As with any good challenge, it all started with an email.From: Mr Jonathan Buchanan
To: George Bownes; Graham Booty, Andy Jones
Date: 8 Jun 2010
Subject: 2011 Namib Desert Challenge - http://www.kineticevents.net/ndc/
Dear All
While I have all of your attention and there is some banter flying around – I think we should definitely do The NDC next year. What I propose is that I enter as an individual runner and at the same time will enter the 3 of you as “Team Capital City”.
I shall enjoy the role as team mascot/manager.Looking at the previous years’ results I would expect you to win and for us to take away our first International Gold Medal! One day I think this event will become famous and you boys will always be able to tell your grandchildren that you won it.
Of course as I come in each evening many hours after my team have settled down for the night I expect to be looked after in a manner fit for the team manager.
Very best,JB.
And so another challenge began.
After the MDS in 2008 I thought I was done with running. I trained so hard, dedicated myself so much and achieved what I wanted, so why do it again, especially as I know that I am fully aware that I could not be classified as a natural runner. There has however been a nagging annoyance that it was not as hard as I had thought it would be. To say it was easy would be wrong, but I didn't have to dig particularly deep so when the email came for another multi stage ultra, it was difficult to say no, especially with this group involved.
JB's email came hot on the heels of the ironman in Austria, so it was a relief that Mrs J gave me the necessary sign off, and I was keen to build on the fitness that I had. After the bike leg in Austria and during the run I had an issue with my left ankle, but certainly nothing serious enough to stop me completing that race - I guess the 9 neurofen certainly helped! So when I started the running for the NDC, I thought the few weeks rest would be sufficient - how wrong I was.
I don't want to bang on about it, but my whole event centred around the peroneal brevis and the tendonitis that I had developed - My Gay Foot. Initially it wasn't a problem. I was building mileage nicely and felt good. The run to and from work was 7 miles and was getting faster and faster, but if I tried to go further, the ankle didn't want to know. David Harris and WestEnd Physio was great, but I just couldn't get better. In December I was getting extremely concerned so saw a specialist, After 3 weeks of being referred to this person and that, the diagnosis was surgery or rest and phyiso. R&P hadn't worked but there was a 3rd way - seeing the rather large South African Consultant Petrie Devilliers. He diagnosed me and quickly set to perform a small operation. Lying on the table with my foot in the air and Petrie brandishing a rather large needle, I didn't think that asking if it is going to hurt was such a stupid question. The response became the motto for the challenge; "get the man a nappy, of course it’s going to hurt!" Not for the first time, I had to zip up the man suit and endure.
After a few frustrating weeks over Christmas waiting to run I was finally able to start training again. It was clear that I would never have a chance to be as fit as I was for the MDS. The build up had been so different, but I figured that I still had 14 weeks to get as fit as I could and then leave the rest to determination. Again the running went well up to 7 miles and that was it, the ankle was still rubbish. The rowing machine was getting some good work outs, but it was absolutely gutting not doing the events that I had signed up for - the Thames Trot, the long runs with Rowley, Caesars Camp and the DIY overnight 50 milers. As crazy as it sounds, I was really missing the stupidly long build up miles and banter. It was just me and the rowing machine every other night, hoping that the hard workouts and feeling of discomfort would be good enough for the NDC. The good thing about missing all the long stuff was that I spent more time at home, but it didn't do my anxiety levels much good.
Before the MDS I calculated that I had run the equivalent London to Lagos, This time round I was lucky to have got past Leatherhead! I did however row for 2 hours and completed 30kms. That got me thinking so the next milestone was to try and row 42km. It may have taken 3 hours to complete my rowing marathon, but it felt great to achieve it; knowing that I whilst I couldn't run that far, at least I could endure the same distance and put up with a lot of discomfort - something that I knew that I would have to get used to.
It was getting to the critical stage in my training, I was 5 weeks away and yet I hadn't run further than 10 miles. The final event in the training schedule I hadn’t been following was the London Ultra - 30 miles around the Capital’s Thames Ring. It was time to man up. If my ankle couldn't take it now then I wouldn't be able to do the NDC anyway. Physio David was great and agreed to strap my foot up at his house on the Saturday and I lined up with Hovis on Sunday morning at Streatham Common. I took the first few miles as easy as possible. It was the first time running with poles, and whilst I looked a complete plonker, it took vital weight off my ankle. Running with Hovis until 20 miles, and despite being 10 miles further than I had gone in training I felt good and kicked on. The fact that my iPod only had juice for 4 songs meant that I had to suffer more than I had wanted, and I did suffer at the end, but crucially the ankle didn't swell and wasn't too uncomfortable. This had given me the confidence that the combination of the strapping, walking poles and attitude, I had a chance.
