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Namib Race Blogs 2016

Thanh Vu

6

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Namib Race (2016) blog posts from Thanh Vu

06 May 2016 07:14 am (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa

I ran, and ran, and ran, and ran .. through the dirt roads, through the majestic sand dunes, through the magnificent coast lines, through the rugged trails and along the beach. From 8am when we started to when the sun had set behind me, I was having the run of the year. From the beginning till the very end, I ran free. All the tears from Day 4 has washed away all the fear and anxiety that was bottle-necking throughout the race. Day 5, I started anew and felt light every step of the way. I knew it was going to be a long run but I know I would also savour every moment of it. I tried to ignore the familiar faces that were pasing me or what position i was in (although it was hard not to because we were so spread out in the desert that you always can keep count of the number of people who came by you). I kept my head and heart clear and light. All the words that people have been sending me echoed in my head

Comments: Total (7) comments

Nguyen Phuong

Posted On: 17 Jun 2016 04:42 am

Chị Thanh ơi! Cố lên chị nhé! Rất nhiều rất nhiều người đang dõi bước theo chị đấy! Em tin là chị sẽ làm được!

Tuan Tran

Posted On: 09 May 2016 07:33 am

You're reallllly awesome! Just want to have to chance to make something like you....

Mike Jansen

Posted On: 07 May 2016 08:57 am

Thinking about your last race in Atacama, i am astonished to see your progress. You are so at ease, with the course, the conditions, yourself. Your writing is so much more confident and your struggles seem to be dealt with very professionally with the mind of an athlete having experienced similar before. What a start to your 4 deserts! You are incredible.

Thomas Poh

Posted On: 07 May 2016 08:19 am

Well done gal... Not sure which amazes me more, you doing what you are doing or your ability to still write so well after done what you have done.... :-) Push on... ... Nothing is impossible.. It all depends how badly you want it!

D D

Posted On: 07 May 2016 12:37 am

You are AMAZING girl! The strength, motivation, and willpower... It's astonishing. You are an inspiration to us all!! Eye of the Tiger (ha!... I hope that tune gets stuck in you head. Lol)

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 07 May 2016 12:06 am

Awesome ... Simply awesome. Fantastic writing, sharing your experience today. Run free tomorrow. See yourself crossing the finish line in full joy !! Merrily

Thanh Vu

Posted On: 06 May 2016 11:03 pm

Amazing grit and determination Thanh! Way to suffer and push yourself to new limits. We miss you here in Danang. About to head to watch the future Thanh Vus of Vietnam with the inagural Ironkids this morning. The hardest bit is over. Enjoy and finish strong!

05 May 2016 02:31 am (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa

As expected, today was a rough day with the heat and no wind for a good portion of the course. Waking up, I could feel that my resting heart rate was higher. Understandable as we have been logged about 3 marathons already. But I still felt pretty good at the start of the race. The first checkpoint and the half-way mark toward the second checkpoint came pretty quickly. Then the heat got real. I could feel the blisters developing on my face and if they were anything like the face blisters I got after I finished Atacama, people at camp would be seeing an reincarnation of the Phantom of the Opera. It was also when my shin and ankle started hurting and my mind immediately thought

Comments: Total (8) comments

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 06 May 2016 04:24 pm

Congratulations on finishing The Long March !! Bravo bravo. Your avid fan, Merrily

Elisabeth Forsman

Posted On: 06 May 2016 11:10 am

Way to kick butt girlie!

Mike Jansen

Posted On: 06 May 2016 10:09 am

Just got internet again after my dive trip and had shivers when i went to the 4deserts site to check on your progress as i had the swollen ankle still in mind and because i watched "Desert Runners" whilst on the cruise... Super impressive the high spirits you are in and how you are steaming through! Keep it up and don't let yourself get distracted by rankings and environment. After all this is only one of 4 races... And if nothing goes anymore, take a Minipic!!

marie-paule pierson

Posted On: 06 May 2016 06:34 am

You are awesome! Congratulations on all the hard work and the well deserved rest today! Brilliant achievement! I hope you did take it all in on the Long March - without emotions life would be so boring. Well done!

Minako Toshiro

Posted On: 06 May 2016 05:21 am

Keep your chin and spirit up! Wish I could be there to cheer for you on your way to the finishing line...! xx

Felicitas Huong Friedrich

Posted On: 05 May 2016 03:38 pm

Hi em, "Once you make the decision that you will cross the finishing line, The heart and body will follow." Dont worry about your tears- embrace your emotions. You can do it!!!

Hui Ling Loh

Posted On: 05 May 2016 06:51 am

Press on!!! you can do it thanh!

