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Namib Race Blogs 2011
7
PostsNamib Race (2011) blog posts from Yi Kai Tan
09 October 2011 10:52 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
In the evening of Day 6, we received an excellent debrief from RTP's local fixer about the area we ran in.
The whale bones we passed in Wadi al-Hittan were well preserved being fortified by minerals in sand and water over time, turning them into very dense structures and impervious to the elements. Whale bones found in other areas have been in
poorer conditions.
It appears these mammals were once land-based with four feet and Sahara was a lush tropical jungle. Climate change altered this environment forcing the creatures to seek food near water and eventually they became water-based with fins and were stranded when the sea receded, leaving Sahara in it's current state.
07 October 2011 02:36 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
12.30pm. Deprivation makes you realize the things you miss. Unsensationally, mine is tomato soup. Having thought delirously of it for several days, I will order double portions from room service when we return to the hotel tomorrow.
I am at camp, baking under a really hot sun and arrived here at 4am after 87km long day. The race is over save for a short photo finish run near the Pyramids of Giza tomorrow.
No updates for Day 4, which I recall no specifics now. Time spent in the desert has become blurred due to the monotony of the terrain. We travelled on soft sand, hard sand, loose rock, dense rock, dunes and plains. Arrived at camp with enough time to clean up, eat, dress feet and fell into deep sleep, the best I had since arriving.
Day 5 began at 7am again. Our long day would take us into the Valley of Whales and then onto Lake Quarum, where the final campsite sits. The day's highlight was a climb onto a dune where we followed its narrow ridge for hundreds of meters. In the Valley itself, it was interesting to see fragments of fossilized whale bones sitting in desert sands, but the strange wind-whipped terrain stood out more. I walked the entire day with my Brazillin tentmate, Marcelo, who provided humor and relief, without which the desert grind can be maddening sometimes. Both our feets were afflicted by blisters, I imagine the scene of two fit-looking men leaving every checkpoint with an old man's limp must have looked comical.
The night was a grind, but we kept each other in check. I shared my cravings for tomato soup with him while he infected me with his urge for a juicy steak. Our final stumble onto camp and into bed was a great relief.
This morning, the final few trickled into camp. Whatever my pains were pale in comparison to racers who overcame incredible mental barriers to limp from-start-to-finish after various injuries. One of the racers did just that having been seen the day before on a stretcher in the medical tent. There was a Korean competitor who cheered me on each he passed me on the trail, when I saw him finally arrive with an injured knee, I quickly left my tent to greet him.
The Sahara Race is almost over, save for the symbolic end. I am well overall, apart from some blisters and a strained leg muscle that left me walking at reduced speeds early in the race. If I were to attempt another race, I would train to run more so to minimize heat exposure. Otherwise, I'm quite happy to take my next vacation somewhere away from sand and near to a cold Coke.
Thanks to everyone for following my blog and for your emails and comments. Will try to get photos sorted shortly. I have been careful about my hygiene and am sad to hear about Steve Job's passing.
p/s. To friends doing RTP Nepal: Obviously 1) bring powdered soup; 2) More importantly, bring sesame oil to season your meals. The Koreans had some with their morning rice and the appetizing smell knocked the flavor right out of my cereal bars (which tasted gross after day 2, be warned); 3) Extra food for rest day (day 6) is comforting, I am filled with thoughts of a big feast but have only one ration bag left.
I am at camp, baking under a really hot sun and arrived here at 4am after 87km long day. The race is over save for a short photo finish run near the Pyramids of Giza tomorrow.
No updates for Day 4, which I recall no specifics now. Time spent in the desert has become blurred due to the monotony of the terrain. We travelled on soft sand, hard sand, loose rock, dense rock, dunes and plains. Arrived at camp with enough time to clean up, eat, dress feet and fell into deep sleep, the best I had since arriving.
