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James Dean

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Namib Race (2012) blog posts from James Dean

02 November 2012 02:54 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well the final proper timed stage has finished. 85km of pure hell and torture and I missed it! Thank you all for the kind messages I have received :) While they do reduce me to a blubbering mess, they have made the physical and mental pain more bearable.

I will update people when I get access to a better computer and dont have a huge que of people waiting behind me, but All I will say for now is this race has been a life changer. It has motivated me more than I thought it would be do more in this life. I am gratefult for the experience I have had, the new friends I have made, and the new possibilities I can now see in front of me.

See you all when I get back!!

JD

Comments: Total (1) comments

Roberto Rivol

Posted On: 06 Nov 2012 07:26 am

Great words James. Everyone of us is a hero! I wish you and your feets a good recovery, Roberto bib#100

31 October 2012 11:47 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi there peeps


Its with a very heavy heart that I have to announce I am out of the sahara race…


Essentially I have several large blisters on both feet, including ones which will result in me losing 2 toenails, then I strained my ankle, then my knees, then my hips as I hobbled at less than 3km/hour over the final leg of 8km. I did manage to stay ahead of the camels though!!! I have popped some pain killers so feeling not too bad at the moment, though the walk back to my tent should be interesting!!!


I had some pretty miserable times out there today, and happily the media crews were all there to video my suffering!! At several points I had a camera literally in my face as I swore and cried and grimaced. I am sure it made riveting viewing…


Thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. I have been reading the messages and it gave me strength to know you are all thinking of me even when I was at my lowest. I kept saying all those mottos and sayings you have all forwarded me over and over in my head as I trudged through the desert. I wish I could have finished the race but sadly that is not meant to be.


I still plan on travelling with the race through to the finish line at the pyramids, and volunteer my services to cheer on the rest of the braves souls who are still in the race. Tania, Vicki, dana and phil, I will see you all there. Hopefully I can get some phone reception somewhere to message you as this blog doesn’t get loaded up until the end of the day/next morning.


That’s me out for now, will update when I can.


Cheers


JD

Comments: Total (7) comments

Brian Townsend

Posted On: 04 Nov 2012 04:49 pm

Sorry to hear about your race not going as planned. We weren't introduced but we were beside each other in the medical tent quite a bit. From what I saw you pushed yourself beyond your limits and I can only imagine the pain you were in. To me there was no failure by you, just some bad luck with injuries which could have happened to any competitor. Best of luck in the future.

Phillip Deppeler

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 01:53 pm

Well done mate, all your friends and colleagues back in the UK are very proud of you. Onwards and upwards. Phil

Kellie Logan

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 06:19 pm

I believe congratulations are most definitely in order! To reiterate other comments, it is a massive achievement to have successfully completed four marathons in four days in the searing heat!! Incredible! You've shown true determination & dedication throughout... Must've been an amazing experience & one you'll never forget! It's so great that you're staying to support the other runners, really shows true character. I'm sure Tan is really proud of your efforts! Look forward to celebratory drinks upon your return!

Rochelle McCosker

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 12:51 pm

James - completely second what Wendy, Trish and Wayne said - you by no means have failed! It is absolutely incredible that you ever signed up for the race, and you should be so proud of yourself for what you have achieved - 4 incredibly hard days out there - I can't imagine doing a marathon, let alone doing 4 on 4 days in a row in sand/desert conditions!! And to actually finish your last day when you were in so much pain - that takes a strength most of us will never know! Well done mate - take it easy, hold your head high, enjoy the rest of your trip and see you soon for a celebration!!

matthew dean

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 10:42 am

Terrific effort James- proud of ya for just being there giving it a go! just remember it'll be an experience to remember! take care of yourself- hopefully you can enjoy the rest of your trip- talk to ya soon!

