will react on any given day... Rest up, take in plenty of fluids and feel better. Marie-Claire
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 02:36 am
I'm checking to see how you did before going to bed. I'm sad you couldn't participate today but tomorrow is another day...hope you get better we are wishing you the best.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 12:36 am
Sorry to read that you didn't make it to the start today. But when I think of how much you have accomplished in the various runs you have made, you have little to be humble about. This is clearly a group of the very toughest runners. I think you are amazing to be a part of them even if today didn't work. Love you.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 12:27 am
Thinking about you and know you are disappointed you could not participate today. Keep your head up and focus on tomorrow.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 11:55 pm
Hank, our thoughts were with you guys as we did the toad on sunday, I hold elaine it\'s frigging cold here, and hot as heck for steve and hank... Just do what you can....carlo & maria
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 11:55 pm
Hank, our thoughts were with you guys as we did the toad on sunday, I hold elaine it's frigging cold here, and hot as heck for steve and hank... Just do what you can....carlo & maria
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 10:21 pm
Hang in there Hank, glad you have decided to stay and try for another day. This race has many milestones, getting to the start line is a great accomplishment! Stay positive!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 10:09 pm
HI Hank you dont know me Im just a random but my friend Beverly Te Huia is racing and iv been following her it sounds all very crazy. I dont know if this will inspire you or make you feel worse but you can do anything you put your mind too. Rest up take in some fluids and try again thats all you can do. Hope you feel better soon lots of prayers coming your way all the way from NEWZEALAND... Kia Kaha Hank.
02 October 2011 02:44 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Steve did great today. I had a tough day. I had to stop with 1K to go and get assistance. After 90 min or so, I could walk to the finish. I will see what tomorrow brings. I am still dyhydrated and suffering from leg cramps. I will stop if need be.
Hank
Hank
Comments: Total (11) comments
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 07:43 pm
Hank - a tough decision today I'm sure, but be comfortable that it was the right one. You are the only one that really knows how you were doing. Admirable challenge and effort to even get there; experience of a lifetime!!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 07:10 pm
Hey Hank,
No matter what, you were out there! Tough to do!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 03:41 pm
Hope today went a bit more smoothly for you. We had to runa gainst the cold wind yesterday for 4 or 5 kms, so can understand your distress.....NOT!!! We are thinking about you!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 02:19 pm
This must be the tough for you. What happened that you couldn't go on. We are all still so proud of you!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 01:23 pm
You both have amazing determination!!!
Good luck with the next stage :)
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 03:10 am
Hank, I just read your comments of day 1; wow; no matter what nobody else I have ever known has gone to run the Sahara; no matter what happens or happened today, you do EPIC s--t!!!
Peace,
Angela.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 01:41 am
Hank - Glad to hear that you made it through the first day! It sounds like it was really tough... Hope you can get hydrated enough to continue tomorrow. Good luck - will be thinking of you until I can check your status.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 01:41 am
Good job today Hank, we are pulling for you. Hope you recover for Stage 2.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:51 am
Tick off the first day, a tough one but you made it! Good luck tomorrow, keep hydrated.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:26 am
All that matters is that you made it for another day. We are all proud of you for your determination to do your best. Tomorrow is a fresh start and you learned from your experience today.Good luck on the next stage.
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 11:36 pm
Hank, so glad you finally made it in, but sounds like you really went thru a wringer. Was it the sand and the dunes or the heat? Hope you get enough rest for the next leg! Good luck pal. And Steve, well done, 29th place so far!
01 October 2011 02:30 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Steve and I arrived at camp. Steve missed his flight connection in London and arrived 5 hours late. I had my knife consificated at security and had to find one in Cario. It was a good call to go a day ahead. The drive to the camp was very interesting. Lots of buildings half completed and in disrepair. Howevever, the scenary at camp is fantastic. The group camping thing is new, but I will get use to it. I am really looking forward to getting underway tomorrow. All kinds of things are running through my mind, but most questions will be answered after tomorrow.
Hank
Hank
Comments: Total (3) comments
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 06:01 pm
Hi guys! Glad to hear everyone in the group made it through stage 1! Awesome job. Get a good nights sleep and rock on! I am so excited for you two. :-)
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 04:08 pm
thinking of you and wishing you well of course. Watching for today's results to be posted soon.
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 04:05 pm
Hey Hank and Steve. Good to know you made it so far . I see Steve has completed the 1st stage (well done!), just waiting for your results Hank.
06 July 2011 02:59 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Thought I would give a blog a try and see if something shows up... Looking forward to the race. Training is going well and I keep at it. I am begining to appreciate just how difficult it will be to do these long runs day after day in the heat and sand with a heavy backpack. I have run one 50K with my backpack, but not at race weight and it was quite the challenge. But that is why we are doing this ... if it was not hard, why bother!
Comments: Total (21) comments
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 08:20 pm
You can do it Hank!!!!
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 08:10 pm
As we ran around Brampton this morning in 5C temps we were thinking of the two of you. Good luck on the second day.
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 01:52 pm
Best of luck. Enjoy the experience.
Posted On: 01 Oct 2011 09:07 pm
Hey my man:
You didn't really go over there did you???
We are running at Inglewood tomorrow (Flat)
We had a beer in you and Steve's honor at Tracks
Best of luck, buddie. We are all rooting for you.
Keep us posted
Cheers
Plodder Paul
Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 09:47 pm
Good to see there is no, "X" across your picture yet. Good luck. Will be following you.
Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 06:36 pm
You have worked very hard to prepare yourself physically and mentally for this event. The boys and I are pulling for you. Have fun!
Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 04:37 pm
Go Hank! Now that you're approaching the final moment, breathe deeply, stay loose, and have fun with it! All of your fans are cheering you on. Love, Laur
Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 01:41 pm
Good luck, enjoy the experience! Look forward to following along and reading your blog.
Posted On: 29 Sep 2011 04:02 pm
Good Luck Hank!!!
Looking forwarding to reading your blog.
Posted On: 29 Sep 2011 09:35 am
Good luck to you and Steve - what an amazing adventure!!
Posted On: 28 Sep 2011 08:39 pm
Awesome challenge guys - all the best. As the saying goes, the work is done, now for the fun. Enjoy the experience
Posted On: 28 Sep 2011 02:38 pm
Hank, thanks for doing something really awesome and truly adventurous!
Best,
Angela.
Posted On: 26 Sep 2011 04:42 pm
Hank, I just got an email from Eddie with the info and all the links. What a great adventure, you take care and run like a camel in the wind. :)
Posted On: 25 Sep 2011 12:35 am
Also just trying out the blog before the big race to see if my comments come through to you. Good luck again to both you and Steve! Many fans will be traking and cheering for you at home in Canada!
Posted On: 23 Sep 2011 07:05 pm
wow, what an adventure this will be, Hank, keep us posted wells
Posted On: 19 Sep 2011 08:23 pm
Best of luck to you Hank (and Steve)....although you don't need luck, you have trained hard and will do this :) I wish I was there with you guys :)
Posted On: 19 Sep 2011 07:09 pm
"Challenges are what make life interesting; overcoming them is what makes life meaningful". Joshua J. Marine
Good luck Hank. Stay focused. You can and will do this.
Posted On: 11 Sep 2011 11:42 am
As you said, don't think about the end, live in the moment.
Posted On: 11 Sep 2011 11:40 am
We are nehind you with every step.
Posted On: 22 Aug 2011 01:40 am
Good luck!
Posted On: 20 Aug 2011 07:44 pm
Great work Hank. Look forward to meeting another Canadian there. Good luck in the last month of training.
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 12:46 am
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 11:46 pm