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Namib Race Blogs 2012
10
PostsNamib Race (2012) blog posts from Joel Meredith
03 November 2012 12:22 pm (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
Received a special treat on Halloween night. Everyone in camp got one soda and a tray of candy to split amongst the tent. Very nice treat. Helped bring up the body sugar and the spirits in anticipation of the coming day. Early to bed. Long day coming.
On leaving camp the following morning, my goal was simply to keep going from checkpoint to checkpoint with no stop, until I reached camp. Today, we had 9 sections over 53 miles. Shortly after leaving camp and away from the bustle of the starting line, I locked-in step with the women's champion Anne-Marie. Having run a great deal with her, I knew that she would pace properly and this would give me a much better chance to last the stage and possibly to improve my position.
Admittedly, I remember very little of the entire day. I was simply concentrated on the area of dirt that I could see from my downturned gaze. We blasted through the first 4 checkpoints very quickly, and covered the first 50 km in around 5:50. The heat of the day was now upon us and we knew that it would slow us down. I had been forcing down food almost constantly over the first 4-5 hours in hopes that it would help me in the later stages, and it did.
The 6th section proved to be very tough and in the high heat of the day. We slowed to a very quick march in order to not sacrifice position and made it to CP 7 just as the evening wind was beginning and we had beaten the worst of the heat.
From there on, we settled on running to the section half-point, marching until we could see the next CP, then running it in. This worked very well, until we realized that there was no half marker on the final section. No matter. I kept pushing the pace...much to Anne-Marie's disgust!...and we arrived at the final camp just as darkness fell. It was an unbelievably tough day, but I was able to secure the 6th position on the day. Very thankful for that. An awful lot of prayers along the way, and all of them answered.
I apologize if my daily descriptions have not been in much detail, but this race has been so difficult that I find it all that I can do to focus on CP to CP and my own little patch of earth in front of my feet. Very little looking around, though there has not been much else to see than sand...as you might imagine. This race has also taken quite a toll on the body. You can only disconnect the mind and body for so long before you damage the body to a point that it takes a long while to recover, and I think that I have done that in this race. But I am happy that I have achieved my goals and left all that I had in me out there.
Today we waste time and watch the minutes slowly pass as we bake in the sun. Tomorrow we will have a short but untimed run past the Giza pyramids and through the official finish line for the race. Though I know that there will be cold drinks and food as a welcome, I am trully only looking forward to a very long shower and a long sleep in a cold bed.
I promise to post a complete race report when I return, including pictures.
31 October 2012 11:53 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
After a pretty rough night of very little sleep, I woke this a.m. pretty sore but ready to tackle the final short day. Same strategy as the previous day: keep moving forward at a steady pace, pay no attention to others around, and move through each section as quickly as possible. Today was set for just over 23 miles, spread over 4 sections with the first 2 being longer and the last 2 shorter.
I can’t really report much because all that I was aware of was the 10 feet of sand in front me, never looking around, only up from time to time in order to spy the next pink flag. Soon after start, the pack thinned and by CP 2 I was all alone with only a few shadows in the distance behind. From what I could tell, the terrain was mostly semi to hard-packed sand with a thin covering of rock over it. Vast plains surrounded by some impressive rock formations that were reminiscent of Monument Valley out west.
I keep tweeking my intra-stage nutrition regime and found today to be quite good. I drank most of my calories over the first 3 sections and gutted out the final 8 km on fumes in order to save some calories for tomorrow’s long stage. We were blessed with very cool (comparatively) and cloudy weather for the majority of the stage which made it much easier to run through.
Today, I had to deal with a lot with the mental rather than the physical. My repetitive bouts of nausea were replaced with thoughts of slowing, walking, or anything other than continuing on. However, in those times I just dropped my head, went through my breathing exercises, and concentrated on the next horizon.
I was able to arrive in camp in the 7th position and with a good feeling. Took a small walk around camp to get the lactate out then took a well-deserved “bath”, which consists of soaping up and rinsing off with a wet rag. Feels great though! Now for some food and put the legs up.
One stage to go. Very long day (53 miles), but I’ve broken the back of the race and every step is one step closer to the finish line. Thank you all for the comments. I was just now able to read most of them as I think the satellite link may have been a day off or so. Thanks again, and looking forward to reporting back after a successful long day!
Comments: Total (16) comments
Stuart Peters
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 10:38 pm
The end is in sight, let's get this done. When you go in that pool don't forget to 'Put a wetsuit on, come on come on, wear your hair down long' you know the rest. Proud of you mate
Cw Young
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 10:01 pm
catch the girl.
Brett Sharkey
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 06:42 pm
Joel - I knew you would take what you learned from the Atacama and evolve into an elite athlete. It has been one hell of a journey following your progress. I'm proud of you man. You have totally inspired me to train harder! Shift Happens.
Inny Hall
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 02:51 pm
Hey Joel, Wow you are storming it and making all of your Atacama tent smile and rooting for you. Fantastic job and so near the end now. If this one ends near the Pyramids I know there's a pizza hut just across from the Sphynx that you might like as I'm sure that appetite will return with a vengance! Inny x
Art Vandelay
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 04:53 am
Amazeballs
Andrew Strolin
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 12:20 am
Go Joel! Keep it up man! Nature's Bakery believes in you. Rest assured we are sharing your great blogs with all our Facebook Fans to help promote the sport of Ultra-Running and showcase all your hard work and perseverance in the Sahara.