Team Capital City arrived separately at Heathrow keen and eager. Obviously the meticulous preparation had been done by all of us but it came as no surprise that George had forgotten his sleeping bag. Luckily his lovely other half took pity (rather than laugh like we were) and bought him a new one and drove back to Terminal 5 in good time.
It was an interesting trip to Namibia. The connection to Germany was fine but I really had to question my man-suit when I started to well up whilst watching a crappy chick-flick. If I got emotional about a girl falling out of love with some bloke, I didn't feel too confident about my chances of getting through the week!
We eventually arrived in Windhoek and got a cab into town to get the earlier the bus to the desert hotel. The driver confidently told us that the journey was going to take 4 hours - I can now confidently tell you that this man was clueless and a total arse! All was very promising until 20 minutes in when we got stuck in a river. You couldn't make it up but the arse ignored the clear warning signs about the road that had been washed away and ploughed straight in. The first rescue truck came and went as it was tiny, and after about 3 hours we were finally towed out and were on our way. The 4 hour journey took 8 hours so we eventually arrived tired, hungry, dehydrated and sun burnt - not ideal. After checking in, attending the briefing and sorting out our kit and having a meal, we were finally hit the hay at midnight. The build up couldn't have been worse.
It was an interesting trip to Namibia. The connection to Germany was fine but I really had to question my man-suit when I started to well up whilst watching a crappy chick-flick. If I got emotional about a girl falling out of love with some bloke, I didn't feel too confident about my chances of getting through the week!
We eventually arrived in Windhoek and got a cab into town to get the earlier the bus to the desert hotel. The driver confidently told us that the journey was going to take 4 hours - I can now confidently tell you that this man was clueless and a total arse! All was very promising until 20 minutes in when we got stuck in a river. You couldn't make it up but the arse ignored the clear warning signs about the road that had been washed away and ploughed straight in. The first rescue truck came and went as it was tiny, and after about 3 hours we were finally towed out and were on our way. The 4 hour journey took 8 hours so we eventually arrived tired, hungry, dehydrated and sun burnt - not ideal. After checking in, attending the briefing and sorting out our kit and having a meal, we were finally hit the hay at midnight. The build up couldn't have been worse.
Stage 1: 42 Kilometres 6hrs 9mins
Area: Private Game Farms around SesriemThe race begins with a slight and gradual incline across dry bushveld. The terrain is a mix of grassy plains, rocky hills and dry river beds. Competitors will be treated to awesome views of the landscape upon reaching the summit of a narrow mountain pass. Wildlife is regularly visible and competitors will be treated to sightings of springbok, oryx, zebras and ostrich.
D-Day had finally arrived. Still dehydrated and exhausted from the trip, the hour I gave myself to do the necessary pre-stage rituals such as eat, clean, pack up and faff just wasn't enough! George kindly gave up 5 minutes of his own prep to tape my foot and I will be forever grateful to him - it doesn't seem like much but I knew what a big ask it was.
Area: Private Game Farms around SesriemThe race begins with a slight and gradual incline across dry bushveld. The terrain is a mix of grassy plains, rocky hills and dry river beds. Competitors will be treated to awesome views of the landscape upon reaching the summit of a narrow mountain pass. Wildlife is regularly visible and competitors will be treated to sightings of springbok, oryx, zebras and ostrich.
D-Day had finally arrived. Still dehydrated and exhausted from the trip, the hour I gave myself to do the necessary pre-stage rituals such as eat, clean, pack up and faff just wasn't enough! George kindly gave up 5 minutes of his own prep to tape my foot and I will be forever grateful to him - it doesn't seem like much but I knew what a big ask it was.
