Newsletter
Online Store
Login
Race Coverage
Race Coverage
RACE Coverage
The Last Desert Blogs 2018
1542026651.jpeg )
16
PostsThe Last Desert (2018) blog posts from Simon Melanson
07 December 2018 02:24 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
A heartfelt
07 December 2018 02:23 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Sometimes, I ask myself this question when things get hard.
Comments: Total (0) comments
02 December 2018 03:12 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Saturday, mid-day.
Comments: Total (13) comments
Jeff Schuvert
Posted On: 06 Dec 2018 11:37 pm
Ah the patch. Keep us updated !!!
Rick Vaughan
Posted On: 06 Dec 2018 08:16 pm
Simon,
A huge congratulations to you and the outstanding finish - if the race alone didn't show the type of character you have, then having your family around throughout the journey certainly did. Your enthusiasm for the sport is surpassed by that of the admiration for your family - your girls will remember this for a lifetime, and be so proud of what they saw you achieve. A huge kudos for that - inspiring for them and all who have been reading along at home.
Safe journey back!
Rick Vaughan
Posted On: 06 Dec 2018 08:16 pm
Simon,
A huge congratulations to you and the outstanding finish - if the race alone didn't show the type of character you have, then having your family around throughout the journey certainly did. Your enthusiasm for the sport is surpassed by that of the admiration for your family - your girls will remember this for a lifetime, and be so proud of what they saw you achieve. A huge kudos for that - inspiring for them and all who have been reading along at home.
Safe journey back!
Ginevra Vettore
Posted On: 05 Dec 2018 12:37 am
Congrats! The only other person I know that does this crazy stuff is Ray Zahab!
Ginevra Vettore
Posted On: 05 Dec 2018 12:36 am
Wow amazing! Good on you! The only other person I know that does this is Ray Zahab! Courage... =)
Nicki Pall
Posted On: 04 Dec 2018 08:02 pm
Simon! Wow. Congratulations on this MASSIVE achievement. We can't wait to hear all about it - Safe travels on your way home!
Jenn Whiting
Posted On: 04 Dec 2018 02:52 pm
Wow! You are a fantastic family of adventurers and we are so excited to hear all about it when you return. Good luck as you make your way home.
All the best,
2A
Jenn Whiting
Posted On: 04 Dec 2018 02:52 pm
Wow! You are a fantastic family of adventurers and we are so excited to hear all about it when you return. Good luck as you make your way home.
All the best,
2A
Jenn Whiting
Posted On: 04 Dec 2018 02:52 pm
Wow! You are a fantastic family of adventurers and we are so excited to hear all about it when you return. Good luck as you make your way home.
All the best,
2A
Katie McDonald
Posted On: 04 Dec 2018 01:47 pm
Congratulations on finishing, let alone 9th place! You’re incredible.
What a tremendous experience for your girls. Sounds like they’ll have a lot of stories to tell. The polar plunge... Olivia’s crazy!!
Katie McDonald
Posted On: 04 Dec 2018 01:46 pm
Congratulations on finishing, let alone 9th place! You’re incredible.
What a tremendous experience for your girls. Sounds like they’ll have a lot of stories to tell. The polar plunge... Olivia’s crazy!!
Riley Kirkpatrick
Posted On: 04 Dec 2018 06:53 am
Incredible. What a family team! Well done mate. Can't wait to hear about it all in person over a cold beer, hopefully soon!
Tricia Cameron-Rendell
Posted On: 03 Dec 2018 03:00 pm
Reading your blogs I am vicariously experiencing your journey - the scenery, the elements, the experience of it all - crazy but wonderful at the same time, but am thankful to be on solid ground, warm and not sea sick!
Olivia and Grace will have many unique experiences to share, that's for sure!
02 December 2018 03:10 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Mikkelsen Harbour was the setting for the last stage.
Comments: Total (4) comments
Grace Di Cesare
Posted On: 05 Dec 2018 06:44 pm
Congrats Simon!!! You are an absolute SUPERHERO!! Can't wait to see you and Dawn so i can hear all about it.
Terri-Ann Hurst
Posted On: 05 Dec 2018 01:57 pm
Wow, so amazingly awesome! Congratulations Simon.
Zach Melanson
Posted On: 02 Dec 2018 11:30 pm
Congratulations Simon!!! What a tough bastard you are! If I had one thought during the many scraps of our childhood it was"one day I'll be big enough to take him out". I was wrong - You have too much crazy, too much drive, and too much heart to be bested :) What an inspiring run! Thought about you more than a few times this week, running face first into the elements, screaming as if into battle.. and it made me smile :) Glad you made it out safe and sound.
P.S. Loved the blog - It's a real page turner :) you're a great writer!
Zach
Yvon Carriere
Posted On: 02 Dec 2018 08:16 pm
Congratulations, Simon!! This is awesome, and let the de-brief begin!!
02 December 2018 03:10 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
0430 on Thursday came swiftly. I was so stiff from the day before that I rolled onto the floor before contemplating my next move.
