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Namib Race Blogs 2011
6
PostsNamib Race (2011) blog posts from Dan Parr
07 October 2011 02:56 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Well, I didn’t get lost. I certainly tried a couple of times but managed to keep the flags in view. So its basically over. We have 2kms stroll around the pyramids tomorrow so unless I get cursed by a Pharaoh I am reasonably confident I’ve got this one in the bag. Yesterday was horrible, awe-inspiring, brutal, beautiful, horrific, magnificent, knackering, satisfying but above all, FVCKING WINDY!!!!! Evidently the wind only blows in one direction in Egypt, and that is directly into your face. It doesn’t matter what way you are running or where you turn, its straight at you. The middle third of yesterday’s long stage was 30-odd kms across a totally flat, featureless plateau with the wind howling into my face. It was a hell of a grind and felt like I was running with a parachute out the back. That was far and away the worst period – you neither have the energy of the start, nor the smell of the finish line. It’s the guts of the race ad its where you really have to dig deep. Anyway, I ground it out and eventually got to the stage where I was pretty confident I had the race won. Eric was a long way back on the day and with my overall lead, I was in good shape. So much so that I actually took in some of the views on the beautiful final stage. It was about 3:45 and with the sun low in the sky, the light was beautiful and the views were magnificent. It’s the first time on the race I have really been able to take a look around and soak up some of the scenery.
And then it was finished. Thank the Good Lord.
The next competitors over the line were Olivier and Jude who ran an absolutely sensational long day. The performance of the week for me. They caught up and saw off both Eric and Memet. A magnificent effort from my tent mates and I am thrilled for both of them, especially Jude who has managed his performance brilliantly this week. Great work fellas (but we’ll still beat you in NZ tomorrow)
We now have a rather dead day in camp as the last competitors come in. As I type, the drums are beating the last runners over the line so I will have to go and lend my support…back in a sec….
So everyone is back. Our tent mate Ryan was in the last group – 27hours, 15 mins for the long day. Unbelievable. I genuinely believe that completing the event in that time is harder than doing it fast. To spend that amount of time out there is a huge mental task and I am not sure I’d be able to do it. Wonderful effort.
Must also mention Eric LH who came in 2nd overall. He gave it absolutely everything over the week and left nothing behind. He was in a bad way after day 2 and to continue on in the way he did shows real grit. He looked awful at the end yesterday, but I suspect we were all looking pretty average. Well done mate.
Now all I can think about is getting home. The race is run and I want to be back. We’ve got tonight in camp, a laps of the pyramids and then the official dinner but the most important thing now is to get home. Katy, I miss you and can’t wait to see you and the terrors. Not long now.x
To everyone who sent messages and wished me luck, many thanks indeed. I am glad I helped provide a bit of entertainment but sorry it was a bit less dramatic this time. The support and messages mean a lot when you’re stuck out here so a heartfelt thank you to you all. Beers when I am back
Until next time sports fans
Dan
And then it was finished. Thank the Good Lord.
The next competitors over the line were Olivier and Jude who ran an absolutely sensational long day. The performance of the week for me. They caught up and saw off both Eric and Memet. A magnificent effort from my tent mates and I am thrilled for both of them, especially Jude who has managed his performance brilliantly this week. Great work fellas (but we’ll still beat you in NZ tomorrow)
We now have a rather dead day in camp as the last competitors come in. As I type, the drums are beating the last runners over the line so I will have to go and lend my support…back in a sec….
So everyone is back. Our tent mate Ryan was in the last group – 27hours, 15 mins for the long day. Unbelievable. I genuinely believe that completing the event in that time is harder than doing it fast. To spend that amount of time out there is a huge mental task and I am not sure I’d be able to do it. Wonderful effort.
Must also mention Eric LH who came in 2nd overall. He gave it absolutely everything over the week and left nothing behind. He was in a bad way after day 2 and to continue on in the way he did shows real grit. He looked awful at the end yesterday, but I suspect we were all looking pretty average. Well done mate.
Now all I can think about is getting home. The race is run and I want to be back. We’ve got tonight in camp, a laps of the pyramids and then the official dinner but the most important thing now is to get home. Katy, I miss you and can’t wait to see you and the terrors. Not long now.x
To everyone who sent messages and wished me luck, many thanks indeed. I am glad I helped provide a bit of entertainment but sorry it was a bit less dramatic this time. The support and messages mean a lot when you’re stuck out here so a heartfelt thank you to you all. Beers when I am back
Until next time sports fans
Dan
05 October 2011 02:20 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Well, we’re over the hump and have 80kms to go. Unfortunately all 80 are on the same day. Doesn’t really seem fair does it?
I had a solid day today. The course was definitely a runners course – flat and decent terrain, except for some nasty sand dunes in the first 5kms just to get everyone in the mood. I didn’t really set off with a plan, I just wanted to see how things went, and they went okay. I gradually pulled away from Eric from the start and by the time I got to the halfway point I had a reasonable lead which I managed to maintain until the end. The last 5kms toward camp was hard work. Its bloody windy and we were running into the teeth of the wind. Its great for keeping you cool and dry but is doesn’t half make a difference to speed and energy use. Thankfully it was only about 30 mins of direct headwind and then round the corner and joy of joys, the campsite appeared out of nowhere. Never has a collection of second hand army tents looked so inviting. Overall, fairly happy with today. And the feet are in okay state which is a bit of a relief.
