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Namib Race Blogs 2009
5
PostsNamib Race (2009) blog posts from Stephen Minar
30 October 2009 07:40 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
The long stage, and this entire race, has been an incredible journey. We kept a steady pace for 90 straight kilometers, stopping only momentarily to refill our hydration systems. The task seemed nearly impossible but we never lost confidence in ourselves. We feel like we have the ability to overcome more than we eve knew was possible. We also appreciate the importance of hard work, preparation, determination and team work. Tomorrow morning we board a bus for the pyramids at Giza, where we will have a cermonial finish. We look forward to seeing our family and friends who have offered us so much support.
28 October 2009 02:37 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
We've been fighting off extreme heat (around 120 degrees) and various muscle pains in both legs, but once again we crossed the finished line in strong form. We feel great mentally after getting through a difficult 4 day stretch. Freeze dried foods are becoming a chore, but the GU pineapple energy gels are still a real treat. We can't wait to find real pineapple when we reach Cairo. Thanks to super glue, velcro, and duct tape from our emergency repair kit, we made quick fixes to our failed UK Gear gaitors. One thing we have learned for is all sand is not created equal. There have been plenty of kilometers of deep, soft sand that really slow us down and drain our bodies. One bright moment of each day is seeing the emails and blog comments sent to us from our family and friends at home. Once again we want to express our gratitude to all of those who have supported us along the way.
Stephen Minar & Brian Vogel
Stephen Minar & Brian Vogel
Comments: Total (12) comments
Posted On: 30 Oct 2009 11:47 am
Great job boys! I am so proud of you both - you are all I talk about to everyone. And I keep showing off your pictures too! Can't wait to hear about everything when you get back! Keep it up! You can do it!
Love, Christen
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 07:52 pm
Steve...Gerry, Mitchell, and I think that you would not be last getting to the start line if you had a big cup of iced coffee to start the day. Hopefully you are not in as much pain as the Falcons were after leaving Dallas. Great job so far and good luck with the last stages.
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 07:37 pm
Hey Nibble! We just finished lunch and your York is waiting in the Freezer.
Mitchell, Dave and Dom.
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 01:28 pm
Stephen T. and Brian,
Words couldn't possibly express how proud we all are of both of you! And we are sure words can't express what you are enduring!...a priceless (and extrordinarily trying experience)! The Lord is shaping both of you physically and emotionally in ways you probably never imagined! Most people will NEVER experience in a lifetime what you two are accomplishing in a week! Bravo to both of you! We are looking forward to hearing about your journey...keeping in mind unless experienced it could never be fully appreciated! We have no idea what it is like for you but we admire you! Jesus is right there with you...EVERY step of the way.
Love, David, Janelle, and Davey Jo
(We tried to post a comment before this but for some reason it didn't go through. We have been thinking of you the entire journey and our prayers are with you!)
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 03:00 am
hey...if i knew you were going to be doing all this trekking through the sand i would have sent you along with a few Tonka trucks to play with... actually, I found a few of the Tonka trucks I sold at the tag sale all those years back... I sense a christmas gift!!! keep up the great work, i'm sure your hot, sweating and just looking forward to a cool breeze but just think, when you finish and get back to your hotel you can order all the High Life you could ever want.. the training is over, your journey is complete... Kick ass on your long trek today as the finish line is going to taste sweet...
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 02:19 am
I am so proud of both of you. I am glad you are so well prepared with your repair kit.
The end is in site. I hope you enjoyed the oasis. I promise a wonderful meal when you return..... Be safe and stay strong. I love you both
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 02:03 am
Another mile stone. Amazing job!! You are both a true inspiration to all of us... And, without a doubt, you are already winners. PS I assume you won't object to allowing the girls to bring you as their "show and tell "at school....I want them and their peers to see what a real super hero looks like. You are in our thoughts and prayers! Jeff, Barb, Emma, Addie & Lily
Posted On: 29 Oct 2009 12:22 am
Hey Steve, the transaction is complete . Oh, and found a new "Brian was here" (underneath the steps on the way to the basement). Gotta run....watching the Yanks in the World Series. Beat the Angels in 6. Keep up the good work.
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 11:39 pm
Way to go guys, keep it up. My work productivity has gone way down since you guys started. I find myself on the site all day looking through thousands of pictures trying to find you guys!
keep going, we're pulling for you.
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 11:14 pm
One long 2 day stage, then a walk in the park (or to the pyramids, anyway).
I've been checking the results, pictures, etc. at work "regularly". As Adam said, this is like the Tour de France! High praise, indeed!
You guys are doing great - I still can't believe it.
Some nice pictures of you are posted - looking good.
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 11:03 pm
Way to go guys. Moving up the field. Sound terrific , one more giant step for mankind, and then a small one. Brian keep on talking. On to cairo for R&R. You have the will, we will give you the support. Moms,and Dads Minar-Vogel.
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 10:18 pm
Hi Brian and Steve,
Been following your progress, keep it going to the finish. I like the pictures on the web site. Good job " Sleepy Steve".
Jimmy
27 October 2009 02:01 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
The struggle doesn't end at the finish line each day. It is a real challenge to walk around, eat, unpack, repack, tape up our increasingly blistered feet, and take care of the other small daily tasks that normally would come easy. Additionaly, we've had a few equipment malfunctions such as the zipper on both of our UK Gear gaiters breaking... thankfully duct tape has proved useful once again. Today's stage began with dune running. Because we are the last to the start line almost daily, we got caught up in some traffic on the ridges of the dunes. After that cleared, we kept our strategy of starting off strong and ran the first 10km at a strong pace. We trekked most of the day in the heat and took a 5 minute rest at an oasis. It is the only oasis we will see during the race. The going was extremely tough and we found ourselves in the 40th position after the last checkpoint. We pushed ourselves and were able to overtake 4 runners to finish 36th for the day. Honestly, we are happy to be in the race after three grueling days as many competitors, including veterans, have been forced to drop out of the race. Thank you for the emails and blog comments, any encouaging words are greatly appreciated.