Comments: Total (1) comments
Jenn Whiting
Posted On: 04 Dec 2018 02:48 pm
Congratulations on your amazing success of finishing the race. Grace's class is so excited that you finished the race and hope there will be some time to recover. We all believed you could do it!
From 2A
02 December 2018 03:09 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
I got back to the ship around 2100 on Wednesday night after Stage 3.
Comments: Total (0) comments
02 December 2018 02:02 am (GMT-03:00) Brasilia
Sunday morning.
Comments: Total (0) comments
02 December 2018 01:59 am (GMT-03:00) Brasilia
We have finally made it to Cape Horn (40 miles to the west).
Comments: Total (0) comments
01 December 2018 03:08 am (GMT-03:00) Brasilia
Combining pleasure with work (or in this case, racing) is delicate.
Comments: Total (3) comments
Rachel Fabich
Posted On: 07 Dec 2018 03:46 pm
Olivia ...YOU ROCK!!!
Jenn Whiting
Posted On: 04 Dec 2018 02:40 pm
Amazing, Olivia! We are so impressed that you braved the cold water!
From 2A
Yvon Carriere
Posted On: 02 Dec 2018 08:11 pm
Polar plunge!!?? Very brave of Olivia. Super to see you getting so much more than the run itself out of this event.
27 November 2018 04:05 am (GMT-03:00) Brasilia
Mondays are generally tough.
Comments: Total (13) comments
Kara Kitts
Posted On: 01 Dec 2018 01:38 am
Following and cheering you on Simon!!! You said it - mind over matter. Looking forward to read posts. Miss you and Dawn in the spin room!
Milkshake R
Posted On: 29 Nov 2018 09:03 pm
Hope all is going well!!!!! Looking forward to updates.
Jenn Whiting
Posted On: 29 Nov 2018 06:42 pm
Good Afternoon,
2A says hello to all of you and wanted Grace to know that we miss her but know she is having a great adventure! We are amazed at how far you went yesterday. Some questions have come up and the students were wondering how you survive in this weather. Do you wear any special race gear? Do you ever sleep between stages? Do you drink water while you are running? and the last question is what do you eat there?
The students are hoping if Grace sees any animals, like polar bears, she will bring back some pictures.
Good luck on the next part of your race.
All the best from Grace's class
Hannah Melanson
Posted On: 29 Nov 2018 06:21 am
Si-Bones! You legend! Sounds like you are smashing it despite rough conditions. We are so immensely proud of you (albeit a little bit jealous that you can be an absolute machine of an athlete and a gun writer, but mostly just super f*cking proud.) Keep going. Riley, Rudy and I will be cheering for you every step of the way! xx
Riley Kirkpatrick
Posted On: 29 Nov 2018 06:12 am
Great start Simon, you've got this! Incredible to read your updates and we're keeping a close eye from Australia! Mind over matter indeed, keep trekking mate!
Katie McDonald
Posted On: 29 Nov 2018 04:55 am
Simon you’re CRAZY!
I found myself thinking today “I wonder what Simon is doing at this exact moment”. Keep pushing through. Looks and sounds like you're killing it. We’re all rooting for you back home!
Edith Richard
Posted On: 28 Nov 2018 06:14 pm
Congratulations Simon on a successful day one! ❤️ I know you can do this! Sending strength and love
Sam Melanson
Posted On: 28 Nov 2018 05:05 pm
You are a constant inspiration brother!! Hoping the weather has relented a little and conditions cooperate as much as possible! We are cheering for you back home!
Sam Melanson
Posted On: 28 Nov 2018 05:05 pm
You are a constant inspiration brother!! Hoping the weather has relented a little and conditions cooperate as much as possible! We are cheering for you back home!
Geri Bloom
Posted On: 28 Nov 2018 04:17 pm
The OPP and Coast Guard family are all cheering you on (as well as living vicariously through you).
You make us proud, Be safe and have fun.
Grace Di Cesare
Posted On: 28 Nov 2018 03:57 pm
I found myself complaining that the slush made things a little slippy on my walk to work this morning. I then thought of you and promptly shut the hell up.
We're cheering you on and watching your progress, Simon. You're killing it!
Tricia Cameron-Rendell
Posted On: 28 Nov 2018 02:42 pm
Stay strong!
Dave LaForge
Posted On: 28 Nov 2018 12:46 pm
Simon, your detailed reports back to those of us cheering you on are fantastic! Your words are painting an incredible picture. Here's to a few days with the wind at your back.
27 November 2018 03:50 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Antarctica is easily the most picturesque and pristine place in the world.
Comments: Total (0) comments
27 November 2018 03:47 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Hey friends!
Thank you for your message and questions.
Comments: Total (0) comments
24 November 2018 02:13 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
We left beautiful Ushuaia late Friday afternoon.
Comments: Total (10) comments
Yingli Cai
Posted On: 27 Nov 2018 06:40 pm
Hi Simon , It is so cool and you are amazing !!! Good Luck :)
John Bertorelli
Posted On: 27 Nov 2018 05:54 pm
You are my hero, our hero Simon but please don't mistake a beautiful, cute little Emperor penguin for anybody else and remember, "through endurance you shall conquer." GO SIMON GO...