Scott Bell
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 11:30 pm
I said "last little bit" twice in that last post...sweet.
Scott Bell
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 11:27 pm
Wow...that's about all I can say at this point. I was scrolling through FB this morning (around 10:50am here) and saw a post from the RacingThePlanet page. After commenting " GOOOOO JOEL MEREDITH," they replied to my comment with a comment saying "Joel Meredith came to CP8 in 5th at 16:52:00, now making his way to camp..." Instant relief and proudness hit me like a ton of bricks. Whenever you are able to read this, just know that you have done it again buddy!! I haven't seen any new updates in the last little bit, but I know you're standing strong. Enjoy some rest, get some grub, and enjoy the last little bit of another epic experience. Nic and I are proud.
Haley Houston
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:47 pm
Your doing FANTASTIC!!!! Congrats!! So proud of you!!
xoxo Haley
kristi bishop
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 05:03 pm
Hey~well, I was finally 'locked out' & can't log into your account anymore to post your blog..I did get this one out, so I'll just be able to post a link on your page...I know you are looking forward to getting back to civilization. We've just got word that you & AM have come in 5th & 6th for the Long March!!! Congrats to you both! Just a quick trot left tomorrow!! love ya!
Hannisze Yong
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 11:59 am
Wow Joel!! What a great performance so far, despite the nausea and all! We have just received the Breaking News that you have arrived at CP4 with AMarie (Stage 5). Your Blog gave us a good idea of what you were going through and it is admirable that you conquered them all and managed to improve your ranking. The end is almost there...give in your best tomorrow for that final 'photographic' moment at the Finish. Still remember the photo I took of you & AM with your hands-up-ala-disco-dancing at Atacama :-)P/s: beat your nausea by conjuring up the smell of eucalyptus oil(since you don't have the real thing this time). All the best tomorrow!!! Go, Joel, GO!!!!!!!
Joshua Meredith
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 10:45 am
Buy the time u r reading this, the long march is behind u! Good job, hope ur not too broke bc the next longest run u have is up around Randy W's neck o' ta woods...booyah...gonna be much cooler up tere! Don't lay around on ur day off and get all lazy...get ur metal detector out and try to find those weapons Bush couldn't find yo! I'm with bro Chadwick...make Merica doub'le proud....ferrrrnntt!!!!
Cw Young
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:32 am
Joelene, Tell the race officials that I may not leave another comment unless they move "United States" up to "America". Hate to scroll Dog! We're #1 Man! Get with us! #Murica! Nice work on passing that Pom- O'Dwyer. I hope you yelled "IRN BRU" as you passed him . I thought of you tonight. I almost couldn't finish a street in Cherokee Park. Trick or Treating was tough Bro! BUT...I poured some bourbon and pushed through it...like you're doing. We're both making waves man....Blood brothers.....changing #Merican minds. People like you and me are rare. We love #Merica, we train hard, we drive luxury automobiles. #Romneybitches. Hell Yeah! X Factor!!!!!
kristi bishop
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 12:48 am
Keep it up!! I know you are looking forward to some pool time...and a nice hot shower!! We are all rooting for you. love ya!
Argyrios Papathanasopoulos
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 12:35 am
Congratulations Joel!Â
At last, you show all your great potential by gaining more positions every day.
Even the 'championess' from Germany is unable to keep up with your pace and determination ;-)
Carry on with same attitude and attack today.
No pity for anybody, not even for yourself.
Give 200% of your last resources and stop worrying about your nausea. My wife will give you some Chinese oil for that the next time we meet!!
Once you are back at your posh hotel, all the pain will be forgotten.
And watch all your personal belongings in the tent because your Swiss tent mates might get them for not being able to catch up with you....;-p
Looking forward to checking your results for today's stage.
All the best!
Argi
Jeni Meredith
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 12:08 am
Go Joel Go..... you are doing absolutely wonderful, my son. You are the most blessed one this whole week. Hope you come out on top !!!!! Love You MOM
31 October 2012 02:19 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
First real night of sleep last night, so I felt quite good….until getting to the starting line! Hahaha!! When we get the “5 minutes to start” announcement my heart rate jumps to around 110 and I get a nice little feeling of nausea in the pit of my stomach. I knew that today would be difficult, so I was mentally preparing for the worst. Probably why the upset stomach.
I started today with the clear objective of maintaining a slow shuffle and clearing the first 3 of our 5 sections as fast as possible. Two reasons. First, to beat the heat of the day and second, these were meant to be the hardest sections for the day. My goal was to get as far along the course as possible, in as little time as possible, and then to just drag myself the remainder.
We started along dunes and very soft sand. The trick is to find the areas of crust that cover some of the areas and try to stay on that. It allows for more firm footing and you don’t waste all the energy needed to slog through the deeper sand. I maintained my pace, watching each kilometer tick by. Our route took us through an amazing valley of dunes and then into some larger, more elongated slopes of sand. Brutal on the legs, but runnable. I was able to roll into CP 3 in a good time and feeling okay.
