Today is Friday, our last day at camp and a designated rest day.
 
Camp life is quiet.  I think most of us are ready for the adventure to end.  It's nuclear hot.  The tents are too warm to be in, so the pockets of shade are well populated around the site.  There also seems to be an abundance of flies pestering us.  Could be the fact that we are all dirty and stink like crazy.  Many are short on food having lightened their packs so there is some sharing and bartering going on as well.
 
Conversation of course has been on how people have fared on the last 24hours- the longest stage of the race at 85km. 
 
Everyone in our group has done really well and I'm proud of all our accomplishments.  To see people push themselves in gut it out under the conditions we had is truly remarkable.  Competitors were rolling in from 5pm last night all the way to the last walkers coming in just short of the 10:30 cutoff this morning, accompanied by the sweepers and the camels.
 
As much as I can't wait for a shower and a nice bed, part of me would love more time here and a "do-over".  But, I had the chance to push the boundaries and where I landed is stopping at the 3rd out of 9 checkpoints on the final day.
 
I had it in my head at the start yesterday morning, that I would not be making the total distance.  That was probably a mistake as it influenced my decisions throughout the day.  Having done 40km the day before for me, most of it alone, was humbling, and doing more was unimaginable given my performance this week. It was a question as to where the race would end for me. Stage 5, the optional rest spot was a target in my mind.
 
Colin and I headed out and ran/ walked stage 1.  Stage 2 was long and flat a monotonous and windy, similar to the terrain from the day before.The second checkpoint was a pleasant surprise- a proper little outdoor "cafe" at the museum in the valley of the whales.  We were able to buy chips and coke and most rested longer than usual.  Colin and I first started debating whether this was the end and we decided to continue through the 3rd stage.  We both had our ipods which helped create some diversion and distraction to the heat and the terrain.  The valley was beautiful, but a little disappointing (not too many whale bones to see), and we emerged out of the valley to a long plateau and walk into headwind to checkpoint 3.  Feet were sore. Body not bad.  My mind and will: weak.  Conversation turned back to whether this was out final checkpoint, which we debated again for some time before agreeing it was the right move.  I was speaking to Mehmet about it a few hours later when the self-doubt started settling in, and he said it was easier to think you could do more now when rested then when I was in the in the moment at checkpoint 3. 
 
I've covered almost 130km in the Sahara, but I am struggling with whether I could have pushed myself more yesterday. I felt that if I did, at best I could have made it through 1 more checkpoint.  But looking around at those who did make it through, that's how they did it- one step at a time and one checkpoint at a time.  Could i have benefited more from forging ahead as well?  I will need some distance from this week to reflect on what went into that mindset, and even how it may be influencing other parts of my life.  For now, I am trying to focus on the accomplishments that this adventure has brought me, since I signed up last January, of which there are many. 
 
I have re-read the emails and blog comments I've received this week from everyone which has been amazing, and help put perspective into what I am processing today.  I have loved every moment of this adventure, and the insights it has brought to me as a runner and as a person.  I understand we have also raised about $93,000 for nabs which makes me very proud.  Happy Scale a little lower at say, a 6/10, but anticipate that will go up when we cross the finish line at Giza tomorrow morning.  And, have the rest of the trip to look forward to through Jordan and Dubai.
 
I will have more to say via this blog in the next few days.  This is the first time I've ever put my thoughts and experiences out in such a public way- don"t even keep a diary- but this has been a great way to appreciate and process the events, and share them with you.
 
A big thank you again for all your notes- they mean allot!  Also the notes received from friends and family of my teammates- it was a nice surprise to see that you were following all of us.  Too many of you to name but you know who you are!
 
A quick shout out to Stephanie and Eleanor who are holding down the fort while I am away.
 
Also happy to hear Lenny is doing well and skyping with Meika.
 
Saharatopoulos  : - )

Hey everyone.  Thanks again for all your notes and words of encouragement.  I'm blown away from all your messages and glad that I am able to bring a little piece of Egypt back to you.
 