Day 5 began at 7am again. Our long day would take us into the Valley of Whales and then onto Lake Quarum, where the final campsite sits. The day's highlight was a climb onto a dune where we followed its narrow ridge for hundreds of meters. In the Valley itself, it was interesting to see fragments of fossilized whale bones sitting in desert sands, but the strange wind-whipped terrain stood out more. I walked the entire day with my Brazillin tentmate, Marcelo, who provided humor and relief, without which the desert grind can be maddening sometimes. Both our feets were afflicted by blisters, I imagine the scene of two fit-looking men leaving every checkpoint with an old man's limp must have looked comical.
The night was a grind, but we kept each other in check. I shared my cravings for tomato soup with him while he infected me with his urge for a juicy steak. Our final stumble onto camp and into bed was a great relief.
This morning, the final few trickled into camp. Whatever my pains were pale in comparison to racers who overcame incredible mental barriers to limp from-start-to-finish after various injuries. One of the racers did just that having been seen the day before on a stretcher in the medical tent. There was a Korean competitor who cheered me on each he passed me on the trail, when I saw him finally arrive with an injured knee, I quickly left my tent to greet him.
The Sahara Race is almost over, save for the symbolic end. I am well overall, apart from some blisters and a strained leg muscle that left me walking at reduced speeds early in the race. If I were to attempt another race, I would train to run more so to minimize heat exposure. Otherwise, I'm quite happy to take my next vacation somewhere away from sand and near to a cold Coke.
Thanks to everyone for following my blog and for your emails and comments. Will try to get photos sorted shortly. I have been careful about my hygiene and am sad to hear about Steve Job's passing.
p/s. To friends doing RTP Nepal: Obviously 1) bring powdered soup; 2) More importantly, bring sesame oil to season your meals. The Koreans had some with their morning rice and the appetizing smell knocked the flavor right out of my cereal bars (which tasted gross after day 2, be warned); 3) Extra food for rest day (day 6) is comforting, I am filled with thoughts of a big feast but have only one ration bag left.
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 13 Oct 2011 08:38 am
truly amazing stories!! had fun reading all of it. not even close to vicariously feeling the pain but all i can say is you definitely got a huge accomplishment under your belt now!! ps. korean sesame oil definitely sounds like a smart choice.
Posted On: 09 Oct 2011 09:19 am
Congrats Mr Kai......YOU DID IT!!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!!! I'm happy for you, I know how hard you have trained for this!!!! YAY!!!!!!
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 05:11 pm
now that's what i'm talking about! I'm so stoked to hear you completed it. Congrats and well done!!!!! See you in hk bud!
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 03:24 pm
Hope you had a really celebratory time at the symbolic end to the race. Congrats again!!! the mental and physical strength of your one crazy act of the year is incredible.
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 09:10 am
Congrats Kai on reaching the final stretch! Hope you finish strong and I look forward to buying you a well-deserved beer when you get back. Awesome work mate.
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 05:53 am
甜蜜蜜，你笑得甜蜜蜜，好像花儿开在春风里，开在春风里！
hooray!! you deserve Teresa Deng's sweet honey
smile, n a big spring breeze hug !!
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 04:45 am
Cheers to the men of steel!!! Enjoy the award at the end of the finish line and welcome back to 21 century instead of fossils billions of yr ago!
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 01:51 am
Fantastic effort and job well done! Completing most of the race on an injured leg requires super human mental stamina which you obviously have in abundance. I look forward to seeing your pictures of the week's adventure. I assume you won't be joining us Nepallers for weekend long training hikes when you get back to HK. Hahaha! Enjoy a well earned rest...until next time!
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 12:00 am
great effort Kai. with the long day done, just the short sprint to the finish - and then the best cold beer and shower you will ever have. Did i see you say "if i do another race..." - ha - thats the spirit - see you out there.
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 11:51 pm
Congratulations bro, you must be feeling like a boss right now, enjoy it!
p.s. take pictures of your blisters, I wanna see it
04 October 2011 02:43 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
7pm. We were sent along a lot of dunes today. Didn't finish earlier, but arrived slightly later than yesterday, but about ten places ahead. Powered through the day at a steady walking pace.
