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Lourens Roets

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Namib Race (2011) blog posts from Lourens Roets

07 October 2011 02:40 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I was not very diligent updating my blog everyday; reason being, I was completely drained after each days running / walking. Before going into the race I reseached, tested and asked for as many advice as I could get on things like nutrition, gear and how to look after your feet. I had it nailed down to the last bit of detail; however, made a massive mistake in my final decision which shoes to go for. I have run with my Asics Keyano's for the last 8 years and completed nearly 20 marathons in these trusted companions. However, I was forewarned by all the experts that I should go for a trail shoe at least one or two sizes bigger than my normal shoe. As a result I got a pair of Asics Tribuca's and have been training with these guys for the past 6 months - rather running shoes during the week and trail shoes the weekend. Long story short, my Tribuca's always tended to hurt my toes because my feet were sliding up and down the over-sized shoes. As a result, I decided at last minute to go with the running shoes - BIG mistake! On day one, my gaiters crushed my toes because there was not enough space in the shoe. After day two, about 80km into the race, my feet started to blow up like I have never experienced before - the combination of heat, pressure and very long time on your feet. My race changed significantly from this point onwards - it was no longer about running the downs and the flats; rather, it became an endurance race simply to stay in the event and complete the race. Not to digress here, but 250km in the soft sand / dunes and crazy high tempratures is really hard, much harder that I could have imagined.
 
The last day of the race was a 86km leg - we started at 7am yesterday morning and basically go right through the night. I hooked up with a fellow South African, Geoff Heald, yesterday afternoon and we came in this morning at around 9:30am to end a very long day. I am very pleased to have finished the race; however, have learnt a lot to take to the next event; have seen an amazing part of the world; and have made some really good friends.
 
Thanks agains for all the emails of support - family and friend. I am really looking forward to a good shower tomorrow and a big steak and a beer!

Comments: Total (11) comments

Posted On: 10 Oct 2011 01:37 pm

Hi Lourens. Christine here (Geoff's wife). I wanted to thank you for sharing that last day with Geoff. You were a huge support to him when he was really struggling and I am grateful that he had you for moral support. Thank you for helping him get through what I know was a long hard day. Congratulations on finishing this epic race. What an achievement!

Posted On: 09 Oct 2011 07:36 am

Howzit Lourens, heartiest congratulations and greetings from Arabella. Champagne is definitely on us when we see you in February. Best regards and wishes from both if us.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 04:20 pm

Wel gedaan Lourens, die scenery lyk indrukwekkend op die fotos. Dink ek gaan jou definitief join volgende jaar.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 02:29 pm

Lourens is die koning, Lourens is die koning!! Geluk Lou! Moerse prestasie! Sal sorg vir die 1ste 15 biere as jy terug is!!

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 11:24 am

impressive congratulations you are my new hero! well done

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 06:10 am

baie baie geluk lolla. jy het fantasties gedoen. ons almal baie trots op jou. vandag kan jy net lekker die leggies en voetertjies opsit en rus en als wat jy nodig het na jou toe laat kom. room service please...

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 05:04 am

Kan nie glo jy het so ver in n freaken woestyn gehardloop nie. Dis crazy, maar baie cool dat jy dit actually kon klaar maak. Die hele fam is so dankbaar dat dit nou verby is en dat jy veilig is. Almal is baie trots op jou en kan nie wag om meer te hoor nie. Genet die steakie!!!!

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 04:42 am

Congrats and well done Lourens - enjoy spending time at Delaneys...Chris

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 02:55 am

Well done. I bet you are thrilled that it's all over. I can tell you that your dear wife certainly is. Fantastic job, we are really proud of you. Looking forward to catching up when you get back to HK. Enjoy the pyramids and all that comes after. Joerg and Corina

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 02:49 am

Superb effort Boet! it was a mission but you pushed through all sorts of pain barriers - fantastic and well done! See you back in HKG, Cheers, David

