RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RTP Home

Namib Race Blogs 2011

Deborah Kelly

5

Posts

Namib Race (2011) blog posts from Deborah Kelly

07 October 2011 02:47 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I cannot remember the last time i blogged but i spent the end of days 3 & 4 in the medical tent. Felt decidedly dodgy at the end of day 3 and ended in the medical tent popping some pills. Couldn't eat any dinner, not great after doing 35km and backing it up again the next day. Struggled around day 4 and ended up back in the medical tent again and had two IV drips. So i guess you can say in my quest of the Me vs Sahara - Sahara kicked my butt!
 
I  started the long day just hoping to finish and am now writing this from the comfort of camp after getting around 87km. What did i see - sand/sand dunes/ fine sand/ hard sand/ soft sand ..................and yet more sand...................the next time i see sand - i want to be in a sun lounger with a drink in my hand!!
 
What is it like? Hot - its really damn hot. And never ending terrain of vast sand dunes. And just to make it fun throw in a head wind. As for my feet? i'll probably lose 2 toenails which will leave me with a grand total of 5. Definitely need to wear some v-necked tops to draw attention away from the feet :-)
 
All of my tent did great (including female race  leader) and are spending the day basking in the sun. Will send pics soon....  xxx

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 10 Oct 2011 11:31 am

You go girl!

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 10:56 am

Well done Deb. Clanny said you would never give up - and that you had sacrificed toenails before! Warning about the V neck - you'll just be looking down at 2 more sand dunes :) LOL Allan

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 06:14 am

Barbie doesn't have toenails either xxx and please stay safe. I wuv you xxx

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 02:11 am

Honey, good to hear from you finally!!! You are the most amazing and strongest female friend of mine. We are extremly proud of you and you should be proud of yourself!!!! The pain and never ending sand view will be a valuable memory. You are still stunning even with a few absent toenails...but everyone like you in V-neck. :P xxoxx

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 02:04 am

Blah, blah, blah.......... Yeah your doing it tough. Shock, farking, horror. It's hot and there's a heap of sand. Reality check... Your in the Sahara Desert. Jazz Hands, Jazz Hands is I wanted!!!! Stay focused woman. If I have to come over there and slap you, you know I am going to take a run up with a flying leap.

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 12:16 am

Deb, you freakin' freak of a woman! I don't know what to say, I am gobsmacked. Your intestinal fortitude comes from your Dad that's for sure, being able to endure so much and appear to others not to be! He would have been beaming with pride (well, he is from wherever he is.) All the pain will melt away later and you will be left with the glory of what you've done. I shall rename you - Extreme Barbie!

Posted On: 08 Oct 2011 12:01 am

Incredible effort, fantastic result given the conditions and the medical issues!! Sensed from times and photos that this was not quite like the "walk in the park" Gobi March, or those trailwalker 'strolls'... toenail, smoenails, just put the sahara medal near the v top... Use the witty repartee and sense of humour! Will you be now moving to cooler climate, without sand? Enjoy the pyramids!

03 October 2011 02:30 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well, well, well wasn’t that a fun day – NOT!!! I spy with my eye something that begins with S………..

Struggled all day from start to finish. Tomorrow I shall drug up before the race starts as today was not good for the blister under the left foot. Was a very quick start and once I started running I could feel the blister under the left foot squelching (spelling??) so I gave in and dosed up on the painkillers within half an hour. I decided to take the strategic (code for lazy) approach and walk a lot so that I didn’t blast my feet on the 2nd day. Am very conscious there is another 160km to go. 

Have just been into the medical tent about a couple of blisters. Definitely gonna lose another toe nail but am hoping I won’t before the finish of the race coz that would be damn painful. People wonder why I wear leopard print and its just to detract from the state of my feet! 

What can I say – I saw yet more freaking sand today. Hard day with never ending plateau and a big kick ass (200 metre) sand dune in the final stage. Just had a pee after 7.5 hours and drinking 3 or 4 litres of water. Felt a 
bit dodgy once I hit camp but have bounced back and feeling ok again. 

