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Namib Race Blogs 2011
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PostsNamib Race (2011) blog posts from Eric LaHaie
07 October 2011 02:37 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Yesterday was a tough day, and I think everyone is glad to be finished. The middle two sections (4 and 5) were extremely difficult, both mentally and physically. The wind was gusting straight into our faces as we slowly worked our way up out of the Valley of the Whales, and both sections seemed to be never ending. But you just keep putting one foot in front of the other and eventually you make it there.
Overall the stage had a bit of everything: sand dunes, canyons, long sandy plains, and dusty desert roads. But the open flat areas where there is just sand for as far as the eye can see was the most memorable for me. There was a couple times yesterday where I just got swept up in the expansiveness of it all and it felt very surreal. The Sahara is the quintessential desert and can be so desolate, yet it makes you feel part of something bigger than yourself.
And now it is over, and it is so strange because it feels like we just started. It all seems like it happened in the blink of an eye, and the highs and lows of last week are almost a distance memory. Makes me think about not sweating the small stuff in life and to savory every moment.
I think what I will remember most about this week is actually the fundraising processes leading up to it. I was delighted every time a notification email about a donation in Niall's honor popped up in my inbox. It made me feel more connected to him and to all of you. Thank you all so much for allowing that to happen. We will always miss him, but it was so good to remember why we loved him so much.
I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life, and I can't thank you all enough for the support. I miss and love you all, and hope I get to see you all soon.
Overall the stage had a bit of everything: sand dunes, canyons, long sandy plains, and dusty desert roads. But the open flat areas where there is just sand for as far as the eye can see was the most memorable for me. There was a couple times yesterday where I just got swept up in the expansiveness of it all and it felt very surreal. The Sahara is the quintessential desert and can be so desolate, yet it makes you feel part of something bigger than yourself.
And now it is over, and it is so strange because it feels like we just started. It all seems like it happened in the blink of an eye, and the highs and lows of last week are almost a distance memory. Makes me think about not sweating the small stuff in life and to savory every moment.
I think what I will remember most about this week is actually the fundraising processes leading up to it. I was delighted every time a notification email about a donation in Niall's honor popped up in my inbox. It made me feel more connected to him and to all of you. Thank you all so much for allowing that to happen. We will always miss him, but it was so good to remember why we loved him so much.
I am so blessed to have so many wonderful people in my life, and I can't thank you all enough for the support. I miss and love you all, and hope I get to see you all soon.
05 October 2011 02:41 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I know there is still almost 90K to go, but we are almost there. Just the long day now, and mentally we all just have to power through it, and then pizza and a shower is right around the corner!
Dan turned on the afterburners today, so there is a big gap between me and him (1:30hrs or so) and then another 1:30 gap or so between me and Mehmet. Anyway, all this means is that I go out tomorrow and run my race, which I was aiming to do anyway, and whatever happens happens.
I will check in with a longer blog on Friday. I will have just run 90K the day before, and probably be out of food, so I cannot promise any great literary piece (which I am obliviously know for, ha!).
So good to hear from all of you: Lauren, Harvard FB guys and blocking group (love the college references M-Dawg), GC buddies, HK peeps, Mom Dad and Bri, and even Lil Deuce! The messages of support have been great! Thanks so much.
Miss and love you all.
Kind Regards,
Eric
Dan turned on the afterburners today, so there is a big gap between me and him (1:30hrs or so) and then another 1:30 gap or so between me and Mehmet. Anyway, all this means is that I go out tomorrow and run my race, which I was aiming to do anyway, and whatever happens happens.
I will check in with a longer blog on Friday. I will have just run 90K the day before, and probably be out of food, so I cannot promise any great literary piece (which I am obliviously know for, ha!).
So good to hear from all of you: Lauren, Harvard FB guys and blocking group (love the college references M-Dawg), GC buddies, HK peeps, Mom Dad and Bri, and even Lil Deuce! The messages of support have been great! Thanks so much.
