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Elin Davies

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Namib Race (2008) blog posts from Elin Davies

01 November 2008 10:05 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi everyone
 
A massive thank you for all your supportive messages. I really appreciate them.
 
Yesterday I spent the day going up and down the course with Dr Suzie, giving out haribo sweets and drugs, and tapping up blisters  to help the competitors on their way. While Alla our amazing Egyptian 4x4 driver gave us tomatoes, Egyptian bread and feta cheese. Yum Yum!!
We stopped at check points to help out. I even got to fill SA Ryan's water bottles for him! WHOW! 100km ... is an unbelievable long way to go on any day, but in this heat, on this terrain, after 4 other near marathons. God these guys are heroes. It was very impressive to see. I then sat in the 4x4 to hang the light sticks along the way. It was a real dark night, and unfortunately there was no moon to light the way for the runners out there. Finally got back to camp in time to welcome my boys (although I'm  not sure they would be happy with me calling them "MY" boys). They did amazingly well, I'm so proud of them.
 
Today's been a long day just waiting around, and some of the competitors are still out there. The smell of 10 very smelly people cooking in a tent is NOT good! Tonight, at 2am we get to drive to Cairo, for 5 hours, before doing a 5 miler towards the pyramids. And then its a shower, a cold coke with ice and a pizza!! Can't wait.
 
Gles, Mam a Dad & co - sws fawr lyb i bawb adre, edrych ymlaen i weld chi gyd diwedd mis ma. Caru chi XX
Karen & Duncan - hope you got me Take That tickets!!! Will text you as soon as I'm back in Cairo. Can't wait to see you guys for a big hug and good food (while Dunc hand washes my sports bra). Love ya XX
 

Comments: Total (5) comments

Posted On: 03 Nov 2008 04:04 pm

Hi little sis, You have done so incredibly well Elin!!! I'm happy to hear you are better now and are keeping the other runners spirits up. Enjoy your well deserved pizza!

Posted On: 02 Nov 2008 05:21 pm

Hia, you're still amazing and am sure you've helped all the other competitors get through this race by cheering them on and being ever optimistic. Cariad mawr phonia fi pan wyt ti'n nol xx

Posted On: 01 Nov 2008 11:35 pm

Elin, Wow wow wow, to have done what you have done is quite incredible.. you have done so incredibly well. Pat yourself on the back, and enjoy your time out there.. ;-) Well done Cordelia x

Posted On: 01 Nov 2008 07:34 pm

Hope you enjoyed the last run and have finally given birth!!! Enjoy the cold coke and pizza... see you next week!!!! You are a star!!! xx

Posted On: 01 Nov 2008 01:03 pm

Mam yn gutted methu ti bore ma. Falch dy fod wedi recoverio Els, paid a bod yn siomedig wir, wyt ti wedi neud mwy na neith y rhan fwyaf o bobl. Mae pawb yn dy edmygu wir. Tir sych ddim yn neud hefo ti, well ti sticio i'r mor!!! Paid a cyfadde wrth Mam bo fi di deud hynny!! Ha ha. Edrych mlaen i gael sgwrs pan ddoi di nol i Llundain. Caru ti xxxxx

30 October 2008 04:02 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well I've found my limit!
Before I say anymore and cause any concern in the Davies household - Mam a Dad dwi yn hollol iawn rwan, gaddo.
 
So I woke up feeling optimistic after a good sleep. Enjoyed a crunchy nut bar with all 250kcal for brekkie and was ready for off. Sadly without giving birth.
 
Eric the token American in our tent injured his knee yesterday so was hobbling along at a good pace for me to keep up with. We had a nice chat about life in the US Navy, and how they should be getting new uniforms soon - amazing how it helped pass away many painful steps.
 
I was feeling strong at check point one. Half way to check point two I started burping and retching again though. Shortly after getting there I started vomiting again. I took some anti emetics and ant-acids, and kept on my way, but was flagging fast. Dr Suzie stopped at one point and I sat in the shade of the 4x4 for a while to catch my breath. But the vomiting continued. Then all of a sudden I was last on the field (or should I say desert), and the camels who sweep the course were hot on my heels. I can't explain the feeling of being torn between physical agony and the emotional wreck of being the last one (again! With a South African in the lead - again! How de javu!). When I stopped to sit by about the only rock for about a 25 mile radius for a bit of shade, the camel guides said that the camels couldn't wait out for much longer without water. Oh the shame!  
 