The scenery shifted from sands to black gravel and hard rock, which was not pleasant for the feet. Got my first blisters today.
The last checkpoint was a test of patience. In the unobstructed landscape of the desert, you can see miles and miles away. It was grinding to spot our campsite 9km away, but take two hours to walk over.
Finished the day in better spirits than yesterday, looking forward to an easier day tomorrow before the long day. Gonna fix my feet now and rest!
Sorry, no fun anecdotes for today, spent the day determined to get to camp. Thanks everyone for following my progress. Xav has continued to outdo me in the desert.
The scenery shifted from sands to black gravel and hard rock, which was not pleasant for the feet. Got my first blisters today.
The last checkpoint was a test of patience. In the unobstructed landscape of the desert, you can see miles and miles away. It was grinding to spot our campsite 9km away, but take two hours to walk over.
Finished the day in better spirits than yesterday, looking forward to an easier day tomorrow before the long day. Gonna fix my feet now and rest!
Sorry, no fun anecdotes for today, spent the day determined to get to camp. Thanks everyone for following my progress. Xav has continued to outdo me in the desert.
Comments: Total (31) comments
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 05:24 pm
KC and I are excited that ur almost finished! (or is it already finished- not sure the time diff right now?) Wished we were there waiting in our cheerleader outfits to cheer as u take the last few steps past the finish line! Hope u kept another written blog of ur daily adventures so u can share with us! I can only read up to day 3?
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 04:02 pm
Congrats sucka! Good to know u made it in one piece
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 02:34 pm
Malaysia boleh tan yi kai lebeh boleh . guma want hug you sorry i wont hug because of your 臭味make me faint hahaha
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 12:46 pm
tahniah! soon a well deserved rest & holiday.
not sure when u guys will do the celebration run so send this first.
hats off to all those who struggled to finish despite injury, pain and fatigue.
tahniah to the Taiwanese team, incredible of them to persevere with the San Tai Zi in a big show of comradeship.
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 10:03 am
COngrats! SO happy U got thru the most difficult part, and flying the Malaysian Flag High. Guzhang is real proud of you!!! Didnt know abt the website & your blog till today when linked by guma. I guess I've been very busy with a few things lately & not up to checking online. BETTER LATE THAN NEVER :P
REST WELL & TAKE CARE! HUGS
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 08:07 am
FANTASTIC!!!!!!!!!! WISH I COULD BE THERE TO HUG YOU!! have a really good rest tonight and have fun tomorrow!! WOW man you are really something!
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 06:48 am
We thought we will share your RTP diet and so had curry last night! You are so nearly there!!! Jamie sends his hugs!
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 06:33 am
Just do it!! Never look back!!
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 06:19 am
加油!
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 03:34 am
Hey! 我等着你再次陪我去香港仔鸭梨州买 PRADA 给淳淳姑姑喔！
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 02:35 am
太棒！！！Malaysian Boleh!!! bacon & egg temptation too strong Ha! you forget you are from Penang, Malaysia? :) :D This morning I suddenly realized we are all there maybe at the top of the dunes cheering for u. Thru others' blogs,fotos,maps each day we get more familiarized with the face, the ppl. Guma, Soon Gugu are like us. It becomes the first thing we do this morning to glue to the computer to see if you have safe return. Fantastic! Pls send my regards to Eric. I enjoy his writing as well
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 01:31 am
Ya, well done. plse take good care.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 10:03 pm
What a tremendous undertaking! So proud of you and enjoy watching your progress. Keep the faith and stay focused...we're thing of and praying for you.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 04:46 pm
When you read this, must be at camp. whatever is the result, well done and real proud of you.