Some of the views today were magnificent. The camp is up against a beautiful escarpment looking across a flat plain, which I suspect we will be traversing tomorrow. Its extraordinary to think that all this used to be under the sea and amazing to find fossils everywhere – oyster shells and sea urchins. I’d love to bring a fossil back from the desert for Milo but I’m afraid I ‘aint carting one 80kms across the Sahara in my pack. Maybe I can get one in the airport?!
I managed to solve a bit of a mystery today as well. For most of this race I have been convinced I have been hearing things – a periodic sound that sounds like Egyptian music. I’ve been looking over my shoulder and expecting to see blokes on camels with instruments or running round corners expecting to find a group of Bedouin in the sand. Anyway, it turns out it’s the wind making a whistling noise across the opening of my bottle! What a d1ck! At least I’m no longer convinced I’m being pursued by an Egyptian piper.
So the long day beckons. 86kms. I must admit I'm pretty nervous. Both Eric and Memet (the guy in 3rd)are experienced runners. They know what they are doing so I have got to stay focused on running my own race and just hope that will be enough. Wish me luck
Thanks for the messages, it’s a great lift to hear from you all.
Katy, missing you and the nuggs and cant wait to be back in 14b. x
Dan
I had a solid day today. The course was definitely a runners course – flat and decent terrain, except for some nasty sand dunes in the first 5kms just to get everyone in the mood. I didn’t really set off with a plan, I just wanted to see how things went, and they went okay. I gradually pulled away from Eric from the start and by the time I got to the halfway point I had a reasonable lead which I managed to maintain until the end. The last 5kms toward camp was hard work. Its bloody windy and we were running into the teeth of the wind. Its great for keeping you cool and dry but is doesn’t half make a difference to speed and energy use. Thankfully it was only about 30 mins of direct headwind and then round the corner and joy of joys, the campsite appeared out of nowhere. Never has a collection of second hand army tents looked so inviting. Overall, fairly happy with today. And the feet are in okay state which is a bit of a relief.
Some of the views today were magnificent. The camp is up against a beautiful escarpment looking across a flat plain, which I suspect we will be traversing tomorrow. Its extraordinary to think that all this used to be under the sea and amazing to find fossils everywhere – oyster shells and sea urchins. I’d love to bring a fossil back from the desert for Milo but I’m afraid I ‘aint carting one 80kms across the Sahara in my pack. Maybe I can get one in the airport?!
I managed to solve a bit of a mystery today as well. For most of this race I have been convinced I have been hearing things – a periodic sound that sounds like Egyptian music. I’ve been looking over my shoulder and expecting to see blokes on camels with instruments or running round corners expecting to find a group of Bedouin in the sand. Anyway, it turns out it’s the wind making a whistling noise across the opening of my bottle! What a d1ck! At least I’m no longer convinced I’m being pursued by an Egyptian piper.
So the long day beckons. 86kms. I must admit I'm pretty nervous. Both Eric and Memet (the guy in 3rd)are experienced runners. They know what they are doing so I have got to stay focused on running my own race and just hope that will be enough. Wish me luck
Thanks for the messages, it’s a great lift to hear from you all.
Katy, missing you and the nuggs and cant wait to be back in 14b. x
Dan
Comments: Total (46) comments
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 08:18 pm
Checking your progress every day...well done Dan! Stay safe and sound, lots of love. xx
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 07:23 pm
Hi Dan just like to congratulate you on a fantastic win, you don't no me but i am Victoria Blackburn's mother, i wonder if it would be possible to past a message on to Vicky to let her no just how proud i am of what she has achieved, her brother and sisters also want her to no how proud they are also, we have been glued to the web page everyday waiting for any news and up dates, we managed, to pick her out on the photos especially with having the leader's bib on, so if you do see Vicky i would be very grateful if you could past the message to her, and a big well done from all her aunty's thank you and well done again, good luck to you all tomorrow.
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 04:48 pm
Fly those blue tit legs home like the wind, can't believe a record might be in your grasp! Incredible but still too Irish to think about it until the fat lady sings - of which I imagine there are few so, until the Egyptian piper pipes - keeping all fingers crossed, just don't get on a vehicle until you have that trophy in your hands! We're all so proud, knew you could do it! Nuggs are well, highlights - Milo's teacher told me he recounted with glee that he'd seen a panda doing a poo at ocean park, Ottilie has inherited those chicken legs and keeps running away, she's going on reins! New word: NO and quite sweetly, Happeeee. Milo told me that you're the biggest champion in the whole world, with his little chest all puffed out, meany me told him he can't say that until tomorrow so as not to jinx it, GOGOGO Dannyboy! Good luck tomorrow, enjoy the pyramids, wish I could be there to cheer you across the finish. Xx PS you are having an open top tram this time!
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 04:40 pm
Mate AWESOME effort. Saw your times and if it wasnt apparent before you are most certainly a legend. Lookign forward to catching up when you get back mate and hearing the stories. Just the sprint home now and you are all done. Big Hand buddy.
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 11:56 am
Just had it from the organisers that Stage 6 is less than 2 Kms and that the time does not count. So, job done! A magnificent achievement and a truly impressive, record time - we're going to open a bottle of fizz now.