Check point three was at an Oasis! With a palm tree that you could see from check point two! But the bl**dy thing was just not getting closer. When I finally made it there I got the best drug of all - flat warm coke! All the last competitors were moving on and the volunteers were packing up. As a result there was 5 medics (all American) at that check point when I made the decision to hobble it to the 4x4 and call it a day. Head hanging low. The rest is a bit vague, but I remember turning round to DJ, one of the medics to say I didn't feel so well....
 
The rest I remember is waking up - my shirt cut open (not ideal when you're in a sports bra that you've worn for four days!), intravenous fluids running, an ice pack behind my neck and in my groin, and somebody pouring water all over me. Probably the wrong moment to be thinking this type of thing but I did wonder if George Clooney was going to straddle me at any point soon for a real ER moment! I can't complain though, DJ had had to carry me out of the 4x4 to the ground - and any man that can manage that gets my utmost respect, and I doubt if George would be up to the job.
 
Another bag of fluids, and a ride in a 4x4 over sand dunes lying flat on my back and I'm now recovered. The boys came to visit me at the medical tent, and John was even brave enough to take off my trainers, while Tom sat on my sunglasses.
 
So what now? Well I'm out of the race. I'm hoping all the fluid will bring delivery date forward soon, and tomorrow I might even get to see what Ryan the SA winner looks like - if the 4x4 gets to the camp (60 miles away) before him!! And I've been given a very nice Racing the Planet t-shirt to make up for my sliced one, so every cloud has a silver lining, and thank fully this challenge was funded by me, so I hope that I haven't let anyone other than me down.
 
And after this, well I can only say that this is a massively humbling experience, and will drive me to prepare harder, and better for the next challenge! (Sinead, you better watch out!). I might even join this race next time - AS A VOLUNTEER THAT IS! I feel the need to repay to future runners the great care that I have received here.
 
Henry - great result about your rugby, so very happy that you are becoming a star.
Rhun - falch iawn o glywed bo ti'n helpu yn Pant y Neuadd. Mi fydd o yn help mawr at pan fyddi di yn penderfynnu gwneud y ras yma i ddangos i dy Fam Fedydd sut mae'i gwneud hi'n iawn.
Ilan - falch iawn bo chdi wedi rhoi anrheg mor wych i Mam. Caru chdi loads.
David, Herdip and Amy - fantastic success in Dublin. Excellent. Well done, glad you had fun.
 
To everyone else, thank you soo much for all your fantastic messages, as always. Keep following the updates and cheering on my boys, they are doing brilliantly. I'll update you again before the week is out.
 
Blister count at the end of my Sahara attempt = 12

Comments: Total (20) comments

Posted On: 31 Oct 2008 11:12 am

Hi Elin, What a remarkable story. I'm glad to hear you're ok, and sounding very pragmatic about it. I'm sure it's going to be an experience that you will benefit from hugely, not least if you go back next year as a race nurse. Hats off to you for getting out there and doing it. My (platonic) love to the boys. Niall

Posted On: 31 Oct 2008 09:20 am

Bore da Els. Sud w ti'n teimlo heddiw. Mi gafod y criw hard day ddoe, gobeithio eu bod yn ok. Trwps TC yn dod adre heddiw. Dim news yma, dwi'n mega diog heddiw, tridie o beintio di dal fyny!! Cymer ofal Els a joia ymlacio wir. Caru to loads, Gles xx

Posted On: 31 Oct 2008 01:29 am

Well well miss Davies, beth am stynt i dyny just i gael sylw grwp o doctoriaid americanaidd! Oedd e werth o, oedden nhw neis? Swnion scary iawn! Gobeithio dy fod yn teimlo lot gwell erbyn wan!! Tin amazing tin gwybod, bloody crazy ond amazing, an insperation to us all! Siwr fod o di bod n awful i ti benderfynu enough is enough, ond falch dy fod wedi gwrando i dy gorff or diwedd!!!! Mwynha ag ymlacio ar gweddill y daith i gael dy nerth yn ol, a byddan falch o beth wyt wedi ei gyflawni! Pob lwc i dy ffrindiau allan na. Tin amazing! Hwyl. -xxxxxxx-

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 09:12 pm

Sud w ti'n teimlo erbyn heno Els? Dad a Mam yma. Gobeithio y cei di gyfle i fwynhau a ymlacio cyn hedfan adre. Licio comments Duncan a Karen, be arall o ti'n ddisgwyl. Lot yn holi amdanat yn practis heno ac yn falch iawn drostat. Edrych mlaen i gael sgwrs. Caru ti, Gles x

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 08:54 pm

Hey Els, Good going chook. Beers are on me when we catch up next. d x

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 08:19 pm

Elin, Thank Gawd! Outrun by a camel now that is a conversation starter!!! Get down the bars of Cairo and a few sambucas should shift that load!! Love ya girl, Come & see us very soon for some Shoshi Love. C & B .X.