have a good rest - am sure you will. Enjoy the Pyramid.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 09:06 am
We haven't experienced what you are experiencing now but we believe you will do "insanely great"!!!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 08:16 am
Thanks Sophie
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 07:12 am
According to a friend who did the Atacama Race, there is always a long line waiting to use the cybertent for updating the blogs. Some don't get a chance to write because the cybertent has to shut by sundown. Alternatively, you could send an email using this link if you haven't already done so. They are given in a file to the competitors. http://www.4deserts.com/sahararace/email
Kai, hope you are well!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 06:43 am
Kai,
Whether you still can continue is not my worry, yr health is whati worry most. Hope you get a good rest and your blisters is under control . Your father is right "listen to your body"
If you cannot or do not want to write blog do not force yourself we can understand .菩薩保佑
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 04:38 am
No news from you. Guess very tired from the heat & run huh? From the time, you are still steady. Hope you have a good enough rest for this grand finale. As I write this, you guys should be starting in 20 minutes. Lots of love, luck and prayers for you! jia you. but listen to your body ok.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 04:08 am
Get stuck a bit? I am thinking of the Long March when they crossed the 大雪山. Will it be like that when you face the D day. All the blogs make my heart quiver and full of admiration 敬佩 for you and the other competitors out there. Each step will be effort, will be test of courage, endurance. I wont say take care because I have the confidence that you know better than me. I am so very proud of you!！! We have all followed the race closely here and 菩薩保佑.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 03:23 am
做你喜歡的事是一種幸福, 加油!!!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 03:31 pm
Our thoughts with you as you start Stage 5 - sending you all the strength that you will need to keep going for two days. take it slowly, gently, as your friend advises with gratitude for each step. sleep well in between. take care. your well being is all important.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 06:13 am
I totally agree with Grish's gratefulness. Thanks. Found 1 of your foto from stage 3 you look good but not so much Chinese. Another 3 from previous days I have kept in the folder till you return to the world! :)
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 04:50 am
Alas! the 'blisters' but you know what, just a sign that Day 3 of your Sahara adventure is heating up.
Thought of a way that you can keep yourself entertained and focus with practicing some kind of Dharma. So give this a go - for Day 4, practice 'gratefulness'.
For every step made, be grateful that you are able to walk, experience the vastness of the earth and feel the wind against your skin.
(p/s:All the Best! Off on a trip from today but will try and stay tuned.)
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 04:24 am
阿公一定会保佑你一路平安和克服艰难。Ah Gong will sure be very PROUND of you . Take good care of yourself
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 03:29 am
JIA YOU and will pray for you.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:53 am
hey, i don't really care 你排第几！风景有多美！
Please come back in one piece!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:09 am
Today is the last day of 9th Emperor's celebration九皇爺 and as usual the streets of Penang have lined up with lots of vegetarian stalls. Ppl always say the raining season will end only after today. Yes, we almost have 1 wk of rain and I kind of feel relief that I dont have to go to qi gong in the morning. So I can browse thru your Race leisurely. I think maybe by the end of 7 days I will become a fan of Desert Race!! :)
Some temples mediums 乩童 want to demonstrate they have the special power or being protected. They sit cross legged with Vegetarian bao素包 around inside a huge container like a steamer with water underneath then get covered. The act continues, the followers heat it up till water boiling and keep boiling. Some can stay inside for 46 mins!!! When the helpers open the cover, the bao have cooked and the medium is intact. Temple will sell the Bao for fund raising. I Wonder which is tougher? Running and Walking thru Sahara for hours or....? :0 Think I will give my vote to the Race !! :)
Did you dip or wash face in the pool? If you get to meet the Taiwanese group send my regards. Am glad your blister only appear Stage 3. Some bloggers got it after the first day. Well done!! Keep spirit up! Go! Go! Go!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 01:37 am
Yesterday they changed the result from ranking to registered no by last name. Easier to look for friend and loved ones but not easy to know relative performance. So your fan has kept a spreadsheet register to track all. :)
Hope you drain and dress your blister well and they don't get worse. jia you!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 12:59 am
Keep it up Kai, and take it nice and steady tomorrow before the long one. Hope you had fun in draining those blisters. Tape up well. Keep going. Dont forget to enjoy the view. best. dg
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 10:57 pm
black gravel and hard rock UUGGH!! but you got ahead by ten places!!! well done well done. guzhang joins me in saying first priority now --- take care of those blisters, Kai. hope you had a good dip in the pool.
