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Namib Race Blogs 2009
6
PostsNamib Race (2009) blog posts from Mick Campbell
30 October 2009 08:41 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Ya beauty – all done and dusted aside from the 1½ km procession through the Pyramids at Giza tomorrow – but arguably the hardest thing I’ve done to date! The finishing line just didn’t seem to appear, and the last stage, instead of being the published 8.1km, turned out to be 10.5km according to someone’s GPS – amazing the difference that 2.4km can make, nearly turning an articulate, sober, law-abiding Aussie Scot into an enraged, gibbering, frothing maniac?!!!
The 9am start made for a very hot beginning to the race and I struggled through the first 50km, but then when nightfall came through, the legs started to kick in and I found the next 30km not too draining. And then the last stage became the tough mental battle… I had given myself a generous 1hr 40mins to complete this stage, and calculated that that was roughly equivalent to 25 songs on the iPod, but once 35 songs had played through, there was obviously something amiss… One last throw of the dice by the course director, the finishing line suddenly appears atop a massive sand dune, everyone scrambling up on all fours without exception – 90km in the rear view mirror, 15hrs and 2mins, oh what a feeling, straight into the tent, collapsed into the sleeping bag!!
Woke up this morning, sores and blisters galore, but now basking in the accomplishment – think I finished 24th overall which is quite respectable?!! Today’s agenda is building sandcastles, and staying away from Gatorade! Thanks a million to everyone for the emails and the blog comments – they were particularly telling in getting me through the last stage from hell yesterday – guaranteed I’ll be sharing a few beers with everyone when the return to civilization is complete!
Cheers, Mickey
P.S. This one was for Joe Browne – Big Man, you were taken from us far too early, but I know you were with me on that horrendous 90km
The 9am start made for a very hot beginning to the race and I struggled through the first 50km, but then when nightfall came through, the legs started to kick in and I found the next 30km not too draining. And then the last stage became the tough mental battle… I had given myself a generous 1hr 40mins to complete this stage, and calculated that that was roughly equivalent to 25 songs on the iPod, but once 35 songs had played through, there was obviously something amiss… One last throw of the dice by the course director, the finishing line suddenly appears atop a massive sand dune, everyone scrambling up on all fours without exception – 90km in the rear view mirror, 15hrs and 2mins, oh what a feeling, straight into the tent, collapsed into the sleeping bag!!
Woke up this morning, sores and blisters galore, but now basking in the accomplishment – think I finished 24th overall which is quite respectable?!! Today’s agenda is building sandcastles, and staying away from Gatorade! Thanks a million to everyone for the emails and the blog comments – they were particularly telling in getting me through the last stage from hell yesterday – guaranteed I’ll be sharing a few beers with everyone when the return to civilization is complete!
Cheers, Mickey
P.S. This one was for Joe Browne – Big Man, you were taken from us far too early, but I know you were with me on that horrendous 90km
28 October 2009 02:40 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Day 4 complete...and heading into the big one tomorrow! Tried to conserve the energy today, which worked to a certain extent, only I still find myself in the unknown territory of being in the top 16...and the special prize for that is a 9am start tomorrow, whilst everyone else kicks off at 6am..which means everyone else gets three hours under their belt before the heat really kicks in! So, at a wee bit of a disadvantage, but in the end, everyone will be suffering in the forecasted 46° heat...
Was a mere 48° high today, but fortunately a wind kicked up at around midday which cooled things down somewhat in patches. Ended up going well, but decided to take it easier for the checkpoint 3 to finish stage - think I belted out every song in my repertoire during that stage, with a few people passing me by thinking the Aussie Scot had lost it to delirium and heat stroke!
Will be starting out easy tomorrow, but am expecting to be hanging in there and toughing it out massively - yep, thanks for the advice everyone, "one step in front of the other" and "pain is only weakness leaving the body" and "suffering is only temporary, memories last forever" - now got a few mantras lined up for tomorrow!
Again, thanks a million everyone for the emails and the blog replies - they are completely motivating! Yours in JORGing, and hopefully I'll Finnish strong tomorrow, cheers, Mickey
P.S. Deke and Fatchops, I've enlisted you both for the next desert race - don't worry as I've arranged for Scottish discounts to apply!
Was a mere 48° high today, but fortunately a wind kicked up at around midday which cooled things down somewhat in patches. Ended up going well, but decided to take it easier for the checkpoint 3 to finish stage - think I belted out every song in my repertoire during that stage, with a few people passing me by thinking the Aussie Scot had lost it to delirium and heat stroke!