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 08:03 pm

Jesus Elin- what the hell were you thinking of- exposing the public to your sportsbra!!!!! I hope everyone has recovered from the trauma and that flashbacks dont cause too much of a problem for them all!!! Glad to hear your safe beutiful. You can work on your tan now!!!!! love you and proud of you xxx

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 05:14 pm

You still did far far far better than any of us here could ever have done. Hope you're feeling better now. Glad you're safe woman. Take care and see you soon. Love Phil

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 02:25 pm

Els, mor falch bo ti yn teimlo yn well rwan ac wedi gwneud y penderfyniad i roi'r gore i'r ras. Mae o'n cymryd mwy o gryfder cymeriad i ddod i'r benderfyniad i stopio nag i ddal arni pan allet fod yn achosi loes iti dy hun yn fy marn i. Llongyfarchiadau iti ar gyrraedd mor bell beth bynnag - gwych iawn - ma un peth yn siwr, mi fyddwn i wedi fflagio cyn cychwyn yn y gwres - fel y galli ddychmygu yn hawdd dwi'n siwr! Tria fwynhau gweddill dy arhosiad rwan - dwi yn siwr ei fod yn lle spesial iawn. Yn Llunden hefo gwaith wythnos yr 18fed o Dach, felly gobeithio cael cyfle i dy weld amser hynny. Twdl pip Els a siwrne saff adre. Fflur xxx

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 11:47 am

Wnei di ddim coelio, ond ron i'n falch o glywed dy fod ti wedi rhoi'r gore iddi heddiw!! Ron i'n poeni braidd amdanat ti ac yn dy nabod di'n rhy dda i wbod na faset ti'n mynd heb ffeit!! Wel mae dy gorff di wedi siarad tro ma El a dwi'n falch dy fod ti wedi gwrando. Falle mai'r sialens nesa fydd cadw i fyny efo Ser a fi yn Iwerddon - noson galan.... Meddwl amdanat ti ac yn falch iawn dy fod ti'n iawn beth bynnag. Edrych ymlaen yn arw i glywed gen ti i neud yn siwr nad wt ti ddim gwaeth! Hwyl a chariad mawr, Rhian ( A Rhun sydd yn y mart efo'i ewythr !)

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 11:04 am

Elin, we hope you are alright now and we hope you get better soon. Love Rupert XX Elin you are a Nutter! Love and a big Hug Henry XX We are all so very proud of you and think that you have achieved so much, you are an inspiration to us all. Please look after your self and try to behave!!!! (-; Loads of Love XXXX

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 10:24 am

Sorry to hear that this challenge was one too far cariad. Gobeithio ti yn mynd i teimlo a lot weallt fuan. I admit i felt very worried about this challenge & this has been confirmed-i'm chuffed yr safe & sound & getting some good medical care, which you have given to others throughout the years. Pob lwc, cadw safe x

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 09:27 am

Well woman - you don't do anything by halves do you!!!??? Am so relieved you are ok..... Enjoy the rest of it - (if you can) and looking forward to catching up properly when you are home!!! You really are amazing - the welsh dragon has nothing on you!! xx

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 09:26 am

Elin, So pleased to hear you're safe and in good hands! It sounds like you pushed it to the absolute limit and gave it an almighty shot so don't go beating yourself up too much! Enjoy the rest of your time there and take time to recover. Amy_lou X

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 09:19 am

Thank God you are safe and well! You need to put your sensible hat on now and look after yourself. You have achieved so much so dont beat yourself up. We are all very relieved here! Big hug and lots of love, Nx

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 09:08 am

Hey brave lady - well done for giving it a go, you've achieved more than most of us ever will! And getting attention from a US medic, great shades of ABSAR Jonathan you lucky girl!! Can't wait to hear what's next too? Let's catch up soon? R xx

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 08:43 am

Meddwl amdanat Hafws. Gobeithio nad wyt yn sal. Paid bod yn siomedig, ti wedi trio dy ore. L u L Dad a Mam xx

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 08:33 am

Els, dwi'n dy edmygu 100%. Rwyt ti wedi cyflawni lot yn cyrraedd yne a neud y dyddie cynta, ti wedi neud y penderfyniad iawn er lles ti dy hun. Fydd neb yn beirniadu am hynny. Chin up sis, mae ne lot o sialens arall fydd yn dy siwtio di yn well. Paid a deud wrth Dad a Mam eto!!! Meddwl amdanat. Caru ti xxx

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 08:02 am

Some girls will do anything for a bit of attention!! I'm sorry for you that it had to stop but I'm sure everyone who knows you is just in awe at what you achieved before that and will know that you would never do so easily. On to the next challenge then.

