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Namib Race Blogs 2010
6
PostsNamib Race (2010) blog posts from Eric McCarthy
15 October 2010 08:09 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Where do I start?One week has passed since I completed my journey and boy what a ride.I was welcomed home by my family and friends at the airport and onwards to a party at home.It was a real nice surprise to see everyone there especially my wife and kids.it is only now that my body is coming around thanks to five nights of really good sleep.To say the week in the desert was emotional was an understatment,It was a rollercoaster ride all the way.You are really vunerable when you are so exhausted and everything plays on your mind.The feeling I had after finishing Saturday was fantastic I felt for the first time that I had achieved something in sport,I always wondered what it was like to go through pain barriers and push myself to the limit I found this out on the last day.The pain I felt that day was unbearable my lower legs and feet were badly swollen I had blisters on the heels of my feet and on a couple of toes every step was a painfull exprience.My stomach was acting up on the food I was eating I was gagging trying to keep it down,I did'nt have much trouble in keeping the Pizza down at the endline.I met some really fantastic people on this trip,some of these have left a lasting mark like the Japenese girl Mayoku who forgot her running shoes and did the first day in a pair of crocs and the rest in shoes two sizes too big.She was in my tent and never complained about her situation.There was the Korean man who finished the long day in 33 hours to see him come in and get a standing ovation from every competitor was really moving.To the Irish lads Shane and his wife Theresa a voulanteer who cheered us on when ever she met us on the course,Maghnus and Barnsey the best pacemakers you could meet and really nice fellas to booth and David Lysath always there to give a hand not to mention my running mate Dylan Jones what a legend.It was really nice to mix people from 36 differant countries just goes to show with a common goal every one can get on.I really have to thank Dave O Brien for giving me the belief and encouragment to take this challenge on.He answered all the questions and there was plenty.I would like to thank anyone who has helped me in anyway Liz,and all at MFC,collectors,sponsors,organisers anyone who donated and helped in any way.Last but not least I would like to thank my wife Ber and kids Gavin,Adam and Abby for the patience, help,encouragment and just being there all along the way it meant alot to have you on my side.
08 October 2010 07:41 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hi all, I'm finally over the long one just before I try and describe what we went through out there I AM OK AND OUT THE OTHER SIDE INTACT.On Wednesday the day before the long one I was really nervous as to how was going to get through 95kms,I knew some scary stuff was going to happen. My body at this stage had had enough of running and was pretty exhausted and every step was a hard step. Another 4 30 am call for a 6 30 start everything I thought we did not need was fired out of the bag even Fridays and Saturdays food the weight on your back was killing me at this stage. As usual 6 30 bang on time we started.4kms into this race I met up with Dylan Jones a Walsh man with much the same pace as me.The first few stages went off pretty ok but the pain in the body at this point was coming to a head. Coming into stage 5 I was suffering the heat was 48C we were in a canyon with no air the questions were being asked in the head already. Next stage we could have a proper feed(hot) and this picked us up for an hour. The pain I was feeling was unreal my feet was developing blisters but if you take off your shoe its not worth the extra pain so you drive on. It was now night time we were counting down hours the pain we were feeling was insane that’s the best was to describe it.We knew we were making good time considering we were both rookies I think we paced it great. Two stages to go my legs from the knees down were swollen when we stopped at the last two check points it was really funny to hear a Welshman and an Irishman swearing to the best of our ability the pain was incredible .To cut a long story short we go in I think at 10 past 12 Friday morning. I was really really not good. I had to get pain killers off one of the lads to try and sleep which I did eventually. Waking up this morning my feet are not a pretty site but I'm not alone I'm in good shape compared to a lot of people here. Dave came in today he was out there a lot longer than me honestly I don’t know how he did this I was in bits he must have felt worse how he is after completing three this year is amazing mentally and physically. Its all over except for a 2k run in the morning the waiting today is killing us the heat is mental and the flies have us eaten alive, I thought Id never say it but I cant wait to get back to our nice cool climate. Abby we have a couple of Camels following us around the race and the Turtle cant wait to be back miss you chick. Gavin and Adam if you ever tell me you are going to try something like this you will need to have a BIG chat with me first and hopefully you will come to your sences.Ber at the moment this was not one of my better ideas but you know me I need to start listening to you a bit more. I have to go now there closing the cyber tent thanks for the mail they were really touching. Looking forward to talking to you tomorrow Ber and lads see you in a couple of days.