Tricia Cameron-Rendell
Posted On: 27 Nov 2018 05:33 pm
Only you...! Believe in your determination (stubbornness) and ability to crush it!
MICHAEL PAL
Posted On: 27 Nov 2018 02:39 pm
You are a champ! Checked in and I see that you are 9th. Amazing
Susanne Carlin
Posted On: 27 Nov 2018 12:40 pm
Wow Simon!!! What an amazing adventure! Enjoy and good luck. I will be cheering you on from a distance.
Cathy Salter
Posted On: 27 Nov 2018 12:20 pm
if penguins had an army i found the "onboarding bootcamp drill sergeant" yesterday - he's on your door now too.
MOVE IT MELANSON!!!!!
cathy
Cathy Salter
Posted On: 26 Nov 2018 05:40 pm
Simon - I found the best "GO SIMON" penguin picture - but i can't add a photo to this blog - so its on your door for when you get back
i find it amazing you can blog from your race in the Antarctic but we don't have wifi in our building - go figure
Good luck - you've got this -and remember there aren't many pain free days in the office either and really - where would you rather be??
cathy
Baldish Toor
Posted On: 26 Nov 2018 05:21 pm
glad I found your blog! good luck and have fun! I'll be following along as I'm hoping 2020 will be my year! :-)
David LaForge
Posted On: 26 Nov 2018 02:57 pm
So very cool. Memories to last a life time. Go Simon Go!
Sophia Lega
Posted On: 26 Nov 2018 01:15 pm
Simon! I had just started with CCG when you returned form your FIRST desert marathon and gave a presentation about your experience. I listened in awe. Can't wait for the next debrief ;) Break a leg!!! (as they say).
23 November 2018 04:36 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Competitor briefing complete.
Comments: Total (16) comments
Ken Smith
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 10:47 pm
Simon: This is crazy, WTH are you thinking? Oh right, anything to shorten your Ottawa winter. I'm sure this will be a great adventure and test with incredible memories. Go get it!
Maria Rodrigues
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 09:39 pm
This is awesome Simon. Good luck!
Maria Rodrigues
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 09:38 pm
This is awesome Simon!
Good luck!
Ellen Brown
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 09:17 pm
I JUST found out that you were running across Antarctica... Absolutely incredible! Have a blast and good luck :) :)
Kevin Carrigan
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 08:16 pm
You got this! Good luck and warm wishes from team west.
Zahrah Hai
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 08:07 pm
At least finish the race for the penguins.....they need some entertainment!!! :)
GOOD luck boss! We can't wait for the stories when you get back!
Nicki Pall
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 07:43 pm
Simon, you're going to absolutely crush this. So SO crazy and admirable
Go Simon Go!
Judith Mailhot
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 07:18 pm
Good luck Simon!!! Keep us posted. :)
Katerina Daniel
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 06:36 pm
Go Simon! We miss you and are rooting for you from O-town!
Erin LeCompte
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 06:22 pm
YOU. ARE. CRAZY. (but we already knew that) and an inspiration. Also, Cool! Penguins!
Emily Simmons
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 06:12 pm
Simon,
When the inspiration tap runs dry and you are pushed to that inevitable breaking point, remember your "why"!
You are going to absolutely crush this.
Grace DiCesare
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 06:07 pm
Good luck Simon!!! YOU GOT THIS!
Gregory Lick
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 06:01 pm
I am rooting for you and will be following the trek. Make sure your Gravol is ready for the Drake Passage. Best regards, Greg
Cedric Kinnard
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 06:00 pm
Dude, didn't know you were doing another one. Kill it! good luck.
Rachel Fabich
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 05:49 pm
YOU WILL BE AMAZING!!!! Can't wait to see the updates!
Rick Vaughan
Posted On: 23 Nov 2018 05:48 pm
Give it your all Simon - looking forward to hearing all the stories and following along.
Safe travels across the open seas!!
23 November 2018 04:35 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Training.
Comments: Total (2) comments
Rena Battistella
Posted On: 26 Nov 2018 02:41 am
Good luck. Fantastic journey and amazing insights. Wishing you and the 'girls' a wonderful time.
YVon Carriere
Posted On: 24 Nov 2018 12:13 am
Hi Simon, I love this post. The doubt sets in no matter how prepared you are. The good news is that you will find a way, as you have every other time. I look forward to following your progress and live vicariously through you for a few days!! Enjoy every blissful, demoralizing, easy and the toughest of moments.
28 December 2017 03:48 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
If you had told me before this race that it would take me 11 hours to run 52 kms, I would have laughed in your face and wagered a tidy sum that I could do twice that distance in the same period.
Comments: Total (5) comments
Jack Thomas
Posted On: 11 Mar 2019 12:51 pm
Lisa John
Posted On: 11 Mar 2019 12:49 pm
Catharine Liu
Posted On: 07 Dec 2018 07:47 pm
Lydia Nzembela
Posted On: 07 Dec 2018 06:34 pm
Michelle Matthews
Posted On: 07 Dec 2018 06:27 pm