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Namib Race Blogs 2011
6
PostsNamib Race (2011) blog posts from Neil Ware
05 October 2011 02:07 am (GMT+02:00) Cairo
I left camp late last night to head back to Cairo. I handed off my extra food (much appreciated) and some other equipment to a few of the other competitors in the tent. Feeling dejected at leaving but I prefer to move on, it is their adventure to continue now and I did not want to be just hanging around at the camp without travelling on. I said goodbye to my tent mates and a few others before heading out. I would have liked to have got to know a number of them a lot better as there were some incredible characters there.
Trip back to the hotel was an adventure all to itself. We were picked up at 18:30 and drove through the dark in the sand for 2 hours. I am not sure what they were using for directions but suspect it may have been just ever widening circles until they hit a road. It did not help that the headlights were not working properly. Mile upon mile of sand with the occasional dune rising up out of nowhere. Not great if you are feeling sick.
Another 3 hours drive to Cairo and then we ended up at the wrong hotel completely the other side of Cairo. I am sure the drivers were trying to be helpful, they had heard there were probably not any rooms at the Dusit so were bringing us to this other hotel first but we had explained we had to get our bags personally from the Dusit. So it was then another 1 hour trip across Cairo to go and get our bags.
Finally we were making progress and around midnight we got to the Dusit. Unfortunately our bags were 5 of around 200 stacked into one cramped room and yep they were not the ones piled in the front. I believe Malcolm emptied nearly the entire room in his effort to find his last bag. I have to respect any man that attempts to "barefoot" across the Sahara desert.
Eventually we could not get a taxi after midnight to take us to another hotel so had to accept taking a club room at the Dusit as we had been worn down by 1am and were happy to just get a bed. Finally asleep by 1:30, another night of feeling sick with the chills but today at least i can put my feet up in the hotel.
Trip back to the hotel was an adventure all to itself. We were picked up at 18:30 and drove through the dark in the sand for 2 hours. I am not sure what they were using for directions but suspect it may have been just ever widening circles until they hit a road. It did not help that the headlights were not working properly. Mile upon mile of sand with the occasional dune rising up out of nowhere. Not great if you are feeling sick.
Another 3 hours drive to Cairo and then we ended up at the wrong hotel completely the other side of Cairo. I am sure the drivers were trying to be helpful, they had heard there were probably not any rooms at the Dusit so were bringing us to this other hotel first but we had explained we had to get our bags personally from the Dusit. So it was then another 1 hour trip across Cairo to go and get our bags.
Finally we were making progress and around midnight we got to the Dusit. Unfortunately our bags were 5 of around 200 stacked into one cramped room and yep they were not the ones piled in the front. I believe Malcolm emptied nearly the entire room in his effort to find his last bag. I have to respect any man that attempts to "barefoot" across the Sahara desert.
Eventually we could not get a taxi after midnight to take us to another hotel so had to accept taking a club room at the Dusit as we had been worn down by 1am and were happy to just get a bed. Finally asleep by 1:30, another night of feeling sick with the chills but today at least i can put my feet up in the hotel.
Back to tomorrow as I was able to change my flight (thank you SQ that is why we pay the premium) with no problem at all.
I am still feeling very frustrated at the whole experience and it still feels very surreal to be back in the hotel now. I had hope to do a lot better and therefore feel very flat. I am sure in the future I will look back on the few days i was out there and appreciate them for what they were.
Thanks for all your posts of encouragement much appreciated. Hoping to catch up with those of you in Singapore soon.
04 October 2011 01:59 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Unfortunately, as I had suspected, last night did not go well. I woke up with cold and hot sweats throughout the evening so did not really sleep. Managed to push my temperature down with a few Nurofen overnight but was a disaster come race day.
Found myself overheating around the 2km mark but pushed onto the first checkpoint. In fairness I should have stopped then as i should have worked out that running with a temperature was not a bright idea. Nevertheless through sheer bloody mindeness I pushed on to the next checkpoint and stumbled in after a few hours.
I could not push on from there, absolutely nothing left in the tank and I could not get my heart rate down or take the temperature outside. Am bitterly disappointed all that training all the hours up and down the east coast and now down and out through feeling sick. To add insult to injury having retaped my feet last night in a different way i had no pain today.
