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Joanna Matkovich

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Namib Race (2016) blog posts from Joanna Matkovich

06 May 2016 08:17 am (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa

Day 6 rest day which means that the long march has been completed.

It is a little chilly today by camp but fresh clothes always makes the day feel better.

The Long March

Comments: Total (6) comments

Robyn Cooper

Posted On: 13 May 2016 10:43 am

Hi Joanne, we met just before the cbr 100 in Canberra back in February. I have been following your run and what you have achieved is amazing. Would love to have a chat about it sometime. Best of luck for the remainder of your trip. Robyn

Felicia Kiamka

Posted On: 09 May 2016 12:41 pm

Hi Joanna. Today is the 9th and I have been flat out with child minding, shopping for mother's day, going to an "Evening Tea" for Cynthia (Julian's fiancee), and celebrating mother's day. It all seems so trivial in the face of your 77 kilometre walk - just you and your friends and nature. What an experience of endurance and transcendence this has been Joanna. Congratulations don't seem to be enough. I sincerely hope that the pain, sunburn and swelling subside. Amazing.

Jane Matkovich

Posted On: 07 May 2016 12:32 pm

...experience you have had. (looks like rest of message got cut off) You have shown such determination & resilience when times were tough and made some new friends along the way.Enjoy cruising through the 10kms and we look forward to seeing you back home. Very proud of you. Much love us xx

Nat Precians

Posted On: 07 May 2016 07:29 am

Hope you got a good rest and GOOD LUCK with the last leg Joey! You're such an inspiration - everyone I tell is just in awe of you. Can't wait to see the crossing the finish-line pics! Big hugs xoxox

Senya Matkovich

Posted On: 07 May 2016 05:50 am

Congratulations Jo 77 kilometres what an achievement! It's mind boggling. Looking forward to hearing about your adventures. Sen xx

Jane Matkovich

Posted On: 06 May 2016 08:50 pm

Congratulations Jo. You should be very proud of your achievements. What an amazing

05 May 2016 02:10 am (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa

Wooo day 4 done.

Another scorcher of a day and the heat was relentless however the breeze picked up towards the end of the day which was pleasant.

I have some mild tendonitis in my left foot which is causing some tenderness. I was definitely feeling it at checkpoint 3 so took some panadal and sucked down a big apple flavoured gu to run the last 9km of the day. Felt ok and was nicely distracted by some podcasts.. today

Comments: Total (12) comments

Sam Sharrock

Posted On: 06 May 2016 02:38 pm

I see the long stage has fallen beneath your feet, congratulations on a superb performance! The end is in sight, head down and last big push. Soak it up, savour the last hours of camp life and race life and then get on the well deserved beers! X

Alex Easton

Posted On: 06 May 2016 01:18 pm

Go JO. So close now, you are a machine. Don't go too hard on the flavoured mineral water. xx

Elisabeth Forsman

Posted On: 06 May 2016 11:12 am

Killing it! Great job Lady!

BRETT FOOTE

Posted On: 06 May 2016 10:00 am

Hi Joanna, guessing by the time you read this you will have kicked the Long Stage and be almost done!! You are doing a great job. Keep on trucking. Cheers Brett (Aussie Grand Slam 2014)

Jacqui Kerr

Posted On: 06 May 2016 06:06 am

Hey Jo! That heat sounds ridiculous! But well done for making it through so far. Hope the tendinitis is feeling better. Look forward to the next update. Getting closer to the finish line !! X

Jane Matkovich

Posted On: 06 May 2016 05:07 am

A message from Ross, Julie & Sarina ...(they were having trouble with the link) Congratulations and best wishes on your mammoth run. We really enjoyed catching up before & after your Canberra run. xx

Senya Matkovich

Posted On: 05 May 2016 08:57 pm

Hi Jo I've looked at some of the photos on the website and it gave me a better idea of the conditions that you're coping with! All that sand! My goodness! The sunset photo was gorgeous but the other photos just brought home to me how amazing your achievements are. I'm with your mum if there are people who snore more loudly than our family heaven help them. Great that you're feeling ok I hope the next stage goes well. Gramps sends his love and wants you to know that he's thinking of you.sending lots of good thoughts and energy. Love Senya xxx