03 October 2011 02:59 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 2: Dunes are pretty to look at, notsomuch to climb
7pm. Its the cutoff time and there are racers still staggering into camp. It was a tough day for me, having woken up with tired legs. No running, but tried to keep a constant walking pace and arrived at camp after 4.30pm, later than intended. Finished in better spirits than Day 1, reminding myself of the cup of soup awaiting me after the last 10km.
We traversed several dunes today. Absolutely stunning to be walking across deserted (ha ha) land, looking onto undulating dunes. Less fun was having to cross them. The uphill was grinding with the ground giving up under my feet. Downhill was awesome though, you launch yourself off the top and descend like a spaceman, leaping side-to-side as you ride the rolling sands carry you most of the way.
There will be more of that tomorrow, and I have mixed feelings.
I started today running beside Shin, who had a golf club sticking out the side of his pack. He runs a golf equipment business in Japan and a friend had given him the club to take with him to the 'largest sand bunker in the world'.
At checkpoint 3, we came across a giant monastery hundreds of meters below us. Wish I could tell you more, but seems the monks wouldn't let us run through their property.
Turns out yesterday's high was 42 degrees, no idea about today's temperature. But when the heat hits, my performance halves.
Thanks for all your encouragement, will aim to do better tomorrow!
7pm. Its the cutoff time and there are racers still staggering into camp. It was a tough day for me, having woken up with tired legs. No running, but tried to keep a constant walking pace and arrived at camp after 4.30pm, later than intended. Finished in better spirits than Day 1, reminding myself of the cup of soup awaiting me after the last 10km.
We traversed several dunes today. Absolutely stunning to be walking across deserted (ha ha) land, looking onto undulating dunes. Less fun was having to cross them. The uphill was grinding with the ground giving up under my feet. Downhill was awesome though, you launch yourself off the top and descend like a spaceman, leaping side-to-side as you ride the rolling sands carry you most of the way.
There will be more of that tomorrow, and I have mixed feelings.
I started today running beside Shin, who had a golf club sticking out the side of his pack. He runs a golf equipment business in Japan and a friend had given him the club to take with him to the 'largest sand bunker in the world'.
At checkpoint 3, we came across a giant monastery hundreds of meters below us. Wish I could tell you more, but seems the monks wouldn't let us run through their property.
Turns out yesterday's high was 42 degrees, no idea about today's temperature. But when the heat hits, my performance halves.
Thanks for all your encouragement, will aim to do better tomorrow!
Comments: Total (15) comments
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 07:14 pm
Your pace is quite steady for the 3rd day in a row. I guess that is the discipline of your training. Good. keep it up! Will go back to sleep and wait for your blog. Have good rest and on again!
Can't wait to see your more detailed write-ups of the beauty when you finish the run.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 04:39 pm
Hey Kai! Well Done... Some major accomplishment on Day 2, uncovering sand dunes, a monastery and another 40k in the Sahara. Keep Going
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 04:07 pm
Your blog is beautifully written like a diary! Did you take a motorcycle along? GO GO GO, doing very well and your training is paying off!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 12:22 pm
好心疼！加油！凯旋归来后，我叫uncle Paul 慰劳你一餐劲的！
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 12:18 pm
Kai, hope your soup was yummy! Missing Just Salad yet? ;-) Or chips? I promise you a big meal when you are back in Hk.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 10:51 am
So envious that you are in the real deal now, after months and months of practice... Enjoy!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 08:50 am
what kind of monastery is this? sounds intriguing...
do you ever encounter any wildlife?
do you get to the point where you hallucinate?
how bout some fun facts
good to see ur spirits are strong tho
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 08:30 am
Look on the bright side...in comparison running in HK during the summer will be a piece of cake from now on! ;-) Keep your motor running...jiayou!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 06:10 am
Kai,
2 thumbs up, you're doing absolutely great! Really impressive performance!