Will be starting out easy tomorrow, but am expecting to be hanging in there and toughing it out massively - yep, thanks for the advice everyone, "one step in front of the other" and "pain is only weakness leaving the body" and "suffering is only temporary, memories last forever" - now got a few mantras lined up for tomorrow!
Again, thanks a million everyone for the emails and the blog replies - they are completely motivating! Yours in JORGing, and hopefully I'll Finnish strong tomorrow, cheers, Mickey
P.S. Deke and Fatchops, I've enlisted you both for the next desert race - don't worry as I've arranged for Scottish discounts to apply!
Comments: Total (42) comments
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 04:19 pm
830 photos and not one of number 19, what's the craic with that eh. Gotta slow down Mickey, give the photographers a chance.
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 12:37 pm
WOW! Blown away by your acheivement. Your an inspiration Mickey, we are so proud of you!
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 12:23 pm
OMG, you did it, you hero! What a champ! Robbie and I both celebrated in your honour tonight, well done young man! Suspect you will get better nights sleep than us, and guaranteee our headache worse than yours in mornin. Have had to check this email a 1,000 times to make sure no spellin' errors. Nighty night madman xx
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 11:22 am
What did you do with our mate??
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 10:53 am
The Hobbits in the shire won't be going to bed now ....will follow you all the way to Giza Pyramids! Mickey you're incredible ! Wow..wow...wow
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 10:01 am
Fair play to ya Campbell you are some unit!!!!!
You are making us other blokes here look like pussys and we will struggle to impress our women after you finish this race tomorrow.
Known you Campbell you have probably headed off on the last leg already without the breakfast.
I d say the breakfast is like a gypsies.......that is "a piss and a look around".
very proud of ya buddy..very proud
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 09:41 am
Mick- You have done it with no surprise because we believe in you. It must be extremely exhausted but rewarding. Your number of "supporters/ followers" are growing like an mushroom. Well done and your hard training is paying off. The support from your children, wife must be a stimulus! Rest well and keep singing/ dancing along to finish strong on the very last day. Keep going on the last day! We will have a warm welcome when you are back to the office! What an achievement!
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 09:07 am
Great work, great effort on todays exstrord phase. Thought I should let you know the pub crawl has begun. I felt I needed a head starrt given your performance over the past few days.
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 06:39 am
Somewhere over the rainbow, in a dirty old town, you must be looking forward to seven drunken nights, with a brown eyed girl!! So bloody get a move on...........
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 03:31 am
The spirit of JORG is with you! Well done Mickey your madness is truly inspirational ! Ill bet you wont want to go to the beach for a while after all this!
St. Andrews flag is flying way up there mate.
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 01:22 am
Hi Mickey, looking forward to hearing from you soon - today's been excruciatingly slow waiting for news (but faster than your day I'd say), can't wait to hear that you've finished the big race and only have the short race tomorrow. Love Convey's jokes and reading all your friends blogs brings tears to my eyes, you're a loved man and you have a loved family and everybody's behind you guys 100% of the way xxx You are such a winner.
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 01:00 am
Jesus Mary and Joseph....What are ye up to now?
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 12:20 am
Hey Michael, what's happening?? Have to go to bed now and canny wait to find out how you've done... know you'll do well anyway and good luck with the rest of yer journey across the sand, luv Maria x
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 12:14 am
What a top effort !!! Keep it up.
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 11:27 pm
Mickey,
Had a beer with Deke last night. Had no choice really, I was staying at his flat !!
Quite impressive this desert race thingy you're doing. The Mac and I are kinda blown away.
Brilliant mate.
The Suit and the Mac
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 09:38 pm
G'day Mickey,
Good luck for the day, overtake those other 16 and break the ribbon. Another bit of advice....if you get so delirious from the heat that the camels start to look good get the hell out of there!!!
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 08:48 pm
Dear Daddy,
We wanted to wish you GOOD LUCK for the rest of the trip. We are very proud of you.
Looking forward to seeing you soon.