Posted On: 30 Oct 2008 07:40 am

Falch bo ti'n iawn Elin, sori bo ti wedi mynd yn sal a methu cario mlaen. Wyt ti wedi neud yn andros o dda. Mae Sar a fi yn meddwl dy fod yn gret. Edrych mlaen i dy gael adre yn Bala. Sws fawr gan Ilan, Sara, Dad a Mam xxxx

29 October 2008 09:39 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well, as you'll see from update, I didn't complete today. GUTTED. My belly started growing at a rapid rate, and I didn't even manage to eat my complan this morning as it just wouldn't go down. I tried some pop tarts instead, but 200 kcals is just not enough to give you the boost you need to head off to the sun set. I didn't even manage my chicken korma last night - which was on of my favorite on the Atlantic.
 
So just before check point 2 I started feeling awful. Burping, then retching then vomiting. The race is very well organised, with pink flags every 50m, two medics at each check point and a 4x4s driving up and down the course all the time. The course was soo flat today that there was no rocks at all to even give you a bit of shade, nothing to see for miles around. On my first stop, Sam (one of the race organisers, who is absolutely lovely) drove passed and stopped to see how  I was getting on. She had Colin in the truck, one of the runners who had to stop as well. I noticed his walking poles to ask if I could borrow them. They gave me a big boost, but sadly it didn't last long and soon I started feeling dizzy. Dr Suzie stopped with me next time when I was down, and sitting in the shade shivering, with spasms in belly, I decided I couldn't go on.
 
It was the worst and best decision I ever made, but as I sat in the truck to head back to camp it felt awful. We picked up 2 other runners with injured knees on the way. Then we got stuck in the sand and needed the help of another 4X4 to get us going again.
 
Back in my tent I felt even worst. There's some really inspirational people here. Like Robbie in our tent, who's running in memory of his brother Nick, who died of cancer last year aged 31. There's also a blind Korean runner, accompanied by a guide each step of the way. And a 73 year old. I can only dream of taking something like this on at that age.
 
So now I'm trying to analyse my decision to give up. Why here but not in the Atlantic? So far I've come up with the following. 1) It's a completely different environment. Three days here without washing here makes me feel much more revolting than I ever did there. Oh to have one of those waves wash over me right now. 2) I assumed the same food approach would work here, but even my haribos is making me gag here. I didn't prepare well enough. 3) There was never anyone driving past in the Atlantic every couple of miles asking how we were getting on, and  offering a ride. 4) Or maybe I just found my limit?! 
 
So now the race medics have given me some drugs, and the spasms have stopped. Nick in our tent gave me a cuppa soup, and the saltiness of it tasted amazing. I just really really hope I go to the toilet soo.
 
So now all I have to do is decide what to do tomorrow. I'm out of the race rankings obviously, but I don't want to give up just like that completely, so all being well I can plod on tomorrow. Other wise it really would be like falling at the first hurdle. I'll sleep on my decision.
 
AS ALWAYS A MASSIVE THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR AMAZING MESSAGES. They mean to much.
 
Blister count today = 10

Comments: Total (13) comments

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 11:16 pm

Oh Elin druan, mae'n swnio fel dy fod yn mynd trwy uffern allan na. Paid poeni bo tim di cwbwlhau ddoe, nes di rhoi dy orau a tim yn medru neud mwy na hyny! Dwi mor falch dy fod ti di stopio pan ddari chdi, cuz ar ol ddarllen y blog mae'n swnion fel dy fod yn fit to drop! Falch fod yr 1st aid yn dda yno hefyd!Gobeithio y fydde chdi'n teimlon well yn fuan! Drycha ar ol dy hun missi, a pob lwc os ti am fentro eto, (fel dwin siwr y wneu di), ond cofia fod ddim rhaid i ti brofi ddim byd i neb!!!! Swsis mawr gan pawb yma, a pob lwc chuck. -xxxx-

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 09:05 pm

Well Done for what you've done so far, and as one other comment said- dont try to over analyse!! Does this mean we get to see you sooner- hope so!! Glad to hear the medical care has been so spot on, it sounds like you stopped just in time before it got too serious. You've done amazingly and we're really proud of you. xxxx

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 08:09 pm

Hey!!! I am glad you stopped on time! when I look at your 9 whatever hours it's huge already!! (and not on a carpet) don't think to much just enjoy! I am sure you will soon come up with a new challenge, I am so proud of you and look forward to have a drink with you ...and to have you back on the running carpet! see you soon!

