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Brian Jones

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Namib Race (2009) blog posts from Brian Jones

30 October 2009 04:48 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Ok today is the big day for the race my heart goes out to all who are moving on. I can understant the pain and misery. hope you all finsh soon. It is an incredible accomplishment to finsh this race, to those who run they are amazing, but just as amazing is those who walk it. 15 hours in the sun and on your feet all day with less rest is just as hard if not harder. My condolences to some who did not finsh as well. I have spoke to some here at hotel and some have dedicated years or traning to this this race only to get sick or hurt. Some as well have devoted there entire life savings to get here. So its hard for me to feel sorry for myself when I look at the sacrifice some of these people made. It just blows me away. I will take some solice that i did about 3 marathons in three days in the sahara deset at 50 degree each day sick as a dog. i left eveything there, blood, sweat, tears, toenails, bodily fluids and about 20 lbs. I felt without being ill i could have completed it, but that is no guarentee either.  I also would not rule out a second date/rematch with the sahara at some point down the road, maybe i can recruit some teamates. So congrats to all who participated.
Today I went and did some visting in Cairo, pyramids and did some shopping, and yes forest and River I did find some magical treasure. Can't wait to show you it.:). tonight will just take it easy, looking foreward to seeing my tentmates. i am so proud of them all .
other then that today i spend a lot of time saying no to people asking me for money, except these two cute little girls one was like 4 and carrying her baby sister who was no more then one, they were so dirty and hungy, they just kept following me, till I couldnt take it any more. They reminded me so much of my girls .  So I Stopped at a little grocery, told the four year old to get what she wanted. she went to get candy, but i pointed to the milk and bread and other stuff, I loaded her up with as much as she could carry. 20 dolllars here buys a lot of food. So she went home, and came back twice. the third time her mother i am guessing came with her. Shook my hand said some religeous thing and i was off. Made them feel good and me as well. glad i could be like santa Claus at least for one person or family. I aslo gave then my spare Canada patch, the little girl was very intereested in that, so I gave it to her. So I think I made a few friends :).   I then though just had to get into a cab. There was just to many people like that.

chat tommorrow
love Brian
 

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 31 Oct 2009 02:53 am

Jonesy, man, you're an inspiration to everyone following this. I can't imagine the pain you went through trying to get through that race - and like you said - 3 marathons, in 3 days, 50c heat - yikes, wow. The real kicker though is loading those little girls up with food. Hope you're feeling better now, and have had a chance to relax and enjoy a COLD one. Rams.

Posted On: 31 Oct 2009 12:22 am

Brian, you are a true inspiration for all of your friends and family and your girls will be so proud to talk about what their dad has done. Keep up the great effort and can't wait to read more about your journey. Take care, Holly

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 07:34 pm

Brian - I can only begin to imagine your disappointment in not being able to complete the race. You are one of the most focused and competitive individuals I know. However, you have yet another experience no one else can ever imagine doing. So enjoy the rest of your time there and the new friends it appears you've made. Cheers mate..JT

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 03:54 pm

Your generosity is amazing… You certainly are an inspiration to others. I am so very proud of you. You may not have won this race but you certainly deserve an award for everything that you have done. Be proud of your accomplishments and look forward to your next adventure! Get home safely and enjoy your reunion with your teammates! Take good care!!

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 02:49 pm

Brian you make me so proud, I always knew you had a big heart and this just brings tears to my eyes that you can help someone in need and fill their stomachs for awhile. Hope you are feeling better. Come home safe, we love you.

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 02:24 pm

We are so proud of you! It seems like it is truly a humbling experience! You have such a big heart and I am sure that that family you helped today will remember you forever!

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 02:18 pm

You have such a big heart! Mother Tereas said we cannot do great things; we can only do small things with great love. Enjoy that mother's blessing and come home safe to your own little girls. Love you.