Love,
Molly & Paddy & Rosie
xxx ooo
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 08:22 pm
Campbell wants to know why you're running all that way, he says you're a crazy man. Caragh reckons that you'll do 92 K no bother cos you've been practicing all week. Elaine thinks what you're doing is amazing but she still fancies me more. I'm off to arrange to meet Deke for a pint and discuss our tactics for next year. good luck for tomorrow. FC
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 06:31 pm
Mickey, I've been so taken aback with your sheer guts and determination, and your high ranking in the world of extreme athletes I've had to go and donate more to your worthy cause (another £1 won't break the bank). Keep it going mate, waiting anxiously to find out how you got on in today's epic.
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 01:52 pm
Micky hello and big cheers and well wishes from me and vicariously from Celine - I know her laptop and internet connection are having serious issues-wont even boot up, just sending streams of ??#3### garble (well to us newbies) So she wasnt able to blog on in today. She has me working hard at her place and all the Shire are inspired with your amazing feat. Keep it going, suck in the big ones for this day, and it sounds like the bigger hurdle, then its a few furlongs to your homestretch.Pyramids in sight.Advance Australia Fair , go Aussie Go ( enough of the Scottish ditties) !!! Smiles and cheers.Anne
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 12:23 pm
By the time to get to read this Mickey you will be hanging you socks out to dry for the last time, with only a hop, skip & a jump left to do in the desert. Wow! You have an amazing strength and determination and I know that is why you will never be a dreamer.....just an acheiver who never ceases to amaze and always, always, reaches his goals in life. Lots of love and big hugs from us all, xxxx
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 12:18 pm
Go Mickey Go...your sahara race is better than the TV amazing race! I'd take my hat off to all the competitors- you all are already winners !
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 11:41 am
Micky hows your Proclaimer's mantra going...walk a thousand more... ? bet with each step your only planning the next adventure and the training programme to suit anyway!
Hope the final stage is all down hill with the wind at your back, if not enjoy it anyway you sicko we know you love it .
So get a good clip and giddyup and we will see you soon. Good luck for the bigone mate.
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 10:58 am
I thought I'd share with you that I'm just back from the gym Mickey, and whilst there I had to give myself a serious talking to about why if you can be doing what you're doing this week, there wasn't really much in the way of good excuses for me not to make it to the end of 10 minutes on the treadmill (but it was on an incline of 3.5, does that make a difference?!!). Well done Mickey, what an inspiration - no more whingeing from me (but Robbie says he doesn't believe it). Lots of love from all of us, and just think how pished you can get soon! ARJA xxx
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 10:38 am
Are we there yet!!!
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 10:18 am
Me again.
have you finished that 90km yet?
Heres another one that will keep you popular with the rest of the competitors when you sit down tonite around the fire having a smoke.
One day a man, who had been running in the sahara desert 200km sees an unusual speck on the horizon.
"It's certainly not a ship", he thinks to himself.
As the speck gets closer and closer he begins to rule out the possibilities of a small boat, then even a raft.
Suddenly, emerging from the surf, comes a drop dead gorgeous blonde woman wearing a wet suit and scuba gear.
She approaches the stunned guy and says: "Tell me, how long has it been since you've had a cigarette?"
"Ten years," replies the stunned man.
With that she reaches over and unzips a waterproof pocket on her left sleeve and pulls out a pack of cigarettes.
He takes one, lights it, takes a long drag and says: "Man, oh man! Is that good!!!"
"And how long has it been since you've had a sip of bourbon?" she asks him.
Trembling the runner replies: "Ten years."
She reaches over, unzips her right sleeve, pulls out a flask and hands it to him.
He opens the flask, takes a long swig and says: "WOW, that's absolutely fantastic!"
At this point she starts slowly unzipping the long zipper that runs down the front of her wet suit, looks at the man seductively, and asks: "And how long has it been since you've had some real fun?"
With tears in his eyes, the guy falls to his knees and sobs: "Oh good Lord! Don't tell me you've got golf clubs in there too?"
Yahoo. more to follow when you clock up more kms
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 10:14 am
Hey Pal, what's this about Scottish discounts..Put me down for one of those too, are you sure we get to play in the sand?
Business end now Mickey, you are all the news, JORG is going off and may be looking at ultra and enduro stuff now, just when I was trying to get them interested in track racing!!We are all right beside you and are sure you will Finnish strong, you are my Rock MC, Cant touch this!!