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 07:17 pm

Iste o flaen tan yma yn Parc sydd yn ddiawledig o oer ar hyn o bryd yn shatyrd ar ol trip i Pwllheli am y dydd!! Teimlo reit euog ar ol darllen by blog am mod i'n gymaint o wimp!! Ti di llwyddo i neud 2 stage sydd yn ffantastig!! Meddylia mewn difri calon wt ti di llwyddo i neud rhywbeth nad ydi 99.999999 ...o'r boblogaeth wedi llwyddo na thrio i neud! Den ni gyd yn llawn edmygedd o dy ddewrder di - defnyddia'r dewder fory wrth benderfynu be i neud nesa! Meddwl amdanat ti, Rhian O.N. Ma'r coach o Gwalia yn deud dy fod ti wedi gneud digon ac fod isho i ti stopio rwan. Rwyt ti wedi cyflawni tipyn o gamp yn y ddau ddiwrnod dwytha ma. RhunXX

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 07:09 pm

Hey Hafws, just read yr blog & i must admit to thinking you were a complete nutter when i met you 12 years ago!!! Now my suspicions have been confirmed! I only wish i had yr drive, enthusiasm & courage to tackle half the things you have achieved-don't you remember how we both whinged about the great north all those years ago & how we vowed never to run that far again-well i have kept up that vow but as for you, well i told you that you never listen to us blokes ha ha!!! Hope yr problems fade away a little so that you may do some more-if not, well sod it & get yr sorry backside back to the plas coch for a well deserved pint-i'll even invite Bob George if yr lucky ;-) Pob lwc a cymer ofal-trio eto blwyddyn nesa

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 01:50 pm

Dont be so hard on yourself you have done brilliantly and we`re all very proud of you. It`s much braver to know when to stop than to foolishly carry on. You look after yourself and dont over analyse, lots of love Nxx

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 01:03 pm

Elin, you should have seen me walking yesterday! - and that was after just one marathon! - you are doing something most of us couldn't even imagine - so take the positives out of yesterday - you made the right and safe decision - knowing your strength and determination you will be out there on the next stage if you can - you can go on and accomplish what you can out there knowing you have experts and support and inspiration around you - and all of us back here wishing you all the best!!!! With a different hat on - you've taken this weight loss in the desert thing to the extreme! - there's no need to spew all your food as well as run it off! :-)

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 12:05 pm

Els bach, gobeithio bo ti'n teimlo'n well bore ma. Ges di ddiawl o ddiwrnod ddoe. Mae'n swnio'n boenus iawn. Wyt ti yn neud yn gret Els. Mae'n amlwg fod yr atmosphere yn wahanol yne. Dim news o pen yma. Dalia ati sis os ti'n teimlo'n well. Dwi'n dy edmygu. Cariad mawr, Gles x

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 11:54 am

Keep going girl! You are doing fabulously - it's far more than the rest of us could ever dream of achieving! Enjoy & see you soon Love Vanessa XX

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 11:54 am

only ten blisters, your not running hard enough, hope you running in your thermals, got to give you some stick as i`m sure going to get some from you, look after yourself lovely, keep your chin up, no not that one. he he he. see you on return to add some salt to your wounds. Xxx

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 10:49 am

Thought i'd better leave a comment in English as there's far too much Welsh going on in your messages! Don't beat yourself up for not completing your latest stage - the sheer fact that you're out there in the first place is a feat in itself. After the Atlantic, i'm sure you'll have the mental reserves to push on once feeling better. If it's any consolation, we're getting snow over here so stop moaning! Looking forward to catching up on your return and hearing all about it. Good luck with the rest of the race and make sure you ENJOY it. xx. PS will you now stop berating me for not leaving you a message on the Atlantic ?

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 10:49 am

Hey brave lady, you're obviously a water baby rather than a desert bod at the moment. Well done on making the right decision and just remember - none of us would even attempt this one. But the lakes idea is growing now...!

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 09:56 am

Am glad to read your blog update - was beginning to worry!!!! Am glad you made the decision to get some drugs and take time out of the race to recover - but can only imagine for you what a horrible decision that was... I think you should see it that your body is just craving 16 degrees water rather than 40 degrees sand!!!! Perhaps you are more fish than lizard! Bug hugs, don't be too hard on yourself.... Sinead x x x

28 October 2008 07:57 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well today has been one big struggle!
 
I started the  day w ith hot lumpy complan, not good! But was feeling strong when I saw the firat check point! I then realised that I had hardly drank any of my water, so tried to gulp 750 ml to 1000ml in one go! BAD MOVE! Those of you that remember the explanation of what happens when you eat freeze dried food during my Atlantic days  will know that it sits in the stomach for a very long time! That with that much water sloshing around is not good! I had a stitch from hell every time I tried to move. It was agony. The good thing about it I guess is that it stopped me focussing on the pain in my feet. I duck taped my gaiters on  today, and they worked a treat until the last 6 miles.
 