Leaving out of CP 3, we had an absolute gutting climb that seemed to go forever. Mostly soft sand that you would slide down 2 feet for every 1 gained. Murder on the quads. At this point, the morning wind had dissipated and the heat was on us. After crossing a vast and desolate plain of more hard-packed and rocky terrain, we had yet another brutal climb out of the valley to arrive at CP 4. I was pretty overwhelmed with nausea after the climb but was able to catch my breath at the top before the descent into the valley which would hold our camp for the night.
At this point, I had 10 km to cover and it would be a mixture of running and walking, whatever the terrain and my legs would allow. Brutal heat by now, but feeling surprisingly okay. Gave up 2 positions in the final 3 km and gained back one in the final stretch. Very happy to have made it through the half point. One more day down, and one step closer to the finish. At this point, we are all just gutting it out.
Quite a few abandoning the race yesterday, and I suspect more today. The heat has been worse than I expected and I think that it will be all that I can do to try and stabilize my electrolytes and blood sugar for the remainder of the race. Very difficult thing to do in this exposure. But today was a success. I ran alone and my own race for the day, concentrating only on reaching the next checkpoint and to stay within myself for as long as I could. It is very easy to get caught up running with others and trying to gauge your pace off of other runners. This is, I think, the easiest way to find yourself collapsed and unable to continue. Everything seems to take care of itself over the course of the race and the most important thing is reaching the finish line without killing yourself before.
Tomorrow, we have a slightly shorter day of 23 miles and this will be our final short stage before the long march. Hoping to continue my shuffle on through to camp tomorrow. Thanks for all of the messages and especially for Stuart. My iPod did come back to life but it deleted all 7 GB worth of music….except for the last Vaccines album. Hahaha!! Guess I’ll get to know that one pretty well by the end of Thursday!
Starting to dream about real food and the pool back at the J.W. ……
Comments: Total (6) comments
Scott Bell
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 08:57 pm
Happy Halloween, duder! FYI- I was able to coax Ryan Sandes into re-tweeting me in your honor. You're doing great. Good luck on the long haul. I'll check back in soon. Respect!
Cw Young
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 04:35 pm
Joelene, Looking Good Brother! Keep it up. Team #Merica needs a hero right about now.
I put a "F-Off Punk Kids" sign on your door for Halloween. Pretty sure no one will bother your house. I'd hate for them to just stand there ringing your doorbell. I'll turn the hose on any body I see messing round the "humungalow"
We got you covered back here. Keep chugging along. #MERICA.
kristi bishop
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 02:53 pm
Keep up the good work! Reading about your pace, I'm reminded of the lyrics in the LMFAO song...'every day I'm shufflin'....hope that doesn't get stuck in your head...
Keep shufflin!!! xoxo
Karen Young
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 12:51 pm
Joel, you are amazing! I'm picturing you running through the desert today in your tennis player costume from Halloweens gone by. You picture Coach Faulkner running beside you pumping you up and you'll get through it, no problem. We are so proud of you! Lots of love from Woodmont Blvd.
Joshua Meredith
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 10:32 am
Dude, ur doing awesome!!! Happy Halloween! Quick costume idea for the desert...put a rag around ur head...HA!!!! Good luck on the long march tomorrow and if u have to go to the bano...don't worry where...that place is one big kitty litter box, suited for solids or squirts....ferntttt!
Jobie Williams
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 04:27 am
You are a monster dude. Keep it up and enjoy your time away from PW.
30 October 2012 01:14 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
Much better day for Stage 2 today. Was able to get a good recovery over the night, though I still think that I started the day a bit dehydrated still. Very nice and breezy 7 a.m. start over very runnable terrain. I set out from the start with the main goal of keeping my heart rate down and moving at a slow but steady pace, as opposed to yesterday when I ran an average HR of 181 for around 3 hours! We had a very nice group of 4 for the first checkpoint and a half. The terrain was flat with a mixture of packed and soft sand, some rock. Totally desolate. Just flat as far as you can see. It started heating-up as I moved into CP 2 and was now moving into the very large section of elevated dunes. For the next 12 km, we climbed relentlessly which required me to slow to a walk. Now, with no one visible in front and no one behind, it was simply time to concentrate on moving forward, running when possible but walking the long slow inclines.
The sand is absolutely brutal here, as is the heat. I find it difficult to properly take calories in because I eat very poorly when I am hot. Forcing more down today, I found I had much more energy late in the stage and was able to finish feeling much stronger. However, the final 5 km lasted a lifetime. We had to climb a massive dune that covered 1.2 km in distance and almost at a 45 degree angle. Brutal. The nausea returned in force halfway up and I became quite dizzy, but kept moving one foot in front of the other until I reached the summit and was able to descend. Some undulating dunes to finish and I arrived at Camp 3, worn out but much better than the previous day and able to improve my position. I am amazed at how the lead pack can cover that distance and in these conditions within the times that they do. It's very impressive to see!
Thank you for all of the comments. Wonderful to read them. Waiting now for the sun to go down and for the flys to leave (hopefully!). Must recover well tonight because tomorrow will most likely be the toughest day of the week, though I think it's safe to say that they are all tough in their own way. Tomorrow is set for lots and lots of soft sand dunes....
Thanks again for commenting and reading. One day at a time and one checkpoint at a time. In the end, the only race here is with yourself. Looking forward to checking-in early tomorrow with the report of a great day in the sand!