I'm a little tired so this blog will be short.
 
I was feeling well enough to get back on the course this morning- 40.2km.  A little nervous to go it alone and worried about what that solitude would bring.  Also worried about not having walking sticks- everyone seems to have them as most people walk most of the course (you were sooo right Dad!)
 
I was shy about asking if anyone was staying behind and could lone me their sticks- means they are having a rough time and facing the same disappointments as I did the day before.  Going from tent to tent asking and it seems these walking sticks are a hot ticket.  Diego from Brazil said I could take 1 of his and would just use 1.  Bless his heart- very generous.  Goes to show motivated everyone is to help each other out and see each other succeed.  I then found out that PJ from China (who looks just like our JJ) was not medically cleared to head out so generously loaned me his sticks- so I was all set.
 
I ran / walked the first stage which was beautiful- tall sand dunes, the kind you wished you had a toboggan for on the way down.  Met up with Sandy just before check point 1 and we finished that stage and the next stage which was great company.  We separated at 2nd checkpoint and the 3rd stage was flat and long.  Amazing how just 3km looks like 6km out here.  I was tired and cranky by the time I pulled into the checkpoint 3.  It was super breezy, a welcome break from the blistering sun the days before. Had some crushed Pringles (salty!) and headed out fir the last stage with my ipod.  Dean, thanks for this!  I should have used it earlier.  It motivated me and helped me forge ahead.  I got into camp after walking 10 and a quarter hours. I'm pooped. So it was a quick recovery time and dinner- I'm sure I'll have a good sleep tonight!
 
Daniel, I found a seashell for you today- in the desert!  Robin H, I got you a cool rock too for your collection : - )
 
Tomorrow is the long stretch- heading out with Colin and we're hoping to make it far enough to enjoy the sights- definitely don"t have 80km in me!  Hoping Mariska has clearance to join us as well.
 
We are all taking good care of each other and enjoying the experience as a team.
 
Talk soon!
 
Saharatopoulos

Again, thanks so much for all your notes and words of encouragement.  I was a little down today but reading through these and the support of people here has made everything OK.  There's a real sense of community here amongst the runners- both real competitors and mortals like me.  I am truly amazed at what people are accomplishing here - people are really digging deep.
 
Colin, mariska and I watched everyone launch this morning at 7am.  I was wishing I was in the pack but was OK with where things stood.  Today offered an opportunity to see the other side of the event and how that rounded out the experience.
 
The team dismantled the camp within and hour, and in a caravan of jeeps we set out to the new site for today- Castle in the sand.  Took about an hour to get there, and the scenery was beautiful  More of what we had seen the day before and pretty flat- although this was not the course the competitors were on, but a short cut.
 
Upon arrival- camp was set up in little more than an hour.  It was blazing hot by the time the leader, Dan Brown came in at 11:20- that's 4:20 for 42.6kms!  Mehmet came in 3rd.  It was amazing to see their strength and how effortless it seemed.  A big difference from slugging it out for hours in the mid day heat.  This sort is not for the faint heart.....
 
The camp is serene- beautiful sand dunes framed by a rocky escarpment.  Very peaceful and a good place to rest for today.
 
Stef's team came in 3rd and had a tough stage.  The rest of my tentmates all finished this afternoon by 5pm.  I'm so impressed and proud of them!
 
Mariska's toe is really infected so she needs to rest for a day.  Colin is coming back but still pretty depleted of energy.  Shout out to David who has the biggest blister I have ever seen- named it Quasi Moto.... scarry big
 
Trying to sort out my strategy and see if I make it out tomorrow for another attempt, or wait until Thursday to see the valley of the whales through the long stage.  I'd love to do both and complete 100km.  Have to sleep on it and see how things go.  More people have dropped out and a few have headed back to Cairo knowing they could not be on the course anymore for a variety of reasons.  Tough to see people's dissapointment after so many months of training.
 
