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Namib Race Blogs 2014
8
PostsNamib Race (2014) blog posts from Dee Pontifex
21 February 2014 02:28 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat
Well stage 5 the LONG MARCH complete. Words could never explain this experience and probably some words are best not repeated. Thank you hubby for being there with me. It was a long 86k with varying terrains. To start with a slight downhill and then 20k in a canon, followed by 20k dried river bed stroll, nice solid ground! (if only) Then 10k up hill, followed by more up hill and some downhill followed by more uphill, I am sure you get the picture. A real physical and mental challenge. This is certainly something that someone who wants a real life challenge should take on board. We were out there approx. 26 hours, decided not to have a rest. Although this has certainly been a challenge I will never forgot, for me a one off. We are both ok, Steve’s feet quite a mess, luckily his knee held out. I luckily just have a couple of blisters. Thank you everyone for your messages, much appreciated. Kassie we can’t wait to see you and happy to hear you have let your aunties rest! Haven’t had any sleep today yet, Also excuse brief email mentally drained! Will send some photos, which will hopefully paint a better picture. A short one tomorrow of 5.6k into Petra (supposedly moderate, but think there moderate to mine has a different meaning!) Once again thanks guys for being behind us. (LOL Brent Dad showing you how to use a computer. Aunties big kiss and cuddles to our baby girl, hope you have been taking heaps of Aunty and Kassie photos.
19 February 2014 02:09 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat
Well another stage done and dusted. Highlight of the day the finish line!! No some great scenery, but still rather tough (putting it politely!). Thanks your emails Cathy and Doris and for the messages of support from downunder, much appreciated. The repeated thought of the day was, Pain is temporary and a finish is forever. Hope our baby girl is going well, tell your aunties a but slack on sending us messages, very naughty! Well once again a very scenic day some great sights that many would not see. Bodies holding up ok, Steves knee giving him a bit of grief, but hopefully it holds out and a couple of blisters. I managed to get heat rash around my ankles of all things and a couple of little blisters, forgot how much they hurt, probably need a microscope to see mine! Anyway to our baby girl, thinking of you and hope you are having a wonderful time, big love and kisses.
Comments: Total (4) comments
Kassie Pontifex
Posted On: 21 Feb 2014 07:33 am
Hi Mummy Auntie Shell has been posting comments everyday - sorry if you have missed them. Anyway things are fine here - Have been singing lots and teaching Aunties new songs. See you in a couple of days - hugs and kisses Kassie (and the Aunties)
ted moir
Posted On: 21 Feb 2014 01:03 am
i feel tired just thinking what you are going through,you are both unbeleivable,hope the bodies hold up,keep it up,love dad
Nikki Corcoran
Posted On: 20 Feb 2014 03:01 pm
Dee, it sounds like you are doing a great job. One foot in front of the other & a nice relaxing spa, sauna & massage at end of the day!!!!! No .... that's next years valentines present for you! Keep going, thinking of you. Lots of love & kisses The Corcorans xxxx
Tiffany Ellis
Posted On: 20 Feb 2014 12:28 pm
Blisters! Hold strong, hope you have enough plasters to mend you up and keep putting one foot in front of the other! What was it Steve said spoon of cement and big girl panties?! Will take loads of pictures of the girls tomorrow at the birthday party. YOU CAN DO IT. Will see you soon.
18 February 2014 04:47 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat
To start with thanks everyone for your encouraging comments. You have no idea how much they mean. Well Stage 3 finished. A dry night in the tent could even see all the stars through the roof. The day started fine, not feeling to bad, but then it just went on and on and on and on. Yes the scenery was great but sorry to say by the end of it was over the rolling sand dunes and they were probably only small ones! Dad I am proud of you for conquering technology and sending an email. As I say to everyone else please keep sending them. Kassie’s photo kept me going at the end and Tiffany’s saying. Could of easily got on a camel, but unfortunately that would be the easy way out. Hubby is hanging in there and is nice to have his company (surprisingly no divorce mentioned yet!). The aches and pains are still there and no doubt will continue. Well all I can say I bring on Stage 4!!! Glad some great shots being taken, will seen those at the finish. Our baby girl Kassie, love you so much and miss you heaps. XX
Comments: Total (4) comments
Tiffany Ellis
Posted On: 19 Feb 2014 04:32 pm
You are still all inspire, got the girls together today. Aunties are holding up well and house is intact! Michelle and I were wondering how well it was going with you guys sticking together, what doesn't kill you makes you stronger!Some really cool pics being posted and I'm trying to share them as I find them. Glad the day was dry you are superwoman! One foot in front of the other and home before you know it!