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 09:25 am
Wowzers Danny-Boy! Seriously impressive stuff - you have cleaned up again..... Celebratory beers within easy reach now. LOL xx
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 07:24 am
Just bursting with pride! XXX
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 07:21 am
you have nailed it mate. what an effort. and what a time. safe to say the hk crowd is very impressed. hope you're not too broken. now, if you really get your head down tomorrow you should be finished in time to find an irish pub to enjoy wales beat the oirish and england beat the frogs.... far more inspiration than any geeky stats rowls is throwing around.
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 04:01 am
Apologies for all the reposts, dah!
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 04:00 am
In awe of what you have achieved - so so amazing. Well done you. Spent the morning with your gorgeous wife and 'the nuggs', who will no doubt be very happy to have another victorious daddy home very soon. xx
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 03:54 am
In awe of what you have achieved - so so amazing. Well done you. Spent the morning with your gorgeous wife and \\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'the nuggs\\\\\\\\\\\\\\\'. All are well but will no doubt be very happy to have another victorious daddy home very soon. xx
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 03:53 am
In awe of what you have achieved - so so amazing. Well done you. Spent the morning with your gorgeous wife and \\\\\\\'the nuggs\\\\\\\'. All are well but will no doubt be very happy to have another victorious daddy home very soon. xx
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 03:53 am
In awe of what you have achieved - so so amazing. Well done you. Spent the morning with your gorgeous wife and \\\'the nuggs\\\'. All are well but will no doubt be very happy to have another victorious daddy home very soon. xx
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 03:53 am
In awe of what you have achieved - so so amazing. Well done you. Spent the morning with your gorgeous wife and \'the nuggs\'. All are well but will no doubt be very happy to have another victorious daddy home very soon. xx
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 03:51 am
In awe of what you have achieved - so so amazing. Well done you. Spent the morning with your gorgeous wife and 'the nuggs'. All are well but will no doubt be very happy to have another victorious daddy home very soon. xx
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 03:13 am
we are absolutely blown away with what you have achieved so far mate.....and only a 10k stroll left to do. I am not sure, infact I can say with absolute confidence, the 10k would crush me and you still seem to be going so well after such a gruelling schedule......well done and enjoy the vistory lap. PS cant believe you have a groupie in NZ - big shout to Waiora Rogers..... good luck Danny boy
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 03:11 am
we are absolutely blown away with what you have achieved so far mate.....and only a 10k stroll left to do. I am not sure, infact I can say with absolute confidence, the 10k would crush me and you still seem to be going so well after such a gruelling schedule......well done and enjoy the vistory lap. PS cant believe you have a groupie in NZ - big shout to Waiora Rogers..... good luck Danny boy
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 01:12 am
This is getting more ridiculous by the day! 3 hours ahead? I hate to say it, but you are in the wrong job. If you are still interested in running a Sports Marketing Company, Flip flop week was approved by the client yesterday. If you were chicken legs before you started then can imagine you are looking more like a bluetit by now. Some serious feeding up required when you get back. Now all we need is an England Ireland Semi Final secured. Good luck with the remainder.... We are all behind you every skip of the way XX
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 12:06 am
Hi Dan, I am from NZ and been following our taonga (treasure) Bev. Te Huia. I am amazed at the whole event and how wonderful you all are. One never gets to 'speak' to a super athlete so sorry, I have gatecrashed just to wish you all the best and am watching your progress with interest too. Take care and thank you for doing wonderful/outrageous things for those of us who can't
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 11:41 pm
Is it a plane? Is it a bird? no, its Parr! Bloody Hell mate, awesome stuff. Are you sure you are not a camel? Well done and look forward to hearing all about it when you get back. AG
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 09:18 pm
Mate this is top drawer.
Absolutely smashed it, tore it up.
And Rays record is next, bring it home. I think we invented ultra running, right?!
Badwater?
Well done Danny, well done mate.
Boom.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 09:15 pm
Dp, so so impressive. Looks like all your hard work thus far has earned you the right to run your own race from now on. Fingers crossed for the long stage.
Btw, whose food are you snaffling this year seeing as my brother is not there to help out on that front?
:-)
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 09:15 pm
Dan, it's Jim and carrie Sellon here at the carmichaels and we are all reading your blog and SO impressed by you. Unbelievable! We are behind you all the way, wooohooohooooooooo!!!!
Xxxxx
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 08:40 pm
Well, a day off tomorrow - maybe a bit of sunbathing or a walk on 'the beach'.