Before I knew it we were at the start line, and we were off. As ridiculous as it sounds after 10 months of build up, I really wasn't ready. We charged off up a sandy track. Starting at 0730 I figured that the first 2 hours would be comfortable before the heat of the day kicked in. How wrong I was. Even at that early start, the humidity was oppressive. Within minutes I was drenched in sweat, struggling with my front pack, finding it difficult to get a rhythm, needing a pee and finding the others comfortably stretching away. The necessary pit stop was taken and I was alone, very alone. The first few miles were very hard work, so any minutiae of confidence that I may have tried to convince myself of having had well and truly gone - this week was certainly not going to be a hen do! "Get the man a nappy, of course it’s going to hurt". I knew that I was going to suffer; I just hadn't banked on it being before the first checkpoint of day 1.It was as early as mile 3 on day one that I had to be very honest with myself and work out the game plan. As nice as it would have been to be competitive, I had to ignore everyone else and just do what I was capable of. If that meant coming last then so be it, it was just about finishing. I was already struggling and that was without the ankle factor.
Ignoring the pace of the others, and keeping my head down, I finally got to first check point, Treating it as a quick pause, I refilled my bottles and readily accepted a drink the support staff gave me, I nearly vomited as the rehydrate was a delightful mix of warm salt water with sugar. Hideous but effective and I learnt to rely on that stuff heavily throughout the rest of the week. Through cp 2 & 3 it had heated up nicely to 40+ degrees. In spirit I was still competitive but was slow and steady. I foolishly tried to keep up with a couple of other runners and tried my best to finish the marathon with a time beginning with 4; I pushed a little too hard, was shattered and very dehydrated. I dread to think how I would have fared if it were a few miles longer as I was very close to collapse.
I was hardly the entertainer when getting back into camp. I was nervous. It was a very tough day so I concentrated on trying to recover as much as possible and focus on day 2. The rest of Team CC nailed it, but for me the end of the NDC seem a seriously long way off.
Stage 2: 44 Kilometres 7hrs 8mins
Area: Naukluft National ParkThe course traverses dry riverbeds and then heads through scattered vegetation and then into a dry big open gravel plain. Hereafter, competitors will get a taste of running over their first dunes and the trail becomes thick red dune sand.
Day two was very similar to the first but the positive was that I was wearing the front pack correctly this time. Initially the terrain was similar to day one but we were to experience a rather nasty sting in the tail - a mere 18 km along a sand dune to the finish. Brutal.
Like Day1, I was immediately drenched with sweat, and ran as long as I could (which lets face it wasn't that long) and marched the rest. Again it was frustrating to be going so slow, but the reality was that with the sticks and lack of training, this speed was necessary and inevitable. The difference between MDS and this race couldn't have been starker. Instead of comfortably finishing each day, the reality was that I was now the slow one towards the back "enjoying" much longer days.
Again, I really struggled at the end despite being as conservative as possible. It got up to 48 degrees and I really felt it. Hydration was really difficult to manage and I only just did. After nailing day1, Buster (JB's team name due to his unfeasibly large you know whats) was absolutely firing however at the final checkpoint I passed him tending to a couple of blisters and I fully expected him to cruise past during final few Kms, It turned out that with just 2k to go, he became so dehydrated that he suffered heatstroke. Waiting at the finish line JB was dropped off by the organisers and immediately looked after. He is such a tough old sod that he recovered within minutes but the gutting reality of his race being over became to set in for the both of us. The reality also set in for me - I was so close to suffering the same fate, I was just lucky.
The day did however give us the highlight of the week. A jovial a German chap who struggled with some great blisters loved to get down to his skimpy trunks as soon as he finished a stage. This was revolting enough, but after stepping out of a plunge pool with feet too sore to walk on, he just stood there proudly for a few minutes completely unaware that a bollock was sneaking out of his briefs - I hadn't laughed so hard for ages! (A real Inbetweeners moment and thank goodness it wasn't Buster!)
That night we moved from the camp that we spent the first two nights in and went out into the scrub, it was stunning and we took a few great team shots, but I felt crap. I knew that I was still dehydrated and I found eating very difficult. After 2 long slogs I still doubted that I could finish the next day let alone the whole race. My ankle was holding and I didn't have any blisters and there was no way that I would quit, so it was a case on donning the man suit once again the next day and doing as well as I could.
Area: Naukluft National ParkThe course traverses dry riverbeds and then heads through scattered vegetation and then into a dry big open gravel plain. Hereafter, competitors will get a taste of running over their first dunes and the trail becomes thick red dune sand.
