Race Coverage

Race Coverage

RACE Coverage

Namib Race Home

Namib Race Blogs 2014

David Shakrob

20

Posts

Namib Race (2014) blog posts from David Shakrob

21 February 2014 03:35 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

I am happy to announce that I’ve completed the Sahara race Jordan.

Comments: Total (3) comments

amit cohen

Posted On: 22 Feb 2014 05:53 pm

congrats! great achievement .were proud.safe ride home

Dinah Yerushalmi

Posted On: 22 Feb 2014 04:03 am

The stage six starts in 20 minutes. It's very short though.

ELAN SHAKROB

Posted On: 22 Feb 2014 03:45 am

Wow! What about the last stage? Or is that a no brainer?..

18 February 2014 04:57 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

Today was a great run and I feel that I’m finding my pace. Getting all geared up for tomorrow..

Comments: Total (8) comments

Dinah Yerushalmi

Posted On: 21 Feb 2014 11:56 am

Nu ? David ...send us a sign. All I read is laconic so-called "breaking news" about competitors weeping and crying. I wish I could just drive to Faran and turn towards Petra but alas we have to go all the way to Aqaba and Mum is with me so I don't feel we can make Petra to give you a group hug. BTW Mum is FINE . I picked her up today and we are having a lovely weekend . The kids are at Yosi's ( it is Nadav's Bday he is 21 ) . I am happy for the rest and the break and the beautiful spring Negev weather with poppies and yellow flowers all over.

ELAN SHAKROB

Posted On: 21 Feb 2014 06:50 am

Hope you're still hangin in there..though I know that unless anything happens, you're gonna do it fins. I'm glued to the computer to see news...the force be with you.. E

ELAN SHAKROB

Posted On: 21 Feb 2014 06:50 am

Hope you're still hangin in there..though I know that unless anything happens, you're gonna do it fins. I'm glued to the computer to see news...the force be with you.. E

Dinah Yerushalmi

Posted On: 20 Feb 2014 07:26 pm

OMG the suspense is killing me. I was outside between jobs today around 14:00 and it was SO hot in Beer Sheva that all I could think of is how the hell can you run through the desert in this heat. I just got home now 21:00 and no updates. Hoping all is well- and just don't get heat stroke . I want you home safely.

ELAN SHAKROB

Posted On: 20 Feb 2014 04:14 am

Do you have a number? Is there a picture of you..there are loads of pics posted on the site but I cant tell if any of them are you....

ELAN SHAKROB

Posted On: 20 Feb 2014 04:14 am

Do you have a number? Is there a picture of you..there are loads of pics posted on the site but I cant tell if any of them are you....

ELAN SHAKROB

Posted On: 20 Feb 2014 04:09 am

Congrats...it'll be brilliant if you finish it all!!! is the last stage really 90km? Keeping our fingers crossed... E

Dinah Yerushalmi

Posted On: 19 Feb 2014 04:07 pm

Hey Dave. Another day finished. I read other blogs and they all talk of blisters and hypothermia alongside masochistic enthrallment. The last long march sounds impossible. We are all very excited and proud .

17 February 2014 03:25 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

Hi everyone! 2 stages done and I’m still alive! Couldn’t update yesterday because of the weather. Scenery here in Jordan is beyond words. Staff and competitors are out of this world. Don’t get me wrong, this is hard. Conclusion after 2 stages: I will never run on sand again!

I am not the fastest runner, or more accurate, walker, I’m here to complete, not compete. Yes, because of me the flag of Israel is placed at the start and finish line and the event photographer took a picture of my holding the flag of Israel at the finish line at stage one……

Till next time!!

Comments: Total (8) comments

anne shakrob

Posted On: 20 Feb 2014 11:29 am

hi david me again.Ive just noticed that a Matthew McLellan, who is placed 84 to your 85,could be, in a wild chance, be your cousin. He,s Autralian andn if you bump into him, ask him if his father is Bert McLellan,who was born in Stockport England in 1934. and could be in Tasmania or Sydney now. Bert is Grans brother.Keep going keep going we,re all with you.xxs

anne shakrob

Posted On: 20 Feb 2014 08:29 am

Go Dave, Go . With you all the way.

