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RacingThePlanet Blogs 2024
12
PostsRacingThePlanet (2024) blog posts from Paul Redbourn
27 September 2024 07:29 pm (GMT+03:00) Kuwait, Riyadh
Well it’s done !!! That was the toughest 1 day stage I have ever done..both mentally & physically. The heat was incredible as was the ascent. Views were stunning especially the canyons & the sunset.
What I had hoped would take 13/14 hours - took 17.5 !! I got caught short on water once, but luckily they had a mid stage jeep that topped me up.
I got fed up with all my snacks and don’t want to see another almond for a while ! I got to the hot water station (stage 6) at 6pm and had 2 soups to refuel.. as I was sitting there my nose started to bleed which led to me being a bit more cautious. Once the darkness came at 730pm there was a section that I couldn’t see markers … I waited 20 mins for another competitor (Mike) and we both marched the last 30km together - no more running, we both felt the same. At 01:17 (finish line) my watch gps showed 96km (I had made a few bad turns earlier on) - 1 crazy day.
One of my toes blistered badly (same toe as before) and may have an infection - the medical team will look at it again tomorrow.
So happy to get over the line and into bed - It didn’t matter that there were nasty rocks under my sleeping pad. If I hadn’t met Mike at 65km it may have ended early for me.
Sub 10km tomorrow & then the real celebration.
Thank you for all the emails, it’s great to know that so many people followed me !
26 September 2024 08:36 am (GMT+03:00) Kuwait, Riyadh
Day 4 finished! Tricky day and again very hot and lots of sand dunes to climb, but learning to deal with the heat at last. I’m eating and drinking well, so feel good at the finish line (unlike day 1).
Today we ran past the rock bridge, a big tourist hotspot, but luckily none were there today.
I finished 10th which I was happy about, but when I took my left sock of it was like I had 6 toes ! A blister had appeared on the tip of one of the toes - biggest one I have seen… I managed to take a photo before popping it (specially for the girls).. it now needs to dry out over night & I’ll wrap it up well tomorrow morning before the 90km day!!!
Thank you for all the messages - I am seeing them all! Can’t wait to have an ice cold drink, even the cold water here is warm in this heat. Tomato soup for an after race recovery drink each day has been good choice though.
Comments: Total (7) comments
Debbie Marriott
Posted On: 27 Sep 2024 10:38 am
Tomato soup ... yum! 🤞🏻for the 90km Can't wait to see the pre-popped photo 😖🎉🤗 hope its dried out well and is good to go today ... You are awesome!
Jannie Broberg
Posted On: 26 Sep 2024 09:32 pm
Hi Paul. Not long until finish line now. Hope that you are still feeling strong 💪
Tommaso Redbourn
Posted On: 26 Sep 2024 04:35 pm
Well done Uncle Paul!
Keep up the good work and can’t wait to hear from you tommorow
Tommaso Redbourn
Posted On: 26 Sep 2024 04:35 pm
Well done Uncle Paul!
Keep up the good work and can’t wait to hear from you tommorow
Matthew Kirkby
Posted On: 26 Sep 2024 08:53 am
Brilliant effort so far. Enjoy the long day. En route to Jordan now, will have a beer ready for you at the end!
Bo Broberg
Posted On: 26 Sep 2024 06:04 am
Absolutely amazing what u are doing - very impressive both physically and mentally. Huge kadeau!
Good luck on the long march.
James Redbourn
Posted On: 26 Sep 2024 03:43 am
how disgusting ! i bet the girls will love it for sure. well done mate i see you 6th not 10th?!) but perhaps im reading it incorrectly. Incredible effort on the time too .
one last big push tomorrow ! you got this
25 September 2024 07:58 am (GMT+03:00) Kuwait, Riyadh
Another baking hot day in the middle of the desert ! 1st half today had some shade as we passed through canyons which was good, but as we approached a dry salt lake the shade disappeared for the last 30km ! I finished strong/feeling good (still not had to listen to music yet), I thought I was 10th, but may be 8th.. will check later. Luckily the ankle swelling went down overnight & didn’t create problems. Small blister appeared today, but hopefully not a problem either.
Thank you for the messages, it’s good to read them after each days racing & something to look forward to in the absence of cold sparkling water!
Comments: Total (3) comments
Eva A
Posted On: 25 Sep 2024 11:15 pm
Looking strong! No 6!! Hope all goes well with the long march. You are very inspiring!!
Ine Mertens
Posted On: 25 Sep 2024 02:52 am
Thanks for the update on Stage 3.
What an amazing result again today!
Keep up the good work Paul!
Jimmy Redbourn
Posted On: 25 Sep 2024 12:27 am
well done mate and over half way now (i think!) so the phrase is "its all down hill from here" but checking your route.. its quite the opposite!! keep pushing through and San Pellegrino will be there by the bucket load when you finish im sure !
24 September 2024 08:13 am (GMT+03:00) Kuwait, Riyadh
Tough day in the desert! More moving sand, ascent and incredible heat… such tough running conditions with almost no shade! I was sitting at 5th for first 10k, but after 20k the heat got to me & I twisted my ankle on a down hill sand dune… I watched people pass me in the second half until I crossed the line in 14th.
Ankle is now wrapped up and had some food, feel much better after todays run than yesterdays which is good… I guess I’m getting used to the brutal conditions and the nutrition that is needed to beat them.
Camp today is beautiful, but no breeze and 40 degrees… the tent is like an oven - literally!