Rowley is correct Ray Z (in 2006) 26:24:45. You currently 25:03:22. Thus you must be sub 1:21:23 for Stage 6 to be the fastest ever in the Sahara. Easy really - like a 6 inch putt!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 08:34 pm
Suitably impressed Bruv - amazing times you're clocking up. No more stewing on that last long march and the pink flags necessary. Not much sand left to go but no doubt Milo is going to want to hit the beach in HK first thing Monday morning! Enjoy the last stage but 6 out of 6 has a nice ring to it... Lots of love from us both.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 08:33 pm
Dan...this is UNBELIEVABLE. Feels like a total deja vu, logging onto the 4deserts race site and seeing you sitting there at the top of the leaderboard...but nope...you're just doing it all over again, in another desert. You really are quite something! Keep up the excellent work, and very best of luck for the big push tomorrow. Am rooting for you all the way x
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 08:28 pm
We are so very proud of you Danny! You will be superb til the end-we have no doubt! Some big loud 'Whoop-Whoops' all the way from South Africa, Love Nix and all the boys
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 06:10 pm
Well done squared - a great achievement; you managed your fuel efficiently! No news of Eric? I hope he is well and has survived the long day; he sounds like a really good bloke.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 05:02 pm
Finally the official news has filtered through - at 1am! I need double bold and captials to show you the sound of the cheering here, WHOOP WHOOP WHOOP seriously amazing, not only have you come in first but by such a margin that I don't have enough fingers to work out by how much. Now convinced you are made of oil you are a MACHINE!!!! Are you sharing the baby formula around? Seriously impressed by the frenchies performance too, send my love and congrats to Jude, must be some good tent banter. Missing you terribly, hope the toes/hips/legs recover well tomorrow. All our love KMO Xx
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 05:00 pm
Just picked up the Stage 5 news; fantastic achievement and hopefully an easier day tomorrow.Love from all.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 04:23 pm
OH MY GOD - WE ARE SOOOO PROUD OF YOU DP! i wish i could give you a big hug! thank goodness today is over, and that all the flags stayed put! do hope you're feeling ok, although i suspect you'll be a bit sore tomorrow....! big hugs and xx's and massive puffing out of chest!
p.s. that last message was from Dad, it's just that the 'and Dad' bit didn't show!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 03:31 pm
Dan - Rowley\'s \"technical\" running comments and stats make me laugh. He is soooo trying to be part of this. Sweet but sad at the same time. I\'m impressed with you mind. Keep going son. And dont let that Egyptian piper put you off. You are not going mad...its just the wind in your bottles. Sure.....
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 02:51 pm
Wow Dan! You are an inspiration and it's just incredible to follow your progress and see your name at the top of the leader board. You are the talk of the town here and fingers and toes crossed for the gruelling 80Km's. SPARKS is so lucky to have you and so are all the gorgeous little babies that will benefit from your superhuman efforts! KEEP GOING! KB xxx
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 02:46 pm
Amazing effort Danny Boy, keep it up - shame its not an Olympic event...
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 01:32 pm
Awesome, awesome, awesome.... Keep it up fella and take another victory.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 10:18 am
Go you good thing! You are an absolute legend, I don't think i've run/walked 250km in my life let alone a week. We have nearly finished building a bar at our place in Singapore and the fridge will be stocked with an endless supply of icey cold beer and comfy chairs for when you next vist so you can kick back and tell us about every kilometer, all 250 of them!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 08:09 am
Great work Dan. Glad you're managing to enjoy the view. From reading some of the other blogs it's clear you're in the minority on that one - there's talk of hallucinating, convulsing, drilled toe nails, and one bloke's rambling on about people living under bridges in Cairo - he's clearly lost it! Keep safe, and sane, and bring us all good news tomorrow.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 06:18 am
Amazing job - keep going x
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 05:52 am
Awesome race Dan, we're all cheering for you from the Valley. Al & Shev x
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 04:14 am
Hello mate,sent you a few msgs, but never sure you get them? Lucy T once gave me a bo***cking, even though i'd sent one nearly every day. You should have finished the long day by the time you get this msg? And kicking back for the Pyramids! If you do decide to go off piste and have a meander,remember that it's the worlds largest desert. Good one Rowley,put a bit more pressure on him. But then again,he ain't getting it from no one else.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 03:53 am
hello mate, just stumbled across your blog and thought i would send you a quick message. Sounds like you are cleaning up the field and well on your way to another victory! congratulations, although as you say with an 80km stage still to come am sure anything can happen.
Hang in there and best of luck through the finish. Looking forward to catching up for a few (too many) ice cool beverages back in HK.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 03:06 am
ok...stats for you to keep you going.
26:24is the fastest time ever completed in Sahara by Ray Zahab. Ryan in 27:09:17. Dean K in 30 odd;
Christian Schiester did it in 29.28.
You are currently 15:42, so head down mate and finish the last 90 in sub 10.42h mate!
Wilko playing 10. Flood at 12. Easter playing at 8. Haskel dropped.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 03:04 am
mate - great work. very impressive effort and fingers crossed it goes well tomorrow.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 02:56 am
very solid mate to break 4 hours. Thats some speed you are putting over ELH. Think about it now with the lead you have on him that it will take a superhuman effort to catch that amount of time on you. Hopefully you can relax at the end of 80km though and revel in your glory! Good luck mate. I think Jude coming in 3rd yesterday was up there in suprises!!!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 10:16 pm
You are truly something else.....and am so relieved you are not being crept up on by Egyptian bogey men!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 10:08 pm
Needless to say we are with you and wish you all the luck and every success. Be conservative, stay focussed and above all stay within yourself; the maths are on your side - Eric starts 15K behind you!
04 October 2011 01:49 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hi Everyone
Firstly, huge thanks for all the messages. Special sandy greeting to the Fast Track team who specifically requested a mention. Stop looking at the internet and get back to work! Its great to hear from everyone, Milo is confusing me with a lots of sweaty birds!
I had a pretty good day today and finished about 20 mins ahead of Eric. The conditions were pretty good for the first ¾ of the race with a decent breeze. The difference between when the wind blows and when it doesn’t is night and day. When the winds drops I can feel my speed just collapse. Its incredible. Anyway, the breeze was a savior and we ran through some magnificent scenery. It really is a stunning landscape – and brutal at the same time. Without water you wouldn’t last 5 minutes. In the last three days the only thing that I have seen which is made of carbon (apart from the race staff) has been a dead camel. That’s not a great sign is it?!
