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Namib Race Blogs 2011
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PostsNamib Race (2011) blog posts from David Gibb
07 October 2011 02:30 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
post
if you want to know what a 20km run feels like...
don't judge it from the first 5km...
judge it from the last 5km.
as hard as they were...
the first 5 stages were just to soften us up.
yesterday was the real event.
we did about 86km.
i had tears this morning when the entire camp came out to welcome the final finishers across the line.
mentally...
physically...
i am astonished by the things that we went though "out there".
the oppressive heat in the valley of the whales was brutal...
especially knowing how much farther we had to go.
the sixth leg at night was majical.
for endless stretches i was completely alone...
running by the light of the moon.
the final leg was like stumbling around on another planet.
having writen that...
the entire experience defies description.
people will ask how this has changed me.
that is very difficult to answer.
it is one link in a 50 year long chain of life experiences.
i certainly have learned from this but...
i am fundientally still the same guy.
i believe that...
we evolve rather than change.
also...
i believe that the learning has just started.
for me...
the most interesting question isn't "what" but "why".
that can lead to an very complex exploration.
i am looking forward to it.
people will ask me what new "insight" i have gained.
more than "new"...
this has sharpened/added perspective to...
many of the things that i already suspected.
primarily...
that "free will" is an illusion.
in this one man's opinion...
we are all products of the cards that we have been dealt and of...
the experiences that we have lived.
these things determine the choices we make.
they are the reasons why i am here and...
others are not.
there should be no "shame" in not completeing an event like this and...
there should be no particular "pride" in finishing.
i am who i am.
you are who you are.
that doesn't mean that i believe in blind/passive acceptance.
the most valuable quest in life is...
self-awarness/understanding.
that should be a life long pursuit.
more than anything...
this event has given me a tremendously provocative perspective on myslef.
i intend to mine it.
people will ask me what i will do differently.
i will be less tollerent of the "bullshit".
i will also dish out less of it myself.
so much of what we do is clouded/obscured by "spin".
that may give us comfort and...
lead to some success in the short term but...
ultimately...
it leads to disappointment and regret.
one of the most interesting aspects of this event is that
it is completely/starkly real.
250km throught the desert is what it is.
it is entierly unadorned.
there are no excuses or people to blame.
also...
i will be sure to take more pleasure in the little things that we often
take forgranted...
like showers and cheesburgers.
so...
accept for the "cerimonial" run by the pyraides tomorrow...
and of course...
the party tomorrow evening.
the event is complete.
the learning/growth, however...
have just begun.
i am looking forward to it.
thank you so much to everyone who has supported me in this odd pursuit.
i could not have gotten here without you.
d
if you want to know what a 20km run feels like...
don't judge it from the first 5km...
judge it from the last 5km.
as hard as they were...
the first 5 stages were just to soften us up.
yesterday was the real event.
we did about 86km.
i had tears this morning when the entire camp came out to welcome the final finishers across the line.
mentally...
physically...
i am astonished by the things that we went though "out there".
the oppressive heat in the valley of the whales was brutal...
especially knowing how much farther we had to go.
the sixth leg at night was majical.
for endless stretches i was completely alone...
running by the light of the moon.
the final leg was like stumbling around on another planet.
having writen that...
the entire experience defies description.
people will ask how this has changed me.
that is very difficult to answer.
it is one link in a 50 year long chain of life experiences.
i certainly have learned from this but...
i am fundientally still the same guy.
i believe that...
we evolve rather than change.
also...
i believe that the learning has just started.
for me...
the most interesting question isn't "what" but "why".
that can lead to an very complex exploration.
i am looking forward to it.
people will ask me what new "insight" i have gained.
more than "new"...
this has sharpened/added perspective to...
many of the things that i already suspected.
primarily...
that "free will" is an illusion.
in this one man's opinion...
we are all products of the cards that we have been dealt and of...
the experiences that we have lived.
these things determine the choices we make.
they are the reasons why i am here and...
others are not.
there should be no "shame" in not completeing an event like this and...
there should be no particular "pride" in finishing.
i am who i am.
you are who you are.
that doesn't mean that i believe in blind/passive acceptance.
the most valuable quest in life is...
self-awarness/understanding.
that should be a life long pursuit.
more than anything...
this event has given me a tremendously provocative perspective on myslef.
i intend to mine it.
people will ask me what i will do differently.
i will be less tollerent of the "bullshit".
i will also dish out less of it myself.
so much of what we do is clouded/obscured by "spin".
that may give us comfort and...
lead to some success in the short term but...
ultimately...
it leads to disappointment and regret.
one of the most interesting aspects of this event is that
it is completely/starkly real.