And very definitely enjoy reading your blog. Looking forward to the next one. You get my drift.
Keep it up!
P.S.: When you see my French fellow, tell him Bowie's proudly watching him from space...
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 04:19 am
Kai - great performance still, and i think you gained a few more places. Just think - the longer you are out there the more you time you have to enjoy the scenary. I hope you are still enjoying the curry - and keep looking after those feet.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 03:58 am
Kai, go, go! Hope you get to know more interesting fellows along the race. Bring back many good stoires to share - we're envious! P.S. Hope you like those silly jokes...
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 01:25 am
Knowing the toughness is beyond my imagination yet you pull through each day without complain. That is the spirit and I am proud of you. Malaysian boleh!! Jiayou!!! Your blog and others have taken me to a place which is high on my list to visit. Pusan boa you ni men. Hugs!!! JIA you!!!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 01:08 am
Yes! You crazy kid, you are doing great.
Yes, the desert is beautiful and stunning, but the heat, oh! My only experience was by bus & car with some walking. Can't imagine how I can take so many hours out there!
ou are picking up a bit huh, moving from 70 to 66. Good! The human body is interesting isn't it? Even as it tires out, it still builds stamina.
Oh I went to look at the map & stage description, I think from near Fayoum south of Lake Qarum (about 100Km from Cairo), you guys headed west day 1 till in between the 2 lakes. I think you were continuing to head west day 2. The destination of Pyramid of Giza is about 20Km west of Cairo so you will probably circle from west to the north of Lake Qarum and head East towards Cairo. Hope my geography guess work is right and of some interest to you. :)
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 11:59 pm
steady pace with no frills will do it.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 11:01 pm
A giant monastery in the desert.... cant blame the monks though.
Imagine an entire troupe of spacemen, leaping down the rolling sands into their peaceful monastery :) Keep going, stay strong. its almost half way now!
02 October 2011 02:59 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
5pm. Arrived at camp around 2.30pm. Relieved but not impressed with my spotty performance, will need to improve my pacing tomorrow. Legs are tired, mostly from exerting on unfamilar terrain. Turns out running in the desert is not so different from running on the beach, less water and less beers, definitely.
The morning start was perfect, dry and breezy. Then at 11am, things fell off a cliff. Midway to checkpoint at 30km mark, I sought refuge under a large rock to cool down. Staggered the final 7km to camp. And this was the easy day.
But, walking the Sahara desert is surreal. Its wide, open spaces make it difficult to judge distances. I inevitably had the feeling of accomplishing more than I had. The terrain is beautiful with dunes following you into the distance. The ground alternated between beach-like sand and tracts covered with flat, wind-polished stones. When you inevitably kick one as you walk, it hops ahead, making the sound a coin would when dropped on the ground.
Spiderman just arrived at camp (the Japanese have brought costumes with them). The Taiwanese contingent traversed the desert, taking turns wearing a huge "Prince" costume (more like a General-character from Chinese opera, complete with flags on its back). The ability and determination to stand out in a very unusual environment is incredible.
Rest now. Day 2 awats.
On On!
The morning start was perfect, dry and breezy. Then at 11am, things fell off a cliff. Midway to checkpoint at 30km mark, I sought refuge under a large rock to cool down. Staggered the final 7km to camp. And this was the easy day.
But, walking the Sahara desert is surreal. Its wide, open spaces make it difficult to judge distances. I inevitably had the feeling of accomplishing more than I had. The terrain is beautiful with dunes following you into the distance. The ground alternated between beach-like sand and tracts covered with flat, wind-polished stones. When you inevitably kick one as you walk, it hops ahead, making the sound a coin would when dropped on the ground.