Brissy Mum and Dad-in-or-out-law

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:48 am

Please excuse our thick fingers and predictive text. We must have confused you with our changing names which lead to you tripping over your words too. We reckon you were writing about a mission not yet fulfilled and the texting thingo changed it before you could choose the appropriate spelling. We agree with Wendy about your courage, tenacity or maybe it was willfulness to even contemplate such a challenge, let alone actually enjoying doing it. We repeat yesterday's message about your amazing race and dedication to your mates still competing. There is however one very important message we want you to remember - we want you safe, sound of mind and home soon. While you may be a little frayed around the physical edges that will be a short memory in a fantastic life event. Love Trish. And Wayne

Wendy Valtas

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 07:53 am

Well James I'm not sure the word failed should be in the title! You may not of finished the actual race but what you have achieved just by getting this far is phenomenol! Most people wouldn't even have the courage to take on this sort of challenge! We are all incredibly proud of you and I still look forward to celebrating with you when you get back to London!! Hope you've managed to get in touch with Tan, she mentioned she also has very dodgy phone signal. Look after those feet/ankles/hips and enjoy a well earnt rest! Wendy.

31 October 2012 01:31 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi all

Sorry didnt blog after stage 2. I had to spend some time in the medical tent and missed the cyber tent opening hours. After a lovely day one, day 2 was something else. I arrived in camp with blisters on both feet, a strained left calf and a strained right foot - and as i was so focused on getting to the finish I letmyself get dehydrated. I managed to avoid the IV fluids (which would have been the end of the race for me), And despite all that I was able to front up this morning.

This was partly Due to the excellent medical team here, but also because of the incredible support from home and abroad. I opened my mid race letter today (Needed a pick me up), and saw another photo montage! I actually cried ;) But honestly thats what got me through today's 42km! Thank you everyone so much! I am truely lucky to have such incredible friends, family and colleagues!!! And of course Thank you Tania! You really have helped me to believe in myself, even in my darkest moments so far!

Tomorrow is a much gentler 38km, with less challenging terrain.Will Update again tomorrow, but for now everyone else is waiting for the computer! Thanks for the messages and will blog soon!

JD

Comments: Total (6) comments

Clare Griffith

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 12:29 pm

James what an amazing effort!!! Well done on all that you've achieved so far, it's such a huge thing to do, what an amazing experience. Take care, Clare

Belinda Chambers

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 12:20 pm

Well done Mr Dean. You are doing us all proud. You knew it was never going to be easy, nothing worth achieving ever is. Just one step at a time and you will get there. We are all behind you in Sunny ole London. Take care of yourself....Bel.xx P.S. Any of those competitors have lovely arms give em my number;)

Aims McBee

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 09:06 am

Yay James!!! Awesome effort put in by you! Blisters are killers.... Sounds like you are truly giving it all you can!!! Keep up the fabulous performance!!!

Matthew Dean

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 08:55 am

Hey James! Keep ur head up bro-I did a 5km run on the treadmill the other week and i could barely walk out the gym afterwards- so if u put that in perspective-ur doing pretty well! lol! ur almost halfway then ur on the home stretch- keep the end in sight but more importantly, enjoy the experience and the views like ur doing! Dont forget uv done more than 250km with all the running uv done thus far 20km here, 20km there- just break it up into manageable peices! ur doin well mate- just keep lookin after urself and rest up well!

The Brisvegas SWayne's

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 07:42 am

Hey Mr Overachiever great to hear you've survived Day 3. We're very proud of you. Hang in there and be sensible and careful. We are confident you're at least one of these and trust you to know when to hold me know when to fold me. Amazing pictures. Amazing effort. Amazing race it is. We look forward to seeing your next blog. Love Trish and non babypoo supporter aka Wayne

Fiiona Jackson

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 04:04 am

Hi James! Hope the blisters are healing up. Sounds like a rough day but glad the medical team fixed you up. I've been thinking of you as I drive past sand in Dubai. You're certainly on an amazing journey, I'm sure the sense of achievement will stay with you for a lifetime. Take care! Love fi, Paul & Leo

29 October 2012 12:50 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well any illusions of sticking to my race plan of 4km run, 1km walk were blown out the water after just 15km! I basically walked from that point until the last 300m, where I ran, partly as I had spent the last 7km with an Americal called Willam *Hope I spelled that right!), and he suggested we try shuffling the last bit.

The race itself is incredible. Incredible vistas, endless desert, and a silence you would never get in London!

The Day started off fine, though I did discover at check in yesterday that my bag weighed 11kg, so water added I have been running in excess of 12.5kg! Not as bad as somem though as it turned out. I also opened the first of three envelopes given to me by my wife Tania, designed to help me along the way. I hasve to say I was blown away, and slighty disturbed, by the incredibe photo montage of some friends and family around the world, holding signs that spelled "Chafing now, Glory forever "(i think that was it, the paper in in my bag. I feel very priveledged to have such an amazing wife and incredible friends!