250km throught the desert is what it is.
it is entierly unadorned.
there are no excuses or people to blame.
also...
i will be sure to take more pleasure in the little things that we often
take forgranted...
like showers and cheesburgers.
so...
accept for the "cerimonial" run by the pyraides tomorrow...
and of course...
the party tomorrow evening.
the event is complete.
the learning/growth, however...
have just begun.
i am looking forward to it.
thank you so much to everyone who has supported me in this odd pursuit.
i could not have gotten here without you.
d
05 October 2011 03:26 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
endlessly more of the same.
impossible to describe.
camp is like an emergency ward.
i have seen people convulsing at the side of the trail and...
hallucinating in the medical tent.
twenty three of us have diahrea and...
it is spreading like wildfire.
most people here can hardly walk but...
the plan is to attempt another 80 odd kms in the next stage.
interestingly...
all of the suffering is completely self inflicted.
my 89 year old father wonders why we do it.
he grew up in the depression and sent 14 months at the front in world war two.
he thinks that we have it too good and that we need to create our own problems.
all of the folks living under bridges in cairo would agree.
i have mentioned blisters a couple of times.
at first that doesn't sound like a big deal but...
imagine getting blisters from a new pair of shoes then...
having to put them on again and slog through 8 plus marathons...
in 46 degree heat sand and carrying a huge pack.
i just had another toe drained.
the words that i dread hearing are...
"we are going to have to drill that nail."
one of the women in our tent said that she would rather give birth again than head back out onto the course.
having said all of that...
there are only two ways out.
either withdraw or...
keep putting one foot in front of the other.
a lot is made of the "will" that it takes to do something like this.
that certainlyshould not be discounted.
at the same time...
it also takes a lot of luck.
everyone here is part of the most privledged group of people to ever have lived.
again...
just ask all of the people living under bridges in cairo.
i am still not sure how this will end for me.
i am very concious that...
with every step i could twist an ankle and have to stop.
or...
my will could give out.
or...
as my father would say...
i could wise up and realise how unnecessary this is.
time will tell.
d
impossible to describe.
camp is like an emergency ward.
i have seen people convulsing at the side of the trail and...
hallucinating in the medical tent.
twenty three of us have diahrea and...
it is spreading like wildfire.
most people here can hardly walk but...
the plan is to attempt another 80 odd kms in the next stage.
interestingly...
all of the suffering is completely self inflicted.
my 89 year old father wonders why we do it.
he grew up in the depression and sent 14 months at the front in world war two.
he thinks that we have it too good and that we need to create our own problems.
all of the folks living under bridges in cairo would agree.
i have mentioned blisters a couple of times.
at first that doesn't sound like a big deal but...
imagine getting blisters from a new pair of shoes then...
having to put them on again and slog through 8 plus marathons...
in 46 degree heat sand and carrying a huge pack.
i just had another toe drained.
the words that i dread hearing are...
"we are going to have to drill that nail."
one of the women in our tent said that she would rather give birth again than head back out onto the course.
having said all of that...
there are only two ways out.
either withdraw or...
keep putting one foot in front of the other.
a lot is made of the "will" that it takes to do something like this.
that certainlyshould not be discounted.
at the same time...
it also takes a lot of luck.
everyone here is part of the most privledged group of people to ever have lived.
again...
just ask all of the people living under bridges in cairo.
i am still not sure how this will end for me.
i am very concious that...
with every step i could twist an ankle and have to stop.
or...
my will could give out.
or...
as my father would say...
i could wise up and realise how unnecessary this is.
time will tell.