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 10:08 am
Well Campbell I am all over this website blogging. I think I have even blogged other competitors and sent pictures of me poolside to support them!!!! I am as excited as when I wore the KIlt for the first time. I have decided to send you this lite hearted joke about what may happen with the few stragglers bringing up the rear of the field. read on
There is a beautiful desert island in the middle of nowhere (Sahara) where the following people are stranded:
• 2 Italian men and 1 Italian woman
• 2 French men and 1 French woman
• 2 German men and 1 German woman
• 2 Greek men and 1 Greek woman
• 2 English men and 1 English woman
• 2 Macedonian men and 1 Macedonian woman.
--- --- ---
One month later on this beautiful desert island in the middle of nowhere...
• The first Italian man killed the other for the Italian woman.
• The 2 French men and the French woman are living happily together in a "menage a trois".
• The 2 German men have a strict weekly schedule of when they alternate with the German woman.
• The 2 Greek men are sleeping with each other and the Greek woman is cleaning and cooking for them.
• The 2 English men are waiting for someone to introduce them to the English woman.
• The Macedonian men took one look at the endless ocean, one look at the Macedonian woman and started swimming.
Lord Jaysus Campbell from the sounds of this keep running and talk to no-one. get home soon!
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 10:03 am
Zoning in on you as I write this and hoping that mind, body and soul are all in good shape today. Its a massive challenge and just within your reach. We are so proud of your determination and strength, you can do it!!
Sending positive energy your way, love Karen and Kevin
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 09:35 am
Hey Mickey your so fine you blow our minds hey Mickey!
AWESOME effort MATE!
Will drink to you as we enjoy the endurance of Jazz in the Vines on Sat :-)
Take care
Sue, Grant & Kele xxxx
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 07:23 am
Great job Mick, You are doing an amazing thing out there!
one to go, leave nothing behind!
see u at the races for a few beverages:)
take care
x
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 06:44 am
Mickey, you just get better and better. Good luck for the big one today - know you can do it! Will vibe endurance powers across the ether. All the best - you're amazing. Marg xox
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 04:42 am
Mickey, well done. Mate you are an inspiration but also mad as hell. Just think those Sat Mornings with the Jorgian's await you when you get back. Plus a celebartion down at the Clock with all yer mates.
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 03:36 am
Mick, we have beers and bubbly 'on ice' to toast you when you finish. The 90km will be hard work and when you get to 60km remember the mental and physical strength finishing this stage will give you when you need it later, on the the final push up the Hillary Steppe on Everest. Go Man Go. You've worked so hard, now finish it in emphatic style. Can't wait to hear your training tips!
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 02:49 am
Well done Mickey. Being in the top 16 is a great achievement. Try to hunt down a camel to use in the next stage (90km). Wish you all the best.
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 02:48 am
Go Mick. Dare you to sing Eye of the Tiger the entire 90kms. You'll drive the rest of them mad and may just win!
As you know Friday's sandhills day. I'll be thinking of you when I'm doing the finishing M.
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 01:00 am
Still think your mad!
Well done mate...1 day to go...can you bring me home one of those cans of performance enhancing drinks they are handing out?
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 12:16 am
Mick- Well done on completing day 4 and make it to top 16. It's a big day for 90km and to start at 9am but the bonus is sleeping in! Eat and sleep well to ensure you don't hit the wall. Keep focusing on your songs (I always do). Remember, a dollar per km from all your generous supporters and you have to make it 'quaranteed"!!!! Of course you can make it.
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 11:51 pm
Hey Mickey - feeling bad as only just got around to reading your blog - you are amazing mister! Keep going! Fantastic effort!
Pat, Tracy, Louie and Ellie xx
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 11:33 pm
What you feeding that camel.....cocaine?? Absolutely brilliant mate. Although, next year I reckon Team Fatchops will be leaving the Tobias chap in their wake!! Got Gary here who claims not to have seen you sponsor form yet so add another £100 to your total. He'll get onto it when he gets home. Anyway you're a star!! And the Suit's a fanny!!
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 11:05 pm
Just read your day three blog, you are doing soooo well, keep on plodding love!! Read about Gabby Vassallo as inspiration. I know the Vassallo's really well, her brother our best man at our wedding. She is amazing!1 and so are her family, they would love to know you are thinking of her over there, I will pass on the message tonight!! Go hard Mickey you can do it mate!!
Sharyn xx
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 09:45 pm
Oh Mickey you're so fine you blow our mind - go Mickey, go Mickey!! You are awesome, well done.
xx
27 October 2009 03:31 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Today was brutal, and a huge reminder of how difficult this race is...between checkpoint 1 and 2, I was simply in a world of pain! But then, thanks to the Chi juice which Celine managed to scavenge for me before leaving, I was off an running again - haven't a clue what's in the juice, but the transformation from tortoise to hare was very evident... Still, the soft sand only allows plodding and 7 hours of that through the dunes was absolute torture!