29 October 2009 10:02 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi everyone well yesterday after long day of watching race, it was like 40 degrees in the shade, so got a chance in the evening to drive back to Cairo. I left the camp around 11 pm and drove through the desert for about an hour, the driver didnt speak english but i guess he knew where he was going. Finanlly we arrived at a dirt rode where we met a van, a police car and a few strangers in the middle of knowhere. Seemed like something right out of this world. The police officer asked me a bunch of questions in arabic, kept telling him I am canadian and my name. He kept saying sport sport etc. I kept saying running, rugby, hockey. It was a weak exercise. finally he and the driver of the van talked for a bit, the driver spoke some english. I guess he wanted my passport, it was at hotel.They then asked me to right down my name, addresss, and what i did for work ? They then asked if I had a pretty american wife, I said i was canadian, but apparently there is no canadian womone to them only american women. The good news is they finally let us go. We proceed to do the 8 hours drive through the desert  on dirts roads, no signs or no lights, with the driver chain smoking and the mosque music cranked. Wow i am fully immersed now. we stopped every hour and a half so i could buy him a tea at some seedy bar or caffe. We were quite popular at any spot we stopped. Not to many guys that look like me show up  there i suspect. definately a lot more chatter in these places when we get there but i dont know what they are saying :). Also had four checks with the touriste police. They always want you to take there picture, so they can ask you for money, so here is a tip dont take there picture.  Well after 7-8 hours got to cairo, got some sleep, just waking up, but good news is i have not been sick today, so thats a positive. tommorrow off in search of treasure for kids, and a couple of sentimental stops at Movenpeck Hotel for a swim, and Pizza hut in Giza for a pizza. Also got some news, Go loyalist, Its caladonania cup weekend, wish i could be there, or even better play in the maritime rugby final, but I am here. good luck boys, i am sure you will do well.

As well remember Oscars for Autism November 14th
update tommorrow love Brian

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 01:29 am

Take care, Brian, and get yourself safely home. Guess what? The provincial government is selling NBPower. To Quebec. How's that grab you? Just something different to think about. Better come home soon. You've actually scared Fred. His old Boston Marathon can't compare!

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 09:58 pm

Hi Brian!! Greatto hearthat you are feeling a lot better. Enjoy reaeding your daily blogs...Today's sounded like quite the adventure, and I am sure you will have a few more before you return back to Canada. Good luck and take care, looking forward to hearing more of your adventures...hope you get a cold drink to have with your pizza :) Cheers Flo

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 06:41 pm

Wow! I just cannot believe everything you've been through over the past few days! I'm so proud and excited to hear all about it! I'm also excited that you're feeling better...that pizza is going to taste sooooooooo goood!!! You're a brave man, Bri... no question! Enjoy yourself and have fun shopping for the girls! Take good care!!!

28 October 2009 02:15 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi everyone, today is day 5 in Egypt. A litttle different today, watched the race start at 8 and hung around camp this morning. Then drove around with the doctors as they visted the check points, nice to observe instead of being the patient :). Got back around lunch to hit tent and get out of sun. Its 38 in the shade, 50 in the sun, so its not cool either way. Spent some time cleaning up the toes. Looks like i will loose all 10 toenails, two I had taken off yesteerday, so walking isnt a real treat. Still nauceous, but doctor things with antibiotica and staying out of heat with definately help. ok lessons leaned. one get here a week in advance to get use to heat. walk first, then gradually work up to run. get the right type of electrolytes, this did me in. my electtolytes were all messed up. get good gaiters, they keep sand out of your shoes, sand is not good for the feet and toes. pack less , my pack was 30 pounds, most were under 20 . bring suger, when you crash you need sugar. potato chips, pop, anything that will give you a quick shot. thanks for all the emails and support. check in tommorrow. I also got to see today stage
 winner. the top 20 or so people are machines to operate and run in this heat, its just blows me away now that i have been here scene it and lived it.
 

Comments: Total (4) comments

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 01:38 am

Glad to hear that you are feeling better, I was thinking since I am in the cosmetic industry I could probably you up a good set of toenails until yours grow in HA!HA.!.A chuckle for the day. Enjoy your adventures and take care Flo

Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 12:16 am

Hey, Forest is excited that you have more time to find her and River treasures! Saw some awesome pictures of you on the site. Are those your feet they posted pictures of? Love Raena.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 09:36 pm

glad you are feeling better,don't push yourself . will be glad when you get home.We love you. Mom

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 09:29 pm

Glad your feeling a bit better! Can't wait to buy you that cold beverage!

27 October 2009 02:40 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

hi everyone day 3 42.5 kms, temperature approx. 50 degrees. Today started ok, but again ran into more nausea and vomiting, so that really zapped my strength and progress. I pushed on as long as I could, but today they imposed cut off dates. Unfortunately I had hopiing to make cut off, but the med staff stopped me to remove a couple of my toe nails, and drilled 3 others to drain them. So the doctor basically said your too sick to continue and if you were not too sick then you feet are too bad to go on. I must say its terrible disappointing, but playing sports all my life I know getting sick or hurt are part of the game. This is the worst place in the world to have intestinal problems, because you need all the water you can get.  So I will turn from competitor to cheerleader for  the rest of my tent mates and help them like they helped me. Pat for Ireland, Keir from Australia , Raymond from China, and the three ladies, Annabel, Sissel and Lucy all from the UK.. Doctor has put me on antibiotics and bed/tent rest for a couple of days. hope to participate in final stage. good news is as well I can start to take some pictures and focus on getting healthy. It is beautiful, but unbelievable hot. Today actually saw my first oasis, which was really cool. its hard to imagine a spring and trees out here. Also will give me some time to find some treasure for Forest and River. Will also hopefully have more energy to blog in the next couple of days on things I was too sick / tired to write about.
 
