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Namib Race Blogs 2012
7
PostsNamib Race (2012) blog posts from Ken Wee
03 November 2012 12:13 pm (GMT+02:00) Cairo
My dear family and friends - very happy to share... I have done it!! I finished the race earlier today! Well, technically it is not done as there is still a couple of "ceremonial" km to the finishing line at the pyramids tomorrow but that is just a nice photo-ops ending; the hardest/longest day is over and I am glad I did it! Personally, this race has been an emotional roller-coaster; this is not a standard-road-race marathon that I know, the terrain is tough (flat road is a dream/luxury!), weather is so critical; has positive correlations with pain-factor (higher temp = more pain), etc etc... I suspect not many here talks about timing (PB, etc - except perhaps for the amazing top runners - out of this world); for the many of us (at least for me), it is all about staying in the game, staying in the fun/pain - well I may have exaggerated but I guess you know what I am referring to... There are some incredible people here...
The Long Run/March is...... LONG! I took longer than I needed to complete it but I am OK with that... I spent many hours grinding the course with John (ubs banker, who was nursing multiple injuries - broken toes, multiple blisters, etc); I felt good physically (as good as I possibly can) - was cautious about fluid/sallt-intakes, not over-taxing my joints, etc and was simply trying to enjoy the race/place... I developed a few new blisters (not a problem), my right knee/joint is hurting a little (let's see if it goes away), and my right foot/toes are slightly swollen (also, should be OK)... other than that - I a OK; not major dehydration issue...
Anyway, having only been in the desert (and isolated) for the past week, I want to know what are some of the major news/things that have happened and what is happening back in the office, etc... now, I am just typing this short paras into a toy-like laptop, and i was told they would upload it onto the RTP blog-sites... no idea who reads this short messages (I know my lovely wife does!!)... I guess it is still good for me to get a couple of words somewhere out there.......
I am so looking forward to a nice shower and a nice COLD BEER (first in months) back in Cairo tomorrow afternoon!
I hope ZB is still in Cairo; I suggested he should stay for a few more days to recover before heading home but I think he is probably still disappointed and wants to be home earlier.... anyway, he has been great... even though he was down with dehydration and the Dr prepared a salty-rice-cake type of food for him, and instead of eating it, he kept it for me knowing that I have problem keeping food in my system... amazing eh! That is all for now. Glad we delivered.
I need rest now..... Thanks all for the support; I know we managed to raise US$25k for SiB!!
Ken
01 November 2012 01:04 am (GMT+02:00) Cairo
Done with Stage 4!! There were neither gardens nor castles in this stage, and as per previous entries - sand, soft sand, sand dunes, and more SAND... Weather is great today - hot but bearable, with nice blue sky and occasional cool breeze, not in the basin though! We have covered approx.160km over the past 4 days, and my "physical" damage has been kept to the minimal - have a couple of blisters but my feet looks great when compared with some other competitors, muscles are tight/tired and cramping - taking tons of salt-stick (and this is my biggest concern - could be a show-stopper)... My joints/knees are OK (fingers crossed)... I am physically exhausted but I feel stronger today (compared to yesterday)... Tomorrow is going to be a very long day 86.3km - if I am strong enough to tackle tomorrow's long march, then I am pretty much done with the race... wish me luck - no guaranttee of success in this harsh, ruthless and unforgiving environment. I am eating a little better today; but food is still a problem...
ZB is heading back to Cairo tomorrow; and might fly back to Shanghai earlier. He is feeling much better; but he is very disappointed... It has been extremely tough, and he has tried his best but the temperature/heat was just too unforgiving; in the basin, it was said the heat/temp varies between 42-46C, and no breeze...
Thanks all for your support. I hope I do not disappoint.....need to rest now.
Ken
Comments: Total (23) comments
Seow Gek keng
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 04:51 pm
Dear Ken
Dear Ken
åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹åŠ æ²¹
Felix Chua
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 03:04 pm
Bro, so proud to know you completed stage 5! Even though it took longer than expected! For the true grit and persistence - my salute! Majullah! Orang Singapura!