We travelled through the white desert today, and the animal kingdom - I saw a lizzard too! Tomorrow is apparently longer with much harder terrain. Doh!
 
I was going to use the excuse that 6 months to recover and train for this was not enough. But the boys are steaming ahead, so that put a stop to that  excuse. I'm so proud of them. But with John coming in 7th and me coming in around 7th from the end I really don't know where he got the idea that we could have done this as a team! If only ;-)
 
So I'm off for some sleep now, in the hope that the baby rapidly growing in my belly will have given birth by tomorrow morning - to share the day with my sister's birthday ! PEN BLWYDD HAPUS GLES! Happy birthday for  today Sinead. Amy and Herdip, how did you get on in Dublin?
 
Blister count today = 5

Comments: Total (11) comments

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 08:46 am

Hi Elin, you crazy woman. Doing fantastic, can't wait to hear your stories. Well I did not run the marathon, but I went to legoland instead!! xx Keep up the good work.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2008 11:09 pm

Diolch ti am dy gyfarch ar cerdyn Els, ynd yn hen wan!!! Dim yn siwr os ti'n derbyn E Mail. Gobeithio dy fod yn ok ar ol heddiw, ges di ddiwrnod caled? Pob lwc am y dyddie nesa ma sis. U can do it. Caru ti xxxxx

Posted On: 28 Oct 2008 09:52 pm

Keep going girl...or in Welsh idew giettthh dllddlddllll ddiiwyyy ghgh orrfd (or something like that!) Hugs d

Posted On: 28 Oct 2008 09:41 pm

Hey chick! Well one marathon on firm terrain yesterday was enough for me . . . . not this crazy sand you're in. I bet the scenery is a whole lot better there though! Hope the boys have a hot bubble bath (well the sahara equivalent!) ready when you get in! Grit those teeth together girl! p.s. I was 4hr 7min (those two minutes matter!). Pleased with that.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2008 08:19 pm

Helo Elin. Sud mae'n mynd yn y Sahara? Ti'n neud yn dda iawn, Mae'n oer yma a mae wedi bod yn bwrw eira heddiw. Pob lwc iti dros y diwrnodau nesa. Mam wedi cael DVD player gen Dad, Sar a fi ar ei phen blwydd heddiw. Cariad mawr, Ilan x

Posted On: 28 Oct 2008 07:15 pm

Elin, Hey, fantastic effort so far. Dublin was super fun - lovely weather, I managed to get in under 4 hours. Hi Elin that was David, I did 4hrs 12mins, my ankles are prettyy painful and i couldn't stopp throwing up all day, not good. Amy did really well, 4hrs 9mins, weather was cool. How are you holding up? Keep it up girl, nearly there.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2008 06:14 pm

Da iawn Elin!! Dwi'n caru darllen am y 'mad cap' events! Bob tro rwyt ti'n neud me teimlo fod gen i ddim byd i complainio amdanno.. ond mae gwaith yn warthus a dwi newydd dod nol or ynys mon a dwi moen mynd nol.. Cadw fynu'r gwaith anhygwyl rwyti'n neud i charity, paid meddwl am yr blisters chwaith. Dwi'n flin os mae fy Ngymraeg sgwenni yn warthus :> xxxxxxx

Posted On: 28 Oct 2008 01:21 pm

You are doing brilliantly Elin!!!!!! Keep it going, loving the blogs. Send Tom a big hug from me. Good luck you are doing so well!!! I am tired just sitting at my desk! amazing syuff

Posted On: 28 Oct 2008 11:45 am

eh salut ! I am very very impress!!! keep running Madame...It's just that I am not sure will do that with you one day gros bisou

Posted On: 28 Oct 2008 10:59 am

Mor falch o fy mam fedydd. Dwi wedi bod yn rhedeg rownd defed efo Arwel ddoe a heddiw a mae rhedeg ar y caeau glyb yn Parc ddigon drwg heb son am orfod rhedeg trwy dywod!! Gobeithio y bydd pob dim yn mynd yn iawn i ti a fod y trening gest ti rownd Llyn Tegid wedi bod o werth! Hwyl, Rhun a Rhian xxx

Posted On: 28 Oct 2008 10:16 am

Hey you! You are amazing! You sound very upbeat despite the impending birth of Korma!!! Hope you get a good nights rest and so proud of you!!!!!! :)

27 October 2008 05:17 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well here we are!
 
It's already been one big adventure and we're only at the end of day one!
 