Spiderman just arrived at camp (the Japanese have brought costumes with them). The Taiwanese contingent traversed the desert, taking turns wearing a huge "Prince" costume (more like a General-character from Chinese opera, complete with flags on its back). The ability and determination to stand out in a very unusual environment is incredible.
Rest now. Day 2 awats.
On On!
Comments: Total (13) comments
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 08:46 am
its called 三太子 fool....not a general and not from peking opera, got to know your heritage.
i can only imagine what things look like over there, sounds like a fevered dream.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 10:58 pm
Standing behind Yang to say \"Keep a clear mind\" - add water not oil, ha ha
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:24 pm
Surprisingly to see a penang kia running in the race. Jiayou!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 10:56 am
Well done! Keep it up. Stay off the beaten track to find firmer sand. When you see untracked sand with all those little ripples, that's the stuff you want to be running on. Sometimes just a few feet to the left or right of everyone else makes a difference. Stay strong, you are doing awesome. I wish I was there to enjoy the it with you!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 07:45 am
Well done!!! You have been so looking forward to this and you are living the moment....so ENJOY!! Just to show our support, we dressed Jamie like you this morning(shame we can't attach photos)!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 05:38 am
Hi, Kai. You did really well on day 1. The heat takes some getting used to. You will hopefully feel better on day 2. Good to see you have high spirits. Keep pacing yourself. The race doesn't start until day 4!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 04:55 am
had to run 22 laps at usc field few days ago which is about 9km for soccer team try outs, thought that was crazy hard but here you are doing 30km no problem, dont give up and keep a clear mind bro.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 01:52 am
Great!well done! you run with a pair of journalist eyes.Enjoying your blog.jiayou!!!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:28 am
Well done Kai. Top half of the field, and i am sure you will push on from there. Keep that head of yours covered and dont forget to have fun in the sun!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:12 am
kai, great day 1! add oil! har har!!
well done dude. sounds amazing. when are you going to break out your angry birds costume?!?!
best for day 2!
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 11:54 pm
Happy you did it day 1. Happy to read your log. Yeah, keep hydrated and take refuge when you can.
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 10:54 pm
You did it! :-) Keep hydrated.
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 10:36 pm
Good stuff Kai,
Keep plugging and seek refuge from the heat when you can get it.
01 October 2011 02:06 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
8pm. Am resting up for tomorrow’s start. We’re camping beside a beautiful lake. Weather is pleasant, and it’s nice to walk barefoot (and blister-free!) in the sand.
As far as I can tell, we are about 50km south of Lake Quaram (3 hrs from Cairo). Over the next two days, we will run south away from the lake before tacking 80km west. From there we enter the Valley of the Whales, and head north for most of the long day before returning to Lake Quaram.
Distances are: Day 1: 37km; Day 2: 42km; Day 3: 42km; Day 4: 40km; Day 5-6: 86km.
There is a big group of 20+ Taiwanese, running for the 100th anniversary of the Republic’s founding. I have strategically decided to ignore that half of my heritage and compete for fastest Malaysian instead.
An observation on the little bit of modern Egypt I saw. It was surreal driving through a city of half-built but fully inhabited buildings. Maybe patterned to resemble the ancient pyramids, the walls of every building were exposed brick and cement. In fact, the mighty Pyramids of Giza were the only wholly built structures I saw, standing taller than its urban surroundings. We will return there on the last day and I am psyched.
Thanks for cheering me on! I am here with Eric and Xav who are well. Rumors of Eric not bringing his toothbrush to save weight are greatly exaggerated.
As far as I can tell, we are about 50km south of Lake Quaram (3 hrs from Cairo). Over the next two days, we will run south away from the lake before tacking 80km west. From there we enter the Valley of the Whales, and head north for most of the long day before returning to Lake Quaram.
Distances are: Day 1: 37km; Day 2: 42km; Day 3: 42km; Day 4: 40km; Day 5-6: 86km.