FOr now now I will head to my tent and tend my sore feet, and get some food and fluid into me. Today I managed a very respectable 63rd (I think thats what they said), but will see how things play out tomorrow.

A quick message to my wife Tania - I love you heaps and hope you are having a great trip around Egypt. And to Dana, Vicki and Phil, take care and I will see you all at the finish line!!!

Over and out for now!
JD

Comments: Total (2) comments

Tara Stanley

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 09:35 am

Hey James! Hope everything is going to plan, we are all behind you here n Day Surgery! KEEP IT GOING! Take care of yourself

Tania Dean

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 05:19 am

Well done babe! I hope your feet are okay - I saw on the breaking news that you had some issues with sand? Are your gators not working? I hope you are okay. Glad to hear you have someone to travel with, I hope that makes it easier for you! How are your legs? Let us know! Take care, love you xoxo

27 October 2012 04:28 am (GMT+02:00) Cairo

Well we touched down in Cairo last night no hassles. A quick trip from there to my hotel followed by a speedy check in and a quick dinner then it was off to bed (plus some sorting of gear which thankfully all made the trip as well!!!) Today there will be a briefing at 0800, then time for breakfast, some more packing, then gear check at 1100hrs. Once all that's done we will head out this avo to the start camp... Then game on! Struggled a bit sleeping last night. A combo of nerves, going through everything In my head, as well as the fact some charming people in nearby rooms decided 1am in the morning was the perfect time to make some noise... Ah hotels! Anyway, no time to spare, have to get my race kit inspection ready!!!

Comments: Total (2) comments

Tania Dean

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 06:58 pm

Hey baby! I hope you are doing well - I can't see an update yet but hoping to see one soon to hear how you did on your first day. We are all thinking of you and cheering you on, stay positive and strong! Luv me xoxo

The Brisvagas Spences

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 09:04 am

Great to see you've arrived safely with all bits intact. Love to see that you finish in same state. Just checked your race status and note that you're overachieving but in good company with fellow commonwealth pain and agony lovers. We'd like to remind you about the animal with long ears and his colleague with his house on his back. Love from Trish

26 October 2012 09:23 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Well after much training, packing, repacking and then some more re-packing, its time to fly to Cairo and the adventures that await me! Though not ideal I will be getting into the Marriot later this evening, probably in time to have a quick meal before heading to bed. I guess meeting the other competitors will have to wait until Saturday Morning! Already seeing tales of people having their luggage lost.... Really hoping that doesn't happen to me! I have packed most of my essentials in my race pack for carry on, but there are of course those liquid items and sharp implements that have to stay in my main bag for the trip. See what happens! Happily it is a relatively short flight for me, so at least jet lag wont be an issue. Just wont have much time to acclimatize! Maybe it will be like diving into a cold swimming pool - once your in you kind of get used to it pretty quickly... (on reflection that may not be very good analogy given its a desert - and hot). Anyway, looking forward to seeing everyone there later on this evening! Cheers JD

Comments: Total (0) comments

12 October 2012 05:17 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well It's so close now I can almost imagine the first night out under the Saharan Stars! 6 Days of Freeze dried meals, meagre rashions and Paracetamol...

I am not as prepared as I would have liked - not by half! But I am as prepared as I possibly could be. Trying to train whilste working full time, travelling and numerous other committments, not to mention fundraising has proven more than a hand full!

I have still managed to run at least 60-90km per week, most of that being a 30-40km run on a weekend. I have done some work with a race weighted back (Essentially my weekend runs). I have spent considerably more time figuring out my race strategy and nutrition, but even that at the end of the day has involved a fair bit of guess work.

I will land In Cairo on the Friday evening, mostly prepared, very nervous, and reasonably acclimated thanks to Hot Bikram yoga (Will probably spend a fair bit of time in the week leading up doing that given I get into Cairo so late). But other than that the only thing I can guarantee is that run walk or Crawl, I will do my very best to get across that finish line! Given the generous support of people who have sponsored me, as well as the fantastic support of my friends, family and colleagues, I know that I cant give anything less than my best when the race kicks off!