Miss and love you all.
Kind Regards,
Eric
Comments: Total (6) comments
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 06:45 am
When you read this, you have done the hardest bit!!! Superb effort Eric! Enjoy the pyramids! We miss you in HK and you owe Jamie a monkey dance!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 11:40 pm
Great job Eric... kicking ass out there man. Enjoy the race to the pyramids!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 01:48 pm
TEAM ERIC!
we're very proud of you!, Stace. Go Eric!-- Kat
No matter what happens after stage 5, you are the best! Woo hoo :) ..M
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 05:53 am
Keep up the good work my friend, ticking along nicely. I have to say the comment about us Atacama tent mates was a little uncalled for, I was sick... honest! And I may have got in late every night, but at least I secured good looking company :-> Push on through the long day, but as many others have said, anything can happen out there so reign in your enthusiasm, keep it steady and hold to your current position at least.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 04:21 am
Just the long day (which you should have finished by the time you read this?) and then it's pizza and coke under the Pyramids. The only thing that i can say to you is...Dan eats a lot of pizza! So you better get a move on. Unless you like the crust that is? Top effort brother.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 02:59 am
very solid today. make sure its a HK 1,2 mate and dont let any frogs get you now! Well done mate. Wish I was there for the banter! Take it easy
04 October 2011 02:13 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Glad to have one more day down and only two to go now. After blowing up a bit yesterday, I had to take it easy (or easier) today to ensure I am good to go for tomorrow and the long day. I lost another 20mins on Dan, but totally worth it to come into camp feeling a bit more fresh.
Scenery today was stunning - lots of dunes, rock formations, and large cliffs. The morning was cool and over undulated dunes, but some nice runable hard pack sand. It was such a tranquil feeling to cruise along the dunes with a nice breeze and sun rising over the cliffs nearby. Most of the first 24k was like this and I really enjoyed it.
The last 18K got a bit harder as the heat increased and the sand got a bit softer at points. It was still very runable, but the distance, heat, and terrain combined to make it somewhat challenging. I purposely took it down a notch during these stages and focused on getting back to camp in once piece.
Camp has a great vibe and tons of cool people from all over the world. My tent is a good bunch of guys and super fast. I think we have 3 in the top 10 and 7 in the top 20. I definitely am not getting the tent to myself like I did in Atacama! Ha! But we have a lot of time to hang out as we all get back so early which is cool. We have four Americans (which is a lot considering I think there are only 8 in the race total), two Japanese guys, a South African, a Brit, and a German guy.
Thanks again for all your messages!
Run with your heart, not your feet!
Scenery today was stunning - lots of dunes, rock formations, and large cliffs. The morning was cool and over undulated dunes, but some nice runable hard pack sand. It was such a tranquil feeling to cruise along the dunes with a nice breeze and sun rising over the cliffs nearby. Most of the first 24k was like this and I really enjoyed it.
The last 18K got a bit harder as the heat increased and the sand got a bit softer at points. It was still very runable, but the distance, heat, and terrain combined to make it somewhat challenging. I purposely took it down a notch during these stages and focused on getting back to camp in once piece.
Camp has a great vibe and tons of cool people from all over the world. My tent is a good bunch of guys and super fast. I think we have 3 in the top 10 and 7 in the top 20. I definitely am not getting the tent to myself like I did in Atacama! Ha! But we have a lot of time to hang out as we all get back so early which is cool. We have four Americans (which is a lot considering I think there are only 8 in the race total), two Japanese guys, a South African, a Brit, and a German guy.
Thanks again for all your messages!
Run with your heart, not your feet!