Ronen Havkin

Posted On: 19 Feb 2014 01:46 pm

Well done Dave checking your progress day by day

Amit Cohen

Posted On: 19 Feb 2014 09:41 am

Good job!happy to hear youre well and enjoying! astonishing

Max Morreti

Posted On: 19 Feb 2014 06:56 am

Hi David! I would be lying if i claimed that the whole of Belgium is following your amazing adventure... but at least I am! Very impressive indeed, to take up an breathtaking challenge like that. Almost sure that being a bit nutty - obviously in a good way - is just one of the many things you need to succeed in this undertaking. I am totally sure you'll make that finish line! Respect Man!

anne shakrob

Posted On: 19 Feb 2014 04:50 am

well done david. keep calm and carry on.

ELAN SHAKROB

Posted On: 19 Feb 2014 12:45 am

David!!!!!!!!!!!!! We're all so proud of you..here in the USA and we think of you all the time. Its an incredible achievement just to contemplate doing what you're doing..but to actually do it is a real landmark in your life. I have a friend at work who is Jordanian and he is also proud of you...he also offered any assistance and hospitality if you need any help, of course he has many friends and family there. Keep it up and I hope you manage to complete the course without too much pain or injury. I look forward to hearing all the stories too...

Dinah Yerushalmi

Posted On: 18 Feb 2014 07:32 pm

Yey David ! So good to read your blog post. Thinking of you all the time. The weather here in Beer Sheva is getting warmer so I guess it is similar there and the sand will get softer. Hang in there. Mum read your blog post today and called me but had difficulty posting a comment.We are all so curious to hear your stories. Looking forward to your safe return.

10 February 2014 07:37 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

What a nice finale to my race preparations. I am officially running for Peres Center for Peace, mainly to raise awarness and, where possible, money for the important work they do at the center. I'll do my best to give my little bit to this very troubled area of the world. http://www.peres-center.org/ https://donatenow.networkforgood.org/1419974

Comments: Total (3) comments

Dinah Yerushalmi

Posted On: 15 Feb 2014 12:25 am

Hope you are having fun meeting the others . This is your first ultra race and I read that many do this all the time . Just enjoy .

Dinah Yerushalmi

Posted On: 15 Feb 2014 12:25 am

Hope you are having fun meeting the others . This is your first ultra race and I read that many do this all the time . Just enjoy .

Dinah Yerushalmi

Posted On: 15 Feb 2014 12:25 am

Hope you are having fun meeting the others . This is your first ultra race and I read that many do this all the time . Just enjoy .

05 February 2014 11:44 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

According to weather forecast, it's going to be around 25c at the time of the race. The forecast is constantly changing, however, it could get colder (or warmer!). http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kdzJavQStkk My song of the day is "Too hot", by the specials. See you all in Jordan!

Comments: Total (3) comments

Dotan Yerushalmi

Posted On: 11 Feb 2014 06:15 am

Good luck David. All the family with you!

Dinah Yerushalmi

Posted On: 10 Feb 2014 06:47 pm

Best of luck brother

Dominick Burton

Posted On: 05 Feb 2014 08:25 pm

Best of luck. I 'm sure you will do great.

01 February 2014 09:30 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

Here is a link that gives the weather forecast for Wadi Rum for the next 14 days.... http://www.meteovista.com/Middle-East/Jordan/Wadi-Rum/4952172

Comments: Total (1) comments

Michael Traub

Posted On: 03 Feb 2014 03:29 pm

I like the looks of that! Hope it is accurate.

24 January 2014 06:14 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

My new hobby is typing Wadi Rum weather in Google.........If the weather at the time of the race will be like now, all of us competitors,staff and volunteers, will have scored the jackpot. A bit of rain just before the race, to stiffen the soft sand will be most welcome. Also, I'm messing around a lot with google earth in order to get as much "intel" on the course as possible. Got an external power source for my Motoactv and downloaded maps of Jordan,so I'll be able to log the course as I run/walk and after the the race, download the track to google earth. All of these gadgets and toys are adding weight to my backpack..... Feel like corporal Upham from Saving Private Ryan, he wants to take his typewriter and Tom Hanks shows him a pencil......