A big thank you to Leslie, Julie, Robyn, Marilyn, Judy, CQ, J-F and Draftfcb Montreal, Dean, Dean, Daniel, Paul C, Mom and Dad, Jim W, Louise, Jim C, Nancy (my team mates love and appreciate your notes), Jen, Sarah, Janette, Erica, Kevin, Al, Karyn, MJ, Robin, Doris and Steve- thanks for sending me your love and support!
 
Write soon
 
Saharatopoulos
 
PS- Dean- get Mom and Dad to read the blogs...

Hope everyone is doing well.  Thanks again for all your wonderful messages and words of encouragement.  It means the world to me.
 
Today was really, really tough.  There's a bad turn, but a happy ending.
 
Happy to report Alison, my lovely teammate was the first female in yesterday so got to wear the yellow bib today. She is a star!
 
Started out the day feeling pretty optimistic, although the course was longer at about 41km and with longer stages.  Sandy, Colin and I found ourselves pacing together and able to run the first 12km together and feeling pretty strong with mostly 10 and 1's.  the ground was much more manageable with a variety of harder packed sand and pebbles- easier to get traction and less frustrating.  Checkpoint 1 came soon enough and we rested for some water before heading out.
 
The next stage was tough- very barren, and it got super hot really fast.  We three ran as much as we could and walked the better part of this leg.  Looking around, everyone seemed to be walking.  Eventually Sandy drifted ahead leaving Colin and I behind.  We were struggling.  Wasn't the feet, or nutrition, or hydration for me.  Just the pace was too slow, and increased time in the sun was zapping our energy.  We rested a few km away from the 2nd checkpoint in the shade.  Kept going- lots of talking, listening to music / Tony Robbins (gotta get me some Tony Robbins) and chatted with a few passers by- Malcolm from Wellington raising $ for dolphins and whales.  "Rolled" into checkpoint 2, rested a long while, taped my feet and met up with mariska doing the same.
 
The 3 of us set out around 12:26 (Mariska, Colin and I) - we had made the cutoff for stage 2, but again our pace was slow.  Terrain was beautiful but mostly uphill.  By 2:30 we were only half way through the 3rd stage (we had only done 5km).  Mariska was struggling with lots of blisters.  Colin was having a hard time with depleted energy and I was just too freaking slow.  We made a team decision, after ALLOT of deliberation to pull out as a competitor. When we looked at how long it was going to take us to finish the rest of the stage, we would have been disqualified.  After 7.5 hrs of pounding, I wanted to make it to the next checkpoint and delay the decision.  That was the emotional and determined side of me.  I knew the was a pretty good chance I could not finish 250, despite my optimism, but I hadn't thought it would be so early in the game. Pragmatically, we made the right choice, but it was pretty gut wrenching.  We got driven to camp 3 and when I saw the 4th leg, which was seriously treacherous with steep dunes, I know I could not have done it in the dark (sun sets around 5:30) with my headlight. 
 
Got to camp and were greeted by the team- all who were very supportive and understanding.  Lots of tears.  Feeling very disappointed.  Mostly because I don't want to miss out on what the next stages bring.  I've trained for a year for this race and learned so much, met awesome people and grown as a person.  I really want the experience to continue.
 
So, we have a plan.  Mariska is out with an infected toe for a day or 2.  Colin's feet are pretty banged up.  As it stands, we likely will follow the camp for the next day or 2 and head out for day 5 and see how far we can go.  The  stage is through the valley of the whales and is meant to be spectacular, so we want to see that.
 
Lots of emotions running through my mind as I write this.  Still digesting everything and will have more to tell you when I get home.
 
A big congratulations to my teammates who are still competing.  I am in awe of your accomplishments and proud of you. 
 
So the happy ending is that I am still happy- so thankful for this experience, to be here in these beautiful surroundings (it is a seriously gorgeous and peaceful place) and for the love and support that you all have given me.  I can't wait to share this all with you when I get back.
 