Bình Nguyễnq

Posted On: 05 May 2016 04:28 am

Hi em, beat the sh@# out of it. Cái giá để trở thành một người tiên phong là đây. Không phải em làm thì chắc sẽ lâu lắm, xa lắm mới có người làm được. Hãy bền chân, luôn nhớ là mình sẽ là người đầu tiên và tất cả những đau đớn hi sinh này chẳng là gì so với thành quả đạt được trong tương lại. Mọi người đang mong tin và dõi theo từng ngày đua của em #VietRunner

04 May 2016 01:57 am (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa

First off, I need to say thank you so much for your emails and blog comments. I run toward camp for two things, food and your emails/blog comments. So keep them coming

Comments: Total (16) comments

Romain D

Posted On: 05 May 2016 05:24 am

very good job so far. when you read this i think you will be done with the looooong day, hope you had some fun running this one. i will read your notes later. enjoy the rest day and atmosphere in the camp. congrats !

D D

Posted On: 04 May 2016 08:56 pm

Despite your "setback", you're still gaining momentum and perspective. "Everything happens for a reason", right? You have the right attitude and mental toughness to conquer this race, and learn so much in the process! Enjoy the spectacular scenery. Keep your eyes open to all the natural beauty and adventure. You're living the dream!! Go, go, gooooo bumblebee! Run like the wind...

Linh Yen

Posted On: 04 May 2016 02:54 pm

Go ahead Thanh!! We all keep our eyes on you and proud of you, Thanh :)

T T

Posted On: 04 May 2016 02:12 pm

Way to go

Kathy LaBranche

Posted On: 04 May 2016 01:02 pm

Hey beautiful, strong, crazy woman! I sit her in my office in Port Hope ON and I am just amazed at the journey you have taken since you left here 8 years ago. What you have done in your short life is truly remarkable. And now you are 1/2 way around the world in the middle of a desert running 42km each day - you would have laughed me out of the room if I had said in an advisor meeting in Grade 10 that you were going to run across four deserts in ten years time. Heck - I couldn't even get you to sign up for a competitive sports team at that time. Your inner strength is inspiring. Your willingness to jump all in and take risks and experience new worlds will continue to serve you well. Thank you for being who you are and doing what you do. Please promise me that you will come back to TCS and speak to the students once you have finished the four desert. Our kids need to hear about bravery like yours (bravery mixed with a little crazy of course). Energy, strength and love to you from this little town in Ontario. Love you tons. xox Kathy

Thomas Poh

Posted On: 04 May 2016 11:00 am

Everyone at Thai Phien is cheering for U !

Casey Baumgartner

Posted On: 04 May 2016 09:38 am

You got this shit.

Sophie Clarke

Posted On: 04 May 2016 08:26 am

In Diana Nyad's words, 'Find a way!' You can do this, Thanh! Big hugs and cheers from HCM.

trinh rong

Posted On: 04 May 2016 08:11 am

we are sending you good vibes from Danang where most of us are. you are our warrior girl and an inspiration for all ! GOOD LUCK AND MOST IMPORTANT : ENJOY. and even more important RUN SAFELY

Tùng Đà Lạt

Posted On: 04 May 2016 07:52 am

Cố lên em nhé, mọi người luôn dõi theo em :)

Tuan Tran

Posted On: 04 May 2016 07:50 am

Go ahead strong girl, I always follow your steps !

nicholas koh

Posted On: 04 May 2016 06:59 am

sending you my support from sunny singapore!

Nguyen Quoc Thang

Posted On: 04 May 2016 06:12 am

Chúc em hoàn thành tốt cuộc đua

Thang Nguyen

Posted On: 04 May 2016 02:50 am

Hãy tận hưởng mọi điều em đang có, vẻ đẹp, nỗi đau, sự tịch mịch, khó khăn, em sẽ còn nhớ về nó, kiểu như một cột mốc lớn. Thanh Vu trước 4deserts và Thanh Vu sau 4deserts. Mấy ai hiểu được, cơn đau đôi khi cũng một phần thưởng! Chặng đường vẫn còn dài. Đm, cố lên! Chạy cho chết bà cái sa mạc!

Xavier SCORE

Posted On: 04 May 2016 02:34 am

Hi Thanh ! I´ve just wrote a comment but by mistake I post it on the comments of the "PRE RACE" blog. Check on it. Go ahead "MODERN WARRIOR" !!!! Xavier.

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 04 May 2016 02:25 am

Happy Jax reframed the issue for you !! Plenty of rest tonight will fully restore your shining focus. Your avid fan, Merrily PS: Many smiles to Scott and Molly, too.

03 May 2016 02:41 am (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa

So all the 42km of Day 2 is logged. I

Comments: Total (5) comments

Tim Allen

Posted On: 04 May 2016 02:01 am

This most definitely does not count as potty talk.

Bang Trinh

Posted On: 04 May 2016 12:32 am

Another day in the bag! Congrats and thanks for the update. Manage the blisters ahead of the longer days ahead. Onipa'a!