Steffi Thio
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 11:06 am
Dear Ken, you are the pride of SME China! There is no reason for any of us to complain about work about how much burden we have. When we compare with what you are going through. I have my full respect for your determination and true grit!!!!
Pasquale Kwan
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 07:46 am
Keep up the great work and good luck!!
Pasquale
Fiona Szeto
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 07:14 am
Ken, well done! Soooooooo proud of you! Tasha and I spent the time together the other night...
I am sure in some of her smiles, she meant to tell me this: Fei e, my dad is running on Sahara Desert now, he is really THE MAN in my life, the real IRON MAN. Can't wait to get into his arms again. Every step he takes can be tired and painful, but it is for the people who are in need, so meaningful, I want to be a strong and kind hearted person like him!
In the next moment, I saw Tasha picking up her own water bottle and drink, then we made a toast to you and wish you luck!
jenny pei
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 01:54 am
proud of u ,åŠ æ²¹
Keng-Hian Poh
Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 01:00 am
Well done! Focus and take it step by step. You can do it!
Catherine Szeto
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:59 pm
Hey dear, well done. Amazing stuff. Ur really solid, love. After the LONG MARCH, you'll see the cold beer waiting for u at the pyramids. And it's the start of your voluntary
acclimatization back to alcohol.
I believe GOD wanna me share part of your experience at the desert. We have a sudden suspension of water supply, right after Tasha finished her bath. I gotta make do with whatever drinking H2O I have in the house. I'm sure it's 100,000 harsher at your end.
The desert is beautiful yet brutal. You have truly try your best and we are extremely proud of you.
Power kisses
jayson Beatty
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:31 pm
Ken-
The compete is to win. Your effort is an inspriation. We are proud to know you.
Jayson Beatty and famile
Angela Wee
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:50 pm
You can certainly look forward to washboard abs at the end of the race!!
Jason Soh
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:32 pm
Ken, Bravo Zulu! It's just a long march..You know it is mind over body and you can do it! Easy peasy, lemon squeezy!! Looking good in the photos!
Jade Foo
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:06 pm
Ken, hang on there. You are almost there! Please shoot some photos at GIZA!!!
Theresa Chow
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:32 am
Salute, Ken! Congrats you finished your 4th day. You really inspiring me, thinking of trying out one of them... You are a giant! You are my hero. Wait for your good news! Keep it UP UP and UP!!!
Kelwa Jiang
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 06:15 am
↖(^ω^)↗
charles Ng
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 06:07 am
on behalf of JJC, we salute you.
From charles ng C12 of 1990
David Russell
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 05:54 am
GO KEN!!!!!!!
Michelle See
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 04:55 am
GLAD TO HEAR YOU'RE WELL!! That's already a great start for tomorrow's long march! Run all the way home, Ken! We will be waiting for you at the finish line!!
Felix Chua
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 04:25 am
Ken, sharing a poem on Courage from Johann Wolfgang von Goethe that I thought reminds me of what you are doing...
\"CARELESSLY over the plain away,
Where by the boldest man no path
Cut before thee thou canst discern,
Make for thyself a path!
Silence, loved one, my heart!
Cracking, let it not break!
Breaking, break not with thee!
Press on, brave one!
Eva Chow
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 03:00 am
Ken, you are a hero! It's almost there! Have a safe race today!
Stephan Bosshart
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:59 am
Congratulations! Great to hear that the feet are still ok - given your experience in the Mainland, you obviously have a competitive advantage on the Long March! Jia You!
Winnie Tan
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 02:52 am
Ken, you are awesome and you know you can do it... jiayou! jiayou!
Pei Chin Yap
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 01:23 am
Ken, you're great! Keep it up! åŠ æ²¹ï¼
Mark Lim
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 01:18 am
Well done Ken!!! We are all reading up on your progress each day, almost done.... hang in there buddy...