However with doing more walking I did get to chat to some other crazy nutters. One guy said he’s done 5 Sahara races?!! Now that is insanity…..

We have some very quick guys in our tent – Hiro finished 6Th today and Anthony is sitting at the tent door every day when I arrive with his daily glass of red wine and cheese and crackers. How very civilized!

Someone emailed and asked if there was any hotties in the race……..let’s just say there’s some fit ones! He he he

xxx

Comments: Total (16) comments

Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 03:07 am

Such an interesting 2nd day, can't wait to hear about the other days too! Especially when you cross the finish line tomorrow! You're kicking ass out there sis, keep at it and the finish line is just waiting for you to cross it! XOXOXO BB

Posted On: 06 Oct 2011 01:53 pm

Hang in there Deb!!!! Hoping that you're in the middle of stage 5 right now and sending you cool, breezy thoughts and lots of virtual cheers - you're so close!!!!! K x

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 08:16 pm

Another 2 photo's from stage 4!!! Forget the beanbags baby, you could be the new pinup girl for 4desert. Again 2 words "Jazz hands" or your mission is not complete.

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 10:41 am

Deb you're the poster girl for Stage three!!! Your wee determined face is literally the link to stage three photos on the race home page - and you're the very first photo in the album. You look fantastic. Thinking of the whole Kelly gang today and sending lots, and lots of love. Kirst x

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 08:51 am

Hey Babe, Wow - sorry to hear you are in so much pain - but hope the battle is becoming manageable with the meds? Am thinking of you today and hoping the stars will align for you, in the beautiful desert tonight, to remind you of all your family and friends who are thinking of you and sending love and encouragement, especially today, on the 5th! We are all in so much awe and so proud of you :) Keep smiling beautiful and good luck for today! Chani.xxx

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 08:41 am

my message got cut off!!! I'll type it again! I wuv you blisters & all! You know I can't comprehend that much sand and one wee clacker! Call me when you get to London. I'm very very proud of you my sweet xxxx

Posted On: 05 Oct 2011 08:37 am

I wuv you blisters

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 05:12 pm

You'll probably read this just before Stage 5, so massive luck to you Debs! The ice cold beer is within reach... stay strong, the blisters are just bleeps, you will finish this in style and grace - as always. x

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 02:23 pm

Flower, You can take some comfort in the knowledge that we are having slightly less fun than you are, although there have been times over the last few days when I might have considered changing places (if only for a moment). 'Whore for water' there's got to be some mileage in that one. Just think how fat the fish are going to be in Kenko when they have feasted on your blisters, amazing feat Deb, keep going girl!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 10:50 am

Clanny's home tonight from Dunedin and I think she may have had a less painful time than you Deb. I've told her to read your blogs and give you the encouragement you deserve. lol Allan

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 08:41 am

Hi sweeties, hope I can give you a big hug at the tent at the end of the each stage. Keep going EROS (as per Country Jimborrie). We are very proud of you. xxoxx

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 08:05 am

hey chicky make sure you gets some good pics of the scenery!! and you know what scenery i mean! haha hehe. Hang in there girl you are going to be fine! The old saying comes to mind..'If it was easy, everyone would be doing it' xx

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 08:01 am

Something beginning with "S"? Being in Egypt, I would say "snake" or do they refer to them as an "Asp"? Losing a toenail is fine, happens to me every year as my ski boot rubs on my left foot big toe nail. It falls off and takes a full 12 months to grow back and the cycle happens all over again. Oh and skiing holidays is what a typically normal person would do on a holiday, not walk through a desert. Remind me to send you some brochures. Our flights are now booked into Denver and out of Aspen. I will send you a message playing the same eye spy game and even use the same letter. There may just be a 80 degree C different in temperature from where you are currently sitting. Have spoken to Brett and will be meeting Taylor and him at mums tomorrow around lunch time. As i have constantly yell at my kids over the years "Take the pain". You need to pick your pace up. Just pretend that Team 89 is in front of you. So come on Forrest, run!!!!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 07:53 am

Amazing!!! I am glad you got all the endurance/racing/insanity genes. I reserve the right to think you are a complete nutter, but am awe of your ability and perserverence!! you are probably down to my pace after 150km and some blisters. May your ITBs be loose!