Due to the heat the organisers put an extra CP in todays stage which helped break up the day. After CP1 I put the foot down a bit and opened up a gap on Eric. I knew he was going to have to take today easy after his issues yesterday so today was the day to turn the screw. I felt strong and was loving the conditions and the views so managed to put a bit of distance between. As I have been running through the varying terrain – hard/soft sand, track, shingle, razor sharp flinty-type stuff – I’ve been trying to ‘read’ the conditions underfoot. Its amazing what a difference a tiny little extra bit of purchase makes when you are running so I am desperate to find the route with the most hardness underfoot. I’ve been weaving all over the bloody place in an effort to get an advantage but I reckon all I’m actually doing is running a bit further than necessary! Stupid really but its extraordinary what you end up obsessing about after 3 hours in 40-odd degrees.
So, overall, a good day but we’re not yet halfway so this race is a very long way from being done and the 80kms day is looming on the horizon. That’s really when the race is sorted out. Eric looked good at the end of the stage so I am sure he is setting himself up for a crack either tomorrow or on the long day.
My toes are in a bit of a state, to be frank they look like they’ve been through a mangle. Toe nails are utterly useless items and it would be a lot easier without them. Not looking forward to having to wear work shoes, in fact can someone at FT tell our client that I’ll be in flip flops for most of next week’s meetings! And Katy, please can you brief Milo not to stand on my toes every 10 seconds when I get home!
He race has started to collect a few casualties. Plenty of people have been turning up in vehicles today having thrown in the towel. You cant blame them and everyone who has a crack at this deserves a degree of respect. Olivier and Jude crossed the line together today, holding hands in a very Gallic display of bon homie. They are both going well with Olivier 4th and Jude must be easily top 10 so the French are certainly flying the flag with honneur. Unfortunately Malcolm has called it a day but he is extremely pragmatic about it and is in very good spirits. He’s going to join for some of the remaining sections and he’s great to have in the tent – a nicer, more positive bloke you couldn’t hope to meet. The rest of the tent are yet to come in but a couple of the boys were struggling yesterday so fingers crossed they make it home.
Thanks again or all the messages, its great to hear from you all so keep firing them across
Katy, can’t wait to be home with you all. Xx
Dan
Firstly, huge thanks for all the messages. Special sandy greeting to the Fast Track team who specifically requested a mention. Stop looking at the internet and get back to work! Its great to hear from everyone, Milo is confusing me with a lots of sweaty birds!
I had a pretty good day today and finished about 20 mins ahead of Eric. The conditions were pretty good for the first ¾ of the race with a decent breeze. The difference between when the wind blows and when it doesn’t is night and day. When the winds drops I can feel my speed just collapse. Its incredible. Anyway, the breeze was a savior and we ran through some magnificent scenery. It really is a stunning landscape – and brutal at the same time. Without water you wouldn’t last 5 minutes. In the last three days the only thing that I have seen which is made of carbon (apart from the race staff) has been a dead camel. That’s not a great sign is it?!
Due to the heat the organisers put an extra CP in todays stage which helped break up the day. After CP1 I put the foot down a bit and opened up a gap on Eric. I knew he was going to have to take today easy after his issues yesterday so today was the day to turn the screw. I felt strong and was loving the conditions and the views so managed to put a bit of distance between. As I have been running through the varying terrain – hard/soft sand, track, shingle, razor sharp flinty-type stuff – I’ve been trying to ‘read’ the conditions underfoot. Its amazing what a difference a tiny little extra bit of purchase makes when you are running so I am desperate to find the route with the most hardness underfoot. I’ve been weaving all over the bloody place in an effort to get an advantage but I reckon all I’m actually doing is running a bit further than necessary! Stupid really but its extraordinary what you end up obsessing about after 3 hours in 40-odd degrees.
So, overall, a good day but we’re not yet halfway so this race is a very long way from being done and the 80kms day is looming on the horizon. That’s really when the race is sorted out. Eric looked good at the end of the stage so I am sure he is setting himself up for a crack either tomorrow or on the long day.
My toes are in a bit of a state, to be frank they look like they’ve been through a mangle. Toe nails are utterly useless items and it would be a lot easier without them. Not looking forward to having to wear work shoes, in fact can someone at FT tell our client that I’ll be in flip flops for most of next week’s meetings! And Katy, please can you brief Milo not to stand on my toes every 10 seconds when I get home!
He race has started to collect a few casualties. Plenty of people have been turning up in vehicles today having thrown in the towel. You cant blame them and everyone who has a crack at this deserves a degree of respect. Olivier and Jude crossed the line together today, holding hands in a very Gallic display of bon homie. They are both going well with Olivier 4th and Jude must be easily top 10 so the French are certainly flying the flag with honneur. Unfortunately Malcolm has called it a day but he is extremely pragmatic about it and is in very good spirits. He’s going to join for some of the remaining sections and he’s great to have in the tent – a nicer, more positive bloke you couldn’t hope to meet. The rest of the tent are yet to come in but a couple of the boys were struggling yesterday so fingers crossed they make it home.