So i dream about anything cold, today i just wished i had a cold can of coke. Even water here is warm. No escape from heat, but bearable in the tents. also a chance to reming everyone about oscars  for aurtism, nov 14.

Comments: Total (14) comments

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 06:30 pm

Hey Jonsey! Jennings is right on 2 things: you are one crazy $%^#!!! and yes, he'd toss his cookies just getting out of the bus! Sounds like one incredible journey, and lots more still to see and do. Not many kids can say their dad climbed a mountain as a prelude travelling to the north pole and crossing a dessert. Come back safe old boy, look forward to some pics, stories, and a few cold ones. --myles

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 05:01 pm

You one crazy son-of-a- %&#$@ jonesy. well done and great effort. I would'nt have made it from the car to the hotel in that heat which tossingmy cookies. take care, get home safe, and we'll see you once get back. great job!

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 04:52 pm

Great job jonesy nothing to be ashamed of. You always have been one of a kind Steve talks you up often. You're a great man supporting a great cause. Keep your chin up and get healthy.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 04:31 pm

I love ya man ! You are an inspiration to a lot of us. You have done way more already then most people would even dream of and you should be gleaming with pride. Get well and I'll keep the beer cold. Stay safe please ! SDB

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 02:29 pm

Brian, WOW ! What an amazing experience ! Sending you lots of healing vibes ! Can you look for rubies for me too ! :- ) Blessings, Jennea

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 11:50 am

Hi Bri, Frig I'm so sorry you got so sick. I know how hard you trained and how much this meant to you. I can't imagine how disappointed you are. We love you and miss you very much you are our hero and the girls are very proud to have you as their daddy. Love Raena, Forest and River

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 10:15 am

Well done Brian. Wish I was there cheering you on! It's an inspiration that you still want to finish the race! We'll have a case of coke waiting for you when you return!!!

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 02:41 am

Hey Brian! You have done a fantastic job! Glad that your alright and to do what you've done is amazing, take time to heal and enjoy the dunes etc.., We're all proud of you! Way to go! We'll have a cold can of coke waiting for you at the next meeting!! Cheers, Flo

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 01:19 am

Still cheering for you and super proud of all your accomplishments!!! Get well soon and back on your feet for the night of the 14th!! :) Mel

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 12:49 am

Brian - We've been watching your progress and are so proud of you. You are a very brave man and now we just want you to come home. Take care of yourself, mister, and do what the doctor tells you. You are a good man, Brian Jones and we love you.

Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 12:05 am

Hey Bri - we are SO proud of you, you have no idea! I am so glad you are semi-ok! I hope you can enjoy the rest of your time there - the pictures look absolutely beautiful!! Everyone is pumped for you! We miss you! Christy

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 11:29 pm

Wow!! As your mom and Neil said, we couldn't be anymore proud of how far you've come and are happy that you are receiving the medical attention you need. It takes a special person to go to the extreme in order to raise money for such great causes and we all appreciate what you are doing for the community. Get home safe and we look forward to hearing all about your adventure in the desert!!! Take good care of yourself!!

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 11:13 pm

We are so proud of you,but am so glad they stopped you and got you on antibotics. You did yourself proud and Fredericton, You take care of yourself and can't wait until you get home,we love you. Mom

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 10:00 pm

God bless you man! Your one tough guy who has a heart of gold! I am so thankful that your alright and am sorry for your sickness. I know you could have done it if it were not for the "bug" that's been going around your camp. Seems to be on everyone's blog. Please get well soon! I can't imagine how hard the race was/is for you. You had a great cheering section from Fredericton wishing you all the best in the race and I know everyone of them is still cheering and proud of all you do to raise monies and awareness for the charities you find room in your heart for. Your bud Neil