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 12:18 am

Die steak is op die kolle en n goeie bottle wyn wat vir jou wag in HK. Baie geluk ons is trots op jou swarrie you did gr8!!!!!!!! Love you Botha team talk soon

04 October 2011 02:28 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

The Sahara is beautiful; however, completely ruthless - the heat and sand drains every drop of energy very quickly. The past two days were very long for me - my gaiters (to keep the sand out of the shoes) are a bit small and started to rip my toes apart yesterday. Every step feels like walking on sandpaper and is really painful. I have drained at least 5 blisters today and had to stop at checkpoints to drain and re-tape my feet. Having said that, I'm still here and taking it one step at a time...Tomorrow is an easier day...then comes the big 90km on Thursday. Appreciate all the messages - many thanks!

Comments: Total (20) comments

Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 04:10 pm

wohoo..... So trots op jou Boetfasie. jy is amazing.

Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 02:30 pm

Baie baie geluk swarrie dit is fantastic !!!!! Jy is ons hero en het daardie woestyn gewys wie is baas geniet die laaste dag en kan nie wag om te chat as jy terug by die huis is. Groete en liefde die Botha cheer team

Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 01:08 pm

Baie geluk Lolla! Wow, dit is n fantastiese prestasie! Ons is SO trots op jou en baie dankbaar dat jy dit gemaak het en dat jy veilig is. Jy proe seker al die koue bier! xxx

Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 01:06 pm

Jy is n absolute ster! So so trots op jou my kind! Baie liefde. xxx

Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 11:25 am

Amazing, very proud of you bro:)

Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 10:14 am

You made it!!! We are so proud of you. Fantastic liefie. Please, never do this to me again! We love you so much and cant wait for you to get back. Lex:" you are superman!" Mia:" You are amazing, Dad". Nora: "fantastic, amazing". xxxxx

Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 05:49 am

Hey Lourens. I was looking through the results this morning and saw an "I" next to your name and immediately envisioned you found an air-conditioned bar somewhere in the desert knocking back a few cold ones with the local camels :)

Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 01:23 am

We are so proud of you. Can't wait to have you home again soon. Love you lots. Perd, Mousie en Bul-man

Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 05:04 pm

Jy is baie naby aan die einde! Hou bene hou (of moet ek se hou voete hou).... Ek hoop die nag hardloop is beter as die oondjie... Dink elke oomblik aan jou! xxx

Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 06:17 am

Hi Lourens, great to read that you're still going strong. Missing you in the gym!!! Good luck with the rest of the run and have a cold one for me at the end....

Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 04:27 am

You will have finished the long day by the time you read this and life will be sweet! Your body maybe screaming at you to stop,but the pain will fade and only the wonderful memories will stay. Enjoy the view!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 03:03 pm

Hang in there Lourens! You're doing great!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 01:16 pm

When the going gets tough Lourens gets going. Welgedaan sover Lourens!! Vasbyt vir die laaste end. Jy verdien ‘n koue bier vir elke blaas onder jou voete. Ons sit dit solank op ys.

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 12:49 pm

Hi Lourens. Ouma bid vir jou. Wees sterk. Baie liefde

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 11:43 am

Die ou-beer sou trots gewees het, is seker hy was in jou gedagtes die laate paar dae. Die 4de Oktober sal altyd 'n groot dag wees vir jou, Leonie en almal wat die ou-kerel mis. Baie sterkte en vasbyt die einde is in sig.

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 04:28 am

Great to know you're in good spirit. One day at a time is indeed a good way to keep things in perspective. You're doing the right things by taking the time to take care of your feet at CPs. Almost on to the long day and you will be home free. Think about how much sweeter that bottle of wine will taste when you finally cross the finish line. Meanwhile make due with water and electrolytes. DRINK DRINK DRINK...

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:23 am

Hey Swarie die armpoops het in spuitpoops verandar toe ons niks van jou hoor nie maar sien jy maak elke dag klaar, wil net weet hoe jy voel. Weet jy het hierdie woestyn by die balle beet gaan goue sand se gat skop.Ons is saam met jou elke tree, die iPad is op my skoot en hou alles dop... Ons dink aan jou bid vir jou en weet dat alles goed sal gaan jy is nod hero!!!! Gaan groot ons is saam met jou you can do it...... Love Botha armpoop cheer team love you loubeer!!!!!