Day two was very similar to the first but the positive was that I was wearing the front pack correctly this time. Initially the terrain was similar to day one but we were to experience a rather nasty sting in the tail - a mere 18 km along a sand dune to the finish. Brutal.
Like Day1, I was immediately drenched with sweat, and ran as long as I could (which lets face it wasn't that long) and marched the rest. Again it was frustrating to be going so slow, but the reality was that with the sticks and lack of training, this speed was necessary and inevitable. The difference between MDS and this race couldn't have been starker. Instead of comfortably finishing each day, the reality was that I was now the slow one towards the back "enjoying" much longer days.
Again, I really struggled at the end despite being as conservative as possible. It got up to 48 degrees and I really felt it. Hydration was really difficult to manage and I only just did. After nailing day1, Buster (JB's team name due to his unfeasibly large you know whats) was absolutely firing however at the final checkpoint I passed him tending to a couple of blisters and I fully expected him to cruise past during final few Kms, It turned out that with just 2k to go, he became so dehydrated that he suffered heatstroke. Waiting at the finish line JB was dropped off by the organisers and immediately looked after. He is such a tough old sod that he recovered within minutes but the gutting reality of his race being over became to set in for the both of us. The reality also set in for me - I was so close to suffering the same fate, I was just lucky.
The day did however give us the highlight of the week. A jovial a German chap who struggled with some great blisters loved to get down to his skimpy trunks as soon as he finished a stage. This was revolting enough, but after stepping out of a plunge pool with feet too sore to walk on, he just stood there proudly for a few minutes completely unaware that a bollock was sneaking out of his briefs - I hadn't laughed so hard for ages! (A real Inbetweeners moment and thank goodness it wasn't Buster!)
That night we moved from the camp that we spent the first two nights in and went out into the scrub, it was stunning and we took a few great team shots, but I felt crap. I knew that I was still dehydrated and I found eating very difficult. After 2 long slogs I still doubted that I could finish the next day let alone the whole race. My ankle was holding and I didn't have any blisters and there was no way that I would quit, so it was a case on donning the man suit once again the next day and doing as well as I could.
Stage 3: 44 Kilometres 7hrs 2mins
Area: Private Game Farms around SesriemDay 3 offers a tougher test of the competitors’ navigation skills. The scenery is magnificent and wildlife is plentiful. Competitors will have all types of terrain thrown at them in one stage: Sandy river-beds, rocky ground and large grasslands.
Despite his incident at the foot of the dunes yesterday, JB took to the start line as chipper as ever. I thought that I would have the chance of running with him today as surely I could keep up with someone who had passed out with heat stroke and hobbling with savage blisters - I'm afraid the answer was a no as I saw Buster cruising away from me at the start with most of the rest of the field.
The conditions were much cooler and easier to run in, however it was very rocky which was a nightmare for my ankle. I went over on it at least 3 times so had to go very cautiously. Of course I was disappointed with being towards the back, I was trying to remind myself that finishing was all that mattered and the reality was that a 10 mile max training run wasn't conducive to running a marathon a day for 5 days. Resigned to running/hobbling alone, up to this point it wasn't the most social of events but that changed by the time I got to CP2 as I caught up to JB who was manfully striding along but obviously suffering with his feet. We marched the rest of the day together and it was great to spend time with him. Whilst we certainly didn't break any records, we covered the remaining miles as quickly as we could, and dare I say it, I quite enjoyed it. The ankle may have got worse, but with my stubbornness, my sticks and my lack of blisters there was still no valid excuse to stop my race so I looked forward to completing the long day together.
JB's response from his disappointment the previous day was immense. He knew that he wouldn't be classed as a finisher but he was prepared to beast himself and carry on. At the end of the day everyone was recovering in camp when a piece of paper was passed round with the days results. JB hadn't been given a time for day 3 and understandably his spirit died. He had completed all but 2 km of the 3 stages and yet he had only been given the time for Day1. It was decided that if you DNF a stage, you don’t get a time for any other stage you complete. What a crap rule that was as it meant that all the hard work was in vain and to any onlooker it looked as though he only did day 1 and had put his feet up. Of course we knew differently, but that did little to raise his spirits and he chose to sit out day 4 and start again on stage 5 - we didn't blame him at all.
Stage 4: 55 Kilometres 9hrs 29mins
Area: Namib Naukluft National ParkThe race heads towards the mighty red dunes, across the Sesriem Canyon and into the Namib Naukluft National Park. The summit of Dune 45 offers a daunting challenge as competitors head towards the stage finish line.