Comments: Total (8) comments
Posted On: 09 Oct 2010 08:56 pm
Hi Eric, well done, we are so proud of you. You did amazing. Glad to see you are going to listen to the wife in future!!!!!!
Posted On: 09 Oct 2010 07:47 pm
Good work dad (: seeya tomorrow :)
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 08:04 pm
Eric Duke, what a man. Maybe after this even mad Eric!!! Incredible achievement lad, great cause even if it was lunacy to do it. Hope to catch up with you when you get back safe and sound.
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 07:55 pm
Hi Eric, well done today, thats amazing what your doing. It makes me proud to know i have an uncle like this :) Best of luck tomorrow, we're all thinking of you back here..see you in two days!
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 04:30 pm
well done duke fantastic achivement talk soon
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 03:55 pm
Nice tosee that your going to start listening to me. How long will that last for?????(Ha) talk tomorrow. Your other half.
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 03:29 pm
Well done Eric, looking at the results table was great performnace for a rookie! Enjoy the trot up to the pyramid! and you have a cold wet winter to look forward back here!
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 03:25 pm
Well done lad incredable stuff, I can never complain about having to run the wood again.
06 October 2010 12:34 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hi everyone moral is good today fourth stage over. Today was much easier than yesterday terrain wise at least strategy today was get the first half done as fast as possible an take it easy for the rest and it worked thankfully. There was not as much soft sand or dunes today there was a few long climbs where you were under pressure. I buddied up with the two Irish lads today there like Duracell batteries steady pace I could only stay with them for 25km,I did 5 on my own and the last leg with Dylan Jones no prizes for guessing where he's from. The heat out here is crazy you cant even sit out in it after you've finished straight to the shade if you can find it.Tomorrow is the BIG one The Long March 95kms I'm dreading it everyone is trying to work out strategy what they need to do.Im crossing my fingers I will get in around 20 hours provided there's no problem along the way. This is a march of attrition going by past competitors comments and you really need to pace yourself. If I can get over this one I will be one happy chap. Hope everyone is ok at home 4 days left looking forward to seeing you all. Take care until then x. P.S Thanks for all the messages really nice to get them.
Comments: Total (24) comments
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 01:09 pm
Congratulations, Eric! Unbelievable achievement! Enjoy the victory lap today, you deserve it!
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 12:28 pm
Congrats!!!! Well done Eric a mighty achievement.
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 11:18 am
Well done Eric. We're all proud of ya here. Unbelievable achievment!
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 09:45 am
Unbelievable effort mate. Really inspiring and makes us look pathetic trainers back here. Keep the legs rolling for one more effort.
Aussie and English
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 08:30 am
WOW!!!!!!!!!! almost 18 hours on course. Well, done Eric. Congratulations! Just a gentle 10 in the morning and you'll have achieved all you set out to. Great running.
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 08:24 am
well done Eric, great achievement, that cold beer is getting closer.
Seamus
Posted On: 08 Oct 2010 08:21 am
Stage 5 YOUR FINISHED!!!!!!!! SO SO PROUD. well doneHave a good rest. Talk soon. . Ber Gav Adam & Abbyxxx
Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 10:33 pm
Well done Eric! We're all cheering you on here in Youghal... so be safe and we'll see you soon!
Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 08:06 pm
Well done eric ! keep up the good work, see you in a few days x
Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 06:37 pm
Well done Eric. Keep it going. We all admire your endurance and spirit. Best wishes from your Galway Relations.
Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 05:20 pm
hey lad, doing brilliantly, insperational stuff, and the best news liverpool got new owners, so ure good deeds are paying off!! best of look in the run in!
Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 02:15 pm
well done duke! keep up the good work...we\'re all rooting ya on back here! :P xx
Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 02:14 pm
well done duke! keep up the good work...we're all rooting ya on back here! :P xx
Posted On: 07 Oct 2010 12:43 am
Great Stuff Eric. keep it up take the long haul easy and make it to the finish you are awesome.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:53 pm
Hi Eric, you are playing a blinder and congrats to you. Thanks a million for all the help and support you are giving to Dave, you are a true friend and all the family really appreciate it. Take care of yourself on the big one. We will all get together when we get back from Venice.
Good Luck,
Thanks again Mar.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:20 pm
Hey Eric, I'm dumb founded... How do you do it? The very best of luck with the last stint tomorrow. Take care of yourself. Your doing some job so far.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 09:15 pm
Well done again today. You are doing a super job. Good luck tomorrow with the long march. Mind yourself and take care on it. Mam & Dad here wishing you all the best also.
P.S Mam has her candle lighting for you (as she does!!!).
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 08:36 pm
hi duke i new you were off your game but that sounds mental fair play lad keep it goin best of luck tomorrow your nearly there
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 08:16 pm
Well done Eric. Outstanding performance so far. Keep up the good work and you'll get through it no problems. Good luck on the long one. Won't be long now before you're jogging around the woods in Killeagh again - that's if you can remember how to run without carrying a bag.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 08:10 pm
Heey dad (: well done on today ,you did class. Good luck for tomorrow ,it's gonna be tough but remember we're all cheering ya on (: everyone here is glued to the computer everyday and there's texts and the phone keeps ringing :P ha ,well I hope ypu get on great tommorw and good luck (: missing ya loads. Love Ad.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 08:09 pm
Flip sake, your some man lad! Big one tomorrow..we'll be thinking of ya and might even throw in a prayer! Whatever the outcome we're all proud of ya and looking forward to seeing ya.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 08:07 pm
Well done Eric your playing a blinder! All the best of luck for tomorrows stage!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 08:01 pm
Hi dad. Did you see any camels yet? [: how's my turtle? XXX
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 07:52 pm
well done Eric. glad to hear from you tonight. Take care tomorrow I know its going to be hard but take your time and remember your goal at the end, End is very near so keep chin up and pace yourself. Be careful,XX your other half
04 October 2010 12:21 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 2 thhis is crazy stuff I'v never done anyting as hard as today it started off with an easy 10k if there is such a thing here,we were out the cot at 4-30 and a 6-30 start which was welcome at least you can get to half way before it gets really hot.I had my eyes opened the dunes were really hard they were like mountains (they were really)we were in a valley last night altitude -37metres we are on a hill now 150metres up that might not sound alot but when your going up and down all day and the sand is soft its energy sapping.Its amazing how everyone is on your side out here we all feel the same pain and try keep each other going.Im getting really sick of the powder drinks during the race im nearly gagging already.it is really hard to get all the correct food and drink in to the body your constantly eating and drinking .Alot of people have trouble in keeping it down and of course this is bad news you cant keep food down you cant go on end of story.I finally got in today just under 6 hours pretty tired but im recovering well.Today is a really big day for me Im 19 years married and feeling emotional now im missing you big time Ber hope you liked the flowers and Abby should have given you your card(Did you Abby?).Gavin and Adam ye should be making a big deal of it for your mother until I get back at least..;-)Love you all.Just to let you know the BOSS Dave O Brien is still going I'v got even more respect for him how he's doing this is beyond me it amazing.Im starting to seize here right now so i'm off to sleep or eat have'nt decided yet lots of big decsions here(my arse).Hopefully I'll be good to finish tomorrow and Ill talk to you then.Abby the turtle would not come out of the pocket today it was too hot.Miss you all and talk soon all my love Ber x and lads.later
Comments: Total (17) comments
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 03:11 pm
Hi Eric, lots of luck from Marcella from the NSA office in Milan. Keep an eye on my friend Dave O'Brien!!