Thank you again for the emails, I’m seeing them all.
Comments: Total (3) comments
Jannie Broberg
Posted On: 24 Sep 2024 08:39 pm
It sounds like very hare conditions. Amazing with your results. Hope the ankle is doing okey!
Ine Mertens
Posted On: 24 Sep 2024 05:05 am
Sounds indeed as very tough conditions…the heat…the sand…what a journey again…sending you mental and physical strenght for the coming days…hopefully your ankle is recovered today…
James Redbourn
Posted On: 24 Sep 2024 04:02 am
keep going mate sounds like you came through a lot today especially with an injury. im sure a good rest and more food will have you ready for stage 3 tomorrow and onto last stages. if its motivation, reading your blog and watching all you guys' fitness levels has made me raise my standing desk... we are all in achieving physical peaks ;o)
22 September 2024 08:32 pm (GMT+03:00) Kuwait, Riyadh
Thank you for all the messges, very happy Southend United won !
I finished 2 hours ago, but can only just move now. First half went well, I was just behind the leader for 21km, then the heat kicked in an the sand dunes.... runnig on loose sand is 2x the effort and I wasn't eating enough... walked the last 10k, uphill and again in shifting sand. No shade all day and very little wind - it was sooo tough, but amazing scenery. I'm Glad with todays position, crossed the line with a tent mate from South London. Other good news is that I am not the loudest snorer in the tent ! ( it was actually reported that i didnt snore ).
Need the rest now & lots of food, tomorrows weather will be similar.
Comments: Total (7) comments
James Redbourn
Posted On: 23 Sep 2024 11:58 pm
Wonderful stuff mate and very impressive time and position. Agreed on SUFC too :)
Damian Baehler
Posted On: 23 Sep 2024 06:08 am
Congrats for pushing through - impressive effort! Best of luck with the next stages!
Camilla Redbourn
Posted On: 22 Sep 2024 09:24 pm
6th overall! 🤩 What an amazing result!
Well done Paul xxx
Ian Redbourn
Posted On: 22 Sep 2024 08:29 pm
Great start Paolo!!!! Well done.
Tim Clifford
Posted On: 22 Sep 2024 04:04 pm
Great time Redders. Keep up the good work.
Bo Broberg
Posted On: 22 Sep 2024 02:25 pm
R.E.S.P.E.C.T 👍🏻 impressive effort
Jannie Broberg
Posted On: 22 Sep 2024 12:43 pm
Fantastic result for day 1 🤩
21 September 2024 07:43 pm (GMT+03:00) Kuwait, Riyadh
Beautiful Camp 1, Already taken a selfie with a camel and tried the local tea. 6am wake up for an 8am start... temp will hit 40, so will pace it accordingly.
20 September 2024 01:14 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Really warm, nice hotel. Had a swim, jacuzzi and repacked food, but need sleep. Arrived at 5am after an all night transit 🥱
Looks bland except for the haribos !
Desert luxury!
Comments: Total (3) comments
Ine Mertens
Posted On: 21 Sep 2024 09:18 pm
Hi Paul,
Wishing you a smooth start of the race tomorrow.
💪🍀
Gr, Ine
Pia Redbourn
Posted On: 20 Sep 2024 04:21 pm
Time to relax and eat before it starts 😘
Neil Hosie
Posted On: 20 Sep 2024 01:12 pm
Enjoy the time to rest and relax!
16 September 2024 05:24 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Some cycling this week to rest the running legs.. Flight on Thursday afternoon.
Comments: Total (1) comments
Beard Bolt
Posted On: 18 Sep 2024 01:13 pm
Good luck bib 83 👍🏼🏃➡️
15 September 2024 11:24 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
This it what it looks like, now to squeeze it in my back pack! (Will hopefully pick up some local snacks in Petra too)
pack !
Comments: Total (1) comments
Sam Fanshawe
Posted On: 15 Sep 2024 01:49 pm
A culinary trip to Jordan with a difference!
12 September 2024 05:14 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Although 9.22kg is my lightest for RTP so far :)
Comments: Total (1) comments
Debbie Marriott
Posted On: 27 Sep 2024 10:59 am
You'd never get away with it on Ryanair!
11 September 2024 07:54 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
In control ! I will organize the food today
Comments: Total (1) comments
Sam Fanshawe
Posted On: 11 Sep 2024 07:31 am
That looks very neat and compact. Remember to carry as much as possible as hand luggage. See you soon!
05 September 2024 11:16 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Kit & Nutrition sorted... training has been ok, but it's never perfect !
Stress now is all about the flights & transfers... I'm kind of regretting the 8:15 BA flight home to London the night after the awards dinner... it means a 0315 pickup from Petra hotel - ouch !
Comments: Total (2) comments
Debbie Marriott
Posted On: 27 Sep 2024 10:34 am
"I'm kind of regretting the 8:15 BA flight home to London the night after the awards dinner... it means a 0315 pickup from Petra hotel - ouch !" I'm regretting that for you too!
Mary Gadams
Posted On: 11 Sep 2024 07:27 am
Looks liked you are ready Paul. Yes, some of the flights from Amman are not at great times. I am sure others will be leaving at a similar time. Wishing you a great race!! Mary
Comments: Total (2) comments
Tim Clifford
Posted On: 27 Sep 2024 12:54 pm
John Holland
Posted On: 27 Sep 2024 11:36 am