Greetings from Africa!

The norm is for me to write a full intro then go to my main point. This blog is going to be different, in that I'm going to share the main point. "Don't lose hope"

Yes, April 2021 race is not happening due to reasons beyond anyone's control but we focus and reschedule for the 24th of October. It's hard to put everything together due to a lot of variables beyond anyone's control. As an ultra runner(with two years of training experience), I have learnt that you need to keep the hope alive, pick your bags up and regroup. Moving is the only way.

The new date is 24 October 2021 and depending on the vaccine roll-outs and global covid landscape, we will meet again in the desert.

Let me start by wishing you a Happy New year!!!!

The goal this month is to move to the second stage of my training. I managed to get into rhythms with structured training. This week here is what my training schedule looking like:

Day 1:

Calf raises 3x15

Step ups    3x15

Superman  3x15

Crunches    3x15

Back extensions  3x15

Day 2:

Burpees   3x15

Bridges      3x15

Reverse Snow angel   3x15

Push back push ups     3x15

Accordion crunches   3x15

Day 3:

Lateral squats  3x15

Walking lunges  3x15

Push ups     3x15

Tricep dips   3x15

Planks    3x30-45 secs

Hello,

The past couple of months has seen me doing a lot of inquiries on how to come back from a big break and setback. I'm sure everyone will agree with me that COVID-19 derailed a lot of our running plans and schedules. However, as the saying goes-"No need to worry over spilled milk, we regroup and march ahead." I guess this whole regrouping thing is the main driving force to why I'm writing this blog.

Before I lay out my findings, I must say thank you to the more experienced runners, coaches, and medical people around me who were willing to guide me in this "regrouping" process. 

In the past months, I found myself struggling to find any motivation to run. This felt weird to me as I never really thought such things existed. It all started after doing my 60km solo run, I made a choice to take a well-deserverd break since I had been pounding the road for 6 months straight. A day's break turned to a week, a week to months and before you know it I started losing interest and when the November race got canceled, it drained all the comeback hopes. Fortunately, I'm a special person who is not too proud to consult and I reached out for information/help. After talking to Anim(Thank you big time), it turned out that what I was going through is not something foreign in the running community. This came as a relief, but the battle was just beginning. I got linked to a therapist who figured what was going on with me and the conclusion is - I'm motivated by overcoming challenges, not quitting, and finishing what I start. Due to the lack of races in 2020, this caused me to lose the reason why I was training (By the way I take my training so so seriously).

The short story of it, we came up with a new training plan. One that doesn't focus on making a winner but a running machine (Me with my Thinking big mentality ?). This is the best plan ever and is not only designed to win but to break all the RTP time records.

Currently, I feel no pressure at all, and I'm excited to be enjoying the runs. The RTP community run is also adding to the positive energy, a big thank you to you.

So now that the form is found again, I appreciate what it means to have it and promised myself never to let it go.

"Count it as a blessing when you're able to put on your running shoes to do a km run"-Mabasa

Keep well and stay safe.

We're now in September?, what a roller coaster of emotions it has been for me as I watched for months the government give COVID updates. Terms like spiked, red zone and lockdown seemed to be the order of the day. Honestly, it drained me that I failed to run with a clear mind, which is my fuel to go fast and far. It just dawned unto me that - What if i just focus on the constants like the terrain, the dunes and the rocks. Sounds crazy but weird enough it helped me think of running again. I will schedule a new training adjustment plan and hit the road again.

The next RTP race will surely be a revenge mission for a lot of athletes. Brace yourselves for more pictures of beautiful Namibia. 

Stay Safe.?

The last time I posted, I was a bit low due to the fact that our race had been postponed until the 5th of November due to COVID-19. A part of me couldn't settle with the fact that I wasn't going to achieve my 365-day personal fitness goal of being able to run 250km in 6 days. This, by the way, was the first time to ever attempt it officially considering the fact that I fall under " beginners' runner's club."

Seated in the "Brew and Bristle coffee cafe" on that day, I had a choice to make - Attempt the distance by myself or Wait for the 5th of November.  The former looked like a waste of time because there was no need to put myself under that load as I had more training days. As for the second option of waiting until the 5th, it looked like the obvious route to take. Me being half-witted?, I went for the first option -"Attempt the distance by myself."