Saharatopoulos

That was a humbling, a55-kicking day.  it is only 7:15 and I am really tired
 
Happy meter- about a 7 at this point but it dipped below that mid day
 
Brutal sleep - too many of late so woke up tired. Woke up around 5:15 to start the day's routine- eating, drinking, bathroom and packing for the day ahead.  Lots of excitement and apprehension.  2 camels sent us off for the 7am start, and of course the drums!
 
We were off for a short leg of 8km.  I managed to run / walk sticking to my 10 and 1's for the better part.  First thing I noticed, ahem, there's allot of sand out here.  like at the beach, and not hard packed as I was promised.  And, throw in a few sand dunes for good measure.  Made it to 1st checkpoint around 1:10 without much trouble, had taken required water and a few snacks. Overall good, but a little lonely- alone with my thoughts, although
 
2nd leg was a beautiful and hard packed road with a winding elevation-12km.  after the sand, I was happy for a road.  Checkpoint was fine and that's where it started to unravel.  Thankfully Mariska was with me - but I found myself unable to run, and resolved to walk.  the hard packed sandy terrain at this point evaporated into sugary, powdery sand.  brutal for traction.  it was so discouraging.  all the negative talk set in.  felt there was no way IF could continue- and so early on.  I was struggling allot and flagged the passing truck over for some more water. it occurred to me that I had trouble breathing but my inhaler helped allot.  It was brutally hot- temperatures were expected to be around 38 but ended up at 46.  Climbing up a sandy ridge there was a huge boulder were like-minded travelers rested for a spell.  Was awesome and energizing.  Jeff from South Africa walked me to 3rd check point.this last leg was a brutal 12 km as well.  Jeff was awesome- lots of good conversation and great to share the road and meet someone new.
 
shifted my thinking to 1 checkpoint at a time instead of how am I going to get through more days of this mess.
 
the landscape was stunning- unbelievable.  very barren and isolated.
 
checkpoints are a beautiful thing.  There's water, help taking your pack on and off and lots of encouragement.  Jeff talked me into checking my feet as I was feeling hot spots on my toes, and I ended up reaping a couple.  I should have done so earlier in the day.
 
Last leg about 7km started out well.  Jeff and I walked until about 2km from finish where I perched in the shade next to the truck for one last sit down.  the part of day was ranked as difficult.  While not hilly or too sandy, in was flat but felt really long.  easier traction with blackened pebbles, which the heat permeated from.
 
I was dying to see camp and determined to finish stronger so ran the last 1km.  heard the drums and ran down the hill past the flags.  in just under 8hrs.  8!  never thought I'd be out there that long.  Brutal.  Mehmet drummed me in, Stef was there for a hug as was Louis, Alison and Ernie.  They were so helpful- pack off, walked to the tent to lie down with feet / legs at 90 degrees and recovery drink / 1.5 litres of water within the first 20 minutes.  tentmates were settled in mostly the same position.  happy everyone made it through - Colin had a great time and pushed hard.  Gavin and Alison as well.  Mariska is a power walker!   Same with David.Everyone is good.
 
I think we all were equally shocked at the day.  We're all happy we are here but we are struggling with the enormity of it all.  I don't think I was fully prepared for this- no one ever could be!
 
The feet, especially the nails are tender but not bad.  The research foot has 2 blisters on big toe and my foot had nothing.  All toenails intact.
 
I really need to go stretch and get organized for tomorrow, and tape my feet.  Mehmet said we should not let the shock of today impact the ret of the days- we'll be better prepared tomorrow for what to expect.  I sure hope so.
 
So much more to tell but running out of steam.  Thank you again for all your messages- I loved them and appreciate the thoughts and comments- you have no idea how encouraging it is! 
 
One thing to note- the stars are beautiful- if you turn off your headlight- it is an awesome show.  Reminds me of camping in the outback- super clear and sparkly.
 
Sleep tight!
 
Saharatopoulos

Wow!  Just read all your emails and am really blown away!  Thanks for your messages and keep me coming!  Robin, congratulations on the Paris race!
 