The long day. We started with an "easy" couple of kms to a canyon crossing but again I was drenched with sweat almost immediately - I knew that this was where the challenge would bite. The water if the canyon was deep and a good experience but actually more of an annoyance as it meant the tape on my ankle was soaked and became less effective a few miles into a 35 mile stage. I had a great run between CP1 and 2 with the iPod in and keeping a good pace. CP2-3 started well but became a real test. It became really hot and I slowed to a shuffle. It was time for yet another period of ignore others, keep the head down and work hard. The first sight of the great dunes was breathtaking, unfortunately I knew I needed as much breath as possible to get over the buggers!
It was great to have JB's support at CP3 as I was struggling - his enthusiasm and support was massively appreciated and it gave me a much needed pick me up, even if it was only for a couple of miles!
To navigate we were given a satellite map book and a verbal briefing at the start line of each stage. The map was fine, but it lacked specific detail and unfortunately I couldn't quite remember the instruction for the finish and if I had to get to the finish line at the foot of Dune 45 and go up and down it, or go up the side of it and come down to the finish line. There was no one to follow so I took the gamble of going up the side as it was closer, but I was spotted and waved over to the foot of it. Knackered and a bit pissed off, I set off up the dune determined to nail the bitch (excuse my language, but it was more colourful at the time, For the first time in the race, this is when I felt my rowing had helped as I was able to blast straight up it with out pausing for a moment. It was a great boost to pass someone before the top - I hadn't seen anyone in front of me on the long straight plain so I must have made up at least 15 to 20 minutes - getting to the top in about 10 minutes.
Whilst the flat, grassy and mountainous terrain was stunning, the dunes were amazing. This was also (finally) the moment that I had confidence that I could finish this thing, I was still blister free (unbelievable really) and the ankle was just about holding up, and there were just 18 miles to go. .
Good banter in the camp and it was so nice to be rubbing shoulders with the leaders and the stragglers - with just 40 odd competitors this was achievable and something I missed at MDS. Booty had another amazing day extending his lead over his nearest competitor and all but secured his 2nd place, and George was as solid as ever maintaining his 8th. I had nothing but respect for them and all those finishing so high up the field as they were all putting in some great performances in conditions I was really struggling in.
Stage 5: 28 Kilometres 4hrs 48mins
Area: Sossusvlei/Naukluft National ParkIt may be shorter than the rest of the stages but this is when the competitors will really challenge through the dunes. The last 11km will be take competitors right into the mighty red dunes through the “Dead Vlei” and into the world famous “Sossusvlei”. Sightings of oryx are guaranteed in this area.
The final day. Buster and I agreed to do the stage together and I was a great way to finish the race. This was the shortest stage of the week, but it was still 18 miles with a cheeky hike up the highest dune in the world. It wasn't a case of holding back but we were forced to march pretty early as again it was humid and then bloody hot. We worked hard and really enjoyed the challenge of getting up Big Daddy, The views from the top were incredible and the decent was one of those moments that will stay with me forever - a 300 metre near vertical descent in deep sand, and with the poles it felt like I was skiing - just awesome. The last couple of kms to the finish were enjoyable and a relief more than elation. I was disappointed when I finished the MDS as it was easier than I had expected, but even though this was comfortably the hardest physical thing that I have ever done, it didn't fill me with uncontrollable emotion, I guess that just isn't me, instead it was relief and quiet satisfaction.
It was a brilliant week. Yes it was a shame that the ankle dominated my preparation (or lack of it) and prevented me being in anyway competitive, but that was a good thing. It meant that I got a completely different experience and meant that I had to dig far deeper to complete it. The hours spent on the rowing machine paid off, even though it didn't help the running, it helped to mentally prepare me for a bit of discomfort. It is mind over matter after all.
It was great to experience it with Team Capital City. JB was an absolute legend and was truly our team leader. He completed 100 out of the 135 miles. Officially he was a DNF but we all know what he accomplished. Booty is a freak and came second, an unbelievable achievement and it took an even bigger freak to beat him - serious respect. After failing to finish the MDS in dramatic fashion due to his gay feet, George did so well in this event coming 8th and really achieving his potential. We ended up winning the team prize - justifiably so for their efforts - I just had to finish as no other teams were able to complete the event, so I was just pleased to have played my part, no matter how long it took me to do it!
