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Anim Swart
Rest Day indeed!

06 May 2022 07:27 pm (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa

THANK YOU O THE AMAZING WORDDS OF ENCOURAGEMENT FROM EVERYONE, WOW, WOW, IT WAS A ROUGH COUPLE OF DAYS BUT SITTING DOWN RIGHT NOW READING EVERTHING, I KNOW THE ERNERGY THAT DROVE YEATERDAY IN HE LONG MARCH WAS FELT, FROM EVERYONE, THANK YOU!
 
THIS WILL BE MY LAST POST FOR NAMIBIA BUT NOT MY LAST POST OF MY JOURNEY!
 

What a ride stage 3 nd 4 meshed together with heat, winds and more heat and more sand and temperatures out of this world but yet in this world. Unimaginable high temperatures with a head wind with no mercy. We prevailed and with temperatures  changing fast and mandatory stops taking us out of the boiling heat the  the answer to success.

 
Stage 3and 4 was spectacular with the scenery the slot canyons and climbing over bolders. constantly being challenged, mentally , physically and absolutely spiritually we have arrive at today. 
The long March, the dreaded long march, how is it possible to run 4 days of absolute brutal challenging and then start a day where you have to run 73km. Yes the  march was somewhat shortened but if you think it took away from what we had to do you are mistaken. FYI we will be running  longer tommorow  and will it be easy  HELL NO!, Do we want it easy HELL NO!
The long march is a combination of everything we have done. It started with a very low vibration in camp everyone just thinking about what is to come. It was quiet and we started slow , we could NOT  go fast as it was windy and the temperatures started going up. 
It was truly incredible we walked this long dusty road and out of now where this pink quarts wall rose in front of me, I have pictures and of course a selfie. 
That was a fleeting moment because looking up we saw the hill/mountain we had to go up. If you haven't heard it before it was hell, walking up the heat was pounding and my heart rate went out of controle, my core temperature went so high, I could not  breathe and the fucking bee that stung on my boob was itching as hell. Needless to say scratching my boob in front of a bunch of guys was not a pretty seen or maybe the look on their faces was not well....
 
The top, finally!, mandatory stop that was heaven it was time where we had to stop and the time would be deducted after. This was done for safety as the wind and heat was picking up. sitting and lying around feet up, trying just to cool down was soo fun. Stories laughter jokes and pure enjoyment was the current of the day. Well time to fly and yes I got up, scaled down that mountain and it was running time. I nailed it. I ran like the wind. Running into the sunset I could stop smiling I felt like I was 5. Something magical came over me, I could stop, I was planning to stop at the over night tent to eat dinner ( your basic freeze dried mac and cheese), but me feet had other plans. I ran it felt like my hear t was going to burst of joy. At moments I had to walk just to remind myself it will almost be over.  The course started out of a nightmare but it became this magical journey the night carried  me, the stars were as bright as could be and my soul was free. 
My long marches has been the worse but this was magical and yes magical, as in magical. I ran into camp literally dancing and singing, wired like a kite and overwhelmed with emotion.
 
 
The question of the day was and still is, ARE YOU GIONG TO EAT THAT?  food is in low supply and hunger is in the air but we can prevail, ARE YOU GOIN TO FINISH THAT?
 
Tommorow, last day and this will be a epic run for me , because I will run with my friend Amelia Henning whom I reconnected after 35 years by accident through RTP. Our story started in University together and it is a story worhwhile knowing but for another time. We will run to the finish line together as she did it in 2021 and is a volunteer here to run with me my finish line 2022.
 
To everyone out there that connected and followed us. As promised you will see things from amazing people. These people are your neighbours  so don't think you cannot do this .I have seen heart and soul, dont miss out in life by settling do something that shakes your energy and you will grow into something wonderful.
 