Comments: Total (11) comments
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 03:49 pm
Go get'em tomorrow Eric. Long day tomorrow so keeping some in the tank today will serve you well.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:30 pm
Hey Eric, After reading your blog on Day 3, you are definitely 'running with your heart' and not your brain (with all that strategy)! Keep up the pace, the spirit and enjoy the meandering through the dunes... G
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 01:53 pm
Hey Eric, you're doing good! Sounds like a magical race, but take care of yourself! We follow you each day! See you in Hong Kong is a few weeks!! Good luck!
Jim
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 11:28 am
Hi Eric, keep going hard and hang on. I have a daughter with Type 1 Diabetes, your running for a great cause. Cheers Hully
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 11:00 am
hey mate, just catching up on the blogs and really sorry to hear about issues yesterday. sounds like you got it right today in prep for day 4 and the long day. Run hard as always i know you will but remember, and u know this more, to race the course and whatever is in front of u or behind makes no difference. Parr is a camel, and sweaty people like me and u suffer with salts and water so take it real easy mate. I know u know this but plenty of time left to win and to blow up so run with ur heart as I know u will. Very proud Eric. Hang in there mate! Back to my spag bol!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 10:41 am
Keep it up, Eric. Run your own race. It aint over until the fat lady sings ...
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 04:00 am
brother, keep up the good work. great effort and you can pick up a lot of time on the long day. good luck
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 03:23 am
Run strong, keep your head down and have fun. Looking strong and the long day anything can happen as you know.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 01:03 am
taking it easier in preparation for the long day - a good plan i reckon. dont damage yourself too much - we still want you fully able to do the Maclehose in sub 13! good luck for tomorrow
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 10:32 pm
keep it up Big Man. We are all proud of you.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 09:38 pm
Really less "race strategy" than the previous blog, but I believe you can do this finally.
You're the best of the best!
03 October 2011 03:00 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Today was tough, and I struggled big time at the end. Dan and I started out fast again, and maybe a little too fast for me. I lost a little time on Dan for a pee break, but coming into CP2 I was <1 min behind him. But we did 23K in under 2hrs and I paid for it later.
I started to struggle on section 3 and Dan pulled away slowly. It was a gradual climb up some long sandy plains / dunes to a plateau and I could see him for most of the way. But once we got up on the plateau I hit the wall a bit and ran out of water 3k before CP3. I also felt way behind on my electrolytes and coming into CP3 I felt terrible. Dan was only 8mins or so up on me, but I knew I needed to recover. It was actually the first time I have every stopped at aCP for more than a few minutes, but boy did I need it.
I laid down and drank a bottle of water and poured water on myself to cool down. I wasted about 10mins at the CP, but don't think I had a choice. I finally got going but then the cramps kicked in. I spent the final 9K stage running for 100-200 meters or so, then cramping severally and being forced to walk. I would walk for a couple minutes and then try to run again with the same results. I finally made it back to camp, but I lost another 10mins to Dan on the section, so now I am 28 mins behind Dan (I think).
Today at camp has been tough as I try and recover. I don't know how I got so depleted as I was drinking and eating regularly, but it happened. I am finally feeling slightly better now, and hopefully more fluids and a little more food tonight combined with a good night sleep and I can give it another go tomorrow.
Don't tell Dan, but think I am going to start a bit slower tomorrow and try and pick it up later on (just liked we talked about Pete; took me two days to learn my lesson!) I am down, but not out.
Thanks for all the messages of support, so good to hear from all of you. Sorry if this blog is a little "race strategy" heavy; I will try and blog more about the scenery and atmosphere next blog.
Sending my love. Run with you heart, not your feet!
I started to struggle on section 3 and Dan pulled away slowly. It was a gradual climb up some long sandy plains / dunes to a plateau and I could see him for most of the way. But once we got up on the plateau I hit the wall a bit and ran out of water 3k before CP3. I also felt way behind on my electrolytes and coming into CP3 I felt terrible. Dan was only 8mins or so up on me, but I knew I needed to recover. It was actually the first time I have every stopped at aCP for more than a few minutes, but boy did I need it.