Comments: Total (16) comments
Jeni Meredith
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 12:30 am
Keep moving forward dear Joel. We're all pulling for you to make it and hang in there till the end. Take care, eat well and may the good Lord bless and keep you along His path.
Justin Meredith
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 12:27 am
Great job big brother, YOU BROKE 10TH TODAY!!! My co-workers must have thought I was some geekard when I got the news, so proud! Looking forward to the next update, hope that you get these new posts before tomorrows stage. Keep it up big guy!
kristi bishop
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 12:22 am
I forgot to add that is nice to see that you left your umbrella at home.
Scott Bell
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 12:13 am
Great job today, holmes! Looking forward to your next blog. Remember what I told you MY opinion was about the way YOU would perform as this race went on due to the way YOU prepared for it? Yep...I know...I'm always right. Happens on the reg. Epic things happening back here in TN. I've not fallen 1 time since you left. Don't believe me? I'll fax you a picture
of my legs...my abrasion free legs. Keep on putting one foot in front of the other. One other thing. ROR. Sorry, I haven't sent that in a text in awhile and had to get it out of my system.
Cw Young
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 10:30 pm
Joelene, Keep plugging away! You're doing great. By the way, I know David O'Dwyer and he's a big wet Nancy. I beat that guy in the last quarter mile at the Southeast Regional Qualifier Self Sustained, Bike, Walk, Fish 5K last Spring. Remind him of that!! You got this!!! You went to Vandy for pete's sake!
Kristi bishop
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 09:08 pm
Ok, I actually wrote more than that last night!! We had poppyseed chicken in your honor for dinner!! Glad to see you had a strong finish today. We're cheering for ya!
Ricky John
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 07:16 pm
Better late than never - The Shreveport Johns are cheering you on! Just keep on getting it done!
Joshua Meredith
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 05:25 pm
Joel - just saw that you placed 9th position today at 12:27 overall. Glad to hear the 1st 3 portions you likie, hate to hear the climb to Check 4 was a beast, but hey, you're a beast! Very proud dude! Keep beating the heat, stay low and steady bro and you'll finish strong. P.S.- It would have been Papaw's and Dad's birthday today, they would've been proud!
Cw Young
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 02:34 pm
Joelene, Someone cut the last part of my comment. To prove I'm not a quitter, I'm finishing my comment......Commercial for this week's "Nashville" is on..gotta go.
Cw Young
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 02:31 pm
Joelene, Keep grinding it out! You're the @ClloydRivers of the desert! #Merica. Don't be afraid to use your hands late in the day! I see a lot of baggy headgear....GRAB, SNATCH
Brett Sharkey
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:45 pm
Joel, another awesome performance through a very tough day. Your discriptions of the soft sand and the killer dunes are bringing back all those memories of the Sahara that I tried to bury away. LOL. You know the body may suffer a bit but in the end it will forget the pain and you will be left with an incredible sense of pride when you cross that finish line at the pyramids. Try stepping on the down slope of a foot impression to get traction. Keep rockin it buddy. You are in the Sahara - a place where very few people will ever experience.
Tara Kelley
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 03:37 am
I'm so proud! You are an inspiration my friend. Just think of the heat as training for Bonnaroo this year. Can't wait for the next update. And if you don't get a good picture in front of the pyramids at the end, I'm going to make you go back and do it over again. Love and luck to you, Yoel!
Joshua Meredith
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 02:11 am
Looks like ur iPod may be back up-in-running??? Great pic of you today on the googler...u were wearing ur earphones...so I guess ur not the type of dude that sports earphones while plugged into a broken iPod??? If you are though, that's kind of weird (kind of like the spider-monkey picture of you posing on a tree limb in Switzerland published in the Dec issue of Trail Runner Magazine.....just kidding...its not the spidermonkey or the bobblehead icewater photo, but it does sat you are pounding wood?)!!! I know you wish you were this week, so just wanted to say I hope those soft dunes don't get too tough. I know I don't have to tell you, but stay uber hydrated and eat enough, don't want a dizzy Joel in the desert. Been getting up at 7am ur time and then again at 5am my time praying for u bro! We're all rooting for u dude! You're doing great! I'm very proud and impressed! Keep the sand out of ur crack dude!
Justin Meredith
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:53 am
Big thumbs up to a better stage today! Some great pictures up for Stage 2 across the board. Really felt for your lack of Caloric intake today so between study sessions I sacrificed a giant Joey Bag-O-Donuts from MOE's in your name and into my GI tract; did you feel that? Good. That was the queso... Keep it up buddy! Numbers 6:24-26*
Scott Bell
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:44 am
I just ate a 45 degree angled plate of spaghetti on egg noodles...more calories than you will take in all week. Keep fighting the good fight out there man! Glad to hear today went well. Good luck tomorrow. We're all thinking of you!
kristi bishop
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:17 am
So glad to hear that today went better! Keep up the good work
28 October 2012 11:48 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
PreRace:
After a very long and tiring flight to Cairo via Kennedy, I was reunited with many of my friends and fellow runners from Chile this past March. Outstanding resort just outside of Cairo, the JW Marriott. Spent most of the day lounging next to one of the many pools on the property, followed by dumping all unnecessary packaging items from my race kit and preparing it for the next mornings check-in. Since Cairo is +7 hours from home, my body was pretty well out of whack so I awoke around 2:30 a.m. and basically laid in bed until time to head to check-in. Very good to see a lot of my friends from the previous race.