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 07:12 am

You're still up there with the leading pack - congrats!! Great that you are taking the time to fill us in on the days - makes me feel that I am almost there with you - apart from the fact that I am sat in my air conditioned office on a comfy chair ;) Just think of all the nail varnish you will save with fewer toe nails! Keep going EROS, we are all cheering for you!! xx

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 02:04 am

So THAT's why you are taking it easy! Just hanging out and chillin', and drooling at the hotties ;) Well, Debs, time to toughen up and get going! Love reading your blog - make me wish I'm out there in the desert. x

02 October 2011 03:07 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Permission granted: to slap me hard if i ever so much mention, jest, email about ever doing one of these things again!!!!
 
Stage 1 done & dusted !! & whilst i would like to say i breezed it in this ain't the case!! No major dunes or high climbs - just unrelenting sand for as far as you can see. Psychologically i found this un-remitting landscape quite tough to to wrap my head around. And did i mention it was freaking Hot!!! At 7am we had a nice breeze by the lake and temp was pleasant til approx 9.30am/10am when it just changed to Damn Hot! and that just continued for the next 4 hours or so.
 
The only saving grace is that i did manage to struggle over the finish line before the taiwanese team.......small mercy. Today is supposedly the easy day too......eeek!!
 
People have asked me what i think about during the race and whilst i'd like to say its deep and meaningful stuff - that would be a lie. Its purely a case of lots of the following in random order "jesus christ - why don;t people slap me hard when i say i'm doing these things? Is that a blister? Yep, feels like a blister. Damn - like i need blisters on Day 1, can i finish this? i have to finish! Can i finish this? This hurts. Why didn't i spend money on a tropicsl island holiday? That was dumb. Can i finish this? Ok, just shuffle for 2 flags and then walk for 2 flags. You can do that. Crikey - its hot. This is really hot. Can i finish this?"
 
Have blisters but am hoping thru sheer will and stubbornness to clear them by tomorrow. Failing that - magic tape and drugs. If i mix the cognac (from my latvian friends) with the drugs - party time!!
 
xxx

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 07 Oct 2011 02:50 am

Don't worry, I won't slap you next time you decide on doing this, but I show you a picture of the tropics and vacation places so you don't decide on doing this again. But all in all, you've powered through all these and I'm sure lots of people wish they could do what you're doing now and put themselves to the test! Keep at it, power on! XOXOXO

Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 09:12 am

With three brothers I thought you'd be happy to have a wee blister! Use big bandages Deb there is nothing worse. Only 5 days to go!

Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 06:18 am

If there's one thing you dont' lose in the desert it's your sense of humour! Wicked :) Stay strong, Debs. I will give you a proper slap when you decide to do the next desert race! x

Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 03:18 am

Kokado here we come. Nothing better than being hot and wet (with humidty of course). Mix the dirt with the rain and then it is just good ole fashion mud. Throw in malaria and dengue fever and you'll have to bring the car door to keep the mozzi's out. Sounds like life is a beach were you are so I can certainly relate to that. Had to watch the world record bikini parade at Surfers Paradise yesterday. Sand, sand, sand ...... Under 200km to go after you read this. Your nearly there and you have 5 days to go.

Posted On: 03 Oct 2011 01:28 am

Well done you sweetie!! Can't imagine how hard this must be - but stage one down and all good! :) Keep smiling and hope that you don't have to take too much cognac on board to get through this ;) Gambatte, as we say in Japan! Good luck! C.xx

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 10:44 pm

So to summarise your blog, it's hot, it's sandy and you found people with Cognac .... you go girl!! I'm giving it 3 months until you start suggesting that you want to do the Antaractic race!!!

01 October 2011 02:41 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

So i remembered the car door!! but forgot water bottles and poles!! Decision  made on whether to use poles!!
 