I laid down and drank a bottle of water and poured water on myself to cool down. I wasted about 10mins at the CP, but don't think I had a choice. I finally got going but then the cramps kicked in. I spent the final 9K stage running for 100-200 meters or so, then cramping severally and being forced to walk. I would walk for a couple minutes and then try to run again with the same results. I finally made it back to camp, but I lost another 10mins to Dan on the section, so now I am 28 mins behind Dan (I think).
Today at camp has been tough as I try and recover. I don't know how I got so depleted as I was drinking and eating regularly, but it happened. I am finally feeling slightly better now, and hopefully more fluids and a little more food tonight combined with a good night sleep and I can give it another go tomorrow.
Don't tell Dan, but think I am going to start a bit slower tomorrow and try and pick it up later on (just liked we talked about Pete; took me two days to learn my lesson!) I am down, but not out.
Thanks for all the messages of support, so good to hear from all of you. Sorry if this blog is a little "race strategy" heavy; I will try and blog more about the scenery and atmosphere next blog.
Sending my love. Run with you heart, not your feet!
Comments: Total (15) comments
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 08:17 pm
Hey Eric. Sorry it's taken me so long to catch up to things. Got married on Saturday, so it's been a bit hectic (will tell you all about it the next time I see you!!). Keep on that skinny whippet's heels and stay strong for The Long March. My loyalties aren't split on this one (sorry Dan) - I'll stick $100 in your charity, you're my superstar. Sam xx
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 05:52 pm
Dude! You guys are setting a cracking pace! Awesome job buddy, keep it up.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 05:14 pm
Stage 5 - this is it. This is the day to close that gap and overtake Parr. No more nice buddies bullsh*t. Time to get serious! All a mental game from now. You should tell Dan that he doesn't look good in white compression tights or something. Maybe he'll start laughing and you can overtake him. or something. Good luck out there!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 04:33 pm
Well Done Eric! Just minor technical glitch with the hydration factor... Hope you feel better already
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 03:42 pm
YOU CAN DO IT!! (in accent...you as my coach on tim and kathy's trampoline ~18 years ago). Camel ridin' thru the desert :-)
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 03:33 pm
Keep it up, Eric! I have a good feeling for you for the next leg!!
love, Ayresie
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 06:37 am
Keep the falcon spirit in tact. From experience, Running angry doesn,t work, remember to smile, and Enjoy the journey. All love and good things Eric.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 06:29 am
Eric, well done! Just a little glitch - hope you recover fully overnight. You and Dan together turned this into a nail-biting week for a large group of fans!! Best of luck!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 05:30 am
Gobi 2010 vets all cheering for you! You did it then against some tough competition and you can do it again. Hang in there and good luck!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 04:25 am
Tough day but still a great effort. if that is your time when you are suffering then i am sure you will blast it as the race develops. Still a very long way to go, best of luck
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 04:18 am
Eric!!! I am shocked, shocked (imagine me speaking in the voice of Captain Louis Renault in Casablanca)!!! Well, it is a race and every second counts. But please do take care of yourself first. On the bright side, given all the trouble you had, you were only 28 minutes behind Dan. That just goes to show how strong you are!!! Tomorrow is another day.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 03:43 am
Stay strong, man. Be #1 next stage and the rest!!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 02:02 am
Just a technical glitch, Eric. I know you will take it all in stride and hit the next day all great and amazing. 25 mins lead - that's nothing! You chew it and spit it out BEFORE breakfast. Stay strong.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 12:00 am
Looks like the sahara has a race on its sands
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 10:52 pm
Mahh Mr Gatorade without the gatorade.
Sounds like a tough day but I know you will come back gradually over the next few days and charge your best on the long stage. Cannot believe the pace you guys are setting, crazy/impressive/shocking/amazing...
x
02 October 2011 02:50 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 1 was fast, and Dan Parr and I ran stride for stride for 99% percent of the course. We are very similar runners and this week might come down to who takes more pee breaks! Ha!