Judy and Harry Cormack

Posted On: 05 May 2016 08:33 pm

Hi Jo Congratulations on your amazing progress so far - we are in awe of your dedication and incredible fitness levels. Good luck for the rest of the trek. Hope there are a few more cool breezes coming your way. Take care. Judy and Harry xx

Felicia Klamka

Posted On: 05 May 2016 01:20 pm

Dear Joanna, I had no idea you were running. How did I miss that? I've read all your blogs and am amazed that you are running forty kilometres plus in such heat every day! I am both in awe and slightly envious. The physical and mental exertion are tremendous and you are a very determined, strong, well-organised and courageous young woman, Joanna. On the other hand, the friendships you have found sound like real comradeship and a great deal of fun. The sense of freedom and accomplishment must be exhilarating. Altogether this is such a uniquely rare experience and I am sure you will take it all in and store it all up. Peter and I will be thinking of you and wish you continued strength, resilience and moments of transcending highs. Proud to know you Joanna. Keep safe. Love Licia

alina foulkes

Posted On: 05 May 2016 11:48 am

Joey!!! you're doing an absolutely incredible job so far, that left foot of yours sounds like a real pain in the backside - and feeling nauseous sounds horrendous, thank god for those pills and those medics. well done on getting through it and i hope your flavoured mineral water was as good as Mt Franklin Lightly Sparkling!! Anyway, dance music in the camp sounds wicked and beef teriyaki sounds delicious. now just to distract you a bit - you'll be pleased to know that my house settled today, and i move in tomorrow. FINALLY. can't wait to have it all "setup" kinda for when you arrive. I have already spoken to your sister - we will be popping the Dom Peringnon off the balcony for your arrival back to sydney :) xoxo

Adam Matkovich

Posted On: 05 May 2016 06:01 am

Nice work cobber. Keep up the good work!

Jane Matkovich

Posted On: 05 May 2016 02:22 am

You are one amazing girl Jo! You mean there are people who snore louder than those in our family out there! You are over half way now and you have coped well with setbacks so far. Have a good sleep and a smooth day tomorrow. Hang in there. Much love from us here xxx

04 May 2016 02:01 am (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa

And I mean dusted. Dust everywhere today.

First

Comments: Total (9) comments

Alex Easton

Posted On: 04 May 2016 12:43 pm

Gooooooooooo joey. You are a star! x

Lucie W

Posted On: 04 May 2016 12:29 pm

Ye ha!! Go you good thing! Xx

Lisi Drane

Posted On: 04 May 2016 11:08 am

Just catching up on the blog, Joey. Good on you for pushing through the crappy second day. I feel silly whinging about a 5 hour sleep now haha. Landscape sounds gorgeous! Bet you're taking some amazing photos. Can't believe you can run so far in such heat. You continue to amaze me! Yay for clean undies and deodorant. ;) Can't wait to hear more. xoxo

Senya Matkovich

Posted On: 04 May 2016 11:05 am

Hi Jo well today was a better day for you by the sounds of it. Honestly you run a marathon and then you have some energy left over to write your blog, truly amazing. It sounds like you're seeing some fantastic scenery if you're comparing the sights to Utah. Hope you get to see some creatures and animals tomorrow rather than just their droppings

Annie Robertson

Posted On: 04 May 2016 10:51 am

GO JOEY! You are such an inspiring lady :) It is a pretty spectacular part of the world you are running through, i'm sure the scenery is a good distraction for you! Hope tomorrow is great and that you get to see some more wildlife! Ps can I come and visit your puppy when you get it?! Hehe lots of love and hugs xx

Dani Potter

Posted On: 04 May 2016 10:04 am

Joey - so impressed by what you're doing and love reading the daily blog. Keep your chin up and enjoy every moment! Love the reality updates too haha xx