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 02:52 pm
Hey Eric, congrats on finishing stage 4 - good to see your times coming back down so you can get some well needed rest. With over 8 hours on course yesterday that must have been tough, fair dues to you. Keep up the good work, you're going great. Amazing effort.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 07:37 am
You're doing great Eric. You should be very proud of yourself. Everyone is behind you! Keep it up
Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 07:52 pm
Great work dad (: everyone's rooting for ya especially all my friends and family! Keep it up man (: proud'ya (:
Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 07:51 pm
Congrats and well done, keep on going, best of luck. Mind yourself.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 07:10 pm
Well done Eric on the stages you have completed so far. Pace yourself and dont forget to keep some energy for the last hurdle. Watch your salt intake. Thinking of you , Seamus Patricia , Luke and Alan
Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 06:59 pm
Hi Eric & dave Hope everything is going well, it looks like tough going,keep the show on the road, we are all rooting for ye.!
Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 06:11 pm
Well done Eric. That's the third stage out of the way. Water, food and rest, then more water, food and rest. Take it handy and keep on going. You're doing great. I'm really inspired to work hard now and step my running up a gear.
Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 09:26 am
Great Stuff Eric. You can do it man. Stay focused on the end game...focus on the significance and connection you will fell when you achieve this HUGH goal.
Remember.....
- All it takes is all you got!!
All you need is inside you NOW!
I know you will do it!
Best,
Jay
Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 09:08 am
tell u something, ure some man for one man!! on ure way back u should stop of at liverpool and give them a dose of reality!! fair play bud
Posted On: 05 Oct 2010 08:30 am
Well done Eric , sounds pretty tough going , Your times are great but maybe you should slow down a bit now , save yourself for the end of the race .
Stay positive .
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 11:33 pm
Hi Eric,Dave O'Brien's daughter Jackie here,i noticed that your brother Lar has blogged dad and is holding him responsible if you don't come back in one piece so i think it is only right to hold you responsible for dads wellbeing!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
On a serious note congrads to you both ,ye are doing great,keep it up,stay safe and all the best for tomorrow.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 09:13 pm
Happy anniversary. well done again today, your doing great take your time and listen to your body, we are all so proud of you and all rooting for you, I know its hard but think of the end result, missing you loads. thank you for the lovely flowers and card arrived today, be careful and come home safely. love you xx
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 08:46 pm
well done dad..ur finishing times are getting faster.. keep it up chief!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 08:36 pm
Well done Eric. We are delighted you are doing so well. We are being kept up to date all the time. Thinking of you. Keep up the good work. Love Mam & Dad XXX
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 08:28 pm
Well done bro. Another day down. Your doing us all proud here at home...Good luck tomorrow
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 07:44 pm
Well done, Eric. Great running again today. Good luck tomorrow. And what is that you keep saying, "last climb for a bit now". You'll be over those dunes and on to the finish in no time.
03 October 2010 12:50 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hey all what baptism of fire. Where to begin? We started on a three hour bus ride to the desert it was pretty much dark so had some food and bed, I had very little sleep the heat was making it uncomfortable. Rise and shine was 5-30 race started at 7am on the button. The waiting was over and reality was setting in fast the desert is a spectacular place but it is also a very harsh envoirment.We started it off with 2 tough enough stages most of the sand was soft and there was a couple of dunes thrown in for good measure, the dunes are very hard work one step forward half a step back, the soft sand saps the energy out of you as well. There is another type of sand fesh fesh its called its like walking on talcum powder. From 11am on the heat got pretty bad some people arew saying they got 45 on there Garmin sat navs but I can tell you it was HOT.The last stage was the toughest the ground wasn't bad but the heat was relentless and as well as that you have a wind which is like a hairdryer turned on full heat. I got in after 6 hours and not a minute too soon. I had my juice plus relaxed and I've jut had a lovely meal of Spaghetti Bolognese out of a bag. There is no getting away from the heat here as I'm typingimdropping in sweat bad thing about that it need to be replaced even if you don’t feel like it.While I was on the course I drank 9 litres of water and plenty of salttablets.Well I think I've enough said for today just to say I miss you all at home, Thank you very much for the card in my shoe it was really nice to see it, Abby your Turtle is enjoying the spin around here getting plenty so sunshine. Missing you all and thinking of you out here.Talkto you tomorrow and keep the emails coming they are very encouraging to read.Later.