Brent Moir
Posted On: 19 Feb 2014 11:33 am
Good to hear your enjoying yourself. I couldn't comment sooner as I had to get Dad to show me how to use the site and add a comment. Also it is pleasing to see that you and Steve are pacing yourselves, so you can go all out on stage 5. At least stage 5 will give you both plenty of time to plan your next desert race.
Kassie Pontifex
Posted On: 19 Feb 2014 10:15 am
Hi Go Mummy Go Daddy - elephant, giraffe, Koala (not sure what that means but hope you understand) I've being a good girl for my Aunties - they may just need some sleep love you both Kassie. Hi from Mon and Michelle - love the photos that have been posted
Lynette Westcott
Posted On: 19 Feb 2014 08:59 am
Good luck with the rest of the race. What an incredible journey you are both on. Parts of the world that not many people would venture through. Keep up the good work. Well done from us all in NZ.
17 February 2014 02:34 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat
Well unfortunately no computer access yesterday. Lets go back to the first night in camp, let me paint the picture for you; indoor water feature (yep tents not waterproof), the rustling sound of bivy bags (emergency bags) and the damp smell of horse blankets (the tent). But hey all part of the adventure. Well Stage 1 done and dusted – best part of the day getting to the finish line. I always thought desert meant dry! Well was mislead, we had a few dry patches during the day, just enough to dry you out and then surprise another patch of rain, not that pleasant. Stage 2 another long day, but mission complete to get to the finish line. A lot nicer day, a lot more uphills, but sunshine and great scenery. There are times I am enjoying it and other times I just wish it was over. Give me an Ironman any day, there is really no comparison. I am understanding the meaning ‘one of the hardest races’. Thank you hubby for being here and continuously saying keep the weight down of your pack, I really don’t think there is many parts of the body that are ‘t feeling it. But maybe next holiday away without our darling Kassie, will pick a slightly different holiday! Our darling Kassie, we miss you and love you very much. Hope you are good and keeping your Aunties out of trouble! Think of us everyone.
Comments: Total (6) comments
Julie Zorget
Posted On: 19 Feb 2014 03:43 pm
We are all chatting with the Aunties and Kassie to keep up with the "fun". So impressed with you both. Kassie is doing really well! You are too by all accounts and we wish you all the best! Julie and all at Little Gemz
Joanne Colby
Posted On: 18 Feb 2014 11:23 pm
Go guys, thinking of you and willing you on. You r doing an amazing job so far, keep up the great effort. Stay safe. J
Joanne Colby
Posted On: 18 Feb 2014 11:23 pm
Go guys, thinking of you and willing you on. You r doing an amazing job so far, keep up the great effort. Stay safe. J
Kay Wiggle
Posted On: 18 Feb 2014 06:21 am
Happy Valentines Day!!! (one to remember) Thinking of you.xx
Tiffany Ellis
Posted On: 18 Feb 2014 05:33 am
Very disappointing the tents were not water proof but hey you weren't dry anyway, hopefully you managed to stay warm, I'm waiting around for stage 2 pics to be posted and hoping to get anther nice one of you and Steve. A lot of people are thinking about you and very proud, even making it one step was an amazing accomplishment and you are already finished with 2 days!I look forward to the tales when you get back in the mean time keep putting one foot in front of the other!
Tiffany Ellis
Posted On: 18 Feb 2014 05:33 am
Very disappointing the tents were not water proof but hey you weren't dry anyway, hopefully you managed to stay warm, I'm waiting around for stage 2 pics to be posted and hoping to get anther nice one of you and Steve. A lot of people are thinking about you and very proud, even making it one step was an amazing accomplishment and you are already finished with 2 days!I look forward to the tales when you get back in the mean time keep putting one foot in front of the other!
15 February 2014 05:41 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat
Well here we are at camp 1. About 2 hr drive from hotel and then 4w drive. Tents are very cosy 8 in each, hopefully I don’t need to get up for any granny pees in the night, or else I will be falling over many people. Still feeling rather anxious, in some ways looking forward to the start. Currently raining just to make the night pleasant (umm is the tent waterproof, time will tell!!). We are sleeping in the traditional tents, so hopefully they are waterproof.
Well guys this is just a short post and will update you tomorrow. My baby girl missing you like you wouldn’t believe, another challenge not being able to talk to you. Sending lots of cuddles and kisses. For the rest of you please send us heaps of messages and think of us.Comments: Total (3) comments
ted moir
Posted On: 17 Feb 2014 11:06 pm
keep those legs pumping,with you all the way,proud of you both, love dad.