Resting up now and not exactly looking forward to tomorrow - still managing to avoid blisters, although our tent-mate Bucket hasn't been too fortunate as we popped a blood blister on his behalf - should be hitting the YouTube screens soon?!
At the moment, our tent comprises of a few champions - Team Trifecta (Pete, Hully and Frank) are going well, and they still lead the team event; another tent-mate James Elsom is sitting 10th overall I think; and I'm the top Scottish racer, probably because I'm the only one in the race now! We'll see how that changes with another marathon in the sand tomorrow, followed by the 90km the day after...
Cheers for all the emails and the massive words of support - they're keeping me going! Mickey
P.S. Great news Paddy Boy that Oatley West Primary School will donate their next mufti-day funds to Sydney Childrens Hospital - not bad negotiation skills for a 5 year old?!
P.P.S. Pete and myself would like to dedicate today's efforts to Gabby Vassallo and her family - we visited hell today with our pain, but it's nothing compared to what Gabby's been through over the last weeks - we've never met you Gabby, but you're an inspiration to us, keep your journey to good health progressing
Resting up now and not exactly looking forward to tomorrow - still managing to avoid blisters, although our tent-mate Bucket hasn't been too fortunate as we popped a blood blister on his behalf - should be hitting the YouTube screens soon?!
At the moment, our tent comprises of a few champions - Team Trifecta (Pete, Hully and Frank) are going well, and they still lead the team event; another tent-mate James Elsom is sitting 10th overall I think; and I'm the top Scottish racer, probably because I'm the only one in the race now! We'll see how that changes with another marathon in the sand tomorrow, followed by the 90km the day after...
Cheers for all the emails and the massive words of support - they're keeping me going! Mickey
P.S. Great news Paddy Boy that Oatley West Primary School will donate their next mufti-day funds to Sydney Childrens Hospital - not bad negotiation skills for a 5 year old?!
P.P.S. Pete and myself would like to dedicate today's efforts to Gabby Vassallo and her family - we visited hell today with our pain, but it's nothing compared to what Gabby's been through over the last weeks - we've never met you Gabby, but you're an inspiration to us, keep your journey to good health progressing
Comments: Total (23) comments
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 09:50 am
Well buddy. Hope the 90km didn't get the better of ya. Drink all that jungle juice that "no knickers Galvin" gave ya because there's no point in bringing it back with ya. We don't need it for the challenges we take on over here e.g. short slow walks, eating, drinking,and a few more easy strides. At least your efforts have got us all familiar with blogging!!!!!!!
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 09:45 pm
Mickey you mad Scottish bastard GO HARD. Hope your enjoying it.....in a crazy masochistic way.
Beware of scorpions in ya sleeping bag!!!
Take care.
Rick & Lesley
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 08:33 pm
Fantastic effort Mickey. I truly can't even imagine doing what you are and I take my hat off to you.
Good luck with the big one tomorrow and I can't wait to hear all the stories when you get back.
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 08:11 pm
Good grief Michael......are you really my brother ?? or are you superman ??....or are you just plain daft ?? !!!! Can't quite work it out yet !! Anyway, whatever you are... you are doing brilliantly !! Well done - 16th place eh :o)) Very proud of you and your efforts !! Keep it up bro'..... !! Love...Audrey xxxx
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 12:40 pm
Hey Mickey
Congratulations sounds like a breeze to me, good luck with the last few days tremendous effort. I think you have also inspired Kenny and Dekeless to join you on your next challenge.
Take Care
L x
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 12:28 pm
Lord Jaysus Campbell you are flying. The calves were big before you hit the sand, they will be twice the size when you come back. Like all others here Mickey there is no doubt how proud we are of how you are travelling. 16th - you are on fire buddy!
keep the head down and keep her lit , you,re nearly there. p.s are you sure you,re not an Iraqi!!! toughest Scot I ever met. chat tomorrow
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 12:13 pm
Gawd, just reading what you've done makes me tired! Your kidlings and ever so patient and supporting Shazza must be so proud! Keep on keeping on for the cause (ok for me to say sat on my leather recliner couch!)
Take good care, we're sending positive vibes to yooooooooooooou!!! xx
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 11:32 am
Incredible stuff !!!