The option of attempting the distance by myself would satisfy the fact that "Ï had stuck to my word / running goal." This would also prove that I had done well in training. I would use the results as the base camp of exposing my weakness. If I was to pick up any injury, well I still had more time to recover. Therefore, I set the 25th of April 2020 as my starting day. This is exactly 365 days after taking on the fitness challenge. I needed to make it as practical as possible as I wouldn't be having any support, checkpoints etc. So I set my house as the Base camp where I would have meals, rest and water. I called this attempt - #RTPVirtual

Days leading to the #RTPVirtual, I had done 325km (APRIL total 535km: 3 x 42km, 7x 21km, 2x15km, 2x 10km)

Day 1  -  25 April 2020:  #RoundBlocks

I'm not sure if it was excitement or what but went blazing out of the starting blocks. The backpack felt light, energy levels were high?. 

Day 2 - 26 April 2020 - #CoastalRun

 I was already regretting going fast the previous day. I had to lower my pace if i was to complete the challenge. Did the 42km along the beach.

Day 3  - 27 April 2020 #EarthStation

Started a bit late and by the time i hit the road, Mr Fog was already parading himself around town. I did the first leg of the run in the desert and decided to follow the dirt road along the main road so as to avoid getting lost in the fog.

Day 4 - 28 April 2020

Despite the ?feeling, I really enjoyed this one cause it took me in the open desert towards the Rossin mountain. I have memories of the route so they came flooding.

Day 5 - 29 April 2020 - The 2 part story that went silent.

All I can say is that -I glad I met my 356-day fitness challenge, don't ever regret the run for it made me more confident and exposed the areas I need to work on come 5 November. 

"I fear not the man who has practised 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practised one kick 10,000 times.

Bruce Lee

#FinishStrong #GoFinish #GoFar_GoFinish #RTP2020

Due to the Covid-19, the organizers made a not so easy decision to postpone the race to the 5th of November.

I have been working so hard for this race but safety comes first and therefore I'm proud of the organizers hence am 100% behind the decision.

Stay safe and dnt forget to wash or sanitize your hands. 

Hope is a burning light that should never die or be put out. It dies by power of choice so never choose to let it die.

I'm writing this blog with a heavy heart concerning the Covid-19 that is sweeping across the world. This has ceased to be a regional issue but global one where we have to join hands and fight it out. RTP is all about endurance and never giving up so as part of the family, our hope of things we'll again will never die.

Basic protective measures against the new coronavirus

Stay aware of the latest information on the COVID-19 outbreak, available on the WHO website and through your national and local public health authority. Most people who become infected experience mild illness and recover, but it can be more severe for others. Take care of your health and protect others by doing the following

Wash your hands frequently

Regularly and thoroughly clean your hands with an alcohol-based hand rub or wash them with soap and water.

Why? Washing your hands with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand rub kills viruses that may be on your hands.

Maintain social distancing

Maintain at least 1 metre (3 feet) distance between yourself and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.

Why? When someone coughs or sneezes they spray small liquid droplets from their nose or mouth which may contain virus. If you are too close, you can breathe in the droplets, including the COVID-19 virus if the person coughing has the disease.

Avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth

Why? Hands touch many surfaces and can pick up viruses. Once contaminated, hands can transfer the virus to your eyes, nose or mouth. From there, the virus can enter your body and can make you sick.

Practice respiratory hygiene

Make sure you, and the people around you, follow good respiratory hygiene. This means covering your mouth and nose with your bent elbow or tissue when you cough or sneeze. Then dispose of the used tissue immediately.

Why? Droplets spread virus. By following good respiratory hygiene you protect the people around you from viruses such as cold, flu and COVID-19.

If you have fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical care early

Stay home if you feel unwell. If you have a fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical attention and call in advance. Follow the directions of your local health authority.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on the situation in your area. Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also protect you and help prevent spread of viruses and other infections.

Stay informed and follow advice given by your healthcare provider

Stay informed on the latest developments about COVID-19. Follow advice given by your healthcare provider, your national and local public health authority or your employer on how to protect yourself and others from COVID-19.

Why? National and local authorities will have the most up to date information on whether COVID-19 is spreading in your area. They are best placed to advise on what people in your area should be doing to protect themselves.