So i tried to stick to my pre-race stragegy of avoiding all athletic looking people but the whole damn hotel is swarming with them. Luckily the first guys i met are the Latvian team who are bring 2 litres of cognac with them. Daily happy hour is at 6pm and dress is smart casual!! We have a Taiwanese team who are carrying the worlds biggest souvenir on their back. Everyone;s new goal is to finish before them!!
 
Arrived into camp at 5pm and my lordy it is an honest to god desert. Just what the brochure promised. Camp is stunning and overlooking a lake but where did all this sand come from?? Just saw a beautiful sunset with hot pink shimmers and it was stunning. I can now see stars for the first time in a long long time.
 
After the Gobi i sussed out the whole camp gear and decided to ditch the full length compression tights and have decided to go for cotton pants - in leopard print. I fit right in Mum :-) . I can overhear other people talking about the name of the camp and other technicalities - pls go read those blogs for sand density readings, temperatures and what not.
 
As for the race??? well, i'll think about that tomorrow....

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 01:23 pm

Find the person who is taking the photos!!!!!!!!!

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 04:40 am

Haha...doubling up must be a Southport Kelly thing! We have both tried to edit spelling errors and ended up posting twice, bloody perfectionists!

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 04:38 am

Leopard print? I didn\'t know there were cougars in the Sahara!!! Grrrrrrrrr.......go tiger? I say go Cougar! So long as there are some young, fit cubs (as it seems you have said there is plentiful supply of) you should be right, except the sight of such will have you wishing you\'d taken those water bottles!! Have fun while working hard chicky babe. ;-)

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 04:37 am

Leopard print? I didn't know there were cougars in the Sahara!!! Grrrrrrrrr.......go tiger? I say go Cougar! So long as there is some young, fit cubs (as it seems you have said there is plentiful supply of) you should be right, except the sight of such will have you wishing you'd taken those water bottles!! Have fun while working hard chicky babe. ;-)

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 04:21 am

Where is the pirate patch and hook? Surely in desert you don\'t need water bottles as you should be able to find a camel back.

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 04:20 am

Where is the pirate patch and hook? Surely in desert you don't need water bottles as you should be able to find a camel back.

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 02:27 am

Hi Deb, Glad that the Thai prince statue is a topic of conversation among competitors - I read that part twice on the race update page and -still- wasn't sure I hadn't got the wrong end of the stick. Can you imagine an English team carrying a Harry or William statue through the desert? Me neither. Will be thinking of you, and all the Kellys, this week - the McDs are sending you lots of love and cool, breezy thoughts. Go get 'em tiger (leopard)!! Kirst x

28 September 2011 06:02 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

“A blonde, brunette and redhead are in the desert.

The brunette says, "I brought some water so we don't get dehydrated."

The redhead says, "I brought some sunscreen lotion so we don't get sunburned."

Then the blonde says, “I brought a car door."

 

 

The other girls said, "Why did you bring that?"

 

 

Then the blonde says, "So I can roll down the window if it gets hot."

 

 

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 04 Oct 2011 10:49 pm

Glad you enjoyed the joke ;)

Posted On: 02 Oct 2011 08:47 am

Hilarious. Thankfully, we know a certain blonde won't be quite as airheaded!

Posted On: 01 Oct 2011 11:21 am

So hot, think I'll put the aircon on here. Don't s'pose you'll be sun baking on the sand like we did today? Good luck for the start!!!!

Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 08:26 am

Hope it's not too hot.. Your hair might get blown about with that window open.. You go girl.. I really hope you achieve your goal.. xxx

Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 08:21 am

I didn't know you were doing the Sahara! What a pleasant surprise. All the best, Debs. I will be cheering you on (from the comforts of my home of course) ;) Bring it on and kiss some ass!! x

Posted On: 30 Sep 2011 12:09 am

Best of luck Chica!! Will be following you daily and thinking of you all as you go along! Go girl and enjoy every moment! C.xx

Posted On: 29 Sep 2011 02:32 am

Have you packed your bucket and spade?