Landed in Cairo without my bag as BA in T5 kindly thought that they would keep hold of it! Sharing a family room with two boys with no luggage is an interesting experience, but nothing compared to the trauma of starting the race without ANY of my own kit! Luckily the boys were very supportive and Tom instantly cut the lining of his shorts out for me to have something to wear to run in, and John got out the duck tape for the upper half!!!!! Hmmm! Even out here duck tape makes an appearance, but boys really just don't have a clue do they, bless!
 
Thankfully my bag landed at  6am the morning of scruteneering, which went smoothly. My bag weighed in at 8kg, which I'm happy enough with. Due to all the trimming and tooth brush snapping the boys bags weighed in at just over 7kg.
 
An 8 hour bus drive, followed by a very uncomfortable night in a tent and it was time for the race to start!

The good news is that is that I was within 25 meters of the boys at the starting line!  Within 25 minutes of them at the  first checkpoint (roughly!)  and within 25 miles of them when they finished! Not really within the team race rules, but that was never going to happen really now was it (reality check and all that!!)
 
The bad news is that running in sand is a nightmare! My gaiters on my left foot packed in after 6 miles which means I've been carrrying about an extra couple of KGs with me in weight! It's very hot, the terrain difficult, and carrying a back pack is a nightmare, but the Sahara desert is stunning. The rock formation is amazing. In many ways they remind me of Atlantic waves ... but these take forever to get closer to me.
 
The biggest thrill on arrival in camp was washing my feet in a shower cap! Aldo - you're a star!
So tonight I'm looking forward to a freeze dried meal of chicken korma (lumpy complan for breakfast really do it for me!), and hopefully I'm so exhausted that I'll have  a great nights sleep tonight ready to do it all again tomorrow.
 
If you want to e-mail me, apparently there's a link on the webiste 'email competitor', just write my name and race number (35)
 
Blister count for today = 2!
 
Over and out  

Comments: Total (0) comments

21 October 2008 09:09 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

What seemed like a good idea 5 months ago, really doesn't appeal any more.

I'm panicking!

We fly out on Thursday, and I still don't have all my kit together, or a hotel to stay in in Cairo  (sorry boys, I will get it organised, honest!).

My lack of training and preperation is starting to show already, and I'm not even on the starting line yet. I did a 5 mile run last week, and I've been in pain ever since. I like to think it was the Loch Ness marathon the previous week that's to be blamed, more than the 5 miles per se! But ...

Anyway, no point in dwelling on the negatives. How else could I ever get the opportunity to be within 25 m of two dashingly handsome 30 year old men for 7 days solidly?!?! Let alone snuggle up between them on those cold Sahara nights. That has to be something worth sweating for ... no?!? Tom and John, you better be worth it!  

Comments: Total (22) comments

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 09:42 pm

Elin, it's just like having a baby, stomach cramps, sweaty and feels like you need a big poo!!! We were thinking of you throughout our get together on Monday, Have emailed some pics. 6 Adults 7 children it was kinda crazy round here. Get home safe regardless of what day it is, sooner the better, Lots of love, C.x.

Posted On: 29 Oct 2008 08:20 am

Hi Elin, you`re doing really well, we`re all really proud of you here. Not envying the blisters! I bet Loch Ness seems like a dream run now. Take care and hope those boys are looking after you LOL Niamhx

Posted On: 27 Oct 2008 04:07 pm

Meddwl amdanat ti yn y gwresa ninne yn cael cawodydd o law - eto. Braf arnat ti!!(Not!!). Gweld dy fod ti wedi cael hwyl ar stage 1 - ymlaen am y nesa rwan. Gobeithio nad oes gen ti ormod o flistars ac nad ydi'r coese wedi chwyddo gormod! Braf ofnadwy gweld baner Cymru ar y rhestr rhedwyr - rhoi Cymru fach ar y map unwaith eto!! hwyl fawr - edrych ymlaen i glywed yr hanes, Rhian a Rhun xxx

Posted On: 27 Oct 2008 01:33 pm

It makes me breathless just thinking about hiking in all that sand, I'm worn out just walking the dog along our beach!!! Keep up the hard work, you crazy girl. lol from down under xxx

Posted On: 27 Oct 2008 01:12 pm

Salut Elin, Accroches toi!!! un peu de Francais pour te changer les idees!!! J'espere que tu vas bien, tu as l'air en bonne compagnie (you seems to have nice men with you) sorry I know it's not the right time to speak to you in french!! I think about you and I will follow you, I will do my bit on the running carpet for you this week! A demain Bisou I am sure you will do great. Pl

Posted On: 27 Oct 2008 08:06 am

Red dragon in the White Desert.