d
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 04:51 pm
Well done! 20 hours on the long day and 58th overall. The pictures from Stage 5 show most with these huge smiles during that long journey. It almost looked fun HA! Thanks for the entertainment this week. Enjoy your downtime! Karen
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 12:14 pm
David, all I can say is you are glorious. I can't wait to see you sitting, grinning, with a giant bowl of doritos on your lap. You are a star! B
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 11:30 am
Holy David....5 down and only one to go!!! 58th overall!! That 'ugliest toe' must be bionic...did they 'rebuild' it?! Incredible effort.I can only imagine what an epic thrill it will be when you see the pyramids rising up out of the desert as you approach the finish line...sooo close.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 03:50 pm
What a great blog update David. I'll also totally embarrass my sister by saying you are very HOT! I love your ability to put us there in that mess of the fallen and wounded and the ever ready bunnies. Your Dad is right but somehow we are all fascinated with people who have the zest for life to go and challenge it. Not like he had to involuntarily in a war zone but by their own will to exceed their own expectations. We are all in AWE! Karen
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 02:24 pm
David, the tales of the toe have already left the Sahara and have landed in Marketing Daily! Kidding, a little bit... Sounds like you are going to give it your all, and wow, look at you go! Yes, one foot in front of the other will get you to that finish line. Keep on going, you are amazing!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 12:52 pm
David - I know Ann shares your dad's view but thanks for the great blog and perspective. Hard to think of your group as the 137 most priviledged people in the world but I now look at you all a little differently. Am sure you will get through the big day having come this far. Amazing effort to date.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 03:15 am
Hey David, I was just thinking about that snake your Mom was concerned about....with 137 odd starving marathon participants running through the desert that snake is the one who should be afraid...it's decidedly lower down on the food chain and some fresh bbq'd reptile might taste pretty good after stage 5. Thanks for the fantastic posts...I can imagine being there.Hang in there...illegitimus noncarborundum.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 01:20 am
In awe.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 12:02 am
Tomorrow is the big day - we are amazed at your abilities and tenacity!!! Sadly, Steve Jobs died today (just now) 8:00 p.m EST - good luck tomorrow enjoy the views, concrete jungle of Toronto beckons - will follow you with great interest tomorrow!!!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 11:47 pm
David - wow another day completed! Congrats on such a huge accomplishment. I can't imagine the pain you have experienced on this odyssey. From your blog it sounds like you are reflecting quite a bit which is all part of the journey. Wishing you luck for tomorrow!
04 October 2011 02:20 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
day three
relentless.
it is impossible to describe this experience.
the heat.
the sand.
the pack.
the endlessness.
day after day after day after day etc.
the scenery is breath taking.
it is also crushingly intimidating.
i spend most if the time staring at the ground...
just putting one foot in front of the other.
the best advice that i got was to just keep moving forward.
if i stop...
i my well not be able to start again.
today was extremely tough.
frankly...
i am not sure how much more i have in me.
a lot of folks have had to drop out already.
there is no shame in that.
just getting here is an extraordinary achievement.
even the smallest things become huge.
eating is not a pleasure.
i should be eating more but...
i constantly feel slightly nauseous.
my trekking poles were a big help today.
unfortunately...
despite the huge price...
they both broke.
i will really miss them tomorrow.
my mother was worried that i would be bitten by a snake.
that is the least of my worries.
a much bigger problem is my feet.
i went to the medical tent tonight and...
despite extremely stiff competition...
i won the title for ugliest toe.
blood, puss, you name it.
getting it drained was not pleasant.
i am not sure how i will fair tomorrow.
we will see.
still...
this is an incredible opportunity.
if i wasn't here...
i would wish that i were.
d
relentless.
it is impossible to describe this experience.
the heat.
the sand.
the pack.
the endlessness.
day after day after day after day etc.
the scenery is breath taking.
it is also crushingly intimidating.
i spend most if the time staring at the ground...
just putting one foot in front of the other.
the best advice that i got was to just keep moving forward.
if i stop...
i my well not be able to start again.
today was extremely tough.
frankly...
i am not sure how much more i have in me.
a lot of folks have had to drop out already.
there is no shame in that.
just getting here is an extraordinary achievement.
even the smallest things become huge.
eating is not a pleasure.
i should be eating more but...
i constantly feel slightly nauseous.
my trekking poles were a big help today.
unfortunately...
despite the huge price...
they both broke.
i will really miss them tomorrow.
my mother was worried that i would be bitten by a snake.
that is the least of my worries.
a much bigger problem is my feet.
i went to the medical tent tonight and...
despite extremely stiff competition...
i won the title for ugliest toe.
blood, puss, you name it.
getting it drained was not pleasant.
i am not sure how i will fair tomorrow.
we will see.
still...
this is an incredible opportunity.
if i wasn't here...
i would wish that i were.
d
Comments: Total (15) comments
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 09:16 pm
While my natural instinct would be to add to all the wondefully inspiring comments - I'll take a distinctly different approach and leave it at.... Man Up you fucking wimp!