31 October 2012 02:27 am (GMT+02:00) Cairo
I made it through Stage 3...!! Another painful day; and I am shivering/trembling now as I write this short message; I am cramping all over - hands, thighs, calves, foot... Temperature was close to 39-40C today; it was 36C at about 3pm.... Zhaobo didn't make it; he had to drop out at checkpoint 4, and was brought to the medical tent for IV drip (dehydration).... He is OK/safe but is definitely not feeling well....
I have gotten my food strategy wrong... no salty enough; not enough carbo... my system is rejecting most of the food I have brought... losing energy by the day.... surviving on nuts/seeds but even that is not going down too well as well...
Too tired to write... Tomorrow is another day - fingers crossed; as always I will give it one good shot... Let's see if I survive stage 4. Thanks all for your support.
Hi babe, I saw your messages... can't wait to see you and melon...! CSP! Don't worry, I am OK... This is quite fun (painful of course) and it reminds me of my younger days in the military, except that I am neither young nor fit as before...!
Ken
Comments: Total (11) comments
Nan Peng
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 01:08 am
Congratulation, boss! Everybody on 18th floor is talking about the incredible race, and we got a completely new view about Singapore Military! Enjoy running.
Betty Ku
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 04:05 pm
Dear Ken,
I can fully feel the fatigue and pain from reading through your email. Your SME family is also supporting you in full spirits and we are praying for your well being. Try to do one hour and one day at a time - remember one more day you go through you are making another life long accomplishment that you will remember. Mind over body now - rest as much as you can, cheer up, take care, God Bless you, Your SME folks all with you. Gek Keng and Winnie all says hi, Yvonne say hi (today we farewell her and we talked about how brave you are.
Take care, send us another message of your feat soon!! Cheers, B
Winnie TUNG
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 03:50 pm
Really proud of you! Do stive for the but do make sure you are safe and sound. Enjoy the run.... We are reading your updates closely every day and praying for you 😊😊😊 Winnie T.
Sue Wong
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 01:08 pm
Keep going Ken!
May Meere
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 12:40 pm
Ken, one step at the time. Be buoyed by all those of who are thinking of you as you take on this incredible journey. Focus. And breath. All that matters for this moment is you and the desert. Take the moment to appreciate her majesty and her awesomeness and that you too can be a part of her story time immemorial. Take care, my friend. This is epic!
Ning Joe
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 09:49 am
Having a dream and putting it into execution are great enough! So proud of you both! Look forwarding to your back.
Catherine Szeto
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 09:37 am
Hey darling, we are really proud of u. Ur a fabulous role model for Tasha. Hydrate yourself and remember your sun block, ok? Your surface area is larger than the usual head. Use generously. Keep going and try your best. By now, you should have passed the 150km mark. Every steps is already a new record for us. Btw, just wanna check the number of times Tasha and me showing up in the gold sandyland. Am I still slightly ahead of her?
GING! GING! GING! Go! Go! Go!
Cheers,
Cat
Bosshart Stephan
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 06:33 am
Congratulations! One Day at a time -- you'll be across the half-way mark tomorrow (if you haven't crossed it already)!
Jade Foo
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 05:28 am
Imagine that you blend into the whole of sahara and that you become the sand dunes and winds. Take a lot of liquid stuff with carbo, vitamins
Jayson Beatty
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 02:48 am
Ken-
I appreciate your openness. We are rooting for you.
Jayson
Felix Chua
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 02:41 am
Hi Ken, Zhao Bo, tracking your progress with abated breath... Do press on and hopefully, some of ZB's rations can be of use. The celebration at Yasmine's is still on!
30 October 2012 01:10 am (GMT+02:00) Cairo
Successfully completed Stage 2! This must have been one of my most physically painful day in years, and this is only the second day! Weather is much hotter today (very hot between 11 to 2) - about 36-37C and to be under the sun/heat with not a single bit of shelter is just energy-zapping, every since ounce of energy and not to mention SOFT SAND, and DUNES! This race is tough... very tough! I am happy to finish stage 2 - officially 41.8km (my GPS/pedo reads 51km!)... Calories burnt = 4111 calories... Tomorrow is going to be a tougher, officially 42.1km with 2 out of 4 checkpoints rated as 'difficult'; today there was only 1 rated as 'difficult'... Only easy day was yesterday - that reminds me....
