RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RTP Home

Namib Race Blogs 2012

Greg Donovan

5

Posts

Namib Race (2012) blog posts from Greg Donovan

02 November 2012 11:59 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Sorry for no blog on day 4, it wasnt my best day, nausea and pain again, and collapsed in the sand in the shade of the tent after nearly 8 hours in the heat. Matt tried to get recovery fluid into me, but needed anti nausea pills to stomoach it.
I drifted off to sleep, and then dragged by body up at around 6pm got my 800 calories of freeze dried pad thai down, and stumbled into bed at 6.30. So much for a team strategy meeting fot the long day! I blocked out of my mind that we would have to do the same again the next day, but double. (sort of like 4 back to back tough mudders, but without the beer)

I got up on the long day, put on the race face and said to myslf..... lets get this bastard done.

I decided not to start running, but just a strong quick march. This served us well.and seemed to help manage my energy and fluif intakes throughout the morning. We had an amazing stop at 19km, where they sold chips and soft drink. We spent 15 miuntes there and it was hard to leave. Matt bought a spare can of coke, which came in handy later.

We worked hard but kept at a fast march passing many people until the 50km checkpoiint at 4.30 in the arvo, but my nausea was returning due to heat and dehydration. I felt better than on previous days, so I got some anti nausea pills , coaxed Matt into giving me his coke, and was fired uo to charge home, as the sun started to set just after 5pm. The rest of the team were awesome, with Ron giving us constant stats.
We set a goal to finish before midnight to keep us focused. The stops at the next few checkpoints were short as we focused on our midnight goal. I ate nothing for the rest of the race after the coke at 4.30pm for fear of my nausea playing up..

Feet were giving me hell (and everyone else in the team were the same), so it looked likea funny march. We even started running some sections, but even at night it was still very warm. The night dragged on, the glowsticks we were following seemed to go on forever, but we still focused on midnight and marched on

Evenetually the camp light came into sight in the far distance, which spurred us on. We ran walked and had to put on a bigger run to meet our goal. The team cro0ssed the line holding hands, and the time .... 11.59.58! Sub 17 hours which was great given our estimates were anywhere from 17 to 24 hours.
Go Team Born to Run.

Now with the week done, its a time ti reflect n what we have now done, abd how far we have come. Its a huge releif to get it done, as there were many doubts,but I guess its just a metter of picking yourelf uo each day, and putting one foot in frintif another for an important purpose and goal.

The week is best smmed uo by this one liner.

The best thing to do when you are going through hell ..... just keep going.

or a recent one I was sent.

The Race is not to the swift, but to those who keep running.... how true!

I am looking forward to the non competitive jog at the Pyramids and Sphinx for the cameas, and particularly the beers and pizza afterwards.

BRING ON ANTARCTICA ...... Go Team Born to Run .

Love to all

Comments: Total (9) comments

Steve Lardner

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 02:35 pm

Congratulations again to the awesome Born to Run team. You guys are really amazing, and what you have all achieved as individuals (and especially as a team) is nothing short of incredible. Hope you all recover quickly and strongly so you can wrap up the four deserts events just as strongly in Antarctica. Go Team !!!

Chris Maclean

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 12:44 pm

Greg, well done to you and the Born To Run team. Was so pleased to see the finish time pop up on the screen. It has clearly been a long week and you have all had to look into yourselves to see what you are made of. As it turns out, pretty tough stuff. Careful you don't rust! Well one and enjoy the cruise to the finish. Chris

Chris Follett

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 09:02 am

Hi Greg, what an awesome feat. Our hearts have been in our mouths waiting for your and Matt's blogs. I can't begin to imagine what you guys have gone through. Enjoy the run to the finish line, the beer, the pizza and a few days of sight seeing. Lots of love Chris xxxx

Ronaye Brennan

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 08:20 am

Hi Greg and Team Born to Run, well done, I have no idea what you were going through on Stage 5 but seems you all did really well, Contragulations to every one and thinking of you all. Ronaye

Monica Chivas

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 03:23 am

Yah!!! you made the long day ... mind you cutting it abit fine to your goal ... LOL. Last night when results were posted & B2R had all come in I thought yes yes good one, amazing feat! So enjoy the pyramids tomorrow .. beer ... pizza .... ? much love the chivos