Following gear check, we drove for 4 hours to Camp 1, a beautiful sandy camp alongside the southern lake of Wadi Rayan. Treated to a beautiful sunset, though it was around 5 p.m. Everyone seemed in great spirits and excited to start the first stage.
Stage 1:
Following the typical morning scramble to repack your bag and get race ready, we were treated to some local traditional singers accompanied by some rather friendly camels to mark the start of what will be a long week....
Today's stage featured 3 checkpoints and was spread over a 23.3 mile course. The very cool and windy morning quickly gave way to what would be an unyielding sun that immediately raised the temperature an easy 20 degrees. We got underway just at 7:00 and skirted the edge of the lake. Footing was a mixture of firm sand and rather soft portions, and we were also treated to a taste of things to come as we had to climb several VERY soft dunes, some of which required being on all fours to scale. The opening pace was rather quick, as you might imagine, and I unfortunately was caught-up in the haste.
After passing CP 1, we had a 7 mile stretch to CP 2, mostly on a packed surface so the pace quickened. All the while we were running clockwise around the edge of the southern lake. Very expansive areas. You can see literally for miles which makes it VERY mentally difficult for it seems that you are getting nowhere after a long effort. Running mostly alone, I cruised into CP 2, now beginning to feel the heat.
7 miles to clear before CP 3 and another 4.3 to Camp 2. The rather cool wind that was blowing in the early morning was now replaced with still, hot air and an absolutely unyielding sun. By the half point to CP 3, the footing became rather soft and we began to climb, as we had actually begun the day well below sea level. Running when able and walking when necessary, I began to have a great deal of nausea and a bit of cramping. Basically at this point I knew that I would have to gut it out to the finish. The terrain allowed me to run the final 4-5 km to CP 3, but it then gave way to softer sand and a long gradual incline that made running difficult. As well, my iPod decided to retire shortly after the CP due to the extreme heat, so no audio inspiration. Glancing at my watch for every tenth of a kilometer to tick off, I found that it was only me and my dear friend Anne-Marie in sight, though she had passed me shortly after the previous checkpoint. I followed her lead of run/walk and finally arrived at the very well-hidden Camp 2....this time, no lake.
I can actually say that following this stage is the worse I think I've felt in a very long time! It took a good 30 minutes of sitting and deep breathing for my nausea to pass so that I could get to the shade of the tent and recover a bit. Feeling better after about an hour and having some sugar, I was able to do my walk around camp to get the lactate out of the legs and congratulate others on their finish. Hopefully I can get some food and some rest this afternoon and tonight because tomorrow's course map looks VERY VERY soft and sandy! Ugh.....
Comments: Total (9) comments
Justin Meredith
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 09:25 pm
Amazing job pounding it out with all of that weighing against you on Stage 1, so proud to see you as 10th man in the race big brother! Praying for you everyday. Not quite sure from the post if you meant the music is gone for good or just for the time being from heat, keep the beat "UP" and take all the advice that's already been mentioned. Looking forward to the next results posting and even more the next post from you. We've all got your back here at home! Remember what our friend said at Stump Jump, "just put your shoes on and run".
Andrew Strolin
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 06:12 pm
Go Joel! Nature's Bakery believes in you and supports your amazing effort in the Sahara. Be assured we're following your blog and sharing your adventure with Nature's Bakery facebook fans.
Brett Sharkey
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 02:13 pm
Joel,Congrats on a surviving the first day. I have no doubts that it will get better for you as you go. 11th place is an incredible accomplishment. I'm proud of you buddy. I know you have a "Top 10" finish in you though! Stop chasing Anne-Marie and let her chase you. LOL. Keep up the positive attitude and keep those electrolytes going. You may have to adjust your levels. Cheers...Brett
Scott Bell
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 02:00 pm
Nice work, my friend!! Keep the positive thoughts flowing...you are off to a strong start. We're all with you in spirit. Now get out there and do what you do!!! Talk at you soon.
Kristi Bishop
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 01:56 pm
Hey little brother~Sorry to hear about the nausea & probably more important, the ipod death...I KNOW that's tough on you. Try to take your time & breathe. We are all rooting for you!
Trust in the Lord with all your heart....he will make your paths. Love you!!
Hannisze Yong
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 12:42 pm
Hey Joel! This is me, Argy's wife ;-). Just to let you know that both of us are and will be following your progress daily. Sorry to hear that you did not feel quite well in Stage 1 but I am sure that you will get better and stronger in days to come, once your body has got used to the race. Remember Psalm 120:1 - In my distress, I cried to the Lord and He heard me. Do as Joshua said...when the going gets tough, try to have a conversation with God to keep you going. He will comfort and guide you through the race. GBU and keep going, my friend!!
Argyrios Papathanasopoulos
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 10:01 am
Well done Joel ! It's a superb start being 10th man in the race. Keep up with the same determination and faith. Don't bother about the heat and sand dunes. Next time when you deal with all these challenges,, think of OUR miserable life with rain and 7C,while commuting to work here in the UK...