Casualty rate is somewhat high today.... saw quite a few dropping out of the race; 2 out of 7 from my tent is no longer in the race; and 1 is currently in the medical tent (dehydration)... I am struggling too... I was told traditionally stages 3 and 4 is where most people drop out... I hope I am strong enough to handle the remaining stages... Well, I will give it one solid shot - I will take one-checkpoint at a time; km-by-km at a time; step-by-step at a time...
Sceneries/landscape is awesome... beautiful sunrise and even nicer moon-rise!
And amazingly I didn't think about work today!!
And I couldn't eat - too hot; the temperature and the race intensity just makes it almost impossible for me to eat ... sweet food/things doesn't go down well at all... surviving on nuts and seeds now. Noodles at night.
That is all - need to go rest and lie down.... Wish me luck tomorrow...
Ken
Comments: Total (9) comments
Chi Weng Lau
Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 01:43 am
Dude, heard from Shin you are doing this. Amazing. Respect. Soldier on! From fellow college Rugger. Weng.
Philip Romanelli
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 04:53 pm
Ken, this is awesome in the oldest, truest sense of the word. Good luck to you, and I am so impressed that you took this on. Godspeed!
Jayson Beatty
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 03:31 pm
Ken-
Truly inspiring. We are rooting for you.
Jayson Beatty and Family
Catherine Szeto
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 02:55 pm
It's an awesome experience and ur fantastic. Hang in there. Tasha is screaming aloud for u. Haha. Tomorrow is another new day and please sleep early. CSP
Michelle See
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 11:42 am
Well done on stage 2!! One step at the time. We can even feel the pulse from over here while reading your blogs... Keep going, Ken. Wee Ken do it!!!
Nan Peng
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 10:34 am
Wow~~ Cannot believe you’ve already made two full marathons and still have energy to enjoy the sceneries and writing long essays!!! The race is tough, but you must be the toughest boss ever, the whole BPM team is truly proud of you! But since work is completely off your mind just from 2nd day, we really worried that when you reach the Pyramid you already switch to another career…
Good luck!
Theresa Chow
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 07:50 am
Bravo, Ken! You are amazing. Please keep it up. The whole China team is backing you up. Yes, you can make it!
Felix Chua
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 07:41 am
Press on, bro! We are all behind you and Zhao Bo! You have our moral and prayer support! God bless you on this courageous journey!
Stephan Bosshart
Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 03:14 am
Hang in there! Sounds like you signed up for the experience of a lifetime. I have to admit, I somewhat envy you for burning 4000 kcal in one day (could use a few of those days myself!) though I don't really envy you for the heat and the sand...grrrr
Make sure you drink plenty (I guess that's obvious)...jug jug jug -- and pour extra salt into the noodles, you'll need the electrolytes given all the sweat you are losing.
btw -- what do you guys do during the 40km? any time and interest to chat with other runners or are people too pre-occupied with themselves?
29 October 2012 01:51 am (GMT+02:00) Cairo
First thing first - Zhaobo and I are both OK...
Successfully completed Stage 1 - officially 37.2km, but my GPS/pedo reads 41.02km... It has been an amazing day - glorious blue sky, "great" weather (it was hot - about 33-35C but feels a lot hotter, and i am thankful... it could have been worse), and simply amazing/breath-taking sceneries... It was tough, very tough - running on soft sand was much harder than I have expected; not to mention heat... Landscape has simply been amazing - there is nothing but just plain endless stretch/es of sand, sand and more sand, and sand-dunes... almost doesn't feel earth-like and even more fascinating to reflect/think that this stretch of land used to be an ocean bed!