Posted On: 27 Oct 2008 07:53 am

Good to see you taking my advice! Enjoy all of it especially when it hurts. I know you'll make it happen through sheer determination which you have in spades. X

Posted On: 26 Oct 2008 10:34 pm

Woop woop good work the welsh lady and her two sidekicks - looks from the results you did a good job today!!! i'm very impressed - will check on tomorrow. hope you sleep well tonight, give cecil and tommy my love - chin up, snuggle into tom he'll love it!! xxxxxx

Posted On: 26 Oct 2008 07:37 pm

Hia Elin. Congrats ar gorffen dy marathon no.1 mewn amser respectable drost ben. Gobeithio dy fod yn iawn hefo'r gwres! 1 down 6 to go,fel ma nhw'n dweud! Siwr dy fod yn hollol nackered ar ol rhedeg marathon yn y tywod! Fydd gyn ti andros o muscles ar dy goesau ar ol yr wythnos yma. Pob lwc i ti am y dyddiau nesaf. Mi fyddain cadw golwg ar dy campau. Go girl, dangosa iddyn nhw be mae eneth Gymraeg yn medru ei wenud. Ogi ogi ogi! Swsis mawr gan y teulu i gud -x-

Posted On: 26 Oct 2008 06:44 pm

1 down how many left to go?? We have been thinking about you all day. Henry's note to you- I scored 7 tries in a Rugby festival today and we got to the semi finals. Keep going Elin Love and big hug Henry X He played like a real star! Rupes just got really muddy bless him! Anyway you keep strong. Take Care Lucy and the gangXXX

Posted On: 26 Oct 2008 05:50 pm

Haia Els, gobeithio fod dy ddiwrnod cynta wedi mynd yn ok. Sud deimlad dio rhedeg ar y tywod. Gobeithio'r gore iti y dyddie nesa ma. Meddwl amdanat. x Plant yn anfon clamp o sws xx

Posted On: 26 Oct 2008 05:11 pm

Hope the first day went OK and the Complan is doing its job!! Really hope you found a hotel b4 u arrived in Cairo!!!! How is the toilet situation and how bad is the sunburn? Duncan loves his card- better late than never. Good Luck!!!!!!!!!!! K and Dxxxxxxxx

Posted On: 26 Oct 2008 11:34 am

Hi Elin, Good luck with all that hard slog and I hope the boys are worth it at the end of each day! Thank you again for doing the things I just can't right now. I'm there with you in spirit. Watch out when I get my feet and knees sorted out though. Big love and hugs Lin (Barbara Ivy) xxxxx

Posted On: 26 Oct 2008 11:01 am

Wow Elin - you really are amazing!! Good luck matie. We will be watching your progress. All the best Shell & Tim XX

Posted On: 25 Oct 2008 10:49 am

Well at least your luggage is now in cairo I understand! All the very best of luck and enjoy every cold and snuggley moment!!! LOL! And when you are hot just think about jumping in the channel! Seriously though - take care - will be following things closely! x x Go Girl!

Posted On: 23 Oct 2008 06:52 pm

You are such an inspiration, although not enough to make me do it!!!!! I feel like I have just run a marathon, 36 hours of traveling across the world with a 4 month old is not my idea of fun especially when I spent the flight from Singapore to Heathrow vomiting!!!! Go girl. Abs, Immy and Col

Posted On: 23 Oct 2008 07:26 am

I don't know how you do it, I also think you are quite mad! Go for it! Love from Sniffer X

Posted On: 23 Oct 2008 06:38 am

As ever we think you are incredible if a tadd mad!! We will be watching your progress, thinking of you and cheering you on all the way. We all love you loads Lucy, Ian, Henry and Rupert XXX

Posted On: 22 Oct 2008 08:47 pm

Go go Sis, I know you can do it. Love you loads x

Posted On: 22 Oct 2008 01:22 pm

Never mind finding an hotel. Your first task is to correct your nationality per the organiser's records. Should be Welsh residing in UK.... much like Rob James has Welsh residing in Hong Kong.

Posted On: 22 Oct 2008 01:01 pm

OK let\'s add some nonsense Do you know why you\'ll never starve to death in the desert? Because of the \"sand which is\" there! It\'s bad but there\'s worse

Posted On: 22 Oct 2008 12:14 pm

you rock! crazy girl, I'll contact the BBC and point them out to you as you could be their next TV reallity master piece 'the last woman standing'! cf http://www.bbc.co.uk/lastmanstanding/ Best wishes! NB look after the 73 yo who is running as well!