26 October 2009 02:43 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi guys sorry about short note yesterday I was incredibly ill. After I left was sick for a couple of hours, just uncontrollably vomiting< then the diarrhea. By nine I was in medical tent with chills and all that fun. They gave me a bunch of drugs as well. so no sleep really last night. Today's stage was 45 kms, with the high of the day of 48 , that's right 48. I was sick twice today, and still had some diarrhea. I really suffered for most of the day, in fact breaking down and just sobbing for like ten minutes, in the afternoon heat. I remember telling my girls forest and river, I would try as hard as I could, and I really was starting to cry thinking I could still go, but wanted to stop, being so sick, tired and hot. I just lost control once home by Michael Bublea came on my Ipod. So girls, made it through to go another day if I get medical clearance. I love you so much and miss you sooooo much. daddy is trying as hard as he can, and is still looking for buried treasure, especially ruby's and emeralds.  today the last 5 kms was up and down rolling sand duns in the dark. check points are about every 10 kms, I live for check points, where they give you a new 1.5 liter bottle and shade, you cant imagine how hot it is without shade. so 45 km is a new personal high. being in 48 degree heat I think is new to me as well. time was around 11 hours,  my feet are a mess, I have 8 black toe nails, and nine blisters, four need to be popped , so off to medical tent next. Still want to throw up as well so need to get anti nausea. I hope tomake it through tomorrow, it is such a fine line between finishing and stopping. one I have to want to go on, and two I have to pass medical . passed barely today, but if they tell me I have to stop, I have to stop or risk death, the doctors exact words, based on the fluids I have lost and weight, down 15 pounds in two days. so am fairly weak.  tomorrow is another day.
 
hopefully I can shake bug and get strength back. Trevor maybe you can send out  "home" by Michael Buble to forest and river my little princess's
 
please remember Oscars for autism, this will be a great evening and fundraiser for children who could really use the extra help.
 
ok off to medical tent, eat some food in a bag and try and sleep, getting cramps everywhere
 
love Brian    

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 10:07 pm

Brian I just need to say thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing this run to help my son and so many others who have Autism. I am so honored to be your friend! Neil

25 October 2009 01:09 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

hi everyone thanks for re, then got some reading blog. its been a very challenging last couple of days.l had a couple of flight delays, so it took me 25 hours to get to Egypt. went to bed when I got there and  got up at 8 for medical check, baggage check etc and we left for seven hour bus ride to desert> one bus broke down so it took us 13 hours to get to camp> needless to say I was dead this morning. Race started at nine, ran first 10K in about an hour. then got some intestinal problems and was sick a couple of times. still very nauseous, and have blisters and 6 broken toe nails.today was brutal need to go lay down, hopefully be better tomorrow. temperature was approx 40 c

Comments: Total (13) comments

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 09:20 pm

Let us know what is going on as soon as you . We are very proud of you.You know me I still worry. lot of love Mom

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 09:08 pm

It looks like yesterday and today were extremely tough days! Chin up . . . you've got a lot to be proud of. I stand in complete admiration of you perseverance and determination.

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 08:23 pm

You rock Brian! Your an amazing person and wanted you to know that! Your bud Neil

Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 01:17 am

Keep it up...You can do this! Thanks so much for bringing so much attention to Autism...this means a lot to our family....you get to the finish line and I will personally glue fake toe nails on your feet.....yes they actually have these!

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 11:09 pm

Keep going and think of all the good you are doing and the people you are helping. Remember . . . I think I can, I think I can . . . Good luck!!!

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 08:57 pm

Brian keep it up bud! The radio and Trever are doing a great job keeping up on you. Fox radio here did some updates too as well today! I know your doing everything you can to raise awareness for Autism and were so proud of you! Rest up and keep it going bud!

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 06:16 pm

Sorry to hear about your toenails Brian! If you run to Newfoundland after the desert I'd be glad to give you a pedicure and a cool drink! Keep up the posts and best wishes from the rock!

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 04:42 pm

Way to go Brian!! Keep running - I'm proud to say I know you! Take care, LP

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 02:22 pm

Jonesy, the telegraph had an article about the game on Friday. It said the Trojans were "Traditionally the Maritime's team to beat". After the game, which was just about the coldest and wettest I have ever played in, we still had the provincial title. We beat them 20-0 and the forwards dominated. You would have been proud. Hunter and Boz stood out so it was both old guys and young guys getting it done. I looked at the McNair Cup on Saturday night and counted 21 titles since 1965 for us and 10 for them. They can say what they want but the numbers don't lie. We will be hosting the Caledonia Cup this Saturday, the day you finish. Hopefully this news gives you a bit of a boost. Hope to hear from you on Saturday. Si

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 10:40 am

Way to go Brain!!! Cheering you on here ole boy, keep up the great work!!! Cheers and God Bless!!