Thanks again or all the messages, its great to hear from you all so keep firing them across
Katy, can’t wait to be home with you all. Xx
Dan
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 05:23 am
Hi Dan
Keep going, FAB news you are in the lead, YAY! We are all very proud.
Love Louise, Mark, Olivia and Holly
x
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 07:54 pm
Nice work Danny boy. 1.5 hour lead as I write post stage 4 and I would say you are not too far off getting ready for the long stage. Mind you, I think long is debatable, only 80k....come on.
We will keep a keen eye out to see how you're getting on mate.
Good luck and don't let the septic tank make up any ground on you.
Can't wait to hear what tale from Miramar JP has got up his sleeve for us after the next stage...topless volleyball and baby oil or something similar no doubt.
Stay strong.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 03:53 pm
Simply awesome - just think if you win being boring would have been worth it!! Keep going and we are all shaking our heads in complete awe and confusion as to how you do it - oh and some people are questioning your sanity and therefore ours for appointing you....detail. Are you happy with us to put this blog on the FT site, twitter feed etc? looking forward to next week. JC
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:15 pm
Seems like Stage 4 went well - a short story before the long day! On my first Lightning tour, just after I'd married your mum, when we flew one v one combat sorties we juniors always had to fly against the experienced pilots; ergo we always lost! Well I got fed up with this and thought how can I win? Next time up I decided that I'm going to make him come after me; so, no reheat just keep him at bay in cold power and he'll run out of fuel first. And so he did and I waxed his a...!
As ever, manage your fuel and victory is there to be taken. Good luck on the long march.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 01:35 pm
Think you have even given Forest something to think about!
AMAZING! What ARE you made of???
Wish I could see the scenery....but from a camel!
XX
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 10:54 am
mate, hats off. will take a look at ELHs blog in a sec but you have him now. 1 hr is a v solid lead, and impressive to gain so much in just 2 days. you are right, the long day will be the test, but no need to tell you what to do. stay strong. focus on what lies ahead and smash it up. On the sports front little going on...just the build up to Sat when hopefully you will have le last laugh on the frogs! keep it up. following every move and looking fwd to some victorious ales when u get back. might open a cold one now in fact...
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 07:34 am
Great effort my boy; you've built up a healthy lead which with the long day to come and sore feet is handy. All at Mitchels are with you every inch of the way. Look after those toes.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 01:48 am
Excellent stuff Dan. Hope the breeze continues to blow, and that you can take your mind off the pain in your feet when you're running by trying to calculate how much extra your sponsors have pledged to Sparks if you win!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 01:33 am
Buddy great to see you dominating again. Looks like hard work out there. Keep it up chief and look forward to seeing you on the winners podium again.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 09:58 pm
Hi Danny-Boy, keep up the good work - seriously impressive stuff. Can't even imagine it.....! Look after those toes and we're keeping our fingers crossed for another good day tomorrow. Much love from the Wooks xxx
03 October 2011 02:18 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hi there Sports Fans
Had a reasonable day today and am now in the lead outright.However,only 1/3 of the race done so plenty of pain left.
Eric and i set off across a across a pretty easy first stage and quickyopeneed agap.The weather was great, nice and cool and sun shining.Its a shame its not like that all the time! After CP1,things got a lot harder as the temp went up and we ground out the kms across a mix of hard and soft sand going steadily up hill. Hard work you can safely say. About halfway thro stage 2
Eric became to drop back little a bit and i opened up a small gap by the time we got toCP2 - prob about 2mins. Stage 3 was a horror, lots of up across dunes and then up onto a plateau where we at least got a breeze. I just got the head down and trundled on. I was thinking about what Katy, Milo and Ottilie would be up to at the same time which helped pass the time.I definitely would have traded places with any of them- Ottilie probably being the best option as I knew she would have been having a chilled late afternoon in the flat!
By CP3 I had a decent lead. Unbeknown to me,Eric had had a few problems with hydration so its a bit misleading to think i was faster-he just had a technical glitch so i fully expect for him to come back at me tommorrow. I think tomorrows stage is more of the same so hard going. Just need to concentrate on my race
Good banter in the tent as we've got a solid group. The Frenchmen, Jude and Olivier, provide plenty of opportunity for cheap gags and they give 'le Rosbif'. plenty back. Special mention to a chap in our tent called Malcolm who is doing the whole thing in a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, which for the benefit of the unintiated, are glorified bedslippers.Hats off to him, it must be bloody sore!
Right off for a bit more rest.Thanks for all the messsages, keep them coming
Katy, thinking of you all every step of the way. x
Dan
Had a reasonable day today and am now in the lead outright.However,only 1/3 of the race done so plenty of pain left.
Eric and i set off across a across a pretty easy first stage and quickyopeneed agap.The weather was great, nice and cool and sun shining.Its a shame its not like that all the time! After CP1,things got a lot harder as the temp went up and we ground out the kms across a mix of hard and soft sand going steadily up hill. Hard work you can safely say. About halfway thro stage 2
Eric became to drop back little a bit and i opened up a small gap by the time we got toCP2 - prob about 2mins. Stage 3 was a horror, lots of up across dunes and then up onto a plateau where we at least got a breeze. I just got the head down and trundled on. I was thinking about what Katy, Milo and Ottilie would be up to at the same time which helped pass the time.I definitely would have traded places with any of them- Ottilie probably being the best option as I knew she would have been having a chilled late afternoon in the flat!