Comments: Total (1) comments

Janine Canham

Posted On: 29 Jan 2014 11:55 pm

Hey David, look forward to meeting you in Jordan. All the best with the preparation. Love your comment about SPR !

23 January 2014 03:33 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

My tayloress did an incredible job and the patches look great. Thank goodness I didn't try to sew them on myself.... So, my water proof jacket and down jacket have patches on, I can feel the extra weight. Not going to crumple them up and put them into the compression bags yet, they look so nice to look at, hung up in the closet. Running shirt will have to wait for the meantime, not final on that yet.

Comments: Total (2) comments

David Shakrob

Posted On: 24 Jan 2014 04:53 am

Hi Sam, photo is on Sahara race FB page. I'll upload it on this blog as well.

Sam F

Posted On: 24 Jan 2014 12:58 am

Show us photo David.

20 January 2014 11:45 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

Got a private driver to take me from the Wadi Araba crossing up to host hotel in Wadi Musa, thanks to the link Alina sent. Should be at the host hotel at around lunchtime on the 14th. The drive down to Eilat is incredible, I'll time it so that I descend into the rift valley at sunrise.....Everything in this region of the world is historical, biblical, however you want to define it. Even the border crossing I'm coming through is where the leaders of Israel and Jordan signed the peace treaty in 1994. I can't believe this is happening and I can't wait.....

Comments: Total (0) comments

17 January 2014 08:18 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

At long last I've managed to find ziplock bags here in Israel. They're not the original company and I have no idea if they're any good or not. With these bags, I'm lacking the confidence in transfering the expedition foods into them. Will they burst when hot water is poored into them? Or does the powdery food absorb the heat? Glad for any hints or tips.

Comments: Total (2) comments

David Shakrob

Posted On: 17 Jan 2014 08:53 am

Hi Alina, thanks for the advice, that's exactly what I'll do! David.

Alina B

Posted On: 17 Jan 2014 08:44 am

Hi David, I recommend keeping the original Expedition Food bags as they are specifically designed to keep in the heat so that the food can warm properly. Ziplock bags are normally used to pack dry goods like biscuits, crisps, powders, etc. Alina

15 January 2014 01:53 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

Training has gone well and I

Comments: Total (0) comments

12 January 2014 08:33 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

Gotta decide what shirt I'll be running in. Proud to announce that I've found a pro who can sew my patches on...... If I was to sew them on I'd make a mess. As of this moment, my shirt of choice is a white Nike dri-fit shirt, with short sleeves. Nationality patches: 2 garments will have Israeli patches and the other 2, patches of Great Britain. Butterflies, butterflies, butterflies......wanna be at the starting line already!

Comments: Total (0) comments

30 December 2013 09:24 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

Managed at long last to attach the rough country bottle holders to my rucksack and they look really cool. Can't wait to show them off in a trial run, or if you want, a trail run. I looked in the mirror and felt like an astronaut! Now comes the tricky business of sewing on the patches.....any "over the counter" methods for this? Please let me know. When it comes to head gear, I've opted for a nice white Legionnaires cap. Lots of dilemas in that area. Maybe a Kafia Lawrence of Arabia style? Or maybe a Harrison Ford hat? Even a Humphrey Bogart style hat from the film Sahara? Any other ideas? I'll be happy to hear...

Comments: Total (2) comments

David Shakrob

Posted On: 04 Jan 2014 08:28 pm

Hi Paulo, cool choice, military stuff always does the the job. I'm considering another shirt option as well. Maybe an explorers style shirt with chest pockets......Looking forward to seeing you in Jordan!

Paulo Ortega

Posted On: 04 Jan 2014 09:42 am

Dear David... about the head gear I am facing some trouble too. The final choice (final so far...) is a military jungle style hat (in desert camo), but you have really nice options too. See you there, in Jordan!

25 December 2013 10:10 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

4 deserts and nationality patches arrived today along with with other bits and bobs, so now I have all my mandatory gear for the race! Thanks to everyone at the RTP online store, you rock!! There is the lonliness of the long distance runner and there is the laziness of the long distance runner, at this stage, I am the latter of the two.....Happy training! (or partying or both)

Comments: Total (0) comments

16 December 2013 06:15 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

Rest in peace, Peter O'toole.