Thank you from my heart to yours.
Anim #87

Comments: Total (7) comments

Karen Neubrandt

Posted On: 07 May 2022 08:47 pm

Anim! You did it! You absolutely bloody did it! Congratulations. And thank you for sharing your brutally honest perspective. I don't know you. But just love your attitude and sass. You have inspired me. Thank you. Couch to 5km here we go. Don't laugh. Love from New Zealand

Trish OKeeffe

Posted On: 07 May 2022 06:23 pm

Bet you were wishing for a fat ass on a fat bike to break the wind! Congrats my friend, you had a great race! Enjoy the beer.

Trish OKeeffe

Posted On: 07 May 2022 06:23 pm

Bet you were wishing for a fat ass on a fat bike to break the wind! Congrats my friend, you had a great race! Enjoy the beer.

Susan Santana

Posted On: 06 May 2022 10:48 pm

Great Blog! Thank you for sharing. Get some rest.. looking forward to celebrating your crazy ass accomplishment.

Benji MOR

Posted On: 06 May 2022 07:18 pm

So, SO proud of you honey! Now rest and go get them tomorrow ! Love you, me :-)

Carmen Cordogan

Posted On: 06 May 2022 07:13 pm

Wow 😯 Wow!! Anim! You star among stars!! Big and bad you are !! I was traveling and missing the blogs but getting intel on emails from Mabasa. What a journey !! I am so so happy for you !! You are such a force that inspires us all! I’ve been there so I know the difficulties that you had to conquer but still … I am in awe but not surprised of what you have conquered !!! Congratulations!!! Can’t wait to hear about tomorrow’s party !! Xoxo

Carmen Cordogan

Posted On: 06 May 2022 07:13 pm

Wow 😯 Wow!! Anim! You star among stars!! Big and bad you are !! I was traveling and missing the blogs but getting intel on emails from Mabasa. What a journey !! I am so so happy for you !! You are such a force that inspires us all! I’ve been there so I know the difficulties that you had to conquer but still … I am in awe but not surprised of what you have conquered !!! Congratulations!!! Can’t wait to hear about tomorrow’s party !! Xoxo
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Anim Swart
Spectacular

02 May 2022 09:11 pm (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa

Dune day was an amazing beautiful spectacular day.We were prepared that we will see some views and go through some areas that will be breath taking and breath taking is an under statement. It was spectacular and I will repeat it over and over because it brought so much emotion to me running over or rather walking over and some places crawling over, My day was good I listened to my body and ran my plan, keeping my heart rate low and if it goes over a certain beat per minute I  walked, Yes and I did a lot of walking, 

It was hot and all I can say the course director Carllos did an amaizing job with the course it was challenging and fun, my shoes got filled with sand and my gaiters where not effective but who cares, I get to climb a dune in Namibia and I get to run it down like a super star, The roving 4by4's where out and they giving us water because it was just super hot. I thing we hit the upper 30's today. My tan is looking superb, and I will take my daughters advice when she said mommy use lots of protection. 
As I was passing on the 4by4's, they told me I should maybe walk a little faster because there is a sand storm behind us, oops that wasn;t in the briefing, I quickly moved to the  sexy shuffle and I think all I got was a bit of wind but no sand.
 
Tonight camp is nestled in between these hug dunes I wish I can post a picture because you will not believe it how amazing it is. 
 
We are slowly settling in and there is so many amazing people here. today was not an episode out of hell but it was hot as hell, the back pack just doesnt feel like it is getting lighter but who cares I m having fun and is one step closer to my goal. I have to remind myself that I have to take it one step at a time and cant rush it. There is so much on the line here and playing rt acting like hot shit would not be smart or wise. I realize with every step I give how enormous this task is ahead of me and it will be hard and there will be more tears. I have to pinch myself of how lucky I m to do this and I am so grateful for everyons support. 
 
I am so lucky and I want to thank everyone for their letter of support and i will answer it, Still figuring out the computer here but at least I get to blog and let you know I have read your letters and  is supper grateful and it amazing  to read it after a long hard day in the sand pit!!
 