Good luck mate and stay close to your German friend. Use her as a pacer. It will help you lot ! ;-)
Joshua Meredith
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 01:07 am
"Stay motivated"... Sorry to hear bout ur pod going out...if its not up and running...listen to GOD in the wind and ur spirit. Got up at 2am here...to pray 4 ur start...me and cal and hunter went on a commemorative run 4 you on the trail which resulted in me loosing cal and hunter took a bath in the stream crossing...lol...poor guy had soggy drawers for 3miles...but better sandy ones I guess...keep pounding sand...I knows it's tough...the Majave is still burnt into my mind...just soak it up bc it will b over soon and u'll look back and want to be back...you know that's true! B strong like Moses in the desert yo!
Larimore Henley
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 12:47 am
Yo, Joel. It's Larimore at CarMax. Congratulations on a good first day--38th? Take care. Praying for you my friend. I'll be checking your blog.
19 October 2012 01:44 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
Greetings All!
If you're reading this...then you've found where I'll be uploading my daily progress reports from the Sahara. I hope that I will have only good things to report and that you will enjoy following my journey. I encourage you to leave comments on these daily entries, as I will be able to read these whilst out in the desert. It's always nice to receive some encouragement from home!
A giant THANKS to my family and friends for putting-up with me and my insanity, to all of you who supported me through your generous giving to Special Olympics (you have impacted more lives through your gifts than you will ever know), and to my sponsors Nature's Bakery and Swiftwick for their encouragement and support of this effort, and for helping me spread my story and hopefully be an inspiration to others.
See you all on the other side!
Comments: Total (5) comments
Stuart Peters
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 11:32 am
Keep going mate sounds like you have got a lot of tough terrain out there. All i can think of is that steep climb on the long day in the Atacama. looking forward to hearing about tmrw, hope the ipod is back up and running, i know how much that means to you. This will make you laugh, i had fred round last week, whipped up a real good spaghetti bolognese, got the shits the next day and had to go to a wedding, it was nail biting stuff whilst kneeling to the lord. say hi to rich for me i didnt realise he was doing this one, and alos to AM, good to see she is leading again! Keep going mate
Stu
Joshua Meredith
Posted On: 27 Oct 2012 05:29 pm
Good luck brother. Just saw ur post on FB that u finished ur last breakfast. Did they have sausage gravy & biscuits, eggs, bacon, and pancakes...or is that served only near lil'Egypt! Ha!
Stay head strong dude, we r all routing and keeping up w you. You'll do great! P.S. thanks again 4all ur coaching advice for my 1st ultra. I had a blast with you, Scott, Justween, and Clay. Get back and let's plan another!
Stu Peters
Posted On: 26 Oct 2012 09:53 am
'i;m gooooooiiinnnnggg down to nashvillllle!' hello mate just to say best of luck with this one you will smash it. Make sure you have plenty of Mumford and sons lined up on that music player, have you got the new stuff? also the vaccines have just released some awesome new stuff, now doubt you have it all. when your done lets organise something to do, ie transrockies or something. go for it mate and enjoy it. i told tara to keep an eye on you, cant have you going and making some new compadres and get rid of us two lycra clad english gents. say hi to anne marie for me, who is in your tent? good luck man
Olga Woltman
Posted On: 25 Oct 2012 06:13 pm
Joel, BEST of luck! All of us here are rooting for you. As you are crossing the Sahara, please know what an enormous difference you've already made in the lives of Special Olympics athletes. Best wishes from all of us.
Olga Woltman, Special Olympics
Herb Kneeland
Posted On: 22 Oct 2012 12:22 pm
Joel, you and I have run into each other twice in Warner Park, once on the trail and the last time several weeks ago at the flag pole as you were preparing for a run. I want to wish you the all the best on this event. Hopefully our paths will cross again.
14 September 2012 12:56 pm (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
With one month of training to go, it looks like everything is coming together nicely....I hope. Race tapers have always been the one crucial aspect of pre-race prep that I've never seemed to fully and confidently grasp. Typically, I have a freak out with 6-8 weeks before start and then go WAY overboard trying to "catch up", leading to utter burn-out. Truth is, at this point in the training there is very little that you can do to improve overall performance, but there are MANY things you can do to hurt it. This week, I've sent the shirts to the screeners, the jacket to the seamstress (ironic that the patches to be sewn on weigh more than the jacket!) and I'll be dropping the shoes to the cobblers this week for work on the gaiters. Very exciting! That means we're getting close! This week I've also finalized my nutrition lists and collected all of the various stuffs. As opposed to my last outing, every calorie is being carefully locked-up prior to departure. After collecting gear/food for 4 months prior to the Atacama, my dog decided to devour the entire kit just 2 days before leaving for Chile throwing me into a panicked rage and forcing me to improvise it all. Thankfully, I'm blessed with some great local outfitters, so I made it work on the fly. Not having an encore performance of that! My goal for the Sahara has been to go as simple and light as possible, carrying only the bare minimum. I think I've been able to boil-off the excess and get it down to the bones. We shall see! I'll be posting more detailed pics of my race kit over at my personal blog later in the month (the link is provided in the blogroll). As for closing down my training, I've been focusing recently on a lot of back-to-back-to-back-etc. runs. I've been wearing the full kit off and on for the past 6 months or so, but have been strict on wearing it for every session since August. I think it's important to become comfortable with the pack, its weight and how it effects the rhythm of the run. Recently, I've been tweeking my hydration system, not just what I'm taking in but also how I'm taking it (i.e. bottle, bladder, softflask) and I think I've finally arrived at a system that works well for me. Again, very simple. The heat here has finally broken and runs have thankfully become enjoyable again. We're at around 85F daytime temps with mid to low humidity. Feels great after the brutal Summer we've had here! Started a small pyramid last Saturday where I went 30km, 45km, 25km, and 30km. Took a day off (for work!) and plan to repeat that again this weekend, with some variation. Ran 25km today and will follow that with 35km, 50km, and 35km. I do these runs at about 75% HF and just less than race pace, though I find myself speeding-up quite a bit with the cooler temps! I'll be pacing some friends in their first ultra in 3 weeks time so that will provide a nice little treat for me. Yes, I'll be running it backpack free! I plan to continue training through the following week, then ease into a nice 2-week taper. That's the plan anyway! Like I said before, I never seem to follow tapers very well.....we'll see. Hoping to arrive in good spirits and chomping at the bit! Really looking forward to reconnecting with some old friends, making new ones, and meeting this challenge head-on with the rest of you. Very exciting stuff!! I'm also very pleased to report that we've surpassed our halfway point to goal in our fundraising effort for Special Olympics. I'm confident that we'll reach and hopefully surpass it by the start! A huge THANK YOU to all who have given and also to those who will give. I wish the very best to all as we prepare for what will certainly be a life-changing experience. I promise, you won't be the same!