Comments: Total (0) comments

15 December 2013 10:51 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

`I didn't go on the second of my back to back long runs....The warmth of bed got the better of me. If this happens in Jordan, please just poor a bucket of water over me in my sleeping bag. If there is water discipline, no need to exercise discretion with regards to other fluids...... Happy training!!

Comments: Total (0) comments

13 December 2013 10:04 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

A Blanket of snow is covering Jerusalem and I suppose that's the case in Amman as well. There are reports of snow in Cairo as well. I'm curious to know whether the Edom mountains in Jordan are snow capped, that would be some spectacle. Couldn't do any hill training today because all the roads up to Jerusalem have been closed due to the weather, so I opted for a run by the beach in Tel Aviv. A 3 hour run in which I had an ongoing duel with hypothermia. Apart from me, there were only a few other brave runners and die hard fishermen. The sand was lovely and stiff and I overtook a few drivers in their 4x4 heated vehicles, trying their luck with the sand dunes. A bit of advice to myself: TRY EATING SOMETHING before I run in cold and wet conditions. Happy training!

Comments: Total (0) comments

11 December 2013 12:32 pm (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

It went better than I thought it would. 4 hours running and 1 hour walking. The excruciating pains seeped in at about 3.5 hours of running, don't know why that happens, all my fluids were isotonic, so there was no shortage of electrolytes.... I suppose that comes with long distance running, no escape from the pains and aches. This was a beach run with lots of sand dunes, no Idea how that will compare with the sand in Jordan. In Israel, the Negev desert and the Judean desert don't have much sand, so my best gamble is to run by the beach. I was running at snail pace, not more than 7-8km an hour and the weather was perfect. Don't think I'll need gaiters, if my shoes get full of sand, I'll just empty them out at the checkpoints.

Comments: Total (1) comments

David Shakrob

Posted On: 12 Dec 2013 02:57 pm

Hi Alina, always a pleasure to hear your advice and thanks for the motivation boost. Watching video clips of 4 Deserts, RTP & MDS races, all runners seem to have gaiters so I see no reason for me to be an exception. About the 7-8km per hour, I'm not kidding nyself, fully geared up, schlepping through the soft sand of Jordan, I'll be lucky to get anywhere near that pace....Like other runners, I guess I'll have a "radar" that detects the harder packed sand and follow that course. When running on the beach without even thinking, I was running by the water line, where the sand is harder and easier to negotiate. So, on the way back, I "punished" myself and ran though sand dunes, up and down for a good few kilometers. Through the dunes my pace was about 3-6km per hour.....Again, thanks Alina and happy training to all!!

05 December 2013 03:23 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

Here in Israel it is raining properly for the first time this year. Hope it keeps like that for tomorrow, that's my long run combined with hill training up by Jerusalem. My Saturday run, by the banks of Yarkon river, on the other hand, maybe compromised. The trail maybe water logged or that could be good news, the harder, the better, no? Going to see my doctor next week. Self diagnoses, in the mean time, planter fasciitis. I feel pain under my left heel, usually after a run when I've rested a bit and then get up to move again, I start to feel pain and limp. After a short period of time, the pain passes and so does the limp. I'm not worried at the moment, or maybe that's wishfull thinking at my end...Anyway, I'll consult my doctor and battle through it. Better now than in the race. Gear wise, I'm about 90% ready. Training wise, I have a lot to improve on.

Comments: Total (1) comments

David Shakrob

Posted On: 06 Dec 2013 05:52 pm

Hi Ziv, I'm fine. Thanks a lot for your advice. Let me congratulate you for your fantastic performance at the UTMB.....I salute you for that. Are you the first Israeli to complete it? I totally agree with you about taking a week off. I'm running to complete, not really to compete so I shouldn't be bothered about time. Today's run was great, weather was perfect. Tomorrow, I'll go for another long run and see where I stand. Next week, I'll go to the doctor and see if he can pull any rabbits out of his hat!! Again, thanks Ziv.