Cant wait to see everyone there!

JD

Comments: Total (2) comments

Deyl Kearin

Posted On: 23 Oct 2012 07:06 am

I look forward to meeting you James! Safe travels

gary walsh

Posted On: 13 Oct 2012 06:49 pm

great blog.so much of it sounds familar.see you there james

11 September 2012 09:01 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Wow! Just 46 days to go! The training, whilst an ever changing plan, is going well. I feel confident of finishing at least. I am almost certain my game plan will change throughout the race, but for the moment I am just keen to get cracking! I am putting together the final bits and pieces of equipment, including some last minute testing of gear, but I think everything is coming together pretty well! As I keep saying, I have had access to some great advice, both from organizers and previous competitors in Ultra Races, as well as from Health care professionals at London Bridge Hospital (where I work). I am basically putting together all that info and seeing what works best for me, creating a patch work that will hopefully get me over the finish line! A quick bit of info for Any London based Runners who have not yet sorted out their Gaiters yet, or are trying to find a cobbler to sew them onto their running shoes, After weeks of asking several cobblers, and doing some Internet research, I finally found a Cobblers that does it. It's a shop in Battersea called Alex Shoe Repairs, on Lavender Hill Road (not far from Clapham Junction train station). The cobbler there - Kevin - Has been sewing on Gaiters for the past 4 years apparently. I have gone with the Rough Country Gaiters so he is sewing/gluing on the Velcro, but he also does the other parachute material gaiters (Sand baggers) which are attached to the shoe itself. FYI he did suggest getting the Full Parachute material Gaiters was the best, as in his experience on talking to people after the race they resulted far less blisters as they let absolutely no sand in, but I have decided to ignore that advice as I already bought the Rough Country Gaiters ;) - Not the best reason I know but I am semi-confident... If anyone else has cobblers they are using please put the details in the comments, or blog the details yourselves as there seems to be a big gap in info on this subject. Would be good to give future participants a few options to chose from wherever they live. In the mean time the count down continues. I have my final Drinks Party on the 22nd September at the Old School Yard in South London (Last drinks for 250km!). I will be hoping to raise a bit more money for Asthma UK on the night so any one finding themselves at a loose end feel free to come on down from 6pm onwards. You can see the full Details on my main blog: www.anidiotsguidetorunning250km.blogspot.com. Looking forward to the Sahara Race! JD

Comments: Total (3) comments

Brian Townsend

Posted On: 13 Sep 2012 05:14 pm

I am doing the rough country gaiters as well. I am having the front sewn directly onto my shoe. Makes putting them on a pain, but you get no sand in them as I found all the sand came in the front of the gaiter.

Mike Adams

Posted On: 13 Sep 2012 05:00 pm

Re the velcro/non-velcro.... If you're going to the Sahara, we recommend getting the ones stitched to your shoe as you're never going to be too far away from the sandy stuff. Get them attached by someone who knows what they're doing and they're going to be sand-proof. If you're in a more varied-terrain somewhere like the Gobi where you know you could be on a more rocky and sand-free stage for a day or more and want to take them off, go for the velcro ones. The compromise is that in the deep sand they're slightly less effective as the seal between shoe and gaiter isn't 100% due to the velcro.

Steven Brydon

Posted On: 13 Sep 2012 09:25 am

G'day James. ...a lot of parallels with my prep mate...bloody gaiter decisions! I can't be arsed with the whole cobbler thing (a decision I KNOW I'll regret..yet stumble down that road anyway...odd). Seems like it's been so long getting here I'm getting "training and fundraising fatigue" if you're not advice overloaded check out my latest blog entry on www.odyssey4autism.com.au I just had a great 'interview' with a mate who's had a couple of MDS' under his belt...great guy and bloody helpful. Sounds like you've found some greater 'ultra mentors' as well...see you in Cairo...Steve