My backpack weights 10.2 kg (when I started the race), and I wish I had packed lesser stuffs... the load on the back is a LOAD! Zhaobo started with approx. 13 kg! He packed a LOT of food; and I thought he was going to open a restaurant or a 7-11 in the desert! After today, I am sure he is going to sell, throw some away...
I made it through today without too much damage - no blisters... just sore shoulder/back... I hope my left knee doesn't give way (hasn't been stable since my PCL reconstruction surgery more than a decade ago)... my cough seems to have gone away (fingers crossed)...
I need to go lie down... tomorrow is going to be tougher, and the official distance is 41.6km.
Babe, missing you and Tasha... Thank you for been so supportive - can't possibly be out here having a great time without your support! CSP!
Ken
Comments: Total (6) comments
Betty Ku
Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 04:20 am
Ken, congratulations for day 4, you are doing very great and from your email you are definitely showing a more happy mood. Folks here in SME are all cheering for you!! God bless you good speed and you can do. You and Zhaobo already our hero already! Cheers, B
Catherine Szeto
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 07:03 am
We are so proud of you. Day 1 should be a piece of cake for u. Endure and enjoy the sand and sand dunes. I'm just wondering if we are going to have any beach holiday after this Race. Power kisses from T girl and me.
Kevinnie Li
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 06:10 am
WOW!!! You are the coolest boss in the world!!! I must say, knowing you are going is one thing, but now reading it is a whole another level!!! It feels so...real!!! Keep on with the long run and see you soon!!!! :))))))))
Stephan Bosshart
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 05:51 am
Well done -- one day at a time! In celebration of your glorious achievement I have decided to abstain from alcohol consumption this week (at least partially).
A small insider tip: I hear desert Gekkos are a great source of nutrients and - when consumed with a few desert roses they are allegedly very delicious!
Good luck, keep up the good work, and let me know how things are going!
Stephan
P:S pls let Zhaobo know that he should expect rising prices for his food goodies as the week wears on...no need to rush any inventory clearance
Nai Shin Goh
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 05:34 am
Bros, well done for completing stage 1! we are cheering for you guys here from China. Jia You!
Michelle See
Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 05:27 am
Well done from completing Day 1, Ken and Zhaobo!!! We are thinking and cheering for you guys in Shanghai!!
26 October 2012 05:25 am (GMT+02:00) Cairo
D-2... Great to be back in Egypt - my third visit in 18 years... Cairo still fascinates me - what an amazing city/country with a great history... Love the museum, though it feels like it needs a "facelift"... Spent the last 2 days acclimitising; it hasn't been too hot but the heat is pretty intense and the air very dry... I am still having my nasty coughs; let's hope it doesn't affect the race... Safety brief and equipment check tomorrow morning before getting ship out to race start-point 3.5 hours from Cairo... Hell week starts at 7 on Sunday morning! Will try to write a paragraph or two daily over the next couple of days... Thanks all for your support!
Comments: Total (1) comments
Expatriate Express
Posted On: 27 Oct 2012 01:23 pm
Dear Ken, We've mentioned you on our front page www.exp8exp.com, and on http://www.exp8exp.com/archives/1853. We've sent some questions for all HK competitors via the organisers and would love to hear from you from Egypt, if you are not too tired, Best wishes from Hong Kong. Yours, William Wadsworth, Editor, Expatriate Express
23 October 2012 01:15 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Looking forward to visiting Egypt again... Third visit - first as a tourist, second as a "diplomat" and third as an athlete!
Comments: Total (11) comments
Ringo LAU
Posted On: 10 Nov 2012 01:25 pm
Brian Townsend
Posted On: 05 Nov 2012 10:32 am
Joe Ning
Posted On: 05 Nov 2012 01:34 am
Kelwa Jiang
Posted On: 05 Nov 2012 12:53 am
Jade Foo
Posted On: 04 Nov 2012 07:11 am
Felix Chua
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 06:17 pm
Jason Soh
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 02:36 pm
Lisa Lee
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 11:35 am
Keng-Hian Poh
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 07:24 am
Catherine Szeto
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 04:46 am
Fiona Szeto
Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 03:52 am