Bill Hooper

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 03:09 am

Very well done Greg from everyone at Aon. Looks like it was unbelievably tough individually which makes it all the more of an amazing team effort to pull though as one team unit. The Hoopers are really looking forward to that breakfast and run in Manly to hear about the adventures first hand. Rest up, enjoy the beer, and go and buy the thermals you need for the next one!! See you soon. Bill

Phil & Allyson Owen

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 03:08 am

Congratulations to the Born to Run team what a fantastic achievement. The blogs from team throughout all stages have been inspirational and especially the summation of the long march. Enjoy the pyramids, finish line pizzas and beer can't wait to see James handiwork. Allyson & Phil

Steve Donovan

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 02:05 am

Congradulations Dad, I knew you would pull through. You and team Born to Run are an inspiration to me and many others. You deserve the pizza and beer at the end of the last stage. Good luck for the 10km finish. I look forward to talking to you later on. Love you

Anne Lucas

Posted On: 03 Nov 2012 12:16 am

Congratulations Greg, Matt, Jess, Roger and Ron - you are all awesome!!!! The Sahara was always going to be a massive challenge given the conditions, being your third desert and being time poor in terms of training. Know that everyone is super proud of your team's sheer determination and commitment to your goal. While you've had some cruddy times this week and have almost wilted in the heat, the pain is absolutely worth it. Say hello to the team for me and enjoy the final stretch and the much deserved celebrations. Lots of love Anne xxxooo

31 October 2012 01:15 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I woke uo at around 2am last night in what can only be described as a panic attack, wondering what the hell I was doing in the middle of the sahara staring down at another 168km in the next 3 days. I settled myself down, and told myself that I was with a team, and we could do it. I managed to fall back to sleep for another few hours.

The day started attending to a huge blister which was givng me grief on day 2.. This was much better on day 3, but will need more surgery before start of day 4.

Day 3 is now done. Another challenging day with the first 7ks up and down rolling dunes. Lots of sand (really!), and some tough sections and big climbs.This is a true desert in every sense, with zero shade on the course. Very hot again with the mercury climbing to 46 in one section which just zapped me as the breeze also dropped.
The highlight of the day was a swimming pool at the checkpoint at 23k. I jumped straight in clothes shoes and all. Absolutely delightful ans refreshing, but this was quickly cancelled by a big climb out of the checkpoint, which required Matts pushing to get me up. At least no 800 metre long dunes at 39k today, but full marathon length at 42.2k which we knocked off in 8.09, with a good run over the line followed by the japanese film crew.That got us 46th place for the day, around the same as day 1.

The team was awsome again today physically pushing and pulling me up many dunes.

I can now be more satisfied with things than after day 2, with 2 days without a visit to medical tent, but I am still really struggling getting my head around how we can cover 87km on the long day. We will have a serious team planning and strategy meeting after day 4.

Scenery is stunning, James is getting remarkable footage as most of the course is accesible by car.

All going well will blog again after day 4.

Ray and Lea, sounds like you are having a nice time. Have a drink for me. Thanks for your support, and cant wait to see you at the finish line. Get there by 10am to be safe.

Love to all agan

Comments: Total (12) comments

Phil Allyson Owen

Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 09:45 pm

Saw that you finished the big stage such an incredible achievement we are in awe . No complaints will be allowed during the gong ride unless conditions are worse that what you have just been thru.

RHONA LARKIN

Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 12:02 pm

HI GREG, MATT AND TEAM. SOUNDS LIKE THINGS ARE A LITTLE TOUGH AT TIMES. KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK. WE ARE THINKING OF YOU AND WISHING YOU ALL WELL. LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOU ON YOUR RETURN. LOVE AND THOUGHTS ARE WITH YOU.

Riitta Hanninen

Posted On: 02 Nov 2012 10:51 am

Greg, Congratulations to all of you in the team. You especially did so well pushing it trough the tough times. Very proud of all of you. Now you can start thinking about the cool weather..See you soon! Riitta

Phil Owen

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:33 pm

Checked the breaking news for stage 5 and checkpoints are closing behind you. That great news watching and waiting with anticipation but we know it will be good news. Can't wait for the final blog. Go team B2R.