But crazy people can do incredible things it appears. Hope your spirit stays high, as after today you should be on the home stretch. I am talking like I know what its all like...
what was that Karina? do I want a foot massage, gee, umm, yeah, that would be nice, I\'ll finish typing to Mickey and be right there.
Try not to think about that too much though mate.
Fantastic effort we really are in awe Mickey, truly amazing stuff !!!
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 11:16 am
Mickey.. I think I've worked out you like the pain ! Great article in this weeks Leader about your good self. Over half way must e a great feeling Mickey.... enjoying a glass of red while I type this note to you.. oops I didn't mean to write that... keep punching with your outstanding achievement to date. You have already won the race for me...cheers John and team ...
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 10:54 am
Micky
Hello from Anne (physio) Big cheers. I couldnt even walk in the 32C heat of Darwin, so I just have an inkling of the temp.demands on you.But you are mighty tough through and through.You have lots of support going to every fibre of your being.
Paddy the smiling yogi and Molly budding epic authoress and such a gentle natured hound named Rosie.Thanks to your dear Shiraz who welcomed us to your place.
I was up at the 19th with dear Robyn this WE-many great memories-hope they can in part buoy you thru the sand.( at least its gentle on the ol joints!!)
Keep it going, you have come so far.Onya. Cheers and bon courage for the next leg.
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 10:45 am
It's absolutely amazing what you're doing Mickey ! Ya gotta be the toughest person we ever know. Follow your dreams Champ! We are cheering for you from Miranda(Sydney) to K.L(Malaysia my sis & frens ) Wishing you continued success through the stages xxx LO & Paul
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 10:13 am
Heeyar! go you good thing. We know you are good for it, an amazing result so far but we all know you are unstopable when you have your mind set on something. Keep up the good work. All this talk of heat and desert is making me thirsty so I'll have another beer for you now and look forard to a few dozen with you ASAP. Cheers
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 09:10 am
A belated well done Mickey - have had a rare day way from computer use.
You are over the "hump" in days at least, keep up the magnificent work! JP
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 07:45 am
Mickey, you're a legend! so proud to call you friend. And if I can overcome complete computer illiteracey to send a "blog" (what the hell is it anyway!) then I know you will overcome all and fly as The Flying Scotsman across the sand. Go you good thing - GO. We're all in awe of your amazing efforts so far and I know you will break through the pain barrier and make it through, love Marg
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 07:39 am
Keep the spirit high Mickey, I think you are already climbing "Everest" in every sense. Friends & family all over the world are thinking of you and willing you on every step of the way - I have printed your blog to keep Eva & Joanie updated on your progress! With lots of love and endless admiration, xxxx
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 06:15 am
Glad to see you are still flying the flag for the home country Mickey. You are truly inspiring and I'll look forward to slapping you on the back when you come back to bonnie Sydney (where its been pissing doon and dare I say it....cold!!). All the best, keep going, keep smiling and think of the cold beers......
Karen & Richard
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 04:00 am
Up your kilt Mick!by jaysus that juice is just me grandmother\'s recipe just make sure you wipe from the front to the back, don\'t light a match and not drug tested-joking!!!-I hope?. I am praying for you and every lunchtime that I do the Wanda dunes i try to feel alittle of your pain. We are all looking out for your rainbow.You are great man with lots of mungrel and love for life-you\'ll do it.Keep the faith, you\'ve done the hard work,enjoy the beauty.Love Celine-(no knicker\'s Galvin).
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 02:13 am
Mick- Very proud of you to turn the situation around by "magic". The only enemy is yourself and don't give up. "Just beat it"!! Keep running, walking & dreaming. You are almost at the end of the tunnel. Well done on Day 3!
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 01:27 am
Mickey, you can do this, just think how amazingly you've done already and how close you are getting to finishing. You are so incredibly determined, I don't know anyone with more mental strength than you (and I suppose your physical strength might just be a wee bit better than mine too!). Robbie, me and the kids are talking about you every day. Annie says have you built any sand castles yet? Sending you all our love, and we'll keep watching ARJA xxxx
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 12:48 am
Congratulations Mickey - you are doing so well and we're all behind you at home and thinking of you every step of the way. The photos on the site are amazing and that day 3 stage looked horrendous but you conquered it in true Mickey Campbell style!!! xxxx
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 12:43 am
Amazing results Mickey. What an inspiration!!