Jane Matkovich

Posted On: 04 May 2016 07:15 am

Ok, ok ... it's a dog, but I get to pick the breed & colour. I think the name has been decided already. So pleased to hear that stage 3 was a good day - you soon will be on the downhill (figuratively speaking no doubt) run and that finish line will be getting closer and closer. Have a good rest and hope stage 4 is as good as this one. Much love xxx

Michele Smith

Posted On: 04 May 2016 06:58 am

So glad today went a lot better Jo and that you got a decent sleep! You're almost at the half way point, amazing! Was looking through the photos and I saw a coyote so keep your eye out for wild life! Also great idea about the puppy :) I hope the next 42 kms goes well and it's slightly cooler! I'm glad you've had a few buddies along the way to run with, it sounds like such a great community/group of people. Lots of love, 4 days left!! ️Xxxx

Lou Matkovich

Posted On: 04 May 2016 05:13 am

YES IT'S ON THE INTERNET. MUM WILL HAVE TO BUY A DOG NOW. Love that even when you're on the other side of the world you're still pushing the dog cause. Love your work. Also sounds like the landscape killed the wildlife - how much did it make you want to jump onto a plane to Utah? Well done on another killer day. Good to hear the food intake was better before this stage. Good luck for tomorrow! I'm sure you'll be great xxxxx

03 May 2016 03:06 am (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa

42km today.

Wildlife

Comments: Total (9) comments

Lou Matkovich

Posted On: 04 May 2016 05:09 am

This is why I'm so proud of you and tell all my colleagues and friends about your amazing feats - digging deep when a lot of people would give up. Love the toilet update too xxxxx

Senya Matkovich

Posted On: 03 May 2016 10:17 pm

Hi Jo the second day sounded tough especially the sand but so good you were able to meet James and encourage each other. Sharing the gruelling conditions is a plus I think. Better toilets too this time is to be applauded as well. It's the little things that do matter when you're facing such challenges. I hope you get a good night's sleep so that you are refreshed for the next leg. When reading about your travails I truly am in awe of you and your achievements. Thinking of you love Senya

Alex Easton

Posted On: 03 May 2016 03:27 pm

Go Jo! Love hearing about your stories and hope you feel stronger tomorrow. Always remember #golululemon

Sam Sharrock

Posted On: 03 May 2016 01:50 pm

Sounds like you're back into the week long routine of being stuck in the desert. Sounds like a successful day 1, day 2 is always tough but just keep mentally ticking off the distance to keep motivated! Have you found another stick yet? I'm pretty sure that helped you last time! Unbelievable news regarding the toilet situation, they're going soft on you :) keep up the good work x

Bill scott

Posted On: 03 May 2016 11:07 am

My goodness, Jo! I am in awe of you and the quest you have embarked upon. You're an inspiration! All the best for the the next day. Can't wait to hear about it xox

Mel scott

Posted On: 03 May 2016 10:59 am

Jojo!!! It sounds like a super tough day but you got through it and that's what matters!! You are so strong and tmw is a new day so hope you have a good sleep tonight!! We are thinking of you every day!!! Go out and smash tomorrow!!!!!!!!!! Lots of love xxxxxxxx

Jane Matkovich

Posted On: 03 May 2016 10:07 am

Hi Jo. You got through the day, even thought it wasn't what you hoped for. Hopefully you have been able to get some food in and a better sleep. Good that you had someone along the way to keep encouraging you. Hang in there; we're here behind you & sending positive thoughts & wishes. xxx

Michele Smith

Posted On: 03 May 2016 05:42 am

Oh no Jo, sounds like yesterday was really tough. I can't imagine trying to run 42 kms after having a bad sleep and my dinner not sitting well!! I really hope you've managed to get a decent amount of dinner down and that you get a better rest tonight. I'm glad to hear that you found someone to go along with and check up on, I'm sure that made a massive difference. Two days down, 5 to go! Xxxx

BRETT FOOTE

Posted On: 03 May 2016 04:14 am

Hi Joanna, You don't know me -- I'm an Aussie who completed the Grand Slam in 2014. Loving reading your blog -- it takes me right back into the desert(s) and tent-life. The flushable portaloos is a bit fancy!! Not sure that is the stripped back, quad-killing experience you'd expect in a day or two when your legs are starting to feel the km's!!! Enjoy the luxury. Stay strong and hold true to why you are there. I never failed to remember just how fortunate i was to be there, even though the darkest moments!! Enjoy :)