By CP3 I had a decent lead. Unbeknown to me,Eric had had a few problems with hydration so its a bit misleading to think i was faster-he just had a technical glitch so i fully expect for him to come back at me tommorrow. I think tomorrows stage is more of the same so hard going. Just need to concentrate on my race
Good banter in the tent as we've got a solid group. The Frenchmen, Jude and Olivier, provide plenty of opportunity for cheap gags and they give 'le Rosbif'. plenty back. Special mention to a chap in our tent called Malcolm who is doing the whole thing in a pair of Vibram Five Fingers, which for the benefit of the unintiated, are glorified bedslippers.Hats off to him, it must be bloody sore!
Right off for a bit more rest.Thanks for all the messsages, keep them coming
Katy, thinking of you all every step of the way. x
Dan
Comments: Total (13) comments
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 06:52 pm
Great work; vive "Le Rostbif"!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 05:11 pm
Another epic day for Stage 3, well done Dan! Massive luck for Stage 5 - I think with the lag you will only get to read this after Stage 4. It's a brand new day, keep your focus and stay strong. If the pink flags go missing again tell the kids the camels will go after them. You're almost there. The ice cold beer is waiting...
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 04:26 pm
Can you hear the cheers from Honkytonk?! Again, no jinxing and long, long way to go yet but allow us a stage 3 WHOOOHOOO! I have the helicopter on standby after watching, agahst, the video of you setting off on the wrong direction, one more of those and I will be there with ray mears as promised lighting fires with those silly five fibre watsits - not that I would help in the direction department but please keep your wits about you! Milo convinced that there's golden treasure in the sand and still telling everyone that you're in South america (promise that didn't come from me!!) Missing you loads, keep going chicken legs, we're all so proud and can't even being to imagine how hard it is. Keep strong! Love KMO Xx
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 01:32 pm
Great result! Beware 'The Hun in the Sun'. I don't think Eric is finished yet.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 01:00 pm
Hope you'll have plenty of ammunition to irritate the Frenchies when we smash them in NZ on Sat!
Great work mate. Keep it up. We're all thinking of you out there.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 12:32 pm
Woof woof! XX
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 12:30 pm
THE WILL TO WIN
You can't coach heart, you can never coach desire,
they must always come from within.
Rules may be learned, and skills developed,
But you cannot be taught the will to win.
You must reach a little deeper to bring out your best,
You must be your own motivation.
Keep going, never quit, you have to have a reason,
You are your own strength, your own inspiration.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 10:41 am
the flag is flying for the whole of this week - you're very honoured, as normally it only goes up for the rugby! we're so proud of you, DP. with all our very best love . XXX
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 08:46 am
Well done, fantastic work. It would be good to have another British win. Please say hi to Jude and Olivier from me, and at least you will have the last laugh on the banter front when we hopefullybeat them on Saturday am in the rugby. The french are playing worse than us which is saying something!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 07:35 am
Just got back to the UK and Carina and I are thrilled to see you've carried on from where you left off in the last desert. Work loves it when you're doing these things as there is little return from me in the office until the stages are done for the day! Pretty much half way now so all down hill from here on. We'll be keeping tabs every sandy step of the way and look forward to Saturday. One small point - could you get a decent picture taken of you; you with your head down and sand all around could be taken on a beach in HK... Look after yourself, lots of love from us both.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 05:42 am
A casual couple of days then... Boom! The FT troop have been entertained by the latest video on You Tube. Was it deja-vu when they told you to go the other way after CP2?! You are a nutter but incredible work so far. We are all behind every step of the way from HK base camp. No clients lost so far. That's all you need to know. We are also looking forward to you not being boring anymore, so you are booked in for a trip to Al's next Tuesday. Good luck today - we are awaiting updates with great anticipation. I think at least a shout out to the team on the next missive would be appropriate... Huge Luck for the next stage xxx
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 02:19 am
Well done Mr Parr. Excellent work. I put it all down to the Pho in Nha Trang. Little to do with the training.
Please pass congrats on from Team Fox to Jude too. You\'re both machines.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 02:06 am
Finally got tired of the smell eh? Well done on an epic day. 25 mins lead ain't much, so why not make it 3 hours?
02 October 2011 02:24 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Right, we`re underway and it has been a reasonable start. After a night at a magnificent campsite on saturday the 2011 sahara race started at 0700 this morning. With several strong runners in the field it was hard to know how things were going to pan out but Eric and I set off at a pretty strong pace across some good runable terrain. Immediately a Blackadder scene sprung to mind; Melchett's comment 'My God Darling its a barren, featureless desert out there'. It is barren and it is featureless. Its also bloody hot. At the same time it does manage to be beautiful, although its often difficult to appreciate.
Eric and I quickly pulled away and over the course of the first 3 stages we both tried to get a lead on the other - Eric having a go after CP 2 and me having a go a bit later. It became apparent that neither of us were going to concede a lead and given that this is the first 36kms of 250, we called a truce at CP3 and rather than beasting eachother any further, we opted for the sensible approach which was to take the last stage easy and run it in. We came in at the same time after 3hrs 10mins which is a decent lead on the3rd placed guy but there is a long, long way to go yet.