Cameron Dyer

Posted On: 01 Nov 2012 08:44 am

Hey Greg, sounds like the conditions are intense over there! Good to see you didn't have to frequent the medical tent today although that 'surgery' on your foot sounds rather interesting. Just thought you should know your son described you as a 'battler' on his blog post - I suppose you can only take that as a complement!! Ha Good luck for the long day tomorrow - 86 is just a number!!! Doing an amazing job!!

steve mckenna

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 08:03 pm

Hi Greg, please say to Lorna the boys are getting along fine at home Louis is eating lots and sleeping well, tell here we all miss her and can't wait for her to be back, but enjoy the nights out in the sahara. steve and louis

Laura Impey

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 04:44 pm

Amazing blogs, I'm really proud of yours and the teams efforts, it sounds incredibly difficult! Wishing u well for the long day, remember one step at a time, the team will pull it together and push each other on (even physically by the sounds of things!) can't wait to see all the footage James is getting, will make for some inspiring tv! Love you lots! Lau & Mitch

Leanne Dyer

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 01:18 pm

Hello Greg, you continue to amaze me & I'm feeling your pain. Stage 3 done & no medical tent, that's awesome. Your determination along with the strength & power from the team, I know will get you through this. Keep on going, you know you can do this cause you are such a fighter. The swim sounds like it was soooo good. We have a surprise for you when you finish & can't wait to be there at the end for you all to celebrate this fantastic feat. Good luck, we' re with you all the way. Lea:-)

monica chivas

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 11:13 am

1 word amazing !!!! all the best to you & rest of B2R team.

Allyson Owen

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 10:10 am

Hi Greg Great to read yr blog and know that day 3 is completed and the B2R team is half way through the Sahara. The photos are great we can see how tough, barren and isolated the race is but then the pool today must of been amazing what a location!!! We all know the long day will be difficult but we know your up for challenge and all our thoughts are with you and the team. Good luck for the long march can't wait to read the blog. Go B2R team

Steve Donovan

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 08:38 am

hello again Dad. So far you are doing an awesome job. I am sitting here at home with all my posotive thoughts heading your way. Keep pushing foreward, and before you know it the Sahara will be a mere memory. I wish you the best of luck for the next stage and here from you again soon. Love you :)

Raylene Donovan

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 05:08 am

Hi darl. We can't wait to cheer you & B2R over the finish line. We'll all have a drink or 2 together. Whatever your plan is for long day I'm sure will work. Hope day 4 goes well. Love you heaps

30 October 2012 12:01 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

It was a challenging day for us today… mainly myself. 42km of sandy Sahara wasteland, lots of soft sand.

Was not the sort of day to push things after yesterdays problems, with the focus on steady pace and staying hydrated and keeping up with electrolytes.

Very sore feet which made the going difficult, and the end couldn’t come soon enough although it took a long time… 8 hrs 40.

Good point … no medical tent tonight.

Bad point …temps reached 44 and I am totally shattered. There was the biggest dune I have ever seen at the 39km mark, over 800 metres long…. And they made us go up it.

It took me 18 minutes, and I was wasted when I reached the top. As a comparison I have run up big red in 1 minute 30.

The team took turns at pushing me up the final few dunes, which eventually turned into a team conga line behind me. I don’t know how I could have got home otherwise.

15 hours to rest and recover now, tomorrow is supposed to be harder again. Anyway at least today is good practice for it.

Rest of team doing well.

All captured by james.

Love to all

Comments: Total (7) comments

Barry Latham

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 09:56 pm

Greg, congratulations on a fantastic effort so far. This desert is certainly testing all your physical and mental strength - thank heavens you have Tough Mudder training to fall abck on!! You are an inspirational to us all - well done. Barry and Liane

Adrian Blake

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 01:49 pm

Hi Greg and team, fantastic effort on stage 2 backing up after an amazing stage 1! You guys are unbelievable, keep up the incredible effort and team work. Cheers, Blakey

Allyson & Phil Owen

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 10:23 am

Hi Greg, Well day 2 completed and no medical tent that's great news. We have been looking at the photos OMG IT'S A REAL DESERT. Mate your awesome keep it up

Aaron Simmons

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 09:52 am

Greg, Sounds worse than Gobi. Keep pushing through. You guys will make it. Best of luck and have fun. Aaron

Steve Donovan

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 05:52 am

Hey Dad, you're doing absolutely fantastic. Sounds like a really tough stage. I know that you'll make it. Keep up the good work. I look forward to your next post. Love you and so proud of you!