I pushed it when we hit the road after CP1 but Dan responded and stayed right with me. Then Dan pushed it coming out of CP2 and I had to go a bit faster than I wanted and to stay with him. The only time we actually were not <1 meter from each other was a long sandy hill mid way through section 3. I pushed a bit and got a 20 - 30 meter lead, but it lasted no more than a few minutes as Dan clawed his way back up to me before we hit CP3.
Coming out of CP3, we were doing sub 5 minute ks and probably going a little too fast. We decided to not try and kill each other over the last section which was only 7k (and the first day!), and save it for later in the race. So we slowed a bit and came across the line together in 3hrs 10mins for the 38K day. This was the shortest and flattest day of the race, so I think it was ok that we went a bit fast.
Scenery wise it was stunning. Because it was flat and on hard packed sand for most of the time, we got to look around and enjoy the surroundings more. The expansiveness of the Sahara is unmatched in all the deserts I have been to. Sandy plains and rolling dunes for as far as the eye can see; it is simply amazing and makes the pain all worth it.
Tomorrow we head out into the dunes, and day 2 and day 3 will be longer (42ks or so) and harder terrain. It should be interesting to see what happens, but definitely seems like this week is going to be a dog fight. But it is sort of fun slugging it out with Dan as we are buddies and train together sometimes in HK. Plus both of us are running for good causes which we were able to raise a decent amount of funds for - so I am honored to go out and compete with him.
Thanks to all for following and sending messages of support. It means so much to me.
Run with your heart, not your feet!
-Eric
PS: Not sure if they caught any photos of it, but I was throwing up the "Sky Dawg" sign all over the course in honor of Niall (representing for Harvard Football), and I will continue all week. He is out there with me every step of the race, and will be in my heart every moment of my life. We love and miss you buddy.
I pushed it when we hit the road after CP1 but Dan responded and stayed right with me. Then Dan pushed it coming out of CP2 and I had to go a bit faster than I wanted and to stay with him. The only time we actually were not <1 meter from each other was a long sandy hill mid way through section 3. I pushed a bit and got a 20 - 30 meter lead, but it lasted no more than a few minutes as Dan clawed his way back up to me before we hit CP3.
Coming out of CP3, we were doing sub 5 minute ks and probably going a little too fast. We decided to not try and kill each other over the last section which was only 7k (and the first day!), and save it for later in the race. So we slowed a bit and came across the line together in 3hrs 10mins for the 38K day. This was the shortest and flattest day of the race, so I think it was ok that we went a bit fast.
Scenery wise it was stunning. Because it was flat and on hard packed sand for most of the time, we got to look around and enjoy the surroundings more. The expansiveness of the Sahara is unmatched in all the deserts I have been to. Sandy plains and rolling dunes for as far as the eye can see; it is simply amazing and makes the pain all worth it.
Tomorrow we head out into the dunes, and day 2 and day 3 will be longer (42ks or so) and harder terrain. It should be interesting to see what happens, but definitely seems like this week is going to be a dog fight. But it is sort of fun slugging it out with Dan as we are buddies and train together sometimes in HK. Plus both of us are running for good causes which we were able to raise a decent amount of funds for - so I am honored to go out and compete with him.
Thanks to all for following and sending messages of support. It means so much to me.
Run with your heart, not your feet!
-Eric
PS: Not sure if they caught any photos of it, but I was throwing up the "Sky Dawg" sign all over the course in honor of Niall (representing for Harvard Football), and I will continue all week. He is out there with me every step of the race, and will be in my heart every moment of my life. We love and miss you buddy.
