How Long Until Racing The Planet: Nepal

Countdown to Racing The Planet: Nepal

Thursday, April 23, 2009

Hectic Week

Just a quick note thank goodness its been a recovery week because it would have been difficult. I worked most of last weekend and every night so far including the whole public holiday yesterday luckily I got to vote just before nine o clock last night! Had a four o clock start this morning I am at the airport about to go do client training in Johannesburg hoping to catch some sleep on the plane - wish me luck

Wednesday, April 22, 2009

Voting Day

Hey Guys

I hope that you all have voted already. Well I haven't yet but I will shortly. Just wanna get something to eat first - then i'll be off. Today has been quite busy. First thing this morning we had a great light trail run (no pack) with Carla, Monique, JT and John Legend. Unfortuneatly Andie was stuck with work stuff. We just ran up a path along side Chappies. As our mate Judy would say "IT WAS GRRRRREAT" hahaha. After that off to Chris - you will never guess my other tight calf is a slight tear. O well at least got time to recover. Its not serious just gotta keep an eye on it. After that a cool down swim whilst I waited for Carla to have a Pedi and a facial - doll.

Well chat a little later - I'm friggin hungry!!

R

Tuesday, April 21, 2009

Its all about the labels you wear


I got a package in the post last night, I was quite excited when I saw it was from Racing The Planet, so I ripped open the pack to discover that my labels for my kit have arrived. NOW it feels very, very close.

Monday, April 20, 2009

Updated Equipment List

We got the following updates for the equipment list over the weekend.

Dear Competitors,

Please see attached final equipment list. A few changes have been made:

Mandatory Equipment
Waterproof Bag: We have added a requirement that you carry either a trash bag or waterproof bag to ensure that the contents of your backpack do not get wet on any river crossings in the Fish River Canyon. There may be times when the water levels reach above your waist.

Optional Equipment
Sand Goggles: You will traverse sand dunes located in one of the windiest locations on earth -- the Skeleton Coast around Luderitz. We have been blown away by the fierce wind during our scouting visits and we would suggest that if you have contact lenses or sensitive eyes that you consider getting lightweight goggles for this section. You may traverse the sand dunes at night, so make sure that the goggle lens is clear.


Water Purification Tablets: While in the Fish River Canyon, you may be required to replenish your water from the river -- the water is perfectly fine to drink -- in fact all who go down into the canyon solely drink from the river. If you have any concern with this, we suggest that you carry water purification tablets.

Blister Kit
The blister kit has been created by the RacingThePlanet medical team -- it is highly recommended that you have the items suggested. Blisters are a major reason why some fail to finish. You should have a blister kit in your pack at all times to treat "hot spots" before they become full blown blisters.

Temperatures
The locals tell us that it can get very cold at night, at times down to freezing. The locals estimate that the temperature will be around 5/10 C (40/45 F) at night. Please plan your sleeping bag carefully. You may consider adding a small silk liner for additional warmth.

Equipment List

It is imperative that you have all the equipment on the Mandatory Equipment List. All Mandatory and Optional Equipment have been used in past events and is highly recommended by competitors.

RacingThePlanet Store
You can find a good majority of the items recommended on the Equipment List on the RacingThePlanet Store, click here .

Please be prepared for check in on Friday, 15 May 2009 at the Windhoek Country Club Resort. Your equipment will be carefully checked and you will not be able to compete with even one missing item.

Recovery Time

Hi Guys

Well the big weeks are over and now eventually we can look forward to a great taper. Yesterdays run for me was a good strong one. Initially I could feel my legs being tired but loosened up fairly quickly. I was relieved because the night before I was quite stiff.

We started on the Greenbelt yesterday with our Ironman buddies most of whom were having their first run back since their race. It was very wet and pretty much rained the whole weekend. It was great to be out mushing around in the mud. It looks as if we will have a few new people on our trails soon. Watch this space!!!

Once we were back at the neck Andie and I said cheers to our Chinas and headed up Vlakkenberg - a bit like Gorillas in the mist hahaha. Sometimes when you are in the mist on the mountain (even with people) I get this great sense of solitude.

We finished the run just on four hours (although we had to run a couple of loops in Hout Bay first to make up time).

The week ahead is mainly just resting, swimming and gyming (coz you gotta at least look buff for the race - hahaha)

Chat tomorrow.

R

Sunday, April 19, 2009

Final Day of Block Week

You know how you kind of have this idea of ending your training feeling really strong and amped and ready for the big race? Well this wasn't it! I ended up feeling really, really bad on the first half of the run - and it was the easiest part - one of my favourite routes - the one around the green belt in Constantia with the usual group - Rob, Carla, Alison, John & Trevor. I had to end up walking back to the top of Constantia Nek, dreading having to do the climb up Vlakkenburg in the rain.
Rob said my face looked like a thunder cloud as I got to the parking lot at the Nek - I felt like I had nothing left - but I just didn't want to quit on the last run.
Suffice to say that getting up the mountain was a challenge, but I eventually got to the top. The run down was good, the rocks were quite slippery from the rain, but made it down in one piece, but I really struggled on the last loop around Hout Bay, I think I eventually finished, shaky, tired, a little under confident - but happy that block weekend is done. Now I have to concentrate on recovery, and getting my head right. Funny how there are no training programs for that...I think there are just good friends.