Andrew Mossop

Posted On: 03 May 2016 11:57 am

Makes me happy to see your anxiety gone and to read about you just being out there and enjoying it! Was enjoying my breakfast when reading about your bloody feet and smelly seals, haha, thanks for that! ;-) Keep on enjoying it!

Thomas Poh

Posted On: 03 May 2016 07:52 am

Press On!

Merrily Manthey

Posted On: 03 May 2016 03:47 am

Your Stage 1 posted fine. Glad to follow your experience again. Your avid fan, Merrily

02 May 2016 09:27 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

All the anxiety, nervous feelings that made my head twirl and my stomach turn whenever I started thinking about the Grand Slam are GONE! And all the residual feelings are just gratefulness and excitement. It

Comments: Total (5) comments

Bang Trinh

Posted On: 04 May 2016 12:28 am

Hi Thanh, congratulations on your progress thus far and apologies for not dropping a note sooner as I'm in the throes of final prep for Ironman 70.3 Vietnam this weekend. We'll miss you at the event but know you're racing for a bigger cause and one that inspires you to continue putting one foot in front of the other. The energy and good vibes are strong from your friends and supporters here in Vietnam. Go forth and conquer! Onipa'a!

Phuc Thanh

Posted On: 03 May 2016 12:40 am

Happy to see you finish the second race and ranked the 40th. You are our proudness and wish you all the best things!

D D

Posted On: 03 May 2016 12:07 am

Day Two and 40th overall... you're crushing it! Woot woot!! I can see your smile from all the way over here. Obviously bumblebees thrive in the desert, and float over the sand. Stay strong and focused. You got this! Enjoy!!

Amiee Wu

Posted On: 02 May 2016 02:38 pm

So glad you are loving it Vu! So proud of you that you are just really enjoying what you are doing. All the hard work is really paying off :)! Well done my dear! Will be tracking your journey throughout. Stay strong ! Amiee

Thang Nguyen

Posted On: 02 May 2016 02:13 pm

Chúc mừng em đã hoàn thành 37/1000km.

28 April 2016 11:13 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Smooth travel from Ho Chi Minh City to Swakopmund! I stopped over in Singapore to finalize a few equipment checks. My gaiters are now nicely sewn onto my shoes to protect it from the Namib sand. S&L House on the ground of IMM did a fantastic job and thanks to Thaddeus Lawrence for the recommendation. Of course I had to meet up with Thaddeus again in Singapore and hoping to build a tradition out of it ha! It

Comments: Total (9) comments

Toan Pham

Posted On: 17 Jun 2016 02:54 pm

Thanh Vũ giỏi lắm ! Cố lên ! Chúc cháu chiến thắng sa mạc ! Bác Toàn -Vân

Hua Minh Son

Posted On: 05 May 2016 12:34 pm

Thanh Vu.. Cố Lên Nhé ., we always love u

Xavier SCORE

Posted On: 04 May 2016 02:31 am

Hi Thanh !!! Since the race started I'm following all your achievements and I'm totally impressed ! I´m proud of what you are doing and I'm happy we can be a part of this adventure. Go ahead "modern warrior" !!! Nobody can stop you !!! Regards from all SCORE TECH team !! Xavier

Guim Valls Teruel

Posted On: 03 May 2016 11:47 pm

Di di di modern warrior! Is awesome to read you knowing you are in the middle of the desert! Love to read all those thoughts of stage 2, is like a meditation thoughts coverage hahaha fantastic How does de desert sound? And what colors the sand has? Seems you had a harder one today on stage 3. Hope to read soon you are ok and ready to go. I used to look for the beauty in the shit, when I cycle the globe. Amanzingky there's plenty of it :) Keep flying :)

Bruce Vu

Posted On: 02 May 2016 04:21 pm

Đường đi khó không khó vì ngăn sông cách núi, nhưng khó vì lòng người ngại núi e sông. Ý quên, ở sa mạc làm gì có sông, có núi! Well, anyway I hope you got the message. Be strong and think positively, with a strong mind you can conquer anything. May the Force be with you!

D D

Posted On: 02 May 2016 02:09 am

48th place and your first stage is behind you. Well done Thanh! Congratulations, and hope you're enjoying the challenge and scenery. Stay strong!!

Romain D

Posted On: 02 May 2016 01:26 am

good luck and have fun, enjoy the nice landscape ! this week will be 1/4, you will do it.

Tri Nguyen

Posted On: 01 May 2016 11:13 pm

Be strong and good luck!

Thang Nguyen

Posted On: 30 Apr 2016 03:10 am

Rất vinh hạnh được chứng kiến và dõi theo những bước chân của em! Cám ơn em đã chạy!Rất vinh hạnh được chứng kiến và dõi theo những bước chân của em! Cám ơn em đã chạy!