Am back in camp now having spent the day with the support crew (and an interesting car ride with the armed security crew out into the middle of the desert which was a little disconcerting), still feeling achy and waiting to see if i will get a lift out of camp and back to Cairo tonight. Not in any condition to run tomorrow and therefore unlikely to be looking to do the long day on Thursday / Friday so prefer to head to the hotel than stay in an empty camp any longer.
The part of the experience i have been through has been great on this trip however I am incredibly upset to be going out of the race so soon. Other competitors have been very supportive and wish I could stay on with them. I spoke to Kumi on the phone and she has managed to lift my spirits a little but still mainly down.
Will likely head back to Cairo and look to get an earlier flight back to Singapore if possible. On the plus side i will be back home with family soon.
Thank you for all your words of support, disappointed I could not complete the race as i had hoped and you had been expecting.
Neil
Found myself overheating around the 2km mark but pushed onto the first checkpoint. In fairness I should have stopped then as i should have worked out that running with a temperature was not a bright idea. Nevertheless through sheer bloody mindeness I pushed on to the next checkpoint and stumbled in after a few hours.
I could not push on from there, absolutely nothing left in the tank and I could not get my heart rate down or take the temperature outside. Am bitterly disappointed all that training all the hours up and down the east coast and now down and out through feeling sick. To add insult to injury having retaped my feet last night in a different way i had no pain today.
Am back in camp now having spent the day with the support crew (and an interesting car ride with the armed security crew out into the middle of the desert which was a little disconcerting), still feeling achy and waiting to see if i will get a lift out of camp and back to Cairo tonight. Not in any condition to run tomorrow and therefore unlikely to be looking to do the long day on Thursday / Friday so prefer to head to the hotel than stay in an empty camp any longer.
The part of the experience i have been through has been great on this trip however I am incredibly upset to be going out of the race so soon. Other competitors have been very supportive and wish I could stay on with them. I spoke to Kumi on the phone and she has managed to lift my spirits a little but still mainly down.
Will likely head back to Cairo and look to get an earlier flight back to Singapore if possible. On the plus side i will be back home with family soon.
Thank you for all your words of support, disappointed I could not complete the race as i had hoped and you had been expecting.
Neil
Comments: Total (8) comments
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 06:53 am
Sad to here, at least you can return home in time for the thrashing of the French on the weekend. Kyle said you made the right choice of taking the jeep to Cairo as it was much easier and faster than walking...
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 06:21 am
Great effort mate and sorry that you didn't make it the whole way. It is such a massive challenge to undertake so well done getting as far as you did. I know you must be feeling down but I am sure you are looking forward to getting back to work!! Safe trip home.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 05:25 am
That sucks mate, but ultimately you have made the right decision. Look forward to seeing you back in Singapore where we can discuss Englands loss to the French in the quarteres..... :)
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:46 am
Thats 100km more than 99.9999999999% of people will ever run particularly through the desert. Super well done fella.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 12:57 am
Mate am sorry to hear you are out. I think you have done really well considering the isssues you have with both the feet and the fever. You are a determined/hard little fella and I know you have pushed hard to get to this point. Great work and I agree with Blacky you will get over the disappointment.
We will buy you a one or two beers when back!
Ben & Sharon
Ben & Sharon
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 12:34 am
What an incredible journey, Neil!
It takes a great athelete to train and compete in the Sahara desert race. It takes an incredible athelete to take the heat of the unforgiving desert, to endure the pain of throbbing blisters and a fever, and go on and on and on and on... pushing one's physical and mental limits.
It takes a great man, loving husband, and wise father to be big enough to choose to compete on another day because he knows what he is made of!!!
We are looking forward to having a drink with you and Kumi when you get back!
Have a safe and swift journey home!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 11:33 pm
Come on home darlin';) You've proved to be the bigger man just by making this gut-wrenching decision. You are crazy but determined(stubborn!?) but you know I love ya for it;) ;) And you won't be missing anymore Rugby worldcup games! Bring on the beer!!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 09:34 pm
Incredible effort mate. Sorry it's over. You've shown amazing determination simply getting to the starting line, let alone gutsing it out 100km in pain through a desert battling the heat, blisters, a temperature etc. It's been terrific following your blogs. When you get over the initial disappointment I'm sure you'll realise what a great achievement it's been.