Leanne Dyer

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 05:36 am

Hey Greg, awesome effort! Sounds so tough but you are doing well. Stay strong & keep pushing, you can do it. Glad to hear that the medical tent wasn't needed, hope you rested well & good luck for stage 3. Our strength & positive vibes are with you all the time, Ray & Lea xx

Sandy Suckling

Posted On: 30 Oct 2012 02:18 am

I may be sitting in my comfortable office but oh I still remember those sand dunes...oh yes and the heat... Just one foot in front of the other you want to achieve finishing so you will there is no doubt about that... keep drinking keep eating...sip sip sip and sip some more.. Sandy

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

still alive ... just
Today started well with a good pace until checkpoint2 , running at 5 hour pace. But half way to chekpoint 3 I started to struggle.
The breeze dropped and the 40+ temps and endless sand took their toll'
Had to trudge home 6.8 k from checkpoint 3, and we evenatually crossed line in 6.07.
Cramos, nausea and defydration had set in preventing me from taking in necessary recovery fluid and food. so a trip to the medical tent ensued where I got anti nausea tabs and spent 2 hrs re hydration.
All good now and ready to do it all again tomorrow. And the conditins for tomorrow? Surprise ! more sand and heat.
I guess thats what you would expect in Sahara. Anyway only 210k to go now' so I think we will be slowing it down a little to avoid a repeat of today.
Fingers crossed. Team has been very supprtive today.
Love to all.

Comments: Total (5) comments

Steve Donovan

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 10:43 am

Hey Dad, Great effort for the first day! I hope you find it easier from now on, knowing the conditions and adjusting your plan of attack. I'll keep up to date with all your posts. Keep up the good work. Looking forward to hearing from you tomorrow. Love you

Phil & Allyson Owen

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 10:24 am

Hi Greg, Well an extremely tough day 1. We are really inspired by your and the teams effort, tomorrow is another day, keep your eyes on the goal, awaiting the next blog. Phil & allyson

Chris Follett

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 09:12 am

Hi Greg, sounds like a tough day. Hang in there mate and love to the team. xx

Laura Impey

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 07:03 am

Hi dad, awesome effort so far - sounds incredibly tough out there. Hope you have been able to rehydrate enough to have a better stage 2. Will be thinking of you today and checking in for results. Mitch's new favourite saying used by sas soldiers and navy seals might help encourage you on - "how do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time." Thinking of you. Love lau & Mitch xoxo

Colin Suckling

Posted On: 29 Oct 2012 02:30 am

water water and more water. Greg awesome effort to date, l know the feeling. every day you will get better. one thing is the sand is great to sleep on. Fanatstic journey to date mate dig deep. Colin

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

Here at camp 1 now. High on the dunes overlooking a lake, very beautiful.
WE are all keen to get running. Matts tummy grumbling a bit. hopefully not Gobi de javu.
Feels a bit like a film set with lots of media here
Abut 39 k of sand running awaits. Dyatime temps not too bad at moment, around 35 or so.
A bit of a shock to learn that the lomg day will be 87k, so looks like headlamps will get a workout.
We start at 7am each day, so an hour or two before th real heat sets in.
Matts job of gluiing velcro to our shoes for the gaitors not looking good. Starting to come offf after 200m walk to camp!
Blog tomorrow.

Comments: Total (7) comments

Neil Donovan

Posted On: 31 Oct 2012 06:16 am

Hi Greg....It sounds like alot of fun doing the desert at 46 degrees...Wish I was out there myself instead of playing golf at long reef...Keep the good fight going and I will tell mum and dad you are powering towards the finish line... Good luck Neil

Leanne Dyer

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 03:37 pm

Hi team, as we are enjoying our Egyptian wine & watching the moon come up over the red see at Sharm..... Amazing, we are thinking of you all & are waiting to hear of the highlights of stage 1. Hope all went well today & looking forward to your next blog. Lea & Ray :-) xx

Laura Impey

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 01:48 pm

Hello from Rome! Wishing u all the best of luck for day 1. Will be keeping up with your progress whenever we have wi-fi. Hoping matts tummy settles and there isn't a repeat of gobi. Thinking of u all, love lau & Mitch xoxo

Michael Dyer

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 10:02 am

Good luck to the Born to Run team, hope all goes well on day 1, looking foward to your news and positive results.

Monica Chivas

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 09:07 am

Best wishes with you all and look forward to following your journey.

Chris Follett

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 08:16 am

Hi guys, have a great race and looking forward to all your news.1

Steve Donovan

Posted On: 28 Oct 2012 06:21 am

I'm excited and nervous for you all! I'm sure you'll do great. Goodluck to all and looking forward to hearing from you tomorrow. I'll be following! Love you!