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Namib Race Blogs 2008

Liz Johnson

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Namib Race (2008) blog posts from Liz Johnson

24 October 2008 05:21 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Dear Family & Friends:  I had my 1st forray into sand, but with a camel.  Mine was the Shaq of camels, so we towered over the masses.  Started on a very busy street. Camels don't mind cars coming very, very close to them.  Then trudged thru sand for miles to get the pyramids.  They are beyond big and leave you with a sense of awe.  It is quite sad the nose of the Sphinx was stolen by Napoleon's men.  The Sphinx looks like a boxer of the loosing end of a knock out.  Then looking lofty on the horizen you see..the biggest KFC.  Actually is adds some color to the rather yellow/grey sandy color.  We leave Saturday and drive 7 hours south to the heat of the desert.  It really rained while we were in the desert.  I see that as a good omen.

 

All the best to you.  Your Sand Lois Lane with the latest on the hot happenings

 

l 

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 31 Oct 2008 12:46 am

Beware! KFC is a local eatery pushing fried camel. Orginal recipe is all hump. I am only one of many here rooting for you; kick some sand for us potatos!

Posted On: 27 Oct 2008 11:34 pm

Have sent you several emails---not sure if you got them--hope you are OK

Posted On: 26 Oct 2008 12:02 pm

Hope day one in the sand and heat was no worse than expected and that you are satisfied with your performance. Take care of yourself! Only miles of more sand to traverse! Shannon says she would pull you if you had only let her go with you.

Posted On: 25 Oct 2008 06:57 pm

You are AMAZING. I am glad that your dreams continue to lead you to unusual adventures. No injuries and enjoy every moment. Have you arranged a baseball game at the end?

Posted On: 25 Oct 2008 03:00 pm

Good luck! Represent the "Lizs" well!

Posted On: 25 Oct 2008 09:09 am

Liz, you rock! And who says you're not supermodel material? By the time you finish, you'll be ready to audition for "America's Next Top Model." Stay focused on your form, hydration and protein intake. Take care, and we'll see you at the finish line.

Posted On: 25 Oct 2008 01:01 am

Liz! So glad to hear that you arrived safely and are already started on new adventures. Riding a camel....how exciting!! So glad you had the tallest one; how very fitting for someone with such incredible posture. I'm sure you were both holding your heads very high. Be sure to pop in to KFC for some biscuits and extra crispy recipe chicken before you head off into the sand. I've heard the room service out there is terrible. Thanks for keeping us updated on your journey. With love and hugs - Amy, Chris, Carter, and Mallory

Posted On: 24 Oct 2008 11:55 pm

GO Liz! watch out for sand sharks and mummies!

Posted On: 24 Oct 2008 11:42 pm

Liz, hopefully you are having dreams of floating over the desert sand for the next 7 days. All the best, keep focused and I know you will accomplish the goal you have set for yourself. You are awesome, hugs, Phil

Posted On: 24 Oct 2008 09:45 pm

HI Liz: John Lineberger told me about your adventure and I was inspired that I am seriously considering doing the Nambia Race in 2009. Can't wait to hear about your experience, good luck and run like the wind. Kathi (Salisbury NC)

21 October 2008 03:42 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Dear Family & Friends:  Thanks for all your wonderful support.  I really have not taken anything personal you have said.about my mental state and racing the Sahara wihtout a camel or luxery vehicle.  I only feel the love now.  In March  I was told I would never be able to run on my achilles again.   I decided to igniore that and train for ultra ultra ultra psycho distance.  I have run and trained for countless hours and not lost a pound!  I dream of food constantly.  I have completed 6 college courses on tape and even figured out a way to do my schoolwork while on the treadmill.   I am most excited about my bet with Tom Wrenn from my YMCA chair aerobics class I teach.  I get to race 160+ miles in sand and 100+ heat, with a pack for a week.  Lets  hope dry heat is as refreshing as they say it is.  Tom is wheelchair bound and will try and take 2 steps on his own.  I assure you my training and race is tons easier than what Tom has done to prepare.  I marvel at his absloute courage and determination.  He is my inspiration.  

So please stay tuned for the rest of the story..