Protection measures for persons who are in or have recently visited (past 14 days) areas where COVID-19 is spreading

Follow the guidance outlined above.

Stay at home if you begin to feel unwell, even with mild symptoms such as headache and slight runny nose, until you recover. Why? Avoiding contact with others and visits to medical facilities will allow these facilities to operate more effectively and help protect you and others from possible COVID-19 and other viruses.

If you develop fever, cough and difficulty breathing, seek medical advice promptly as this may be due to a respiratory infection or other serious condition. Call in advance and tell your provider of any recent travel or contact with travelers. Why? Calling in advance will allow your health care provider to quickly direct you to the right health facility. This will also help to prevent possible spread of COVID-19 and other viruses.

Hello all?,

60 days to go and I'm excited that I'm super better! ??. I shall be resuming training on Monday the 2nd of March... Yeeepeee!!

So what did I do whilst injured, well it's a simple question to answer as I had a lot of time to spend. 

1-work: I found myself traveling with work and had a lot of manual work to do thus I had awesome free workouts as I would climb, jump, carry and endure the heat in the North at different altitudes. In short I did crossfit and altitude training, fair enough. ? 

2-Family : we had priceless moments together and to some time to explain to the girls about the race and what I intend to achieve. In short, I did mental training. ? 

3-Admin : well, I never realised the administration demands of running or preparing for a race but all the same I put in the work and cleared the backlog. In short, I made my focus sharper by eliminating backlog ? 

4-Gym : went there twice ?. Just can't run on a treadmill or cycle on one position. 

5-Logo design :Finally had a chance to sit down, design and perfect my logo. Thanks @Merike for the awesome job.. 

Lastly, just want to say thank you to everyone who is supporting me in the background and for RTP for such an amazing race.. 

Spread the love and be humble. 

Hello,

Im sitting in my favourite coffee shop ( Brew Bristles) enjoying a 007 coffee (Make a turn and just ask for a 007 coffee and thank me later) then it hit me that its been a month since i posted something. First things first, let me start by wishing you all an awesome 2020…again.

Back to the prep stories, I’m in Brew Bristle just to do my Namib race admin and I’m impressed by the ground covered looking at the time left, 79 days to be exact. I’m 98% on the mandatory Equipment list which is good news. 

Of late I have been doing well in terms of my training. I must say, this at this point that the Racing the planet training document is the best. Im consistently following it and I can feel the progress physically. The fact that it takes a gradual increase in the training intensity sort of makes the training load seem like it’s way too simple and achievable there by giving you a sense of achievement after every session. Sense of achievement is what improves your motivation and motivation is key to these types of races. 

I managed to do my January ultra of 85km with my 8km pack and it felt better than the last time I attempted the same. As for the half marathons, I managed to do only two which wasn’t bad. Fortunately, due to the nature of my job where I get to travel and do installations, in January I found myself working in the hot (between 38 - 42 degrees) and High altitude areas so I took advantage and ran whenever I found free space. It ain’t easy by the way running in the heat but like they say “Deal with it.” 

Injuries:

I had set Rossing Marathon on 8 February as a day I train for my 42km run but looks like the plan has been thwarted by a foot injury (??). So my aim was to run a sub 3 and half hour marathon, which I felt I was close to breaking only to be woken up by a car passing by our house lol. Well I developed a Plantar fisciitis.. So currently I’m restricted to soft training also known as walking lol. Im also taking some time to visit the gym for strength work, something I never used to do since my job involves a lot of lifting anyways. 

“Plantar fasciitis is an inflammation of the fibrous tissue (plantar fascia) along the bottom of your foot that connects your heel bone to your toes. Plantar fasciitis can cause intense heel pain.”

So yes, even legends get Injured..It ain’t easy running round the globe 3 times in a week?..

“Running Allows me to visit my past and make peace with  all the mistakes I did, thereby sharpening my future plans.”- Mabasa Finish

'If you can remember why you started, then you'll know why you must continue.'... Remember why you started.

The statement always calibrates me and sharpens my focus when I come to think of the huge task that lie ahead. Many at times I try to do more of a mental workout and during the process, I always revisit…”Why did I start?”..Looking at my story, it was never those dramatic versions where one finds themselves facing their destiny but my story is all about answering question - “Why.” This word or question has unlocked a lot of fascinating doors about life and a great feeling on conquering a giant. 