Love you all!
Anim

Comments: Total (9) comments

Natalie Steele

Posted On: 06 May 2022 04:10 pm

Would have loved to see that “Sexy Shuffle”. Good hip swaying I hope. Love your positivity ❤️

Keith Gayhart

Posted On: 06 May 2022 04:08 pm

Awesome work, my friend. You never cease to amaze, delight and inspire. See you in Tbilisi!

Karen Neubrandt

Posted On: 05 May 2022 10:20 am

Anim - you legend! Thank you for your 'from the heart' blog. It is a privilege to gain an honest to goodness (I quote: "no acting like hot shit", haha) insight into this race from a gutsy participant—all the best for the long march, which I believe has just started. And don't worry about taking photos for us - the organisers have posted some spectacular images and video clips. Lots of love and greetings from the land of the long white cloud (unfortunately, no deserts here in NZ) Be strong, be firm, and be happy Karen

Karen Neubrandt

Posted On: 05 May 2022 10:20 am

Anim - you legend! Thank you for your 'from the heart' blog. It is a privilege to gain an honest to goodness (I quote: "no acting like hot shit", haha) insight into this race from a gutsy participant—all the best for the long march, which I believe has just started. And don't worry about taking photos for us - the organisers have posted some spectacular images and video clips. Lots of love and greetings from the land of the long white cloud (unfortunately, no deserts here in NZ) Be strong, be firm, and be happy Karen

Ann Walling

Posted On: 04 May 2022 11:25 pm

Hey Anim You are soooo Amazing No words .. you bring tears to my dry eyes … Big hug keep your inner compass in check Annxox

Susan Santana

Posted On: 04 May 2022 08:51 am

Thank you for that amazing blog!! I felt like I was right there with you running thru those Dunes. Stage 4 is here and like you always say. Trust your training, listen to your body and most of all have fun! Can’t wait to hear all about the next stages.

Jose Lopez

Posted On: 03 May 2022 12:12 am

Wow coach. I’m in aww of all you do. This is so awesome to get the updates and follow you pursuing your dream. Continue to fight!!!

Benji Mor

Posted On: 02 May 2022 08:52 pm

Wow, just wow! I know that look you had in the dunes. I know that sparkle you get in your eyes when you find yourself in situations like that one today! Having said that: listen to Daniella: wear protection! :-) Love you, me

Trish OKeeffe

Posted On: 02 May 2022 08:26 pm

Great day Anim, you’re following your plan and you’re staying patient. It’s paying off, now settle in and enjoy your delicious dried dinner.
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Anim Swart
Sand and more sand

01 May 2022 09:48 pm (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa

What a day Holy fu%$#k, I started the old anim Fasion out of the gates and there I go, foggy and not much visibiltiy for the pink flags that pave out way. Running through the salt fields, yes there was a path andf no it still wasn"t eas, but I had a good play list and it somewhat took the pain away.

 
The beach was amazing and that should have been a sign that this will not be easy, my heart rate spike to 175, but I said not to worry the it is the 10kg back pack that I was carrying. It was a big pain in my ass( sorry I cant say this any other way) Th course was paved with hell intended. Hot hard and definitely teaching me a lesson And you know the lesson was coming, run your race and don't try to run after people  when they pass you . pace yourself  , ANIM IT IS THE FIRST DAY SLOW down. My althletes are probably laughing now because I always tell them to run their race not get pulled into another persons hell. Oh did I mention hell, hell is when the temperature starts to rise, and you hear the drum , the drum that announces people getting into camp , but the sound travels and your still have 3 miles to go, that is a special hell.
Question of the day was are you ready? Answer is hell yes bring it on, but never be to hot for your shorts because I think this desetr have plans for me. The desert Gods are sitting and watching but I think they are have a good laugh, but I know when I see the stars tonight like never before I know I exaclt where I am suppose to be!!
 There is nothing more smoothing when you see the flags and you hear the drum and it is for you, they are bringing you home, emotion is overwhelming and so amazing. When i cross the volunteers took my bag and all I could utter is Holy Crap.
 