There is a big group of 20+ Taiwanese, running for the 100th anniversary of the Republic’s founding. I have strategically decided to ignore that half of my heritage and compete for fastest Malaysian instead.
An observation on the little bit of modern Egypt I saw. It was surreal driving through a city of half-built but fully inhabited buildings. Maybe patterned to resemble the ancient pyramids, the walls of every building were exposed brick and cement. In fact, the mighty Pyramids of Giza were the only wholly built structures I saw, standing taller than its urban surroundings. We will return there on the last day and I am psyched.
Thanks for cheering me on! I am here with Eric and Xav who are well. Rumors of Eric not bringing his toothbrush to save weight are greatly exaggerated.
Comments: Total (4) comments
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 10:49 pm
Fastest Malaysian Go, Go, Go!!!!!
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 05:51 pm
been following race to see when you finish. happy to see you finish but no specific news on when you did. have good rest and charge on!
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 03:23 pm
I am half Malaysian. I'll cheer for your journey to become the fastest Malaysian (and ignore the other half of my heritage)! Go Kai!
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 01:04 am
Enjoy your week at the beach! Hahaha! May your feet be swift and your load light.
26 September 2011 10:12 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Am days away from Cairo now, and the Sahara desert.
Having forgone beer, boats and beaches all summer for a weighted pack and hours of steamy hikes, I am ready for my share of fun now.
As much fun as can be had from lugging a weighted pack across the desert, I suppose...
That said, a lot of thought went into planning my diet. My anchor meal is a bag of re-hydrated curry each evening, which I will enjoy greatly.
And unlike racers who are running for altruistic reasons, I am running for my dignity, given a growing number of friends have completed an RTP event (or two, or three).
I have received great support from them, as well as from enthusiastic friends and family. Some have expressed concern for my mental health. Well, I hope to update this blog daily. If I do go mad, you read it here first.
Till then...On On!
Having forgone beer, boats and beaches all summer for a weighted pack and hours of steamy hikes, I am ready for my share of fun now.
As much fun as can be had from lugging a weighted pack across the desert, I suppose...
That said, a lot of thought went into planning my diet. My anchor meal is a bag of re-hydrated curry each evening, which I will enjoy greatly.
And unlike racers who are running for altruistic reasons, I am running for my dignity, given a growing number of friends have completed an RTP event (or two, or three).
I have received great support from them, as well as from enthusiastic friends and family. Some have expressed concern for my mental health. Well, I hope to update this blog daily. If I do go mad, you read it here first.
Till then...On On!
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 10:44 pm
so many days behind in keeping up with your one crazy thing for the year, trembling just to picture you among the dunes, but can just see your inner strength sizzling through to your feet
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 11:46 am
I guess it's not working for Chinese. OK Pusa baoyou ni he suoyou cansai de ren. jiayou!!
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 11:42 am
how is the first day in school? The oldest person is Korean 62. I take my hat off! è©è–©ä¿ä½‘ä½ å’Œæ‰€æœ‰çš„åƒè³½è€…ã€‚åŠ æ²¹ï¼
Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 06:47 am
Good Luck!
Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 05:41 am
Best of luck, Kai. See you in Egypt.
Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 05:37 am
Best of luck Kai. Hope you have escaped the HK typhoon OK. Remember - feet, feet, feet - and the rest will look after itself.
Posted On: 29 Sep 2011 11:42 am
best of luck for a smooth run. Push yourself but not the brink!
Posted On: 28 Sep 2011 10:44 pm
In the desert you will truly find out what all the fuss is about the power of now. Especially if you have blisters.
Posted On: 27 Sep 2011 01:16 pm
believe baby and keep the focus....
Posted On: 27 Sep 2011 05:02 am
add oil, you would definitely see a different Egypt than everyone else !!!
Comments: Total (4) comments
Posted On: 12 Oct 2011 03:18 am
Posted On: 10 Oct 2011 02:36 pm
Posted On: 10 Oct 2011 03:47 am
Posted On: 09 Oct 2011 11:28 pm