02 May 2016 09:28 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

distance: 37.5KM

wildlife sighting: 1. disappointing..as only saw this at the beach post day for a recovery session.

mood: feeling good

tan lines: progressing

sand: everywhere

arrived in walvis bay on friday afternoon without my checked in luggage

Comments: Total (5) comments

alina foulkes

Posted On: 02 May 2016 10:56 pm

OMG Joey - I can't believe your luggage got delayed and scared you so badly with potentially lost food. all your frozen goodies!! I am so pleased your first day went alright and the scenery is pretty...that is awesome about the seal spotting. hope you are meeting a couple of great new peeps. I hope the wind factor isn't annoying the hell out of you, hope you got some pawpaw ointment to keep those lips nourished. Hope your legs kick in with lots of energy and life for day 2, can't wait to hear your debrief. Keep plodding my friend, thinking of you from my office in sunny north Sydney.xoxox

Jacqui Kerr

Posted On: 02 May 2016 10:11 pm

Making it sound like a breeze as always!!! Glad your luggage arrived - that would have been a massive bummer. Hope it's continuing to go well! I'll stay tuned for updates xx

Michele Smith

Posted On: 02 May 2016 09:19 pm

Just saw a couple of photos of you on the website's album- smiling for the photo and looking great! Keep it up lovely! Xx

Michele Smith

Posted On: 02 May 2016 09:05 pm

Glad to hear that the first day went well Jo, and that you finally got your luggage!! I hope the winds continue to be behind you to keep on helping you along the way! Hope that you've managed to take some photos and that you'll get to see more wildlife on your trip. 1 day down already! ️Xxxx

Jane Matkovich

Posted On: 02 May 2016 11:18 am

Glad to see the luggage arrived; can't be without deodorant and toothpaste. Sounds like it was a good run today. Hope tomorrow goes smoothly. Dad says hello too. xx

25 April 2016 10:24 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney

Because experiencing snow, rain and sandstorms last year in the Gobi wasn't enough, I'm making my way to Namibia on Thursday to compete in my second 4Deserts race. Hoping for some milder conditions this time around. Pretty pumped and looking forward to seeing some of my favourite people. Training has gone pretty well and ready to get to the start line. I'll recap at the end of each day so you can follow me here over the seven days. Feel free to send me real world updates which I'll look forward to at the end of the day with my expedition food freeze dried meal ????. Ready for a week of running, sand, friendship, exploring the Skeleton Coast and its wildlife and the climb from 75km - 129km. Bags are predominantly packed with just a few more things to sort out prior to departure on Thursday (Sydney - Johannesburg - Walvis Bay) - more snacks, wet wipes and load up the iPod with podcasts.

Comments: Total (6) comments

Jane Matkovich

Posted On: 02 May 2016 06:29 am

Stage 1 over. Do you realise you are the first Australian female to finish this stage? Great effort! Have a good rest tonight and good luck for Stage 2. xx

Lou Matkovich

Posted On: 02 May 2016 03:40 am

Good luck for the first stage!! Xx

Michele Smith

Posted On: 01 May 2016 08:45 am

Hi Jo! I think you've started now, so exciting! Can't wait to see photos on the website. So impressed you're doing a deciding race like this! Hope the first day goes great. ️Xxxx

Sharina Simnett

Posted On: 30 Apr 2016 05:52 am

Good Luck Jo! I am so insanely impressed by you and this mammoth feat! Can't wait to hear all about it!! Enjoy every minute xxxx

Jane Matkovich

Posted On: 28 Apr 2016 11:10 pm

Hi Jo. Hope you were able to get a good sleep in Jo'burg before the next flight. Looking forward to following your progress and hoping there are no sandstorms like last year. Lots of love & thoughts, Mum & Dad xxx

Alex Easton

Posted On: 26 Apr 2016 04:53 pm

Go Joey! Look forward to giving you all the updates!!:) x