Had the best massage ever yesterday afternoon at the Marriott- one last splurge.  Was incredible and topped off an awesome day of rest.  Dinner last night at Thai restaurant in hotel- best to let us make our way back to our rooms to unpack, repack, unpack and repack again.  Brutal- nothing was fitting in my bag.  I was trying to figure out what I really needed versus thought I needed.  Not much in terms of extras- mostly trying to figure out calories and electrolytes.  Tried to get a good night's sleep but Sandy and I ended up talking / giggling (yes like school girls)most of the night.  Sadly the hotel staff are not as customer focused as we would have liked and a 7am wake up call turned into 7:45 and we barely made the 8am briefing.
 
RTP staff are excellent- lots of support and rules, but all necessary. Of specific interest was the medical overview and guidance around snake bites.  "Since we won't know what kind of snake bit you, you'll be flown back to Cairo."  Really.
 
Anyhoo- the check in was fun as well- got a passport, a time chip, weighed my pack- 10kg (gulp) that's without my water.  Will do better next year.  And then unpacked the pack to show all content- food, essential etc.  Passed with flying colors, and ended up taking out salt tablets and 2 rolls of electrolytes..... I think I'll be OK.
 
Then re-pack, unpack, and pack again- you get the idea.... did I say nothing is fitting in my bag- argh. 
 
That said, for the record, I am very happy.  Stef has asked me to put a barometer on that so we can really figure out how happy I am- today was an 11/10- at least while still at the hotel.
 
Boarded 4 busses to make our way to campsite 1 and went through Cairo first.  Wow- an eye opener.  Drove by the pyramids- incredible how close they are to the city and it was fun to think that God willing, I'll be there in 1 week to finish the race.
 
Worthy of mention: they stopped the bus for a pee brake, which basically meant 160 people walking about 25 feet away for the highway to collectively squat / stand as cars are whizzing by.  Very humbling and basically I need to improve my technique.
 
The route took us out of the city and onto country roads, along the north lake which is apparently very salty.  After 3.5 hrs we of the we reached a "protected area" or conservation area of the desert.  We have arrived at camp 1, down a hill along the edge of the southern lake.  The site was beautiful- all our flags were flapping in the wind, the Bedouin drums pounding and the wind was in my hair.  I have arrived. Very exciting.  Happy meter 13/10
 
We settled into our camp and tents very quickly.  We Canucks are together in 1 tent- 8 of us.  Our neighbours- Stef, Mehmet, Louis and Ernie.  BTW, the beauty of camp 1 is there is an abundance of snacks and food- eat everything or throw it out.  A few of us signed up for the foot taping medical study.  Basically, the docs tape 1 of our feet and we manage the other to see if they blister.  I have turned my body over to science.
 
Before it got dark we took sharpie markers to our bodies to mark off  where we wanted to tape to prevent chafing- and then applied paper tape and leukotape over it.  And then, a little dinner- chili mac and cheese for me.  Accompanied by a French baguette that David Gibb brought along.
 
I feel like I am on another planet and have been gone for a month- very mindful of the experience a moment to moment basis - at least for now.
 
I am now in the cyber tent with Pat and Stef, Alison and Colin.  Really hoping I can sleep as I am not really tired, despite having only slept 3hrs last night.  I turned around and 2 camels and their owners walked through camp.  Only other critter to report is a beetle the size of my blackberry (well, maybe moderately smaller).  It is windy and getting cooler but quite comfortable.  will go and read messages and inspiring quotes you have left me and get cozy with my tent mates.
 
One last comment- there is a 15 person team from Taiwan that is marking the centenary of their independence and running the race with some kind of huge idol- hard to explain but check race coverage and maybe you'll see some pictures. 
 
Everyone is very friendly and it's great to meet so many interesting people and learn about why they are here and how they have managed to prepare.
 
One last comment- a shout out to the CERC members / Board at the conference in Calgary last weekend- was great to meet new colleagues and look forward to working with you!
 
That's it for now!