Area: Private Game Farms around SesriemDay 3 offers a tougher test of the competitors’ navigation skills. The scenery is magnificent and wildlife is plentiful. Competitors will have all types of terrain thrown at them in one stage: Sandy river-beds, rocky ground and large grasslands.
Despite his incident at the foot of the dunes yesterday, JB took to the start line as chipper as ever. I thought that I would have the chance of running with him today as surely I could keep up with someone who had passed out with heat stroke and hobbling with savage blisters - I'm afraid the answer was a no as I saw Buster cruising away from me at the start with most of the rest of the field.
The conditions were much cooler and easier to run in, however it was very rocky which was a nightmare for my ankle. I went over on it at least 3 times so had to go very cautiously. Of course I was disappointed with being towards the back, I was trying to remind myself that finishing was all that mattered and the reality was that a 10 mile max training run wasn't conducive to running a marathon a day for 5 days. Resigned to running/hobbling alone, up to this point it wasn't the most social of events but that changed by the time I got to CP2 as I caught up to JB who was manfully striding along but obviously suffering with his feet. We marched the rest of the day together and it was great to spend time with him. Whilst we certainly didn't break any records, we covered the remaining miles as quickly as we could, and dare I say it, I quite enjoyed it. The ankle may have got worse, but with my stubbornness, my sticks and my lack of blisters there was still no valid excuse to stop my race so I looked forward to completing the long day together.
JB's response from his disappointment the previous day was immense. He knew that he wouldn't be classed as a finisher but he was prepared to beast himself and carry on. At the end of the day everyone was recovering in camp when a piece of paper was passed round with the days results. JB hadn't been given a time for day 3 and understandably his spirit died. He had completed all but 2 km of the 3 stages and yet he had only been given the time for Day1. It was decided that if you DNF a stage, you don’t get a time for any other stage you complete. What a crap rule that was as it meant that all the hard work was in vain and to any onlooker it looked as though he only did day 1 and had put his feet up. Of course we knew differently, but that did little to raise his spirits and he chose to sit out day 4 and start again on stage 5 - we didn't blame him at all.
Stage 4: 55 Kilometres 9hrs 29mins
Area: Namib Naukluft National ParkThe race heads towards the mighty red dunes, across the Sesriem Canyon and into the Namib Naukluft National Park. The summit of Dune 45 offers a daunting challenge as competitors head towards the stage finish line.
The long day. We started with an "easy" couple of kms to a canyon crossing but again I was drenched with sweat almost immediately - I knew that this was where the challenge would bite. The water if the canyon was deep and a good experience but actually more of an annoyance as it meant the tape on my ankle was soaked and became less effective a few miles into a 35 mile stage. I had a great run between CP1 and 2 with the iPod in and keeping a good pace. CP2-3 started well but became a real test. It became really hot and I slowed to a shuffle. It was time for yet another period of ignore others, keep the head down and work hard. The first sight of the great dunes was breathtaking, unfortunately I knew I needed as much breath as possible to get over the buggers!
It was great to have JB's support at CP3 as I was struggling - his enthusiasm and support was massively appreciated and it gave me a much needed pick me up, even if it was only for a couple of miles!
To navigate we were given a satellite map book and a verbal briefing at the start line of each stage. The map was fine, but it lacked specific detail and unfortunately I couldn't quite remember the instruction for the finish and if I had to get to the finish line at the foot of Dune 45 and go up and down it, or go up the side of it and come down to the finish line. There was no one to follow so I took the gamble of going up the side as it was closer, but I was spotted and waved over to the foot of it. Knackered and a bit pissed off, I set off up the dune determined to nail the bitch (excuse my language, but it was more colourful at the time, For the first time in the race, this is when I felt my rowing had helped as I was able to blast straight up it with out pausing for a moment. It was a great boost to pass someone before the top - I hadn't seen anyone in front of me on the long straight plain so I must have made up at least 15 to 20 minutes - getting to the top in about 10 minutes.
Whilst the flat, grassy and mountainous terrain was stunning, the dunes were amazing. This was also (finally) the moment that I had confidence that I could finish this thing, I was still blister free (unbelievable really) and the ankle was just about holding up, and there were just 18 miles to go. .