Its now 8 hours since the start andthere are still plenty of people out there, including a dance troupe from Taiwann who are carrying a huge wooden statue-thing around with them. Its like a huge helmet/ mask which one poor sod has to wear. I am sure it seemed like a good idea when they came up with it but i suspect that after 8 hours in temperatures up to 40 degress c, there is some serious regret. Dont worry fellas, only another 214kms to go!!
Thanks for the comments, its great to hear fom you all so keep them coming
Katy, missing you and the nuggs loads. Please give them a hug hug and kiss from Daddy and I hope that Milo's mini-rugby went well. I'll be home soon
Dan
Eric and I quickly pulled away and over the course of the first 3 stages we both tried to get a lead on the other - Eric having a go after CP 2 and me having a go a bit later. It became apparent that neither of us were going to concede a lead and given that this is the first 36kms of 250, we called a truce at CP3 and rather than beasting eachother any further, we opted for the sensible approach which was to take the last stage easy and run it in. We came in at the same time after 3hrs 10mins which is a decent lead on the3rd placed guy but there is a long, long way to go yet.
Its now 8 hours since the start andthere are still plenty of people out there, including a dance troupe from Taiwann who are carrying a huge wooden statue-thing around with them. Its like a huge helmet/ mask which one poor sod has to wear. I am sure it seemed like a good idea when they came up with it but i suspect that after 8 hours in temperatures up to 40 degress c, there is some serious regret. Dont worry fellas, only another 214kms to go!!
Thanks for the comments, its great to hear fom you all so keep them coming
Katy, missing you and the nuggs loads. Please give them a hug hug and kiss from Daddy and I hope that Milo's mini-rugby went well. I'll be home soon
Dan
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 11:48 pm
Well done buddy...you are a freak! Long overdue for some beers on your return to Honky Tonk
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 04:45 am
Dan, keep trucking buddy. Another phenominal achievement already. The Honkie Dicks
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 08:06 pm
That's more like it Danny boy. We are just post stage 2 here so I am talking punishing EL to the tune of 30 mins. When you read this it will be post stage 3 and we are all hoping you've drilled him again in this house. I have been trying to convince Oscar that taking part is okay but he says you should try to finish him in the dunes, punish him. I mean it's sick, the kid is 3.
So get a few more flapjacks in then smash him again.
Be safe and be first.
N,S,O and A.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 07:48 pm
Hi Dan
To make this a real international event, here a comment from good old Switzerland. I mean, nothing I can add, you are nuts! I couldn't follow you with a bike... Keep it up, and get out of this what you want to get out of this. You have my and Claudia's and the kids support!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 03:40 pm
Have had butterflies all day, knew you'd leave sparrow legs in the shadow of the chicken! No jinxing it, I expect having sparrow legs is a good thing but mentally you have the edge now and chickens can keep on running even when their heads fall off. We're all so very proud in 14B, Milo's still convinced all the photos are of you, even the girls, that's my daddy! Tiddle also so excited as the laptop comes out and says `DADA' at all the pictures of sweaty people with backpacks! Thinking of you non-stop, know it's a long, long way to go yet, but you have LEADER on your top! please can we not have to stick that on the fridge by the way. Hope you've got good tent buddies and able to nick a few croissants from Jude. Tonnes of love KMO XXXX
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 01:41 pm
average start. average second day.expecting a strong 3rd at least as presume have plenty left in the tank...
KT is fine too...;) (your parents and wife actually might read this again so will leave it there!)
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 08:00 am
Hey Dan, awesome to see you at the top of the leaderboard, amazing stuff. the very best of luck for the rest of the journey. Al
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 07:07 am
Dad and i are glued to the 'breaking news' - very addictive! we're with you every step of the way....all the very best of luck today and TAKE GREAT CARE! xx
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 04:02 am
mate, you're a bit slower than at training. What's wrong? Is it the food? Or do you really like Eric's smell?
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 01:57 am
Alright Dan, Stage 3 is IT. No more "let's have a joint finish with Eric"-type nonsense. Well done on a great first day, and I'm sure your second is great too. Keep it up and stay strong!
20 September 2011 04:27 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I'm bored of training, bored of not drinking, bored of being boring. All this must mean its nearly time for the race - thankfully. I head off to Cairo, via Abu Dhabi, in a weeks time. Looking forward to getting going now. Not looking forward to being away from the family and out of contact for so long but they will never be far from my thoughts.
Will be updating from the desert on a daily basis and I'll try to make it vaguey amusing but no promises
Will be updating from the desert on a daily basis and I'll try to make it vaguey amusing but no promises
Comments: Total (8) comments
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 12:20 pm
Amazing effort mate. Would like to say you inspire me but there really is no way I could do what you do. Will call when back in HK as a dinner is on me. Absolutely stunned from Hong Kong...
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 03:34 pm
Fantastic work Dan, keep those Chicken Legs going !
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 03:28 pm
Well done Dannyboy...sterling effort...
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 01:07 pm
Well done DP! Watching your progress avidly!
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 07:49 pm
Please could we take 'die' out of the dialogue you Carmikes!!
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 06:23 pm
Echo nicks comments. Winners are grinners dp. But do try not to die. :-)
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 01:14 pm
Take Lehaie down.
Make him wish he missed the flight.
Remember Cracknell's words, "no drip if penalty".
But try not to die.
Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 08:26 am
If you're bored of all that then it's time to take the #1 spot. Kick some ass, Mr Parr!
Comments: Total (12) comments
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