26 November 2013 10:16 am (GMT+02:00) Jerusalem

Hi there, this is my first pre race blog. Here in Israel, I am greeted with blue skies. The door is opened and I'm greeted with a hot wind......A "hamsin" this late in the year? A great opportunity to go on a run and get adapted, maybe. Praying that Sahara race Jordan will be hamsin free..... I'll be entering Jordan through the Aqaba-Eilat crossing and getting either a bus or a taxi up to Wadi Musa. Any competitor that wants to be a travel partner up to the host hotel, just send me an email. I signed up for the race late, hence my training regime is a bit on the late side as well. Aches, pains and a lot of anxiety, hoping to "run them off". Never done a multi day race before, so any advice will be most welcome. 10 marathons and 1 ultramarathon don't seem to be much help when running with 15kg on my back. I'll be trying to get my backpack down to 12kg, including water. It's clear to me that I'll have to improve on my run-walk technique, as I will walk a lot of the course. Not even thinking about training in soft sand, yet. I'll take each stride as it comes.... Can't wait to be at the start line at Wadi Rum.

Comments: Total (6) comments

David Shakrob

Posted On: 04 Dec 2013 12:20 am

Hi Sandy, thanks. I'm getting smarter by the day. I'll start looking for snaplocks asap. All the best. David

Sandy S

Posted On: 03 Dec 2013 10:00 pm

Hi David, snaplocks are plastic bags with a push type seal on them we get them in Australia at the supermarket. And yes I take everything out of the bags and roll and squash everything in my pack. I use a bottle and cut it so the bottom is a bowl and a cup for me.... and bring a spork for eating. All the best Sandy

David Shakrob

Posted On: 03 Dec 2013 08:53 am

Hi Sandy, Thanks so much for your advice. I salute you for doing the other 4 desert races... What are snaplocks? Does that mean even opening the expedition foods and putting the contents into snaplocks? (They look very impressive, my sister thought they were from NASA!!) Looking forward to meeting you in Jordan. David

Sandy Suckling

Posted On: 03 Dec 2013 07:34 am

Hi David, well you are in for an amazing experience and congrats for signing up. I am also doing Jordan and have done the other 4 deserts... My advice like Mat get the pack weight down as much as you can and with your food you can take it out of the packaging and put in snaplocks every gram less helps. Also I would try everything out in training with your food and everyone is different so what works for one doesn't for another. Clothing wise wear everthing you place to race in and wear you shoes in I always go up a size in my shoes for the races. With lots of sand you need gaiters ones that you get stitched on or glued are far better. See you there hope that helps. Sandy Oh yes and poles I have used them in one event Sahara in Egypt and others i haven't depends on how much you think you will be running they come in very usefull climbing up sand dunes.. its really a personal preferance but again try in your training and see what you think

David Shakrob

Posted On: 03 Dec 2013 12:47 am

Hi Mat,congratulations on your RTP Iceland. I saw the film about it and it seemed like a very,very hard race. Thanks for your advice about the pack. At the moment I'm hoping to get my pack down to 7.5kg without water and the clothes I'll be running in. You are right, I did a few runs with 15kg on my back and it wasn't easy at all. My next dilema is, should I bring walking poles or not? I've never used them before and I usually prefer to run at a slow pace rather than walk. Looking forward to meeting you in Jordan David

Mat L

Posted On: 02 Dec 2013 04:52 am

Hi David. I participated in RTP Iceland this past summer and can offer the following advice for what it's worth - put in the extra effort to get your pack down to much lower than 12-15kg! With the equipment list as it is, you should be able get your pack down to a pre-water weight of 6-7kg max (including fewer comforts and treats). It is possible to go under 6kg, but you would probably need to spend more money than is worth it to make this happen (ie a super-lightweight sleeping bag is not cheap). Since every additional gram in your pack is one more gram that you have to carry, you should consider every single item and how you might modify it to reduce weight. The simple exercise of removing or shortening tags, straps, clips, excess material, etc...can go a long way. For Iceland, I took each item one at a time and made it a game - what can I do to this item to reduce its weight (modify it? replace it?). Anyhow, enough on that. Good luck with your preparation...and looking forward to meeting you in Jordan. M