08 July 2012 11:54 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Now a couple of weeks ago I had the great opportunity of meeting Katie Wardle, a specialist sports dietitian at the London Bridge Hospital's One-Stop Sports Nutrition Clinic. Katie has worked with many elite athletes, including previous participants in the Marathon Des Sables, and she very kindly volunteered her time to talk me through what I needed to eat during my Sahara Race training, as well as my food strategy for the race itself. Nutrition has always been my Achilles heel. While I know I need to eat better, my diet is far from ideal, and even when I try to eat better, I never know how much of what foods I need to eat. I am fairly certain that if I wasn't exercising 6-7 times a week that I would be breaking scales everywhere I went. I do know the basics, but clearly the challenge of the Sahara Race requires a bit more than rudimentary knowledge of sports nutrition. Part of my diet currently is higher levels of protein. This helps me to recover post exercise and repair damage caused to muscles (exercise always causes some damage to muscle, and it is this damage that stimulates repair and strengthening of the muscle to improve strength and endurance). One of Katie's top tips is to consume this protein within 30 minutes of exercise. This is considered the window of opportunity. Any later and there is increased Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS), and the protein is not utilized as effectively. One thing I didn't know was that Skim Milk Powder is a great source of Protein. Adding this to a recovery shake will provide as much protein as most commercial recovery drinks or bars, but at a fraction of the cost. On the flip side though, consuming too much protein can be harmful. Salt intake and hydration was next on the list. Hydration has always been the hot topic when talking about endurance events in hot climates. Given that an athlete can lose 3-4 Liters per hour in this sort of environment, Its no wonder that it becomes a primary focus for race preparation and strategy. But as we sweat, we lose electrolytes, primarily Sodium. Electrolytes are essential for muscle function, enabling Muscle fibers to contract and relax. Depleted of electrolytes the body will essentially shut down. This is one of the commonest reasons for athletes failing to finish ultra events. After talking to Katie, and taking on advice from several other experts, I am planning to use a combination of salt tablets (specifically endurolytes), as well as isotonic sports drink (in powder form which is added to the water given as each check point). Carbohydrates was next on the discussion, and it became immediately apparent that I was not taking any where near enough carbohydrate. I had been focused on protein, which was great for recovery, but not for enabling sustained performance over longer periods - something that has been an issue for me in Marathons. Inadequate carb intake can also lead to loss of muscle mass (as the body looks for other sources of energy), bone density losses, decreased immune strength and prolonged recovery periods. While the body can cope with carb deficits during the race (using fat stores instead), training is a different matter. To ensure the body is race ready, getting carb intake is of paramount importance. There were heaps of other pearls of wisdom, and perhaps when I write about all this after the race, I may put together a more comprehensive guide to how I (hopefully) got through the race. But for now, I can say seeing a dietitian is essential for preparing for this kind of event, whether you are an elite runner, or someone like me making a brief cameo in the sport. In fact if you take your sport even a little seriously, getting your nutrition right will give you a great platform from which to launch your training. While many people will see this as an unnecessary cost, it is one that will pay off in the long run. If you look at any Elite Athlete, part of the reason they are successful is they have a strong knowledge base when it comes to their Nutrition. Anyone Londoners interested in getting an appointment at the One stop sports nutrition clinic can email Katie at [email protected], or call the dietitian department on 02072342764

Comments: Total (1) comments

gary walsh

Posted On: 01 Sep 2012 05:39 pm

great blog mate.well done.will take alot from it.

14 February 2012 12:45 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Well I went and got a cold... I suppose that happens when you go on a ski trip where the top temp is about -16 degrees Celcius - In the day time!

Happily seem to have shaken it. So back into the training to get race fit for the London Marathon. Still aiming to do it in sub 4 hrs, though my ambitious goal of 3hrs 30mins is looking more ambitious by the day! I guess I will have to train a bit harder...

Also just finished glancing through a few of the bios of my fellow Sahara racers... Feeling a little bit Intimidated! Half of the runners appear to have jumped out of "Born to run". Looks like I will need a Steven Bradbury-esque moment to win! (For those who dont know of Steven Bradbury - He is an Australian who won the Mens Speed skating Gold at the Winter Olympics a few years ago after everyone else crashed out...). If I can manage to finish that will be enough. A mid field finish and I would be thoroughly stoked! Much training to do though If I am to realise that dream.

Thats all for now. 