Comments: Total (2) comments
gary walsh
Posted On: 13 Oct 2012 06:53 pm
good luck jeff and thanks for the help and advice you gave.see you at the start and finish -)))
Joshua Meredith
Posted On: 12 Oct 2012 02:07 am
Hide all your gear and food from Shiner before this race dude!
12 August 2012 02:24 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
Fresh off the plane from Switzerland and I'm wishing I'd never left. Truly a trailrunner's paradise. Each day a new route and a new challenge. We covered just over 200 km in a 9 day stretch....most of that in the vertical! Awesome to reconnect with others from the past Atacama Crossing. While some of us were in the midst of training for the Sahara Race, others were putting the finishing touches on their preps for UTMB. It's always great to run with others that share my love for the outdoors and pushing beyond comfort zones. A more beautiful and perfect setting for it (St. Moritz, Switzerland), I can hardly imagine.
Now that I am home, I plan to white-knuckle it through the next 2 months, hopefully without distraction. The time has also come to accumulate the full race kit, of which I fortunately only lack a few odd items. Since I'm planning to run extra lean this time, my food choices are the main area of concern for me. VARIETY! VARIETY! VARIETY! That's the key. I'd rather not wince when I see my breakfast coming towards me...as I did by day 3 in the Atacama! After much consternation and through a rather extensive straw poll, I've also decided upon staying with my Salomon S-LABs for the race. A rather light trail shoe, they served me well last time and I'd rather not have to learn a hard lesson about not following advice whilst out in the Sahara. However, while the votes for trail versus road shoes where mixed, the one thing agreed by all in my conversations was the absolute need for a full gaiter. I'll be making a stop by the cobblers soon!
Well, the time has come. Roughly 2 months of training left before the taper. Sleep. Eat. Run. Eat. Run. Repeat. That's my schedule for the next 65 days! Best of luck to all as the start draws ominously nearer... Ciao!
Comments: Total (2) comments
Joel Meredith
Posted On: 19 Aug 2012 12:16 pm
Gary, I'd be happy to offer any advice I can. You can email me at [email protected].
gary walsh
Posted On: 18 Aug 2012 08:08 am
great blog joel.as a 4 deserts virgin im enjoying the blogs.can i pick your brains about back pack and shoe selection.as i am more doing this to finish then post a great time i take it mine choices should be different.any advice would be greatly recieved,
regards
27 July 2012 07:41 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
Is it just me or does that daily countdown timer seem to be speeding up?! I am sure that the next 3 months will fly by and we will all be bound for Cairo before we know it. Very excited for that!
Whether for good or bad (I am not sure which!), our summer heat has been especially brutal this year. Our typical summer is very long, hot, and humid. It almost never rains from June to October, but the air is permeated with moisture and the humidity usually sits at around 85%, making it impossible to cool off. After a 4 week span of almost no humidity, but with temps around 110-115, we are finally back to normal here. Daytime temps are around 95-100, but the humidity is back up and it makes it feel as if it's 110+ outside. Plus, 5 minutes into a run I am completely drenched in sweat! It has been very hard, but I feel it is excellent training weather.
That said...I need a break!! Next week I will leave for the Engadine where I will spend 10 days in Alpine heaven, training with the Campionessa Anne-Marie. I am very excited for that! We will also be joined by other 4 Deserts alums and Sahara racers alike: Belinda, Roberto, Alex, and others. AM tells me that daytime temps are around 60-70 and to not be surprised if it snows, to which I told her that I would gladly run naked through it! While training in the heat is an advantage, the two things I do not have here are elevation and altitude. I doubt that I will have trouble finding either in St. Moritz!
My race kit is practically complete. I need only to decide on which trainers I will wear, which will also determine which gaiters I need to use. I feel that the terrain may lend itself more to a road shoe and NOT a hefty trail shoe. I use the Salomon S-LABs which are a mix of both, but I feel that I could get more comfort from a road trainer, like my Hoka's. As for gaiter selection, a road shoe would require a full gaiter, while my S-LABs only need to be covered at the ankle. It is a tough decision! Once you are on that bus to Camp 1....there is no going back!