 One answer or lesson I have gotten so far is - “You can never overcome an obstacle by yourself”: I have found myself with a lot of people giving me information, advice, opportunity assistance and showed great care and love. This is a big deal for me cause I grew up in a shell, trying by all means to do things by myself, my way and my rules. If only I had known the beauty of joining hands together in progressing, i'm sure by now I should’ve been far..But I guess I have unfinished business that needs no one but me.

 Oh yes, this is December issue by the way and it's late. So I have great news! We were blessed with a beautiful December baby girl, Maike. I haven’t found enough time to sit down and write but all the same she had to force me?. Officially I now have two coaches meaning double the motivation and double the intent. I did a 21km run to celebrate her arrival and decided to dedicate the last 21km to her at the Namib 2020, I hope it will help to push me across the finish line. December was mainly dedicated to Ruck(10kg) runs, which I managed to do back to back. I also had one local trail race which I managed to complete and came 8th.

 Like highlighted, I don’t have much to say in this issue but one thing I know is, come January, all hands will be on deck polishing the training.  Thank you so much to everyone who is supporting this crazy dream - Kudos to you.

Last note, thank you Thomas Watson, for the amazing “Stage Race Handbook,” I don’t regret purchasing and reading it. I benefited a lot.

"Discipline is doing what needs to be done when it needs to be done even when you don’t feel like doing it."

#FinishStrong#GoFar_GoFinish#Overcome#RTP2020#BodyTransformation

Merry Christmas and a happy festive season to my friends & family all over the world.

Hello,

Its 177 days  to go to the Namib Race 2020,  I have accepted that days are fast approaching. The good thing is I have rested most of October to allow for some intense training as from Monday 4 November 2019.  I realised I was putting myself under a lot of pressure. Talking of pressure, I’m glad to mention of the overwhelming support and assistance i’m getting from friends both local and abroad - Thank you so much guys ?. Inline with helping each other, I had an epiphany during my last dune run that this race is Not about me. It’s about showing each other that if we work as a team and support one another, we can achieve the craziest of things. We just have to care.

 Due to the previous mentioned point, I decided to share my Dune running experience and tips for the benefit of those that will be joining me in  April 2020 and haven’t had a chance of running in the sand dunes.

Having run on pavements and dirt roads, I can confidently say running in the the sand dunes isn’t a walk in the park. It’s one area where you shouldn’t think of distance and pace because it will mentally put you off if you approach it with that mentality. I like to look at it from a good core and hip stability workout point of view cause you will instantly feel the positive effects. As you approach the dune, try to establish the side of the prevailing wind because that’s where the stable compact end will be. Depending on the size of dune, I learnt that doing an easy zig-zag as you go up is quicker and less strenuous than the direct ascent. If you don’t have or are not a fan of tracking pole, the best is the use your fingers to propel you forward so make sue you wear gloves. As a side note, try to Use a bit of momentum to initiate the climb, it will make a difference.  Breathing is very key as you take each step up the Dune and if you decide to take a breather during an ascent, avoid standing upright rather maintain the bent position but making sure your legs are straight. This I have come to learn that it stretches your HAMs and quads will be in engaging mode so continuation will be rapid and easy.

1. Dig deep

When running on sand, you want the largest surface area possible in order to avoid slipping backwards. Dig deeper into the sand. Instead of trying to land on your toes or your heel, you should just try to land on the middle of your foot to increase the surface area so you don’t sink in the sand.

2. Slide away

How you run up a dune depends massively on how steep the dune is. I like to stay nice and low over the top of the dune in order to not waste too much energy. Sometimes my hands would go down or I’d be on my knees.

As soon as you get the top there’s the fun bit – you just slide down the other side. I dig my heels into the sand – with my heels dug in it really saves your legs and was as quick if not quicker method because you’re not thinking as much on your descent. 

If you led with your toe you’re likely to trip up and have to lift your toes through fresh sand, which is just going to completely wreck your legs.

Above all- Enjoy it!

I hope this information is  helpful ..leave a comment or tip or question.

November Goals - Following the RTP race plan

                            - Cross training

                            - Dune runs

                            - Hills

                            - Run with 10kgs

“I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.”