I am in the lap of luxury at the dust Thani hotel in new Cairo. Feels like a real holiday by the pool, working on our tans.Ernie is having a glass of wine, very civilized! A contrast from what we are about to experience in the desert starting Saturday night! Trip over was uneventful. Met andrew on the flight to Cairo who is in the British military and shared blister care stories with Colin and I. awesome sleep after delayed flight and looking forward to a 4pm massage before dinner. Lots of excitement as we meet staff from racing the planet and fellow competitors. Lots of info exchange on packing, equipment, and freeze dried food. Trying to take comfort in pre race preparations already undertaken and not sweat the small stuff. Best surprise ever was nancy's gift of pictures and messages from friends and family. Thank you so much for preparing this! I loved reading all the notes and will reread them frequently on this trip for motivation! I am feeling the love and support and right back at you! Feeling lost without my blackerry and missing my texts. An exercise in separating myself from home and work life, which is the point of it all! That is it for now. Happy and healthy! Tune in later!

It’s 3am in the morning and I can’t sleep.

That’s twice this week.  I promised myself early nights, lots of hydration and good nutrition in the days leading to the race.

I have a busy mind, and am getting excited for the race!

The last few weeks of tapering have been a welcome relief and allowed me to spend more time on trip preparations.  Still lots to do- my spare bedroom is a war zone of clothing, food, and equipment, which I need to pare down and organize into a light and orderly pack.  I have waaaaaaay too many gels and running snacks weighing me down!  Also lots of preparations for post race travel to Jordan and UAE.

I’ve gotten lots of advice through this process and of late, am having to trust in my instinct of what’s best for me as opposed to looking for someone to tell me what works best.

Last night Nabs had a send off party for our team and Stefan Danis launched his book about his Gobi Desert experience.  It was such a great night!  I enjoyed meeting all of my running colleagues’ friends and family who I have heard so much about through our training runs.  It was an opportunity to see everyone on the team- our second gathering since the commitment to do the race in March of this year.  And, a great night for Stefan in seeing his hard work on a project become a reality.

Friends, colleagues and family have been a great source of support and encouragement:

Nancy, thank you for all the talks and for being such an awesome friend, as always.  Thanks also for the MEC runs!  I look forward to “meeting me” in the desert.

My friend Jen assembled beautiful and inspiring quotes for me to take along in my pack- they blew me away.  I will read them for motivation and meditate on them throughout the journey- thank you!

JJ- Focus, concentrate and dream

Joe- whatever you’re feeling now- that feeling of being scared, remember it because that’s what you signed up for.  Feel the entire experience rather than suppress or control it.

Thanks Dean for loading i-pod- I will need it!

Dinner with Anne Fortin in Montreal- that meal will sustain me through the Sahara ; -)

Thanks Dad for your gift and for the book of Arabic phrases which will come in handy!  Thanks Mom for taking care of Lenny!

Tally of critters seen in my training months: several cats and dogs, 4 live snakes, 1 dead snake- have I mentioned my snake phobia?  And, 1 very cute rabbit the other morning- I”ll take that as an omen for luck.  I asked my friend Nancy to do some research on scorpions and thought I would share the following for my race colleagues and competitors:

Scorpions - There are many different types of scorpions but only a few that produce venom that can kill a human. They inject this venom through stingers on their tails. You'll know if you've been tagged by a scorpion if you feel pain at the site of the sting, numbness, increased heart rate and difficulty in breathing. Keep your distance from all scorpions just to be safe.

If you're bitten or stung, treat it the following way and get some medical attention as soon as possible:

•             Sit down in the shade and relax.

•             Wash the area with soap if you have some. If not, rinse with water.

•             Apply a cool compress to the bite or sting.

•             Elevate the area above your heart level.

•             Take an over-the-counter pain reliever if you have one.

•             Tie a light constricting band around the affected body part about three inches above the point of contact. Use a bandanna, a shoestring, some gauze or anything else that isn't too heavy. It should be loose enough to get a finger between your skin and the wrap. This helps slow the flow of venom into your bloodstream.