Comments: Total (9) comments
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 02:51 pm
Stay strong. Rest after you cross the finish line and try to smile while you run. Angry running is so 2010. Love and good things amigo.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 01:59 pm
Keep it up Eric. Niall proud.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:08 pm
Good luck Eric! Awesome time for stage 1.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 07:52 am
Great stuff Eric! Sending you loads of positive thoughts from HK! We shall lay out a huge cheese platter on your return! Eve, Loick and Jamie
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 05:00 am
Great to see the Hong Kong-based crowd did so well on day 1, especially the two of you. It feels like an Olympic year. The first thing I did when I woke up was to check the standings. Keep up the great work, take home the trophy but also look after yourselves.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 02:11 am
Eric, absolutely great performance. Keep it up.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 01:54 am
Ok if you have to share the #1 position with anyone I suppose it is ok to have Parr with you! Well done on a brilliant first day. Keep it up, Eric
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:33 am
Great first day Eric - that seems plenty fast to me, keep it up. Pass my best regards to each of Kai and Xavier. I will keep tracking you all as the week progresses. Cheers. dg
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 11:23 pm
Thank you for your amazing tribute to someone we all cherish and miss so much. Your efforts mean the world to us.
Love,
Lauren, Brian, Ned and Madeline
29 September 2011 03:51 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I am heading to the airport in less than an hour to start my journey to Cairo. Hong Kong, to Bangkok, to Dubai, then to Cairo - sometimes getting to the locations for these events takes more endurance than the race itself!
I am feeling a bit under prepared, but I know I have trained hard and I know I can do this. I just have to take it a step at a time and deal with adversity has it comes (and trust me it will; it always does in these races).
On the fundraising front, I couldn't be happier and more proud. Through the JDRF fundraising campaign we were able to raise nearly 13,000USD to honor Niall and support a great cause. The campaign will stay open throughout the race, so if you still want to chip in please feel free.
Niall was loved and cherished by us all, and I will be thinking about him a lot out in the desert and I know he will be there with me every step of the way.
Run with your heart, not your feet. This is how Niall ran and lived.
Fundraising Page for Running for Niall
http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=1073&participantID=4595
Comments: Total (4) comments
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 07:47 pm
Yeah boi!! Total time domination for day1.. Great to see you
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 01:58 am
You are trully an inspiration eric.. Hope you have the run of your life. Best of luck.
Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 05:50 am
Eric - all the best in the race- look forward to seeing you at the head of the field
Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 01:32 am
Good luck Eric, go hard and for the win.
22 September 2011 03:34 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
The crux of my training is finally done, and boy has it been tough. More mentally tough than physically, as the humidity in Hong Kong this summer really beat me down. But I slogged it out, and got in the ks where and when I could.
Week 5 was 140ks, week 6 I got in another 140ks, then week 7 I was down to 100ks but got in a couple good race pace 30s in, and finally week 8 (last week) was 150ks with two solid back to back long runs this past weekend.
This past weekend I also hit the goal of raising $10,000USD in Niall's name, and then surpassed it! We are at nearly $12,000USD raised for JDFR; thanks to all of you who donated. I was blown away by the support this campaign received, and I think it shows how much Niall was loved and cherished.
Run with your heart, not your feet. This is how Niall ran and lived.
Fundraising Page for Running for Niall
http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=1073&participantID=4595
Week 5 was 140ks, week 6 I got in another 140ks, then week 7 I was down to 100ks but got in a couple good race pace 30s in, and finally week 8 (last week) was 150ks with two solid back to back long runs this past weekend.
I have done all I can training wise and now it is time to taper (thanks God!) Just a couple 20km runs and a couple 15km runs this week with a pack, and then a couple light 10-15km runs next week to keep the legs loose.
I hope to do you all, and Niall, proud in a couple weeks in the Sahara.
Run with your heart, not your feet. This is how Niall ran and lived.
Fundraising Page for Running for Niall
http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=1073&participantID=4595
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 26 Sep 2011 05:54 am
150kms? That was my total for Sept! Great to see Eric. All the best for the Sahara sandpit... I am sure you will do amazingly well once again. Warm regards BT ps - magic job with Niall, that is even more impressive than the 150kms... good on you.