Good banter in the camp and it was so nice to be rubbing shoulders with the leaders and the stragglers - with just 40 odd competitors this was achievable and something I missed at MDS. Booty had another amazing day extending his lead over his nearest competitor and all but secured his 2nd place, and George was as solid as ever maintaining his 8th. I had nothing but respect for them and all those finishing so high up the field as they were all putting in some great performances in conditions I was really struggling in.
Stage 5: 28 Kilometres 4hrs 48mins
Area: Sossusvlei/Naukluft National ParkIt may be shorter than the rest of the stages but this is when the competitors will really challenge through the dunes. The last 11km will be take competitors right into the mighty red dunes through the “Dead Vlei” and into the world famous “Sossusvlei”. Sightings of oryx are guaranteed in this area.
The final day. Buster and I agreed to do the stage together and I was a great way to finish the race. This was the shortest stage of the week, but it was still 18 miles with a cheeky hike up the highest dune in the world. It wasn't a case of holding back but we were forced to march pretty early as again it was humid and then bloody hot. We worked hard and really enjoyed the challenge of getting up Big Daddy, The views from the top were incredible and the decent was one of those moments that will stay with me forever - a 300 metre near vertical descent in deep sand, and with the poles it felt like I was skiing - just awesome. The last couple of kms to the finish were enjoyable and a relief more than elation. I was disappointed when I finished the MDS as it was easier than I had expected, but even though this was comfortably the hardest physical thing that I have ever done, it didn't fill me with uncontrollable emotion, I guess that just isn't me, instead it was relief and quiet satisfaction.
It was a brilliant week. Yes it was a shame that the ankle dominated my preparation (or lack of it) and prevented me being in anyway competitive, but that was a good thing. It meant that I got a completely different experience and meant that I had to dig far deeper to complete it. The hours spent on the rowing machine paid off, even though it didn't help the running, it helped to mentally prepare me for a bit of discomfort. It is mind over matter after all.
It was great to experience it with Team Capital City. JB was an absolute legend and was truly our team leader. He completed 100 out of the 135 miles. Officially he was a DNF but we all know what he accomplished. Booty is a freak and came second, an unbelievable achievement and it took an even bigger freak to beat him - serious respect. After failing to finish the MDS in dramatic fashion due to his gay feet, George did so well in this event coming 8th and really achieving his potential. We ended up winning the team prize - justifiably so for their efforts - I just had to finish as no other teams were able to complete the event, so I was just pleased to have played my part, no matter how long it took me to do it!
There were a few little faults with the event, but only because we were comparing it to the uber professionally organised MDS. However it is a much smaller, younger event so any little issues are being ironed out. Another experience that will live with us forever was the dinner on the final night. Driven out to the scrub, dropped off in the middle of nowhere, a few of us grumbled (JB & I) but as we walked around the corner, we faced the most beautify setting - a large fire, 100s of lanterns flickering everywhere, decorated tables, hotel staff waiting for us and as much food as you could hope for. It was a stunning setting and a wonderful night but difficult to fully express it unless you were there - a fitting way to sum up the week really.
Total 34:37:44
22nd out of 28 finishers. 42 started.
Total 34:37:44
22nd out of 28 finishers. 42 started.
Personally I was struggling from the start with tight hips, but I was content to just plod along as the pace (thankfully) was not exactly electric. We nailed 30 miles and with just 20 more to go I was quietly confident that we would finish well within our 12 hour estimate. It was on mile 33 however that the proverbial wheels came off. Jimmy picked up an injury to his right knee, and in my attempt to sympathise with him, I began to feel a lot of pain at the back of my left knee. Try as I might, I just couldn't run any further, so we were forced to walk the last 17 miles. 
It was about 5 o'clock in the morning so still dark and frosty, so without the heat we normally generated through running, we soon began to get very cold. It was agony knowing that we were so close yet so far from the end. We were averaging just 4 miles an hour and it felt even slower as we crawled past well known landmarks such as Richmond, Putney and Fulham that we would normally breeze through. In the end it took us 13 hours and we covered 51 miles. Our feet were bruised, knees throbbed, and for some reason our hands were really swollen (I still don't know why?!). Undoubtedly it was tough, and physically there is still a lot of work to do, but mentally I hope that it was a useful exercise and that we are now stronger because of it - God knows we will need to be in about 38 days time!
Easier week - 25th Feb