Comments: Total (15) comments
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 06:27 pm
Great work Dad (: My friends in school are saying .. G'waaaaaaan Eric Laaaad :P Ha ,well good luck and keep going (: Love from Adam :D
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 05:26 pm
Outstanding Eric. Stage two completed with a faster time. I hope you found the going easier today. Keep resting and drinking, you'll get to the finish line no bother.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 05:07 pm
well done dad your doing great.glad my turtle is having a great time love Abby
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 04:53 pm
Well done Eric. Your doing great. Were all 100% behind you, Look after your self and come home safely. Love your other half.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 04:27 pm
Fair play to you Eric. Give it holly for the rest of the race.All of us here in Youghal wish you the best.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 04:17 pm
Well done Eric, congrats on your great start .. keep it up we are rooting for you back home!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 04:10 pm
Eric,
Fair play to you bud....You're putting the rest of us to shame back over here!
Keep it going.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 03:49 pm
Well done dad, keep up the good work ur doing great!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 01:34 pm
P.S. Keep up your blogs, we're all glued to the computers at home for updates!!!eggshells boy....!
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 01:26 pm
Eric your doing great!we're all rooting for you at home.Stay as strong as you can.Eric, the 9th wonder of the world!!!One day at a time,,,,,,
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 01:20 pm
Well done Eric, Wishing you the very best of luck.
Posted On: 04 Oct 2010 09:00 am
Well done, Eric. Good running. By now you've two stages out of the way and you'll be coming up on half way tomorrow. The training will pay-off just keep your cool - sorry couldn't help it.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 11:06 pm
Congrats Eric, you are doing very well, bet you are finding the sand a little different from the beach in Youghal. plenty of water and salt tabs. Take care.
Mar.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 09:45 pm
Well Duke,
Fair play on doing this, hope all the time spent in Killeagh woods pays off! push on as much as you can, and the hard work will pay off.
Talk when your back, good luck.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 08:34 pm
Well done Eric , great start , sunds like the heat is pretty severe , so take it handy as there is a long way to go .
Keep your focus on the endline !
01 October 2010 01:00 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
This has been some day I dont know where to start.I got in this morning at 2 am slept like a baby.The hotel we are staying in is 5 star and spanking new.The Egyptians are a very friendly people so far hope it stays that way.I have met alot of interesting characters that are taking part in the race and I am getting alot of good advice and a bit of a piss taking being the new guy We most of them have done this stuff before but thats cool It will be my turn some day.I arrived with alot food and stuff but half that I was told to get rid of,I cant believe I am going to survive on what im bringing but Dave and Riky are to blame if this goes arse up.Tomorrow is the day its starts the briefings,gear checks etc.Then to the desert?Its pretty hot here by the way a nice 38 degrees today I could be doing worse I suppose.This is my first quick attempt at this blog Im in a hurry Dave is waiting for this computer theres only 2 here the rest are on the blink.Later.
Comments: Total (5) comments
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 03:59 pm
great stuff .all thinking of you here .bet you sick of sun now will be glad to be home to shitty irish weather.
Posted On: 06 Oct 2010 03:21 pm
great stuff .all thinking of you here .bet you sick of sun now will be glad to be home to shitty irish weather.
Posted On: 03 Oct 2010 02:56 pm
Hi Eric , just take it handy , one day at a time , no bother to you boy !
Posted On: 02 Oct 2010 10:16 pm
Hey Eric - don't worry about the food, it's less weight to carry. Good luck on the run tomorrow.
The human body is capable of amazing physical deeds. If we could just free ourselves from our perceived limitations and tap into our internal fire, the possibilities are endless.
Posted On: 01 Oct 2010 11:13 pm
Hey, find my husband, matt marsh us, he and his buddy are newbies too. Good luck....What an experience. Cheers.
Dana Marsh
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 28 Oct 2010 12:35 am
Posted On: 16 Oct 2010 05:56 am