29 August 2011 03:16 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
The last 3 weeks for training have not been very enjoyable. I got in at least 3 long runs each week carrying a 7-9kgs pack, and it has taken some getting used to for sure. But the real road block has been the Hong Kong heat and humidity. It been around 35C with near 90% humidity during the day, and I have been suffering in it - any more than the 3 hours and I totally blow up.
So I have had to adjust, and I have been doing all my long runs at night, as it is the only time I can last 35-40K with a pack on. Week 2 and 3 I got in 110kms, and this past (training week 4 for me) I got in 140kms. It felt good, and I think I have finally turned the corner on my training. This is great news, as the next 3 weeks are the peak of my program.
Side note: I have done a few runs with Dan Parr (a friend, and one of the favorites in the Sahara Race 2011), and he definitely seems like he is in better shape than me. I will need to have a solid 3 weeks of training if I want to challenge him. It will be fun going up against such good competition!
Run with your heart, not your feet. This is how Niall ran and lived.
Fundraising Page for Running for Niall
http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=1073&participantID=4595
So I have had to adjust, and I have been doing all my long runs at night, as it is the only time I can last 35-40K with a pack on. Week 2 and 3 I got in 110kms, and this past (training week 4 for me) I got in 140kms. It felt good, and I think I have finally turned the corner on my training. This is great news, as the next 3 weeks are the peak of my program.
Side note: I have done a few runs with Dan Parr (a friend, and one of the favorites in the Sahara Race 2011), and he definitely seems like he is in better shape than me. I will need to have a solid 3 weeks of training if I want to challenge him. It will be fun going up against such good competition!
Run with your heart, not your feet. This is how Niall ran and lived.
Fundraising Page for Running for Niall
http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=1073&participantID=4595
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 29 Aug 2011 10:43 am
Best of luck man, and for a great cause.
01 August 2011 09:44 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
My first week of official training was ok, but showed me I have a lot of work to do.
9 days ago I did a quick one day ascent of Yushan in Taiwan (the highest mountain in the country). It was just under 4000m, and it took me and my buddy 5 hours to summit the main peak. We took a a few detours and summited another north peak as well. It was a great weekend trip, and I recommend it to any one living in Asia.
Then last week/weekend, I only got in a few runs, but two of them were 30K pack runs with weight (6-7kg). It made me remember how running with weight is a whole other ballgame. Like I mentioned before I am in decent shape, but I really need to get in multi-day specific shape. This means strapping on the pack and building up to doing 40K - 40K back to back runs on the weekend. Oh yes, fun times ahead.
Run with your heart, not your feet. This is how Niall ran and lived.
Fundraising Page for Running for Niall
http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=1073&participantID=4595
9 days ago I did a quick one day ascent of Yushan in Taiwan (the highest mountain in the country). It was just under 4000m, and it took me and my buddy 5 hours to summit the main peak. We took a a few detours and summited another north peak as well. It was a great weekend trip, and I recommend it to any one living in Asia.
Then last week/weekend, I only got in a few runs, but two of them were 30K pack runs with weight (6-7kg). It made me remember how running with weight is a whole other ballgame. Like I mentioned before I am in decent shape, but I really need to get in multi-day specific shape. This means strapping on the pack and building up to doing 40K - 40K back to back runs on the weekend. Oh yes, fun times ahead.
Run with your heart, not your feet. This is how Niall ran and lived.
Fundraising Page for Running for Niall
http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=1073&participantID=4595
Comments: Total (3) comments
Posted On: 27 Aug 2011 11:49 pm
Hi Eric,
Very inspiring cause. Niall sounds like an amazing guy! Your 40-40 inspired me to peak this weekend at 32k-32k and 30's the weekend before. Second half tomorrow and starting to taper. Have a great Sept and see you in the desert!
Colin
Posted On: 04 Aug 2011 03:20 am
Hi Sam,
Thanks for the support!