Get it done Gibb.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 09:12 pm
Keep up the good work, and remember, Never Say Never.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 08:28 pm
David. All I can say is WOW! And you you'll make it. O f course you will. The operative word being will. Like will power... not the other kind of will. Your will and determination got you there and will get you to the end... with or without toe nails. I was just lamenting how grueling the fall campaign for Walmart has been. Having read your blog I'll shut up now. Good luck.- A
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 08:02 pm
Well..you should be proud to have won fairly the prestigious 'Ungliest Toe' Award! Is there a yellow jersey that goes with that like on the Tour De France?? Just remember...you can only go half way into the darkest forest ((sandiest desert))and then you are on your way out! Your faith will deliver you...keep that (beautiful) ugliest toe moving forward....we'll start a fan page on facebook for it when both of you cross the finish line...and have a big party! (with real toilets)
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 06:17 pm
As Winston Churchill once said "if you're going through hell, just keep going" I'll be over in 3 days!!! Not that they won't be the most excutiating 3 days of your life but they will also be a memory in 4 days that you will look back on and say...."It was hell, but i kept on going until I was through it" Now that it's over... I'm in heaven. :)
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 05:52 pm
Dear ugly toe,
You are hindering the host. Hopefully you drained with ease in your quest to remind host of the role you play in the big picture - selfish play that it was. Get comfortable - push the man forward.
Dear David,
Fastastic sand. When I visited the sahara dessert, my guide said "regarde le verdure" (look at the greenery) - to which there was a couple bushes between sand. Perspective is different - relish in having mind space to think about it. Looking forward to hearing stories.
Laurie.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 05:26 pm
Toes are overrated. Never give up.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:54 pm
Gibb - eat man you need the strength! This is not lunch at holts where you eat half your sandwich:) Keep it going my friend one step at a time. Hope your feet hold out.
Best!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:21 pm
Hi David - good on you for hanging in. Your writing is poetic, Thank you for sharing your experience. It will be interesting for you to look back and read your comments upon your return. And the good news...your toe will heal :-)
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:02 pm
David, you are amazing! You're past the half way point - you're heading home is your focus and just tell your feet that they are going along for the ride!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 03:57 am
Hi David, you are doing great. 3 Marathons in 3 Days. Something tells me that you will be inspired Day 4. Thanks for being a support for my sister and the rest of the Canadian contingent. You are all inspiring people back home in ways you can't imagine. Run, run like crazy! Karen
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:36 am
Amazing! Still can't believe you're doing what you're doing. Thanks for sharing your experience and thoughts as you go. Glad you're where you want to be. Cheering for you!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:18 am
David, you are doing amazingly well. Ugliest toe is a badge of honour. Keep putting one foot in front of the other. This is your journey.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 02:16 am
hi David, wanted to touch base and commend you on your efforts! Awe inspiring - you are amazing - lots of love and support for you as you continue the journey in any capacity - the blogs are all amazing in their own way - following you all the way - you are a champion for being there - many dream of it but never realize the dream - regardless of any outcome - praying for your feet right now -
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 01:50 am
Wow David - I'm in awe of your accomplishment! Seriously amazing and inspiring. I read on AMT's blog about Quasi...your blister is famous : ) Take tomorrow as it comes - one step at a time. Whatever happens - you have already achieved what most people only dream of. Best of luck for tomorrow!!
02 October 2011 02:33 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
wow...
spectacular!
and...
extremely difficult.
nothing that i have done comes close to this.
not just what we went through today but...
the fact that it is just the first day of many.
it is both...
physically and psycologically gruelling.
nevertheless...
it is a priviledge to be here.
if i were not here...
i would wish that i was.
a huge "thank you!" to everyone in my life who has made it possible!
structurally...
i appear to be in decent shape.
i do, however, have a tone of blisters.
and...
i am quite sure that i will be losing a few toenails.
fortunately...
open-toe season is behind us!
a big challenge last night was the toilets.
no seat and a hole the size of a cup on a golf green.
it was like trying to sink a three foot put...
harder than it looks!
hopefully...
we will all get better with practice.
rigth now...
i am off to the medical tent.
then...
i need to fuel up on freeze dried mush.
enjoy civilization and...
don't take it forgranted!
d
spectacular!
and...
extremely difficult.
nothing that i have done comes close to this.
not just what we went through today but...
the fact that it is just the first day of many.
it is both...
physically and psycologically gruelling.