While I'm sure that all of you are training with your backpack, I would take one opportunity to give you one very keen piece of advice. Whether you choose to actually run with it before the race, or simply test it at home, MAKE SURE THAT YOU PUT EVERYTHING IN YOUR RUCKSACK THAT YOU WILL BE RACING WITH AND MAKE SURE IT FITS!!! This tests 2 things...whether your pack can hold it all and whether the pack fits YOU after it is full. I did not do this for my first race. The night before check-in I was desperately pitching unnecessary items because I was trying to fit 28L into a 25L pack. While I trained with 20-25 lbs, I did not train with the actual items I raced with. Those items packed differently and consequently changed the fit of my rucksack. Make sure that doesn't happen to you! The night before should be spent relaxing and being with friends, not stressing over how to squeeze an extra gel into your waist pouch!
Good luck to all as we draw closer to the start. Ciao for now!
Comments: Total (2) comments
Joel Meredith
Posted On: 29 Jul 2012 03:18 am
Sam- I'll be sure to pass on your greetings to the gang. Should be a fun reunion!
Sam Fanshawe
Posted On: 28 Jul 2012 05:34 am
How fun that you'll be seeing Anne Marie and some of the gang - do say hello from me!
11 July 2012 04:36 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
Well, ever since returning from Chile in March earlier this year, the training has not really ever stopped! You see, I had such a tremendous experience at the Atacama Crossing that two days after returning home I promptly signed-up for the Sahara Race. I would have done Gobi, but work obligations would unfortunately not permit me.
Following a restful but active week in San Pedro, I reluctantly flew home and began preparing for another ultra to be held in only 5 weeks time. This meant that I had no time to sit around. I continued training through that event and then took a solid week off to rehab. Since then, it's been business as usual, though I have made some significant changes to my general training cycle, both to inject some variety and to help me in areas that I feel need work.
The most important thing that I can carry over to the Sahara Race is knowing what did and did not work for me in the Atacama. I've made some significant changes to my kit and that hopefully make for an even better race in October.
A word to all the first-timers out there. The Atacama was my first multi-day, self-supported race. To be truthful, I stumbled upon the event blindly and went into it with a feeling of great excitement...but also a fair amount of trepidation. Over the year of training prior to the event, I had to hear friends and strangers tell me that it was impossible, that I would never make it, and that it was crazy and stupid. (Well....it is a bit crazy. I'll give them that.) You will hear the same things. Don't let it dissuade you. After finishing the Atacama Crossing, I can say without any hesitation in my mind that it was the absolute best experience of my life. I'm sure that it can be for you, too. I will never tell you it's easy, because it isn't. Proper preparation means sacrifice. That's hard. There are low points. Pushing through those on the course takes tremendous determination. That's hard, too. But crossing that final finish line makes you forget the bad and remember only the good. You will meet amazing people along the way and make true friends for life on the adventure. I did....and I look forward to having an even better experience in the Sahara!
In the Sahara Race I will be running in support of Special Olympics. It is a very special organization to me because I have a niece who is a Special Olympian and she benefits from the amazing work that they do. I hope to fulfill my fundraising goal over the next 3 months so that we can give a great big check to Special Olympics to help Olympians everywhere.
I do a fair amount of blogging and training updates at my personal site www.teamrfo.com, but I will try to update this site as often as I can. To my fellows racers, best of luck with training and preparations! Looking forward to running with you in October! Ciao!
Comments: Total (5) comments
gary walsh
Posted On: 18 Aug 2012 08:21 am
great blog to read for a first timer.runs are getting longer and harder,the selections of kit,food,shoes etc even harder still.but hearing someone telling you that everything your feeling is natural and your not crazy(well no more then the 250 other loons doing it)is great to hear.
keep up the blogs
Posted On: 13 Jul 2012 09:24 pm
Well yes, you probably are a little bit crazy, but you can do anything that you set your mind to do. Much like our Special Olympians...think of the obstacles that they face. Thank you for doing what you are doing!!
Posted On: 13 Jul 2012 12:52 pm
Thanks everyone. Deyl, I actually posted a follow-up shortly after returning from Chile on what I did that worked and what did not. If you you look under the general 4 Deserts blogs tab, hunt for my name (Joel Meredith), it will be first entry that appears from my archived Atacama posts. My name is listed twice, once for the Atacama posts and once for the Sahara posts, so you may have to check out both before you find it. I'm also happy to answer any questions, though I do not guarantee I'll have the perfect answer! Cheers!
Posted On: 12 Jul 2012 07:57 pm
Congrats on the successful atacama finish! Can you share some of the changes you will be making to your kit? Good luck with training and I look forward to meeting you.
Posted On: 12 Jul 2012 03:26 pm
Those who say it cannot be done need to get out of the way of those doing it. Good luck on your adventure. I know how you feel. Before I got home from Sahara 2011 I had decided to do Atacama 2012.
Comments: Total (5) comments
Larimore Henley
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 04:08 pm
Lynn Bennett
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 03:34 am
kristi bishop
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 02:23 am
Scott Bell
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 01:04 am
Joshua Meredith
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 12:35 am