Bruce Lee

#FinishStrong #Overcome #GoFar_GoFinish #RTP

Wow! We are already under 200 days to go thus 193 days to be exact.. For some reason I'm not moved, I guess it's a sign that I'm on the track?.
Since I posted my last blog the beginning of September, a lot of positive things has happened?.. My race package ? eventually reached me after months and months of waiting, my running speed remarkably improved and my book is slowly taking shape. All these positive turns takes the pressure away and sharpens my focus of the bigger picture.

Back to serious stuff, I took a two weeks break from running in October so as to allow my body to recover a bit cause the past couple months it was always hammer time, running day in an day out. This wasn't an easy decision to make but it had to be done as I focus on the ultimate goal. After this break, I will be moving into my 2nd phase of training which will be mainly focused on strengthening or Strength. This means I will be frequenting the gym and cross fit warehouse causing me to yet again change my Nutrition /diets... I'm loving this??.

This was more of an update - i will share some running tips and workout routines that I picked along the way so look out for more information and blogs??.

I fear not the man who has practiced 10,000 kicks once, but I fear the man who has practiced one kick 10,000 times.

Bruce Lee

Hey Guys!

Welcome to my blog where I'll be sharing my RTP journey. I hope you will find it interesting and most importantly I trust I will get much feedback from you guys, both positive and negative ?. Mabasa is my name and I’m no professional runner, neither am I an athlete pro but helplessly in love with showing up on the starting line, fit in and definitely finish off what I start and by the way, I answer to name Finish as my middle name. ( pretty cool right!?)

So my first experience with Amazing Race was in 2017 where I drove close to a thousand km to join the home team in setting up the internet connections, and I never imagined that I would fall in love with this race someday. As a natural observer I thought to myself“ This is insane! I had a lot to be amused about pertaining to the fellows who took part in it. I'd say probably i cared less about the food i ate not to mention just how bad i loved my food, life was all rosey and my weight was 110kg. It took RTP for me to change my mindset and how I perceived health matters, running and life itself in general. I remember telling myself that I needed to change. I seldom noticed, through the Torrabay shower window, a 69-year-old Japanese guy crossing the Torra finishing line.
Three months before the race I was battling serious sleep apnea that was quite unpleasant but thank God, my wife who happens to be a well-trained physiotherapist worked effortlessly till it came to an ease.

Fast forward, 2018 and 2019 races were life-changing moments because i I was a volunteer and I appreciated the amount of work that happens behind the scenes to make this race an Amazing one just like it sounds.

My favourite task is sweeping, I think it comes naturally from where I come from and how I've been raised.

I treasure the friendships, relationships and lessons both learned and unlearned.

Let's get into 2020 Race details: #WhereAthleticFrontiersBegin

RTP is such an awesome race, one where hope and the human spirit is shared and displayed respectively. 2020 I will be a competitor I guess to try and answer the question I asked in April of 2017 - “For the why” (its a line meaning- for what reason). It was a great feeling knowing that the race would be in 365 days. It felt like I had a lot of time to prepare but things always happen slower than you want and longer than planned. I kicked into the training right away, by first warning the people around me that they are going to see a lot of changes in me and that they shouldn’t be worried..lol..(By the way they are seeing the changes)

I have managed to come up with a weekly routine of having uphill sessions in the sand dunes and in the folding mountain ranges. I also have long runs, track and workout sessions.

I must say the way I'm feeling during my run is way way way better than before and I should just improve bit by bit. In August I had 1 Official Marathon, 2 x half marathons( trail) and ran a total of 260km which is 40km shy off my monthly target.

Injuries:

I have grown to understand that visiting the physiotherapy room is a normal occurrence of every athlete. Injuries like ITB, shin splints, knees, back pain have started feeling like home. I'd describe the pain as excruciatingly sweet..?.. .the irony!!! At least none are major…how good is that!

Gear

Well, I’m slowly getting the stuff together. Unfortunately, some of the stuff that was shipped from the US never got to me but I’m finding alternatives all the same. There is still a bit of time.

September:
1 x 16km Dunes trail run competition
1 x 21km trail run competition
1 x Hangana Marathon

“ The end of the matter is more important than it’s beginning “ #FinishStrong#Overcome#GoFinish#RTP