03 October 2011 03:14 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Not a succesful day, woke up today feeling sick and sweating. Decided to push hard in the first leg to try and push through the pain, rolled in the first 11k around 1:40. That was as good as it got though.
I then stopped at every checkpoint from then on in for 20-30 min redressing blisters and getting ready for the next stage. Pace came right down and total time for 42km... 10:30. Which bizarelly still puts me in the top 100. As i write this the stragglers are coming in at now 13 hours.
A little worried i have fallen sick as I have not stopped sweating since this morning (when it was cold) and have gotten through around 14 litres of water today.
My feet have now swollen up, I am fully filling the two sizes bigger shoe I brought and had to take out the insole at checkpoint 3 to keep the pressure on the toes down. Blisters are not getting too much larger yet though.
It is not all doom and gloom, the campsite is in a beautiful spot up a hill over looking a monastery the scenery remains magnificent during the day. People are encouraging and helping eachother to get from one stage to the next.
Although campsite "up a big sand hill!" and not "all flat after the next ridge" as we were told. Desert seems to stretch on forever and it is a little daunting when you can see another competitor 3km ahead of you. Given how broken up the field is though i was more or less on my own for the last hour and a half. Slightly surreal being out there in the desert.... Support team are great though constantly coming past in the jeeps with water if required.
Thanks to all of you for your comments great motivation to get back out there on the road tomorrow
Thanks also to Knighty for the Dan Carter update that has put a smile back on my face.
Tomorrow is another 42km stage am hoping it is not quite as tough as today. Looking forward to it.
Already looking forward to seeing Kumi and the kids next week.
I then stopped at every checkpoint from then on in for 20-30 min redressing blisters and getting ready for the next stage. Pace came right down and total time for 42km... 10:30. Which bizarelly still puts me in the top 100. As i write this the stragglers are coming in at now 13 hours.
A little worried i have fallen sick as I have not stopped sweating since this morning (when it was cold) and have gotten through around 14 litres of water today.
My feet have now swollen up, I am fully filling the two sizes bigger shoe I brought and had to take out the insole at checkpoint 3 to keep the pressure on the toes down. Blisters are not getting too much larger yet though.
It is not all doom and gloom, the campsite is in a beautiful spot up a hill over looking a monastery the scenery remains magnificent during the day. People are encouraging and helping eachother to get from one stage to the next.
Although campsite "up a big sand hill!" and not "all flat after the next ridge" as we were told. Desert seems to stretch on forever and it is a little daunting when you can see another competitor 3km ahead of you. Given how broken up the field is though i was more or less on my own for the last hour and a half. Slightly surreal being out there in the desert.... Support team are great though constantly coming past in the jeeps with water if required.
Thanks to all of you for your comments great motivation to get back out there on the road tomorrow
Thanks also to Knighty for the Dan Carter update that has put a smile back on my face.
Tomorrow is another 42km stage am hoping it is not quite as tough as today. Looking forward to it.
Already looking forward to seeing Kumi and the kids next week.
Comments: Total (16) comments
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 04:54 pm
Kyle: I hope you are OK
Yasmin : I love you very much Uncle Neil
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 03:51 pm
Mate it's compelling reading - sounds tough as hell, but i'm sure you'll see it through. The swollen feet sounds horrendous - do they give you huge red clown shoes for the final leg? Keep your chin up old son, and look forward to buying you a beer when you get back.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 02:44 pm
mate, top effort. thinking of that upcoming England RWC victory will keep you going mate ! cheers Paul
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 01:17 pm
Don't worry about placement, COMPLETING it Is what counts, stick the IPod on about 3 hours into each day when the lows come and switch off and concentrate on one reaching each checkpoint.