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:03 am

Dear Dad, so proud of you. Cant wait to see you when you get back. You are doing so well. Love Mia

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 11:55 pm

So Bly om van jou te hoor! Ons almal was al baie bekommerd, maar kon gelukkig sien dat jy elke dag klaar gemaak het. Dis fantasties dat jy al so ver gekom het. Ons is so trots op jou. Ons almal bid baie hard vir jou en sterkte vir die volgende stage. Jy doen great! Hoop jou hoewe hou. X

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 11:32 pm

Good job!! Sounds tough but must admit I am a tad envious: what an adventure! Enjoy and pace yourself Ciao Vittorio and Birgit

02 October 2011 02:54 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Jislaaik, today was one of the shortest days of the week; however, it was tough! We woke up around 4;30am this morning - packed our stuff, had breakfast, and hit the sand at 7am. The first 20km was fine, then someone turned the big oven on. We think we are used to the heat in Hong Kong; however, this is a completely different ballgame. It really feels like running with an oven permanently fixed over your head. Needless to say, the next 20km was much slower and really tough - I had had to stop a few times to get all the sand out of the shoes, had to tape my feet twice and picked up a mother of a blister. The sahara is stunning - especially when they turn the oven off at night. We witnessed a spectacular sunset last night and the sunrise this morning was quite special. Well this is first day only and seems like there are quite a few wounded soldiers in the camp tonight. However, nothing that a good old freeze-dried meal and tlc on the feet can't fix. Tomorrow we are hitting more soft sand and the dunes - so far so good.
 
Thanks for all the emails - means a lot!!

Comments: Total (18) comments

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 04:29 am

Lourens - Take in the beauty of the desert and make this just a stroll through the park. Remember that exceptional athletes turn pain into challenges and challenges into victories. I once read that the greatest accomplishment is not in never falling, but in rising again after you fall. I also once read about the evils of drinking, so I have up reading. Keep enjoying, laughing and you will be just fine !!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 12:38 pm

Jis Lolla, jy doen great! Jy is onder die top helfde van die groep! Dis ongelooflik en dit wys net jy kan dit doen. Hou maar moed en pak dit stuk vir stuk aan. Baie liefde van ons almal! xxx

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 10:30 am

Vat hom en slaat hom Andries!! Dink aan jou en sterkte!!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 07:19 am

Keep it up Lourens. Be strong! We are all thinking of you back at AIA Central.

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 04:33 am

Like Peter said, I wish I were there but look we're all there with you in spirit. I've seen some of the pictures, it looks really cool. Don't forget to put your feet up, get some rest, and get ready for day 3.

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 02:51 am

Well done Lourens, hou moed en hou die wiele gepomp.

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 01:56 am

Keep a steady pace Lourens. It's all about the long day. Drink,eat,pee and move those arm! Although you're in a oven,you don't know how many people wish they could be there with you! Is that right Fernand?

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 12:53 am

Day 2 down, a few more expedition meals and you'll be half way through. Keep up the pace, sure and steady. Take good care.

Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 11:14 pm

Well done Lourens! Keep it up. Those pyramids are waiting...

Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 01:20 pm

Hey Big Guy, we are all thinking of you in Hong Kong - you are the man; keep looking forward and keep strong. Best wishes for tomorrow and enjoy . . . . .

Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:44 pm

Well done Lolla! Dis regtig ongelooflik dat jy die 1ste dag gemaak het. Wys net jy het dit in jou om die res te kan doen. Ons dink die heeltyd aan jou en bid vir jou! Moed hou en sterkte!

Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 06:37 am

Excellent Lourens, I thought HK weather could help a bit for your race this time,but not really ... :P They didn't provide you sand gator? Keep it up mate , the finish line is close to you soon! :)

Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 02:26 am

Well done Lourens. Good solid performance.

Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 02:06 am

Good stuff. One day down. you won't get any SFQs from me. Keep marching forward.

Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:48 am

great result, proud of you! make sure you don't carry any eggs.. :)

Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:07 am

Keep it up, Lourens. You are doing awseome!

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 11:51 pm

Great job Lourens. Keep pushing. We are following you clsoely. Nothing beats a cold beer at the finished line!

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 11:24 pm

Good job swarrie, weet dat jy die woestyn se boude gaan Skop dink die heel tyd aan jou en weet dat jy hierdie bul by die horings het. Sterkte vir die volgende stage, sien uit na jou volgende blog ons dink aan jou bid vir jou en is baie lief vir jou!!!! Lots of armpoop al die Bothas

20 September 2011 03:03 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Three months ago I was getting ready for the big Gobi March 2011; tickets booked, China visa sorted, every item of mandatory gear +/or kit packed, calories counted and meals individually sealed and in the RaidLight 30L pack. Then disaster struck....three days before flying out to Urumqi, the unimaginable happened - I tore my calf muscle in two places! Hang on, the story gets better...I wish I could say I tore the old calf muscle running up Mt Butler, the Twins or even the stairs leading up to the Dragon's Back; however, dad was competing in an egg-and-spoon race at my 4-year old son's nursery school, in full office kit, when the calf snapped and the Gobi remains an open item on the 'to do' list. It goes without saying; I'm still wiping the egg off my face.

One of the big lessons I have learnt, having competed in many endurance events, is to know when to throw the towel in - it was hugely disappointing; however, would have resulted in far greater disappointment if I decided to get on the plane to Urumqi with a very bad injury. Long story short - it is just over a week to go to the start of the Sahara Race and touch wood....body and mind feeling strong and I have declined any +/or all invitations to attend school events the next two weeks!! 

So far so good!

Comments: Total (12) comments

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 03:26 pm

Dink aan jou swarrie weet alles gaan goed gaan. Baie liefde van al ons Bothas !!!! Vat daardie woestyn vas!!!

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 12:54 pm

Sterkte Boetietjie..... Dink verskriklik baie aan jou en bid dat jy veilig is en krag sal kry wanneer jy dit nodig het. Hoop nie jy het al jellie-legs op die 1ste dag nie... Hou bene hou! Lief vir jou!

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 12:07 pm

Lourens, sure all will be well. Have a great time and take care of those feet.

Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 07:54 am

Lourens - The Sahara race is very impressive but we all know it’s just a precursor to your ultimate racing challenge... successfully completing an egg and spoon race. Best of luck mate. Will be eagerly watching your progress.

Posted On: 28 Sep 2011 02:46 pm

Hey Lawrence, my prayers will be you each step of the way. Just visualize a case of Tusker beer waiting for you at the finish line and records will be broken !!!! IKATU and Godspeed...Chris

Posted On: 27 Sep 2011 04:00 am

Sterkte swarrie met die groot race en moet niks optel en eet wat meer as 4 pote het nie.

Posted On: 26 Sep 2011 01:56 pm

Jy is n absolute yster, dink so baie aan jou!!!!

Posted On: 26 Sep 2011 08:06 am

Wow en sterkte Lourens!

Posted On: 25 Sep 2011 12:29 pm

Good luck with the big race! We are cheering for you from all over the world and we are very proud of you. You can do it!! :) Baie liefde xxxx

Posted On: 25 Sep 2011 09:51 am

Lourens, you are a Big inspiration to us all. we'll think of you every step of the way.. Sterkte met als boetie. Lief vir jou..

Posted On: 24 Sep 2011 06:29 pm

Baie trots op jou my kind, ek glo en vertrou dat dit goed sal gaan met jou.Sal gedurig aan jou dink Liefde Ma.

Posted On: 22 Sep 2011 02:19 pm

Just be assured that you have the whole family behind you every step of the way , both in mind and spirit. Everyone has huge admiration and respect for your efforts and dedication, no need to bring a towel to the desert this time around:) Best of luck from SA