I used to do a lot of gym work, but now when I train for a multiday race I focus on training by running with weight in my pack. I also do some plyometric type workouts (like circuit training) and some yoga (for flexibility). Spinning is a good cross training activity too.
Posted On: 03 Aug 2011 02:24 pm
Hi Eric, sounds like a fantastic climb! The views I have seen from pictures of the mountain look incredible.
Have you ever done any upper body, gym based, weight training for multi-day races or do you just train with weight in your pack?
P.S. Niall sounds like a great guy, your defiantly doing him proud!
Have you ever done any upper body, gym based, weight training for multi-day races or do you just train with weight in your pack?
P.S. Niall sounds like a great guy, your defiantly doing him proud!
28 July 2011 07:38 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I have been meaning to set this blog up for some time, and I am just finally getting around to doing it. Likewise, I have been planning to run the Sahara Race 2011 for some time, and I am just finally getting around to doing some training. Ha!
I am not in the best shape right now, but I am not out of shape either. I have two months to really focus on getting ready for this event, and I am confident I can get trained up in time for the race. Now I just have to actually do the training! (easier said then done in the summer heat and humidity in Hong Kong).
I am running the Sahara Race (Egypt) 2011 in memory of Niall Murphy, who had juvenile diabetes and passed away this February from complications from the disease at age 31. I will be participating in the race to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Niall's name.
Niall was my teammate, my wingman, and my best friend. I have never met a more genuine and free spirited guy in my life. We were two peas in a pod, and I miss him dearly, as do all his friends and family. But his memory and legacy with always live on in our hearts and minds.
As a teammate it is easy to overlook how tough he was because he competed at a high level with such ease and grace, that he made you forget about diabetes. He had every opportunity to back down or to fall back on excuses... but he never did.
Niall always lived life to the fullest, and he would love a challenge like running 250kms over 7 days, self-supported, across the Sahara Desert. So I think this is a great way to honor him.
Run with your heart, not your feet. This is how Niall ran and lived.
Fundraising Page for Running for Niall
http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=1073&participantID=4595
I am not in the best shape right now, but I am not out of shape either. I have two months to really focus on getting ready for this event, and I am confident I can get trained up in time for the race. Now I just have to actually do the training! (easier said then done in the summer heat and humidity in Hong Kong).
I am running the Sahara Race (Egypt) 2011 in memory of Niall Murphy, who had juvenile diabetes and passed away this February from complications from the disease at age 31. I will be participating in the race to support the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation in Niall's name.
Niall was my teammate, my wingman, and my best friend. I have never met a more genuine and free spirited guy in my life. We were two peas in a pod, and I miss him dearly, as do all his friends and family. But his memory and legacy with always live on in our hearts and minds.
As a teammate it is easy to overlook how tough he was because he competed at a high level with such ease and grace, that he made you forget about diabetes. He had every opportunity to back down or to fall back on excuses... but he never did.
Niall always lived life to the fullest, and he would love a challenge like running 250kms over 7 days, self-supported, across the Sahara Desert. So I think this is a great way to honor him.
Run with your heart, not your feet. This is how Niall ran and lived.
Fundraising Page for Running for Niall
http://jdrfevents.donordrive.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=donorDrive.participant&eventID=1073&participantID=4595
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 01 Aug 2011 12:36 pm
A great cause for a great friend. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Eric. Run with your heart, not your feet. Truly how Niall ran and lived.
Posted On: 29 Jul 2011 05:27 am
Eric, a beautiful opening piece! Keep running and blogging - we're proud of you! Best of luck in Sahara (watch out for Kai and Xav - they might not be too far behind you...)
Comments: Total (6) comments
Posted On: 12 Oct 2011 01:15 pm
Posted On: 09 Oct 2011 11:01 am
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 10:14 am
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 04:02 am
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 01:43 am
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 12:45 am