JD

Comments: Total (0) comments

23 January 2012 12:23 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Howdy folks! Well we are already 23 days into January, and the training is going well. It's taken over my life buts it's going well! I am running 50-60km/week, going to Hot Bikram 2-3 times per week, and going to the Gym 2 times a week. I have been very lucky in that I have had lots of advice sent my way. I have the collective brain power of 2 sports scientists, one personal trainer, my Bikram Yoga teachers, dietitians and physios (I work at a hospital), and of course a heap of runners at my disposal. So I am trying to put all that good advice to work. Combining resistance training with running is an absolute must for me. It's something I didn't really do in my previous Marathon attempts, and Looking at where I am 3 months out from the London Marathon compared to the same time last year, there is a vast difference, both in the distances I am running and my pace. I have to say the other big difference is the Hot Bikram Yoga. Not only is it helping me come to grips with exercising in the heat (40 degrees C to be more precise), but it has been a godsend the day after a long run - being able to stretch my aching muscles has improved my recovery no end, and of course Yoga is great for strengthening all those muscles in the feet, legs and core back and abdominal muscles that you don't necessarily work on at the gym. So that's where I am up to at the moment. Haven'y really made a start on the fundraising drive yet, though most things are in place to start. If anyone reading this wanted to make a donation (even as little as

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 29 Jan 2012 10:23 am

Hi James, You've inspired my to expedite an email to a mate of mine who does 2 hours (every day!!!) of Bikram yoga. With an old hip injury it'll be key for me to get a decent stretch program going. Seems your running going well...I'll let you know if i survive yoga.

26 December 2011 03:56 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

As the title says - here it goes. I have decided to embark on the greatest adventure of my life. I have 2 marathons under my belt, but other than that, I am heading into this race with very little knowledge, very little experience, and with nothing but my stubbornness and Ego to get me started... I will be running on behalf of Asthma UK - a charity close to my heart as I have suffered from the condition since I was 3 years old. Now in my 30s I consider myself in control of my Asthma. But so many people are not. And so many people needlessly die from the condition, in all age groups, in all parts of society. So If I can raise a bit of awareness, and hopefully a significant amount of money for Asthma UK, I will feel that this was worth the pain, the suffering, and endless regime of training. I am based in London, so not exactly the ideal starting place for preparing for a desert run... But Where there Is a will there is a way. I will be taking part in Hot Bikram Yoga (yoga performed in 40 degree heat), attempting a few runs in warmer climates, and taking the advice of several "experts" to prepare myself as best I can. But in the end it will come down to the hundreds of hours pounding the pavements, sweating it out in the Gym and at Yoga, and basically turning this well fed couch potato into something resembling a long distance runner! I look forward to telling you all about my adventures. I will also look forward to any advice you can all provide me. Please leave your comments on here, or alternatively on my main Blog site: anidiotsguidetorunning250km.blogspot.com If you want to sponsor me and give to Asthma UK so they can continue their work, visit my online fundraising pages: virginmoneygiving.com/JamesDean OR justgiving.com/Runningthesaharaforathsmauk (yes I know Asthma is spelt incorrectly in the link, still trying to fix it) Merry Christmas to you all, a prosperous new year, and wishing all my fellow competitors the best in their preparations.

Comments: Total (4) comments

Posted On: 23 Jan 2012 07:37 pm

Thanks for the comments! Any advice will definitely be appreciated! Feel free to forward any contact details to my email: [email protected]. Looking foward to catching up with you all, either during this year, or In Egypt!

Posted On: 06 Jan 2012 06:50 pm

Hi James, Hope to be in the Sahara 2012, it will be my 5th time! I live in south London, so if can of any help with info about kit, training, food, etc feel free to contact me. My diary for 2012 is Brighton Marathon, Milton Keynes Marathon, South downs 100mile, 24 hour Thunder run, then hopefully Sahara 2012, and I Have to say my favourite race, even though it has beaten me 4 times.

Posted On: 31 Dec 2011 05:22 pm

Hey James, welcome aboard. I'm a bit in your boat mate (I like the ego and clueless nature of your prep...mine's much the same; except I live in a country that has desert). This is my first crack and the reason for my note (other than to say g'day) is I got a great email from a friend of a friend who'd done the race last year and his advice was stellar. If you'd like a peak let me know and I'll email it. cheers and happy (?!?!?) training

Posted On: 28 Dec 2011 09:49 pm

Best of luck with your training, I think a lot of people embark on this from a similar point, certainly I am!!!! Have a good New Year Ben