Take time each day to clean your feet and look after them meticulously and let the medical staff look after them. Push yourself through and don't let doubt creep in. FINISH IT! It will be worthy it trust me when you hit the finish line. No feeling like it. GOOD LUCK NEIL.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 11:22 am
Dead impressed so far, Neilly - running that distance would be impressive, let alone in that heat...and on sand. Top 100 is pretty fantastic - How many is that out of? 101? Only joking - you are my hero! and inspirational. Suddenly I have an urge to start running again. Keep up the good work and make those rug-rats and Kumi even prouder ;-) xxx Oh, and next time pack compeed plasters for the blisters - they're the best! x
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 11:18 am
I love you daddy Neil. Keep running(^.^). from Erika!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 09:46 am
Your fan club is getting bigger mate. No doubt you have the sheer bloody mindedness and mental strength that it requires. I am just sitting at my desk eating doughnuts but getting inspired. Kia Kaha brother Neil.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 09:33 am
hey mate - hang in there
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 07:48 am
Keep going mate, best of luck, masively impressed!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 05:12 am
Well done mate, battle on, you are a strong character. Very impressed with all your efforts here!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 03:50 am
Well done on completing stage 2 mate, it sounds tough going, espically if you are feeling sick! Keep the water flowing! Good luck tomorrow.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 01:30 am
Mate you are doing well. Am impressed...keep pushing and i hope the blisters and the sickness holds up. GOOD LUCK Mr Ware and be strong matey! Ben & Sharon
P.s. with Dan gone the Kiwi's will be headless chickens :)
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 11:24 pm
Oh, and your "pickings" are done. Still 1st place but by less than 1 point!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 11:07 pm
Neil!! Take that Nurofen & keep the water comin'
Sorry to hear you were feeling sick;( but another stage cleared!!
I've been looking thru the professional photos to see if I can find you, like Where's Wally, but not;p
Give the cameraman a wave next time! At least you are not wearing that bloody mascot suit that the Taiwanese are wearing!! We're with you every step if the way...x
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 11:06 pm
Just keep thinking of that beer! Dog
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 10:53 pm
Neil ,
Great effort so far - keep at it - use those poles as much as possible to get u through
02 October 2011 02:32 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
First stage is over! All the positives. The desert is breathtaking and incredibly serene and quiet. I had planned to run with my i-pod on but I would not have been able to appreciate the experience. Did good time through to the first checkpoint and then onto the second. Camraderie of all the other competitors has been incredible and are a help when the temperature starts getting too much.
On the downside I started to develop blisters from the second checkpoint on the same place they usually turn up on my heel. These started to get more painful through the third and fourth stage. Really slowed down and rolled in around 70th. Although we did stop for 20min to assist one fellow Singaporean competitor who had collapsed 2km from the end. I was also struggling a little by then as the heat started to ratchet up.
Top guy came in today around 3 hours which puts my 7 hours into some rather unfortunate perspective. I am a little apprehensive for tomorrow as the doctor did not seem at all positive on my blisters (which were hiddeunderneath old bilsters) and we struggled to drain them as they were so deep. I just hope they do not become showstoppers later in the week.
Rest and recuperation from now and am trying to take as much food and fluid on board as possible. Evening comes early in the desert but when it does it is exceptionally beautiful, stars and moon are bright enough to walk without the aid of a torch.
Another short stage (42km) tomorrow so hoping to go well then feet permitting although it is all soft sand dunes so it is going to be a long day ahead. Buying poles was the best thing I have done though when you get to walking they keep some of the weight of your feet.
Will try to blog tomorrow!
On the downside I started to develop blisters from the second checkpoint on the same place they usually turn up on my heel. These started to get more painful through the third and fourth stage. Really slowed down and rolled in around 70th. Although we did stop for 20min to assist one fellow Singaporean competitor who had collapsed 2km from the end. I was also struggling a little by then as the heat started to ratchet up.
Top guy came in today around 3 hours which puts my 7 hours into some rather unfortunate perspective. I am a little apprehensive for tomorrow as the doctor did not seem at all positive on my blisters (which were hiddeunderneath old bilsters) and we struggled to drain them as they were so deep. I just hope they do not become showstoppers later in the week.
Rest and recuperation from now and am trying to take as much food and fluid on board as possible. Evening comes early in the desert but when it does it is exceptionally beautiful, stars and moon are bright enough to walk without the aid of a torch.
Another short stage (42km) tomorrow so hoping to go well then feet permitting although it is all soft sand dunes so it is going to be a long day ahead. Buying poles was the best thing I have done though when you get to walking they keep some of the weight of your feet.
Will try to blog tomorrow!