•             Get to a doctor as soon as you can.

Enough said.

 

Last weekend marked the end of peak training with an 86km week.  Had a chance to run with varying members of my team including Alison, Colin, Sandy and Gavin, which was great- an opportunity to talk more about our training, equipment, offer moral support, and have some laughs.  Colin and I finished our 33km run on Sunday with a walk.  I thought I’d be relieved and celebrating the end of the tougher weeks we’d committed to do. 

Time to start “winding down” and tapering in the coming 4 weeks before the start of the race.

But, the past week has had the opposite effect.  Work has been challenging and I’ve had a couple of people (who would know) that I’ve been a bit off.  AKA- pretty “wound up.”

I think the mental toughness game is starting now- I’m not even at the start line yet!  This week feels a bit anti-climatic.  The focus for several months has been about the training, with a view of being ready for the race.  Now that the training is over, guess what?  The race is around the corner.  What to do now? 

Run safe, as Stefan puts it.  So, yes the training continues and I put in 42km this week- could have done more.  I did: a hill workout, a 10km on Friday, 13km in the neighborhood on Saturday, and 14km with Alane in Burlington who is training for the Chicago Marathon this October.  Weather until today was pretty hot by Toronto standards so felt like I was still on track.

Thank you to all who ask about my training and offer encouragement- it keeps me going.  A nice lift with a card I got in the mail from Helen with a motivational “sneaker” on the cover and “believe in yourself” as an encouraging message.  I laugh when Alane says I’m her “hero”…. very cute, but really, hardly know what the heck I am doing…. LOL.  Michel dubbed me “desert queen”, which cracked me up.  I think humor and laughter will save me from myself- teammates, please remind me of this when I go off on a sand dune in the coming weeks.

I think I wrote that part of what motivated me to commit to this was to scare myself into doing something different, and that would push the boundaries.  Well, “game on”.  Done and done, as Robin Heisey would say.

Anxiety is definitely setting in and manifesting itself in varying ways.  I think I’m in control but it pops out – thank you in advance to friends and family who are helping me manage this.  This is a whole different kind of stress for AMT!

Alcohol helps, although that’s off the table until post race (last Thursday was a great guys).  Conference in Calgary the weekend before Egypt should be a lesson in moderation as well, but a great distraction.

My focus has shifted to post –race travel planning, making lists of things to do and buy between now and the race, hunkering down with “Fixing Your Feet”, figuring out my calories for the race and seeing those who keep me sane- Erica, Kyle, Jeanette, Helen and Tracey.  Thank You!

Settling into the knowledge that I’ve done the best that I can in my training until now, that I can’t control everything, and to let the experience unfold.

Competitors’ blogs are awesome and keep me motivated as well.

Happy Birthday to my nephew Daniel who turns 5 tomorrow.  He is working on a project on Egypt and filling me in on all the exciting things I will be seeing at the end of the month!

 

 

August 16, 2011

The perils of running at night, and other random thoughts

I got home from work late and tried to motivate myself to get outside and put in the required mileage.  My cat is less enthusiastic to see me lace up my running shoes for another departure (mental note to spend more quality time at home after the race with the cat).

The summer is coming to a close as the long days are getting shorter- darkness on the side streets in my neighborhood- the perfect quiet escape tonight.

Wait, why is 5km so bloody hard?  I am dreading the 5km runs these days even more than the 25km runs.  I feel like the Tin Man- takes a good 20-30 minutes for the tightness in my calves and shins to “disappear” (before they reappear tomorrow).  Have I mentioned I have a low threshold for pain?

Anyhow, gliding (in my head at least) along the dark streets, and going slower than I ever thought imaginable for what seems like an endless “short run” I am trying to be mindful of my surroundings and enjoy the quietness.  Right ahead of me, a cute little black and white cat galloping a few feet towards me.  Wait.  That’s not a cat.  We both side step each other and stare down until we are backing away from each other.  Crisis and skunk averted.  There was a time I was not so lucky, but today, the running gods are smiling down on me.