nevertheless...
it is a priviledge to be here.
if i were not here...
i would wish that i was.
a huge "thank you!" to everyone in my life who has made it possible!
structurally...
i appear to be in decent shape.
i do, however, have a tone of blisters.
and...
i am quite sure that i will be losing a few toenails.
fortunately...
open-toe season is behind us!
a big challenge last night was the toilets.
no seat and a hole the size of a cup on a golf green.
it was like trying to sink a three foot put...
harder than it looks!
hopefully...
we will all get better with practice.
rigth now...
i am off to the medical tent.
then...
i need to fuel up on freeze dried mush.
enjoy civilization and...
don't take it forgranted!
d
Comments: Total (19) comments
Posted On: 11 Oct 2011 08:22 pm
Wow!!! I am totally in ore of what you’ve done!! Congrats – you have inspired me each and every day of this race! Hope you had a great time at the party!!!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 06:03 pm
homey...never say die...you can do this...it's all in your head ;)....plus it's really hot here too and Jack and I got lost on the way to the Manulife getting veal sandwiches. They were so good we left one on your desk for you...hurry back.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 09:40 pm
Man..and I was happy I took the stairs today.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 08:33 pm
Hi David,
Been following the race and I am so impressed,but how can anyone spend 7 days in the Sahara walking or running whatever it may be, it must be exhausting.We are all so proud of you. Good Luck but do take good care of yourself.......
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 05:36 pm
David: 10 years ago you inspired me to do an Ironman (which I never thanked you for - it changed my life) and now you are doing it again. All the best, stay strong and enjoy the experience.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 03:02 pm
DUDE!! You are in 22nd place!!
Incredible.
Sending my best, Beth
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 12:48 am
Congrats on day one David, truly inspirational!!Best of luck in the days to come, you'll be awesome.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 12:27 am
Hi David, congratulation on finishing stage 1, just give it your best, be safe, best of luck, see you in T.O Christmas
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 08:26 pm
So glad your fingers are still working to provide us with the humor of it all!Not sure we needed quite the detail though..! Must be incredibly rewarding to be doing so well. Keep it up David!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 04:26 pm
You are AWESOME!!! I've been following you every step of the way and just read your blog!! So very proud of you! Your parents wait by the phone for updates. I was really excited after reading the results of stage 1. Incredible!! You're almost there, keep going .. and forget about the toenails . they're overrated! Kx
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 04:01 pm
David - LOL on the open toe comment. Have seen you putt at Donalda but will take your word on the accuracy required in the Sahara 'bunker shots'. Congrats on day 1!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 03:16 pm
David,
Congratulations on successfully completing the first stage.
We haven't met but your name has come up in many conversations over the years. Best of luck throughout the race and take care of those tender feet. Run Strong!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 02:45 pm
Hi David, I'm Alison's sister. Keep up the great work, I cannot imagine what you crazy Canadians are going through but you are motivating us back home to reach into ourselves to push forward with our own personal programs. We are all willing you to the finish line in front of the pyramids. Get Her Done!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 02:38 pm
David, you made it in and how! Great to hear you are feeling well, and now that you know what the terrain and the conditions are, it will only get better ;)
Stay strong!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 02:19 pm
How's the beach? An Iced Capp might go down well, right about now. Run like you're being chased!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 02:13 am
You didn't need those toe nails anyway....you're lighter and faster without them!...Freeze dried mush?? What--no KD!!!!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 02:11 am
Congratulations on your first day David! I hope your trip to the med tent has set you right for tomorrow. Today, was the CBCF annual 5km - a bit different than your day! It was a cool rainy day in your hometown; a world away, and although the circumstance was vastly different than the one you were in, like you, many participants faced incredible struggles, determined for personal and powerful reasons to accomplish their goals. And like you, they are inspiring.
Go onward and go well!
Beth
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:53 am
You are amazing - day one and you are on your way to day two and closer! All the best!
Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 12:15 am
Hi David! I'm a friend of AMT's - reading all the blogs of the Nabs team. CONGRATULATIONS on completing Stage 1. What an incredible challenge!! Best of luck to you tomorrow.
Comments: Total (9) comments
Posted On: 17 Oct 2011 10:37 pm
Posted On: 09 Oct 2011 01:30 am
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 09:54 pm
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 01:40 pm
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 04:14 am
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 03:48 am
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 02:36 am
Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 12:18 am
Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 11:07 pm