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 08:38 pm
Hi mate, well done, getting the first one behind you!
Still remarkable, seeing you refer to a full marathon as a short stage.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 07:44 pm
Hi Neil
We're watching your progress and wish you well. Ian reckons he could pack a lighter backpack than yours ( I'll believe it when I see it). He suggests you get a kindle instead of the hardback version of War and Peace. He suggests rubbing Vaseline on your feet (lighter packing huh?). Seriously though look after the feet. The kids are also fascinated by your race and can't wait to see you in a couple of weeks. Ian & Claire
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 02:47 pm
Hi Neil,
I am just a fellow Singaporean who participated in the Sahara Race last year. Reading your blog brings back memories... I hope the Singaporean who collapse, whoever he or she is, will get better. Take good care of your blister as there is still a long way to go. Stay strong and I am sure you will get to the end of the race!
Cheers
Choon Poh
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 01:27 pm
Ouch, sounds very painful;( Blisters underneath old blisters??
But it sounds amazing, especially the stars & moonlit nights!!
We're thinking of you! Erika keeps telling all her school friends and teachers that her daddy is in the desert, running and eating space food;D
Riku was staring into Skype video(when I talked to my parents) going "Daddy??"
But don't overdo it! Take in the scenery, recuperate...7 hrs is amazing darling! Keep it up;)
Love heaps, The Ware Clan
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 07:57 am
Impressive stuff mate. If you arent aware Dan Carter is out of the world cup and I wish they would televise your race rather than any more english games. Look forward to you shouting at us about the race when you are back and your time penalty for inappropriate ablutions. Stay strong fella.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 07:55 am
Congratulations Neil - hopefully going on sand will put less pressure on the blisters - good luck !
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 05:59 am
Well done - no shame at all in your 7 hour time. Good luck tomorrow - the desert sounds beautiful.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 01:50 am
Well done on getting through the first day, but sorry to hear about the blisters. Hope you can keep your feet in good condition for the next few days. Sounds stunning out there though!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:53 am
Congrads on the first day mate. Sounds like and experience! Be careful with the blisters little man...and good luck with tomorrow!
Ben
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:51 am
Congradulations on completing the first day! Hope the blisters hold up...and don't push too hard...
Go well matey!
Ben
01 October 2011 02:32 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
After a few days at the Hotel in New Cairo (or rather work in progress Cairo as it is still largely a building site), we have finally arrived in camp. The holiday is over now, real running starts tomorrow morning.
It has been a few great days in Egypt, highpoint was the Cairo Museum. Lowpoint was ending up in the middle of an agitated Egyptian demonstration in the square outside the museum. The lesson here is to read the racing the planet message board that said 'avoid the square today there will be demonstrations'. Fortunately I got away with no issues although they did ask for my Nationality at the checkpoint outside the square.... Swiss seemed to be ok, fortunately I did not try to be clever and say 'Israeli'. I did get a nice 'I love Egypt' painting written on my hand it seemed in by best interests not to refuse when i was asked.
Check in went fine earlier today and I managed not to forget anything although at 11.4 kg i have one of the heaviest packs in the race. I think some of my food and equipment may be jettisoned at some stage.....
There are apparently many many rules of things not to do most of which involve seem to involve time penalties and largely seem to concern going to the toilet in the wrong place.... The one that concerns me though involves losing equipment as I am likely to do this . Fortunately little do the team realise my objective is to get round the course and may scoff loudly if given a time penalty.
Really happy to finally be in camp though, it is a beautiful spot down by the lake. Sunset was stunning although brief in this part of the world. Great bunch of people here and enjoying meeting all the wide variety of people, the camraderie is exceptional I hope to make some strong friendships.
Up early at 5 am tomorrow so no late evening tonight.... Will be a change from the 12 hour sleeps at the hotel. Best thing about the hotel being able to sleep for 12 hours with no small children and wife waking me up. Worst thing though has been waking up with no small children and wife around....
I hope to write blogs every day from now on, although as i get more tired I can see the regularity going down. The adventure begins...