Keep on drinking Celine’s mysterious juice obviously it works.
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 12:10 am
Hey Mickey my Bhoy, You are Mr. consistent! Can only start to imagine the torture, but you are so tough and ...will probably start to enjoy this new feeling of pain. We are all in awe
take care pal.
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 11:43 pm
Another fantastic effort! You're pretty much halfway done so bring it on home to the finish and make all the preparation worthwhile.
26 October 2009 02:29 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Just managing to sneak in a spot of sunbathing atfer day 2 - actually not fit for anything else other than lying down!
Another hard day in the furnace of the Sahara, although I think the shorter distance of day 1 was harder than today - the temperature yesterday was a good 8 degrees hotter and it makes an amazing difference in sapping all your energy. This morning we were actually greeted by rain and a good deal of cloud cover, but the temperature still managed to top 42. Towards the end of today, we hit the sand dunes which make the poor Kurnell sand dunes seem miniscule - the sand was uncomfortably soft as well, so the last stage made for a long slog!
Thanks everyone for the support and the emails - keep them coming! Cheers, Mickey
Another hard day in the furnace of the Sahara, although I think the shorter distance of day 1 was harder than today - the temperature yesterday was a good 8 degrees hotter and it makes an amazing difference in sapping all your energy. This morning we were actually greeted by rain and a good deal of cloud cover, but the temperature still managed to top 42. Towards the end of today, we hit the sand dunes which make the poor Kurnell sand dunes seem miniscule - the sand was uncomfortably soft as well, so the last stage made for a long slog!
Thanks everyone for the support and the emails - keep them coming! Cheers, Mickey
Comments: Total (11) comments
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 09:37 pm
Back up to 16th....whey hey. What did you give the camel? Great going mate, you're leaving those trifecta lads in your wake. Great to see the Scottish flag flying high. Proud of ye!! The only diet Fatchops is going on is football, bacon rolls and crap-talking on blogs :-)
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 05:05 pm
Hey Michael, ya mad man... good on ye!!! Spoke with Sharon and she's told me how much you've already raised for charity, congratulations... keep up the good work and told everyone back home so we're all 'rooting' for ye... Go Mickey Go!! lots of love, Maria
ps. if you just keep running you might get here in time for Audrey's wedding, lol.
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 12:59 pm
Mickey, we've got rain and about 7C, how much do you long for Bonnie Scotland?? Got some brilliant stories for you from Deke's exploits on match.com. I'll give you more details when you've finished the race - don't want to be giving you sore sides unnecessarily !!
Keep up the good work, you're an inspiration (Elaine's trying to get me on a diet)
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 12:22 pm
Hi Mickey.... we are so feeling proud of your efforts and wondering how the hell you can do it ! Very inspiring to say the least. Your spirits sound high which is great to hear. How are the old feet handling the run? How are your special socks working out? More than anything take care and save some energy for the return party !...cheers ..John & team xxxxx
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 12:13 pm
Brilliant mate....keep feeding the camel and hopefully the nose will continue to bleed. Fatchops collapsed after 20 mins on Portobello beach so he's got an idea of how you're feeling :-)
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 10:30 am
Keep up the great running Mick! It's very exciting watching your great progress. you've got us enthralled!!! We can't wait for the recovery party to hear all the stories. Take care and stay safe.
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 10:03 am
Mickey - we are soo proud of you, you are such an inspiration in setting and exceeding in the challenges you set yourself. Will be thinking of you each day and willing you to the next stage. Keep well, lots of love and admiration, Karen, Kevin and Alexandra
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 09:57 am
WOW! Amazing. Go you Glaswegian go!!!!! You've impressed us no end with your sense of adventure and stamina!
Does this replace the Everest dream?
Good luck for the next stages, looks like you are up in the top numbers so far!
love, Deb and Kev
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 01:52 am
Mickey
I hope you got our emails yesterday - not sure the email has to be specific re Mick or Mickey!!
You are doing so well, so many people her following your progress in awe! Do you think you can keep up the impressive start? I know you can! Spooky but reassuring that Joe is with you, he has a big spirit to spur you on!
We are all fine, I reckon I am doing the same mileage as you in energy!! Not really, Molly & Paddy in great form - so proud and excited for their Daddy. You take care, keep the adrenalin pumping, the scenery looks amazing! lots of love and pride, xxxx
Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 10:38 pm
Go Mick - absolutely awesome effort. Makes Ironman seem like a Kurnell sprint race. Keep it up mate.
Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 10:32 pm
Hi Mick- Congratulation on finising the second day. It's cloudy and cool here. Well done to survive in 42C. Four more days to go and you will be on top of the world!
"Drink before you feel thristy, Eat before you feel hungry, and Walk before you are tired". Have a good rest before another day. Keep up with the good work. We are here for you, mate!
25 October 2009 02:10 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Expecting a nosebleed from finishing in the top 20 today - don't think I've been this high up a race in quite a while?! Thanks to Willo, Hully and Frank for the pacemaking - expecting more of the same tomorrow!
The heat was searing today, the backpack pretty heavy, but don't feel too bad or apprehensive going in to tomorrow - I've made the backpack a bit lighter by scoffing more of the food, and the race is strating earlier tomorrow, so hopefully we shouldn't be out in the heat any longer than today!
Going OK, cheers, Mickey
The heat was searing today, the backpack pretty heavy, but don't feel too bad or apprehensive going in to tomorrow - I've made the backpack a bit lighter by scoffing more of the food, and the race is strating earlier tomorrow, so hopefully we shouldn't be out in the heat any longer than today!
Going OK, cheers, Mickey
Comments: Total (6) comments
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 07:26 pm
well done Michael your mum and Chrissie would be very proud of you as we all are.
lots of love to you and your Campbell Clan.xxx
Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 11:47 am
The Flying Scotsman is certainly flying!!! Fantastic result on your first day. We are so proud of you....you are well on you way, lots of love, Sharon, Mickey, Molly & Paddy, & woof!
Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 10:48 am
Mick- Well done!! Great to change your strategies and to be motivated by the good pace keepers. Keep going! Your families and us are here to support you. You can do it! Put one foot in front of the other, take baby step, and "he who suffers remembers". Yes, go and finish day 2! Have a good rest before for the challenge on the next day.... look forward to hearing your good result then.
Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 08:37 am
Great work! Great resuIt on the first phase, reckon you enjoyed the challenge.Keep well and keep going and hope you do as well tomorrow..
Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 08:15 am
Go Mickey Go. Wish we were there doing it with you (well Greg does!). A fantastic effort. Good luck tomorrow.
Posted On: 26 Oct 2009 05:56 am
Well done Mickey on your stage 1 result!
22 October 2009 02:33 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
...well nearly, the starting gun goes off on Sunday morning, and that's when the real action starts!
I'll tell ye - it's quite an achievement even to make it to the start line in one piece, uninjured and still motivated, well that's what I keep telling myself anyway! And to have raised such an impressive fundraising total along the way for the Sydney Childrens Hospital is equally pleasing...and again a huge thanks to everyone who has contributed!
Well, we arrived in Cairo yesterday and were greeted surprisingly by sand and hot sun. Three of us then went out for a wee jog in the midday sun - just to help with the acclimatisation process - and it wasn't actually too bad in the 35° heat. The organisers then informed us that the desert temperatures topped 42° in the shade and 52° in the direct sunlight…c’est la vie!
Looking forward to a visit to the pyramids this afternoon, preceded again with another midday run through the various construction sites which make up the Cairo skyline – yep, relaxation and lounging about is the order of the day, the calm before the desert storm!
Blog soon, cheers, Mickey
Comments: Total (4) comments
Posted On: 31 Oct 2009 10:19 am
Dear Daddy, We are haveing a good time in the Hunter VAlly with mummy and Paddy and Sue and bup and Tara and Mary and Sandra. Sandra bought me a taylor swift music and a pretty pink dress. She bought PAddy a star wars t-shirt.
Love you lots Molly and Paddy
xxxxx xxxxx
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 11:05 am
Hi mate,keeping in touch with how you're traveling. By the look of your times you're you've taken over the title of the "Flying Scot". Keep it up ,keep well and go well.
Posted On: 23 Oct 2009 09:59 pm
Hi Mick- Have a nice meal, refreshing shower and a sweet dream tonight before you head for the 6 days adventure.
You have done all the hard works and now it's just to enjoy the game. We trust you will finish the daily goal to arrive the final check point safely. Hope to see your big smile and standing tall at the finishing line. See you at work and we are very proud of you. Go Mick!!
Posted On: 23 Oct 2009 04:18 am
Mick - I think you are a mad man - but then again living with a scot and his family I know what a determined lot you Scots are ! Wishing you all the best for a "safe" adventure. Bev
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