Stephen Minar and Brian Vogel
Stephen Minar and Brian Vogel
Comments: Total (9) comments
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 08:54 pm
There is a scene in National Lampoons Vacation where Chevy Chase is running through the desert with his pants on his head. Can't wait for that picture. Keep up the good work boys...most impressive.
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 07:51 pm
Feast of St. Jude, honors the challenge of the impossible. Ice cream cake and wonderful dinner for the final finish. Good Luck & Good Health. The Mom's
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 07:39 pm
Keep it up, one day at a time. Like the postings to date. Tape the feet and keep Brian talking. Phillies in 4
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 06:05 pm
Hey Slips,
I can't believe you're still in this thing...
Quick question...is Christen, Adam's sister? I'm curious because she sounds cute. If you make it back can you set something up?
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 03:38 pm
OMG I can't believe how amazing you guys are doing! I've been telling my friends about my crazy coworker and his friend, and several of them have been tracking you as well. I'm glad all those months of training and suffering in bikram have paid off! Keep up the incredible work!! And think about all the girls you can impress and pick up with this experience haha. Take care of yourselves out there and good luck!
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 02:10 am
Keep it going guys!! Just a few short days and you're done, well that's easy to say when the most strenuous thing you do is lift 12 oz at a time. In all seriousness, it will all be well worth it once your overcome all the obstacles the Sahara throws at you..
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 11:53 pm
great job boys! we are all so proud of you! keep up the good work and stay strong - it is truly amazing what you two are doing. miss you both!
love,
christen, adam, & brooklyn
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 09:49 pm
Was there a swim up bar at the Oasis like in Cancun?
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 09:45 pm
Minar,
I'm just gonna borrow that Boondock Saints dvd ummmkkkkk....
26 October 2009 02:18 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Wow. What an experience. Thankfully we are in this together; there have been plenty of trying moments where we wouldn't have gotten through it alone. We started out the day with a strong run through the first 12km until we reached the first checkpoint. We began trekking and took it step by step at a steady pace for most of the remaining 44km. The dunes were painful and beautiful. It was almost impossible to climb them but well worth the effort when we reached the top. From the top of the dunes we could see camp, and we broke into a run to overtake several other racers. With our strong finish, we tied for the 25th position for the day. We are completely drained and know we have a long journey ahead the next few days. Our tent and the camp have seen several participants drop out. We are grateful are bodies haven't let us down. Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers.
Stephen Minar and Brian Vogel
Stephen Minar and Brian Vogel
Comments: Total (9) comments
Posted On: 28 Oct 2009 04:00 pm
Hey Brian Vogel!~
Go Go Go! You are an amazing man I hear and you can do this. If you see a pond far away in the horizon... remember global warming hahaahahah It's really sweat dripping in your eyes hahaahah
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 08:56 pm
Sara and I have been following the dudes with stop and shop bags around their feet. Awesome!
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 06:22 pm
Great job, guys!! Keep going!!! You can do it.
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 01:40 pm
Go Stephen! WOW, I always thought you had it in you, but this is just SUPER! I guess all that hard work is really paying off. You're in our prayers big guy! When you get back drinks are a must and im buying...you earned it!
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 01:38 pm
Slippery, if you're reading this, you already know, if you fail to place in the top 25 spot, the locks will be changed.
On another note, since I wasn't afforded the opportunity to bring my dog to the apartment, I expect that you will be returning with a miniature camel, who also, we shall name Slippery.
With fondest personal regards, I remain,
Jon Seylar
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 01:33 pm
Esteban, if you don't finish in the top 25, Seylar and I are changing the locks. I hope you haven't forgotten to collect a locket of sand for me at each check point. GOOD LUCK!
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 01:32 pm
Apt 311 w00t w00t! Is behind you big guy.
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 01:10 pm
you guys are doing amazing!!! we are all monitoring your progress back here in the office, and wishing you well! keep posting and we'll keep reading! :)
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 02:31 am
You can do it! (And you thought triples in high school football was hard!)
25 October 2009 01:04 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
After arriving in Cairo we spent the night making pack adjustments and boarded a bus the next morning. One of the buses in the caravan broke down and we spent several hours at a rest stop waiting. We did not arrive at camp until after midnight - a twelve hour journey. There was no time for blogging. This morning the race began. It was an incredible rush after months of training and preparation. We ran the first 25k while the temperature was (relatively) cool. Around mid day we began trekking. We arrived at camp, finishing the first stage together in the 30th position. After crossing the finish line, it was a struggle even making it to our tent. The quads and shoulders are extremely sore from the weight of the pack (around twenty pounds without water). We are fortunate to have our feet in good condition. All the research put into gear selection really paid off, as we stayed shielded from the sun. We are now off to prepare for the next day and get much needed rest. Thank you to all of those who have supported us. The Sahara is a beutiful and special place.
Stephen Minar and Brian Vogel
Stephen Minar and Brian Vogel
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 27 Oct 2009 01:11 pm
Wow - you guys are amazing. Keep it up!
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 22 Mar 2010 07:48 pm
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