Amy Stewart
Posted On: 17 Feb 2014 06:12 pm
We have seen some lovely photos of you and Steve. Hope you're enjoying this amazing challenge. Keep it up just think you are clocking up,those km. good luck!
Kassie Pontifex
Posted On: 16 Feb 2014 07:31 am
Hi Mummy - go Mummy Go - missing you, having fun with Auntie Mon today.
09 February 2014 06:19 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat
Well the time has come around so quickly. Bags/gear checked and rechecked, if only I could get the weight of my pack down more, but don't want to be cold (predicted weather 0 - 15) or hungry!!
Going through so many different emotions at the moment, as mentioned above the unknown will soon be known. I know one thing for sure I will miss my little Princess Kassie and like her will be counting down the days. But hey knowing she is going to be in safe hands will her aunties is reassuring. Big KISSES AND CUDDLES will be regularly sent.
To all those following remember to send me lots of messages and whatever you say do not say 'not far now' a comment no competitor wants to hear!!! (well especially not me).
To my darling hubby once again thanks for letting me participate and remember what happens in camp stays in camp!! So if any verbals come your way, don't take it personally. LOL. Just my way of expressing how much I love you!!!
Anyway that's it for now. Will keep you posted.
Comments: Total (11) comments
Helen Beckley
Posted On: 15 Feb 2014 04:59 pm
Best of Luck Dee! Will be following your adventure. Your going to be amazing! INSPIRATION!!
Tiffany Ellis
Posted On: 15 Feb 2014 09:01 am
Well today is race day I swear you are a crazy lady but all inspiring the commitments you make to help raise money for operation smile! You told me to remind you of the quote in my wall "each journey begins with one step" stay hydrated during the day and warm at night!
Julie Peden
Posted On: 14 Feb 2014 08:20 pm
All the best. You are an inspiration. Sending you love and safe travels from New Zealand.
Amy Stewart
Posted On: 14 Feb 2014 01:56 pm
Wow Dee I cannot believe the day has arrived when you are going to start this amazing challenge! I wish you all the best on your first day. Remember the weight will become less and less that you are having to carry and you will be on your way. Every step is a step closer to that finishing line. I will be following you. Good luck xxx
Gill Gould
Posted On: 11 Feb 2014 04:32 am
Good luck Dee - will be thinking of you!!
Michelle Clifford
Posted On: 10 Feb 2014 04:20 pm
Enjoy, and you know that your little princess is being well looked after. :-)
Kay Riggall
Posted On: 10 Feb 2014 06:34 am
I will be eating, sleeping, showering etc !! for you too in the coming days!! All the best in this challenge stay positive and keep well crazy girl. Love Kay xx
Louisa Chamberlain
Posted On: 10 Feb 2014 06:08 am
All the best Dee!! If anyone can do this, you can! Look forward to following it all. Sending well wishes and love your way!! xxx
Anne-Marie Bouwer
Posted On: 10 Feb 2014 06:04 am
Just remember in the hard times the reason why you doing this. All the love and smiles will keep you warm at night. Hope all goes as planned.
Lisa Richardson
Posted On: 09 Feb 2014 11:30 pm
You're both freaks. Lots of love and encouragement from here to there. Will be thinking of you and keeping up with your awesome journey and adventure! xx
Kellie Payne
Posted On: 09 Feb 2014 08:38 pm
Best of luck Dee, I hope it all goes well and you have fun along the way too!
27 January 2014 04:46 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat
Well thank you all for your lovely messages, I hope you keep them up whilst we are out there. The latest one below has brought tears to my eyes and the event has not even started!
Kassie Pontifex
Posted: 26-Jan-2014 11:59:28 AM
Mummy, I will miss you. I love you and I hope you have a wonderful time. Make me a proud little girl. I promise to be good while you are away - well most of the time! Love Kassie
My baby girl you will give me all the encouragement I need, as everyday passes. Many thoughts are going through my mind, as I am entering the unknown compared to other events I have participated in (and yes for those of you that know us, you know we do crazy things!!). However, these special words and your encouraging message will be in my thoughts. (ps thanks daddy!!!)
And my darling hubby, it will be great having you there to be my punching bag, when needed. X It has been quite funny packing bags with hubby stressing the importance of keeping it light (which I can fully understand), but verbally putting in his disclaimer "you take/remove what you like" LOL and I recall him saying something like, I don't want to be blamed for that ....