I must be tired, because for the rest of the run- I am giddy and everything is funny and amazing.  Imagine, just imagine how giddy I’ll be on day 3!  Must be the endorphins kicking in because before I know it, I’m back on my front doorstep.  Aw, over already?  Really?  Maybe I am getting a little tired of my training routine.

On to other random thoughts:

·         What seemed like lots of time to prepare is now dwindling, and the reality and nervousness is setting in…. what on earth have I signed up for?

·         My mind has been busy the last several weeks- pain management, overall anxiousness about the event, my performance, my mental toughness (do I have any?), hydration, carbohydrates and protein and on and on.  Only a few moments of absolute calmness and peace of mind a la “you’re as ready as you’ll ever be” or “whatever will be will be”…… hope to have more of these zen moment sin the weeks to come

·         Congratulations to my team on raising funds for NABS at the golf tournament today

·         Disappointing but understandable conversations with family deciding not to come visit me at the finish line because of unfolding conditions in Egypt  

·         Exciting and surreal- received my 4 deserts badges in the mail from racing the planet, as well as the gaiters I had ordered, making the event seem more real and imminent

·         Grateful for the opportunities I have had including this one

·         Thankful for the support and encouragement from friends, family and colleagues.  I draw on this and soak it up in my frequent moments of doubt!

·         Thankful for my mentors and teammates without whom this daunting task would not even be remotely manageable for someone like me

·         Can’t wait to meet fellow competitors in Cairo!

July 24, 2011

“Good luck on you adventure”. 

I read the inscription on the cheque my best friend’s mother had written to sponsor me in my Sahara race this October.

Shirley is the epitomy of motherly love and encouragement.  She would probably laugh at this and call it an overstatement.  But I have benefited by association of friendship with her daughter with her advice and support over the last 23 plus years, and know it to be true.

I did sign up for the adventure of it.  I had not been looking for it, but I needed to scare myself into doing something I’d never done before.  I was complacent in my running and over the prior year and a half since my Scotiabank half, with a disappointing finish.

My level of fitness has fluctuated over the years along with my weight, and often unrelated to the volume of my activities = a rut.

Work and personal are more complex - but suffice it to say, something new and different was required.

Here I am on July 24^th, in the midst of my preparation for my big adventure.  With that comes an avalanche of moments- good, bad, fun, scary, discouraging, encouraging, inspiring, funny, frustrating… and awesome in one way or another.

And I have not boarded the plane yet.

I regret not attempting to capture events leading to this, but this weekend’s updates include:

·         Running 32km on a hot sticky, steamy Saturday with Colin, Alison, Marisa and Gavin.  Encouraging over last week’s energy meltdown of 30km with similarly heat conditions.  Apparently this is the “best training conditions for the Sahara”.  One of the awesome parts of this adventure includes the community we’ve formed as a group of runners preparing for the race.  With so much information to process there’s safety in numbers and I loved spending time with each of my running colleagues talking about their progress and learnings and validating my own insights and experiences.  Not to mention that a distance that daunting to me is best shared with others for support and encouragement and I hope that I’ve offered the same.

·         Ongoing emails between Colin and I about what we’re reading, learning, eating, watching, running, training and talking about the race.  I’m thankful for his ongoing support and our many runs together.

·         Shopping for gear.  Today at Salomon with Colin for a running pack, new shoes and accessories.  The excitement and anxiety over it all.  Is nothing simple? Have I bought the right shoes?  Will they adequately support me, or worsen the pain in my shins from the overly tight calves (not in a good way) that I continue to try and manage?  Is the 25ltr pack big enough to hold what I’m supposed to have, but light enough to manage over 250kms?  I struggle with my current 16lbs plus of weight and water.

·         Oh, and a funnier note on Saturday morning.  I’ve been weighing down my pack with bags of rice only to find mold growing from the moisture from my hydration system….. not pretty.  Have to find alternative weight!