 

joy to you, Liz

PS send any camel or sand jokes!

       

      

Comments: Total (17) comments

Posted On: 28 Oct 2008 05:50 pm

Hi Liz!! We miss you so very much! Blake is so proud of you, he forwarded this link to all his friends. I'm checking in daily for any new updates! I hope you're well & enjoying the experience as much as possible! Can't wait to hear about everything in detail when you're home. We love you!!

Posted On: 27 Oct 2008 08:47 pm

I love your journey and am there with you.

Posted On: 27 Oct 2008 07:55 pm

Liz, I checked out all of the pictures on the site and the desert is awe inspiring. I am sure it is different as you are running but what an incredible experience. You are an amazing woman! Sending only good thoughts to give you strength and nourish your soul. Viv

Posted On: 27 Oct 2008 02:08 pm

Liz, I heard your husband is letting the house fall into disarray and that he was last seen at a local nightclub. Other than that, best of luck!! your friend, Jamie

Posted On: 25 Oct 2008 12:17 am

always remember...slow and steady wins the race.....oh, and..what do you call a pig who does karote??????? ?? a pork chop. love ya dude.

Posted On: 24 Oct 2008 05:14 pm

Hi Liz, You are the coolest! We are so proud of you.I can' t wait to see you and hear your stories. Peace Daf

Posted On: 23 Oct 2008 10:55 pm

How honored I am and each of us are to know you Liz!! You inspire each of us to do more, to be more. May your inner sanctum be your guide as you race across the Sahara. You are in my heart and prayers.

Posted On: 23 Oct 2008 03:14 pm

Liz - I told Tommy G about your adventure and we are quite amazed and wish you the best of luck. Then we're going to see if NASA will let you do astronaut training!!

Posted On: 23 Oct 2008 12:37 am

what an amazing journey, you are truely da bomb. i always think of you and love you dearly. i walk and walk too, till my feet fall off, like forest gump, and wonder if i walk to another state, will i have to pay tolls??

Posted On: 22 Oct 2008 02:13 pm

What is wrong with you, woman? Don't you know that you should be sitting home quietly knitting, your early vote for the McCain-Palin ticket safely cast, your thoughts on non-threatening Danny Kaye films and what you might bake tonight? When liberals run in the desert, the terrorists have won! Oh well, good luck anyway...

Posted On: 22 Oct 2008 12:28 pm

Okay, you know I love you and I'm so excited for you I could burst ... But I've got a team of enthusiastic roofers ripping off the top of my house and the banging is driving me crazy! I wish I were running through the desert right now. A believer in the wonder of Liz for almost 20 years ...

Posted On: 22 Oct 2008 12:15 pm

What an incredible adventure! Liz, your athletic ability is truly amazing and your mental strength and determination are beyond my comprehension. All our best wishes for a safe and successful race. We will be thinking about you and checking blog for updates. Sending our love to you ~

Posted On: 21 Oct 2008 07:26 pm

Liz, Ray and I linked your blog to the SHS website and to Facebook SHS so everyone can communicate and send their love. So proud of you!!!

Posted On: 21 Oct 2008 05:20 pm

Hope the flight is smooth and restful on the first leg of the journey. Anticipation... Love and strength from all are flying with you.

Posted On: 21 Oct 2008 02:49 pm

Liz- You are Fabulous!! I am inspired by how you always take on the challenges you are told you can't do. I will miss you at baseball camp, but I am inspired to go for Team MVP this year!!! Keep in touch and take care of yourself!

Posted On: 21 Oct 2008 01:44 pm

Liz, You are an inpiration to me! Everything you accomplish physically is amazing, but what inspires me the most is how you embrace life and give back to those around you. Take care of yourself during this amazing race :) and bring back lots of stories! I'll be thinking of you!!!

Posted On: 21 Oct 2008 12:57 pm

The part of me that loves people of heart, spirit, and dedication will be running at your side. The remainder will be here, in Charlotte, praying for your comfort and satisfaction. Many years ago, on a small course, at the base of the Great Pyramid of Giza, I lost my best ball in a sand trap. Keep your eyes out for a Maxfli 2 with a blue "F" on it. Consider yourself hugged.