Also thank you hubby for letting me give this ago (well probably won't be thinking that at the time), but better to thank you now.
A few more days of training left before we head off. Just one foot in front of the other and I will get there in the end.
P.S. Aunty Michelle and Aunty Mon, best you ladies rest up as well, as Kassie will have you both competing in your own event!!!
Comments: Total (2) comments
Kerrie Bampton
Posted On: 04 Feb 2014 04:47 am
Hey Dee, beautiful message from Kassie she seems so grown up. Good luck you are so close to the start already. Have a great birthday on Thursday!!
Looking forward to the updates
Take care
Kerrie
Kellie Wright
Posted On: 02 Feb 2014 01:55 am
Brought a tear to my eye too! What an amazing adventure. There's a tiny part of me that wants to be there with you and a big part of me that's saying you must be kidding! I'd say enjoy yourself but I know it won't exactly be enjoyable but it will be a fantastic and amazing achievement. So proud of you!
09 January 2014 08:38 am (GMT+04:00) Abu Dhabi, Muscat
Well the countdown has began 36 days.
Hubby and I are out pounding the pavements, well in UAE the sand. Excited, anxious (the whole unknown). First day running with loaded pack, certainly a new experience!! calf burn for 20 mins but then that passed. Backpack now packed, with all our compulsory equipment and food, at this stage 6.7kg, then need to add 2 ltrs of water (approx another 2kg). Love to be able to remove some weight, but not much can be taken out. As the event was changed from Egypt to Jordan the weather is completely different, fingers crossed I will be warm enough at night, can always wear everything I have if needed.
For all my buddies out there, please remember to send me messages throughout the event. Remember us whilst you are in the comfort of your home.
Will keep you updated on my journey.
Comments: Total (8) comments
Kassie Pontifex
Posted On: 26 Jan 2014 07:59 pm
Mummy,
I will miss you. I love you and I hope you have a wonderful time. Make me a proud little girl. I promise to be good while you are away - well most of the time!
Love Kassie
Glynn Gough
Posted On: 16 Jan 2014 12:12 am
Well Done guys! Keep us posted.
Mechelle Millingham
Posted On: 10 Jan 2014 07:17 am
Thanks for sharing :-) look forward to updates. Bless you, take care! Enjoy!
Tim Dean
Posted On: 10 Jan 2014 06:18 am
I'm jealous!! What a cool thing to do. Look forward to following your adventure.
Shar Dean
Posted On: 10 Jan 2014 04:17 am
Oh my goodness you guys are intrepid! I will certainly enjoy following your progress from the comfort of my own home. Really, really proud of you though! Hey, I think Tim's team still needs another team member (maybe 2) for the Wadi Bih run on the 7th Feb. Why don't you mix up your training a bit and come? There is a room available the night before and I am there to babysit and wait at the finish line :)
Lisa Richardson
Posted On: 10 Jan 2014 03:24 am
Although I think you're stark raving mad, both of you, I support you completely! I'll be watching out for updates, keep them coming. Hope your training gets easier and you're not in for too much of a surprise when the time comes. I've signed up for the newsletter. Give Kassie a big cuddle for me please. x
Maylene Plummer
Posted On: 09 Jan 2014 10:25 pm
Kia ora Dee, Such a great event to follow, thanks for including me into your blogs! Looking forward to hearing about the trials, tribulations, successes and creepy crawlys? Sunny afternoon in Auckland, I just ran a whooping 6.5km from my work building to the harbour bridge and back. Now need a cuppa tea and a lie down. Instead chomping on a homemade ham off the bone, mustard and cheese toastie. Thinking of you both, love always Toota xx
Maylene Plummer
Posted On: 09 Jan 2014 10:25 pm
Kia ora Dee, Such a great event to follow, thanks for including me into your blogs! Looking forward to hearing about the trials, tribulations, successes and creepy crawlys? Sunny afternoon in Auckland, I just ran a whooping 6.5km from my work building to the harbour bridge and back. Now need a cuppa tea and a lie down. Instead chomping on a homemade ham off the bone, mustard and cheese toastie. Thinking of you both, love always Toota xx
Comments: Total (4) comments
Tiffany Ellis
Posted On: 22 Feb 2014 10:39 am
nikki corcoran
Posted On: 22 Feb 2014 09:21 am
Nikki Corcoran
Posted On: 22 Feb 2014 09:15 am
Nikki Corcoran
Posted On: 22 Feb 2014 09:15 am