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Namib Race Blogs 2016

Marisa Holman

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Namib Race (2016) blog posts from Marisa Holman

03 May 2016 07:43 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

As most of you have seen, I withdrew at checkpoint 1 on day 2. On day 1, I started feeling the same injury I had while at Gobi last year with the tendon from the top of my ankle into my foot being inflammed. Really, after Day 1, I made peace with the fact I may need to pull out. On Day 2, I felt OK and tried it out. Not more than 1km in, I felt it again quite strongly and was forced back to walking.

I decided that it was far too early in the race to be developing an issue that would only get worse and only be reduced via pain killers. On top of that, I came to run, not to walk. Knowing what happened my last experience, it took over 4 months to heal and then I had to rebuild up strength again.

The very soft sand was not something I trained on much and my pack training was only minimal this year. I think I will also add some more focused strength training for this area of my ankle/foot once it heals because it seems to be a bit weak on softer terrain. These are some big learnings I will take with me from this experience.

Comments: Total (5) comments

Marlena Holman

Posted On: 04 May 2016 06:00 pm

Still my hero <3

Ren Heal

Posted On: 04 May 2016 04:52 pm

How brave of you. This must have been a tough decision but there is so much strength in vulnerability. I'm sorry it came to this after all your training and hard work. I hope you can enjoy Namibia, and as we say in New Zealand, kia kaha (be strong).

Adam Kimble

Posted On: 04 May 2016 04:05 pm

I have a good friend who says, "It's not a DNF, it's a MTRC (Made the Right Choice)." Proud of you for pushing yourself but knowing when to listen to your body, Marisa. Get healthy and you'll be back at it soon!

Kyle Rocca

Posted On: 04 May 2016 08:07 am

PS - in case you didn't know... "Today’s stage is dedicated to Marissa who had to pull out at stage two due to a nagging injury that flared up." -Jax You have a lot of fans and friends who are sending you good vibes!

Kyle Rocca

Posted On: 04 May 2016 08:04 am

Always inspired by you. Hope you're enjoying the time/people and still looking forward to the vacation you've EARNED. Cheer, Kyle

02 May 2016 09:11 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Where to begin

Comments: Total (7) comments

John Mollenhour

Posted On: 03 May 2016 03:53 pm

Nice start Marisa! Can't wait to see your next update!

Sam Sharrock

Posted On: 03 May 2016 01:55 pm

Sounds like a successful start for you, keep those worries and fears from last time buried and at the back of your mind, there is enough to contend with anyway! Keep ticking the kms, checkpoints and days off. Keep up the good work :) x

Marlena Holman

Posted On: 02 May 2016 08:59 pm

Damn girl! You're doing great! I'm so amazed at not just your physical perseverance, but your mental strength too! I'm thinking about you all day and live for your updates! I hope the makeshift ice bath soothed you a bit! I love you! You can do it!

Italo Verdi

Posted On: 02 May 2016 04:23 pm

You know what I think so continue surprising me!! ha

Sherry Holman

Posted On: 02 May 2016 02:03 pm

Scotty would be so pleased. Hang in there. We love you.

Ingrid De Ryck

Posted On: 02 May 2016 11:07 am

GOOD LUCK, MARISA!!!!! Enjoy the amazing views and the wonders of nature. I'm sure your mental strength will help you through some of the tough moments. Take care of yourself and just keep running!!!! Ingrid

Kyle Rocca

Posted On: 02 May 2016 10:50 am

Way to go Marisa! I am so glad you were able to find straws (woah that would have sucked) and I am sending good vibes your way with the injury. Mostly really impressed with the dedication idea - what a wonderful way to channel someone's positive influence and energy throughout the run each day and honor them with the hard work you're putting in. Hope you're having fun and smiling when it hurts. I'll be "watching"! Cheers, Kyle

30 April 2016 10:22 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi Friends!

I made it to Namibia safe and sound last night and have been loving seeing so many familiar faces and catching up with friends.

Comments: Total (1) comments

Lena Holman

Posted On: 01 May 2016 02:28 pm

GOOOO MARISA!!!! I'm so excited for you and proud of you!! Cheering you on from New York!! I love you! -Lena