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 12:01 am

Good job Brian You are in my thoughts and prayers, Love Mom

Posted On: 25 Oct 2009 10:50 pm

Brian its an adventure first as well as a race! Were all cheering here for you. Ang, Carter, Colby we were all on the computers today cheering and waiting for results. I was able to find a couple of pictures of you during medical check in, so printed those off to show you off while I hit the streets to sell those tables for Oscars For Autism! Can't wait to hear the results everyday till you cross that finish line! God Bless bud! Keep it up! This family and everyone else is cheering you on!

Posted On: 25 Oct 2009 10:03 pm

Hang in there!! We're all so proud of you and are cheering you on from Fredericton! What a rewarding feeling it will be when you cross the finish line! Go Brian!!

19 October 2009 06:57 am (GMT+01:00) Brussels, Copenhagen, Madrid, Paris

Ok its Monday, with a nice little -3 in the air. Trying to enjoy my last little bit of cool weather before the flight on Thrusday night to London, and flight on Egypt air on Friday to Cairo. I am still picking up stuff, and deciding whats more important, underwear, socks or food ?? Tuff decisions.  I think my tent mates may like me more if i have food to share then what I smell like, and I will feel better with more food :). Ok the gaiters things is a bit of a concern, my latest invention is bobby pins and attaching them to sneaker and hooking the hooks from gaiters on to them , Seems to sort of work, if not I will just tape up my leg ha ha or cut a  sock off and pull it over half sneaker and run with that. New inventions wonder how they will work. I am however now getting super pumped. Could have trained more, ate heathier and drank less, played a few less rugby games ( go Loyalist RFC) , but we are only here for 100 years or less, so am trying to enjoy the journey.  I guess I am a little bigger and have lots of stamina, that's good for somethings right :) ??Looking foreward to meeting new friends, seeing and learning things I never new before.  To everyone home in fredericton, i'll try and get a little extra sun for everyone. Remember www.oscarsforautism.com

Brian
 

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 22 Oct 2009 06:24 pm

Go Brian!!! Have a great time and keep the updates coming!!!

Posted On: 22 Oct 2009 03:16 pm

Good luck! We're thinking of you and love you. We know you can do it!

01 October 2009 05:22 am (GMT-04:00) Atlantic Time(Canada)

  Ok this in my first blog ever, so lets hope it actually  works. Really looking foreward to hitting the sand in less then a month. I have little or no running experience, however have treked a fair amount, including Kilmanajaro and North Pole. The whole time I was up north I was dreaming about the heat, the sun and the sand :). I suspect I will be dreaming about the cold and the ice once in the Sahara.  As for my preparations, I have been slowly adding a little distance each week and some poundage. This week I targetted 100km with 25lbs. The distances vary based on the time I have. I recently did approx 32.5 kms with 25lbs in a little over 4 hours 15 mins.  On a nice cood day here in Fredericton. I have had some achilles tendinitis, so i am focussed on some physio for that and a more troubling neuroma on my toe (nerve) problem. Next week will shoot for two 40K's, my poor feet are not excited about that haha. Hopefull will be up to 150km a week before I go. Then  well for the 90 + K. day, we will just hope for the best. Trying to drop weight hovering around 100kgs, despite the mileage. I guest playing a lot of competitive rugby over the years condition my body for a certain way. Trying to drop some extra body fat and muscle, which came in handy when you run into people , but not so helpfull when running extra long distances. Looking foreward to seeing and meeting everyone.

Brian

Comments: Total (4) comments

Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 10:28 am

Brian, We are here cheerig you on. To do what you are doing is amazing! Spirits up, take care of the feet, body, and mind out there in the Sahara and stay well hydrated. Good Luck!!!!!

Posted On: 15 Oct 2009 10:28 am

Hi Brian, I will be running the Marathon Des Sables in Morocco next year and is also doing this for Autism, here is my blog: http://marathondessables4autism.blogspot.com/ Let me know how you get on in the race, all the best! Adam du Plooy

Posted On: 09 Oct 2009 03:54 pm

Brian I know you as a friend and now as someone who is helping out the Autism Center which is close to my heart! Your gonna do great and do think what you are doing is so awsome for my child and other people around the area who are affected by Autism. I will be cheering for you everyday and know your gonna make it! Cheers Neil

Posted On: 01 Oct 2009 01:48 pm

Brian, your trip to the pole sounds great! I hope we can talk about it more in Egypt. Also, if you chose to run over people in the dessert, try not to pick me! I understand people alucinate in the Sahara so hopefully you will not confuse your fellow runners with rugby players! Cheers!