It has been a few great days in Egypt, highpoint was the Cairo Museum. Lowpoint was ending up in the middle of an agitated Egyptian demonstration in the square outside the museum. The lesson here is to read the racing the planet message board that said 'avoid the square today there will be demonstrations'. Fortunately I got away with no issues although they did ask for my Nationality at the checkpoint outside the square.... Swiss seemed to be ok, fortunately I did not try to be clever and say 'Israeli'. I did get a nice 'I love Egypt' painting written on my hand it seemed in by best interests not to refuse when i was asked.
Check in went fine earlier today and I managed not to forget anything although at 11.4 kg i have one of the heaviest packs in the race. I think some of my food and equipment may be jettisoned at some stage.....
There are apparently many many rules of things not to do most of which involve seem to involve time penalties and largely seem to concern going to the toilet in the wrong place.... The one that concerns me though involves losing equipment as I am likely to do this . Fortunately little do the team realise my objective is to get round the course and may scoff loudly if given a time penalty.
Really happy to finally be in camp though, it is a beautiful spot down by the lake. Sunset was stunning although brief in this part of the world. Great bunch of people here and enjoying meeting all the wide variety of people, the camraderie is exceptional I hope to make some strong friendships.
Up early at 5 am tomorrow so no late evening tonight.... Will be a change from the 12 hour sleeps at the hotel. Best thing about the hotel being able to sleep for 12 hours with no small children and wife waking me up. Worst thing though has been waking up with no small children and wife around....
I hope to write blogs every day from now on, although as i get more tired I can see the regularity going down. The adventure begins...
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 09:24 am
I'm glad everything is going according to plan!
That last part made me go "Hey, what the!?" ,and then "Aww, how sweet!"
Take care of yourself and your feet in those clown-sized shoes;)
Lots of hugs & kisses from us all....xoxo
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 06:38 am
Good luck mate with the race. I hope all goes well....and don't push yourself too hard too early, with that small child you're carrying on your back. Enjoy and I look forward to the updates!
Ben and Sharon
20 September 2011 08:01 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
This is my first blog post today as I get ready for the Sahara race which is now just 2 weeks away. This is my first blog ever which partly explains why it has taken so long to get organised.
I'm starting to get very excited now as the event gets nearer and I start making a mental list of remaining training to do (too late), kit to buy (too late to test), beer not to drink (too late). The task is quite daunting but am really looking forward to it can't wait for the event to start now.
I’ve been training for 6 odd months now. I started by training for the Sundown marathon in May (first ever marathon - didn't finish, not a good omen) before moving onto training for the Sahara race. Bored of training now and can’t wait for the event to begin. There are only so many times you can run around Singapore with a bag of rice and some old rugby jerseys in your back pack. This is going to be the best travelled bag of rice of all time although I am not sure how tasty it will be after 2 months in the back of a sweaty backpack.
As we get closer to the event I have become a little obsessed with which food to pack. From deciding which freeze dried meal to take (I have tried some, the shepherd’s pie and spaghetti Bolognese are pretty good) to the entire menu selection. I am not following a minimum weight routine and shall be packing crisps and nuts and snacky comfort things to keep me going. That said it is best to try everything before heading out there, the Sahara desert is not a great place to get caught short. A little short on trees to go and crouch behind…..
Two weekends ago I ran the SAFRA half marathon, fairly steady around 1:57, not bad considering we had been out around Macritchie the morning before for 3 hours taking my bag of rice for an early morning run. I also regret putting the foot timer tag into my armband and telling Chris it would work fine there… It didn’t, I was officially never in the race.
I have acquired my first sets of blisters which is nice and I will need to get used to if any of the race stories are to be believed. I blame this on trying to break in my sahara race shoes on my long run. Given that your feet will expand a few sizes over the course of the race I was told to get a pair 2 sizes larger. It does mean however that I have been sliding around in them on the positive side it means that I can finally shop for shoes in the adults sections, my feet are so short I am normally in danger of being knocked over in a strong breeze.
It is all in aid of a great charity though, I am looking to raise up to 15,000 USD for the Children's surgical centre in Cambodia.
http://www.firstgiving.com/fun
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 01 Oct 2011 02:05 am
Best of luck. i have done a couple of these events and to raise money for the Childrens Surgical Centre - i will track your progress. Have fun.
Comments: Total (4) comments
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 07:09 pm
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 06:11 pm
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 10:10 am
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 09:51 am