 This was something else, But so worth it, Now I am sitting in a cyber tent with the sun setting and a big smile on my face. Today is done tommorow is another day.
It is humming again in camp and I just love it. I opened my messages and I feel like  the most special person in the world.
Love you and thank you!! 

Comments: Total (4) comments

Karen Neubrandt

Posted On: 02 May 2022 10:58 am

Haha! I can't help but ask - do you have "highway to hell" by ACDC on your playlist? I take my hat off to you, Anim, running in that intense heat through those salt pans. I like your philosophy of running your "own" race and not worrying about others. CONGRATULATIONS ON COMPLETING STAGE 1. No doubt, though, you will have completed stage two - and I cannot wait to read your next blog. Whatever you do - do not lose faith in yourself. Keep those swearwords flying if it helps. Lots of love and best wishes from Aotearoa (NZ) See you at the following finish line.

Karen Neubrandt

Posted On: 02 May 2022 10:58 am

Haha! I can't help but ask - do you have "highway to hell" by ACDC on your playlist? I take my hat off to you, Anim, running in that intense heat through those salt pans. I like your philosophy of running your "own" race and not worrying about others. CONGRATULATIONS ON COMPLETING STAGE 1. No doubt, though, you will have completed stage two - and I cannot wait to read your next blog. Whatever you do - do not lose faith in yourself. Keep those swearwords flying if it helps. Lots of love and best wishes from Aotearoa (NZ) See you at the following finish line.

Trish OKeeffe

Posted On: 02 May 2022 12:05 am

Day 1 and you’ve already used all the swear words you know! Good one! You are a Diesel engine just getting warmed up. Tomorrow will be better and the next day better. Look what you have to look forward to! Stay strong my friend. Lots of love from the OKeeffe-Macdonell’s

Benji Mor

Posted On: 01 May 2022 11:35 pm

Anim, honey, you are amazing! And yes, as you say: race against yourself, not against others. I always listen to that advise, now granted, There is no way in hell that I can race against anybody, so yeah, there is that too... LOL Love you, proud of you, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for sharing your life with me :-)
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Anim Swart
ALMOST THERE!

30 April 2022 08:26 pm (GMT+01:00) West Central Africa

Less than 24 hours before we stand at the starting line of Namib 2022, racing the planet. What a day, one word fantastical. Waking up with the most spectacular sunrise but what can I say being of the older generation, I visited the bathroom a few times. Not a waste because Venus was so strong and the stars so bright, the eneryt connected me to this moment was unreal. I took it all in and the orange of the sunrise just confirm , Anim you are in the right place, 2 and half years of waiting, and wanting to race we are finally here.
 
The day started with a bang, connecting with old friends, laughing and sharing stories. The question of the day was, did you sleep well or rather how did you sleep. How did I sleep, I slept K, the wind has been relentless but what can I say you are in the desert buttercup suck it up Then reality  sank in, competitor briefing oh boy it has been a while, I forgot we had to carry poop bag and no you do not poop in them, we are in area as guests and litter is a definite NO<NO,
After the briefing the real stuff started, gear check all of out  all our mandatory equipment and ort nutrition plan by the MD and his team get checked Hectic but fun because doing it makes you feel so much better and safe. 
I know you are looking to  hear all  the juicy stuff, and let me tell you as usual my buddy crazy Mike is here and all I can say is  nail down your food guys because he eats like a monster. We have so much fun and have a healthy cameraderie of supporting each other on this epic journey we will be embarking on tommorow.
A calm has come over camp everyone just nesting in getting ready and thinking about the first day and I say, Bring it on Baby!!
 
It is game time mommy!!!  

Comments: Total (2) comments

Yves Germain

Posted On: 05 May 2022 02:04 pm

Great times Anim, keep going we are cheering you on !! Never stop !!

Benji MOR

Posted On: 01 May 2022 11:13 am

And away we go! Go, Anim, GO!!
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