Melinda on KXAN television

http://www.kxan.com/dpp/news/local/lakeway-woman-climbs-kilimanjaro-

SUMMIT PHOTO!

SUMMIT OF KILIMANJARO

WITH ROTARY FLAGS!!!

DONATE TO OUR PROJECT TODAY!!

THANKS MELINDA

Summit Recap

Sorry for the delay in getting out an update but the internet access has been non existent for us the last week. Let me go back and tell you about my climb to the roof top of Africa. I will start by telling you briefly about the 2 days before our summit attempt.  We left an area called Shira plateau were we bore witness to one of the most breath taken sunsets of my life. Most of us had eaten and were in our tent when Erich Schlegel began yelling everyone get out of your tents. His exact words were "Get out of your tents trust me latter you will not regret it." We all rushed out and Erich had us line up along some rocks with our arms above our heads standing in a straight line. We were looking out over a cloud bank with Mt. Meru and the sunset in the distance.  It was one of the best photos I have ever seen. Truly poster quality. 

The next morning after breakfast we broke camp and headed up to Lava Tower which is above 15,000 feet. We lounged for a long lunch acclimating as we ate. Everyone felt great as we hung out always going Pole Pole (Slowly, Slowly) We then descended down into a Dr Seuss wonderland called Barranco Valley.  Climb high sleep low was the plan. Barranco Valley is too mystical for words to describe with 20ft Sencio Kilimanjaro plants and the mountain with its glaciers looming high above you. If my climb would of stopped there I would have been happy as this place is so unique and beautiful.

The next morning we started up Barranco wall which about 1000 ft plus ascent which at times had you kind of hanging out over some empty space. I think Tim wasn't to popular for a few moments here and there but we all took it in stride it most definitely kept you focussed.  After a few hours we arrived at Karanga camp  at 14,000 feet which was just a barren camp site when compared with Barranco. The camp remained shrouded in clouds most of the day so we had an early dinner and retired to bed at dark. 

The next day started what would prove to be the longest 24 hours of my life. The morning before our summit attempt  I was feeling great as was most of the team however, Tom Woods had come over to our tent early that morning and reported to Tim that he had a rough night. Tim took his OS (Oxygen Saturation)

and it was not good so the two of them went into the mess tent to see what they could figure out. It did not look good so they agreed to began checking and recording Tom's OS every 30 minutes. Tom had been unable to take Diamox for prevention of AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) due to a sulphur allergy. After breakfast the team started up a little rise and Tom reported to Tim he was struggling to breath after just a few minutes of climbing. His OS had dropped even further so Robert(our Head Guide), Tim, and Tom had a little conference. I saw Tim give Tom a hug and knew what the conclusion was going to be.  Tom had to go down the mountain to a lower camp and wait for us to descend the next afternoon otherwise he would be risking serious illness. This was by far the lowest point of the trip for me as Tom was truly one of the strongest members of our team. I think we all cried as Tom said goodbye to his family and began to descend down the mountain with one of our guides Emanuel. It was hard thing to watch his family and our team go through the realization that he would not be accompanying us upwards but there was no other possible decision.  Tom had trained for months and was physically strong but AMS is a serious thing with the risk no were near the reward.  Even when he became sick Tom never lost his sense of humor as he prepared to leave I told him that I would bring him a rock from the summit. So after the sudden goodbye the Woods family continued combing up Kilimanjaro bravely lead by Kim. I can only imagine what was going through Tucker's and Katy's mind. We all continued on in silence for about an hour.

We finally reached the high camp in the early afternoon which is called Barfu. It sits at some 15,400 feet above sea level and can best be described as a inhospitable ridge of barren waste land of dark jagged volcanic rock. There is barely enough ground scraped clear for tents to be pitched.

Mice scurry around and crows fly about scavenging for food as the camp goes in and out of damp cold cloud mist. I am thinking too myself what the heck am I doing here. If you had told me a year before I would be standing here you would have been greeted with laughter. But I have a cause and here I am I thought to myself. I can do this.  Every day Tim would tell us something like "Today you can not make the summit, but you can ruin your summit." l had put my time in on the stair climber, working out, in the acclimization tent etc… I finally thought I have a chance to actually do this. We have an early dinner around 5:00 pm and most everyone retires to their tent to get ready for what our head guide keeps calling the morning trip up the mountain to the summit. I watch the moon rise and the sun set at the same time it is beautifully yet scary at the same time. I crawl in my tent were Tim is getting his gear organized and tells me get some rest for the morning will come early. Morning is used loosely up here for our group it meant a 9:30 pm wake up a 10:00 pm coffee and an 10:30 pm departure. That is PM not AM! We would have 7 climbing guides with us which is more than normal but both Tim and Robert wanted have extra just in case some one need to come down the mountain quick. At 10:30pm we all lined up with me up in the front with Timothy and Elissa. Tim would be in the back in his usual place to help encourage anyone with difficulties. He had told me that not to worry if I got in trouble he would be  following right behind to help out. It would turn out that I would not see him for some 8 hours. We slowly began to climb up the mountain towards the summit. If all went well the summit would be ours between 6:30 AM and 7:00 AM. The full moon was so bright you barely needed a head light. 16,000 feet, then through 17,000 feet. Up above I could clearly see the glaciers of Kilimanjaro looming above me and Timothy as we climbed upwards with our guide Lawrence accompany us. The whole time

the same thoughts kept going through my mind if I make it to the top one more family for sure will have clean water in Belize. "I can't stop must keep going up." "I can do this." "Ignore the pain, ignore the cold." " I can do this!"  "I can not let Rotary down." Hour after hour we climbed upwards the air getting thinner and thinner. Each step was an effort and each breath a struggle.

As we climbed the final feet up to 19,000 feet and a place called Stella Point the lower of the two crater rim summits, the sun was beginning to show it's glow through the clouds. Several times I had to yell at Timothy to get his act together as he was wobbling and I didn't want him falling off the mountain. I told our guide Lawrence to hold the boy up and Lawrence kept reassuring me don't worry "Mama you will all make it". Pole Pole we climbed up then suddenly there was no more up in front of me and I could see across the crater. We had made it the crater rim and would get a summit certificate at the very least.  I saw Steve, Tucker, Erich and Molly resting behind a rock. I went over to Molly to give her a hug but instead we just hugged and wept uncontrollably. The feelings were overwhelming, of relief to have made it safely, and joy to have concord the mountain. 

After a good cry I was strangely reinvigorated and we immediately left for the finally 400 feet push up to Uhuru peak the true roof top of Africa. We all headed up and some 45 minutes latter as the sun rose above the clouds and the glaciers of Kilimanjaro I saw the sign that indicated the summit was only I few yards away. I was actually going to make the Summit. I can not tell you the feeling going through my body. It was pure joy and happiness!!! Better yet there standing besides the Summit sign was Elissa the first of our group to reach the top. As I took the final steps to the summit with Timothy now joined by Elissa we all came together hugging and crying tears of joy.  We hugged and kissed some more then posed for some photos. Elissa also took time to spread some of her grandfather's ashes. The view was spectacular but just after just a few minutes it was time for us to begin our descent and less than 50 yards away from the summit we came across Tim climbing up with the Devino's Allen, Sheri, and Shawna. I latter found out he had been with them the last couple of hours quietly encouraging Allen one of his best friends up the mountain. Allen slowly chugged by us with Uhuru peak just yards away and victory firmly in his sight. At that moment all that matter to me was that our family was together at the top of Kilimanjaro as we all hugged and cried some more together. 

In hindsight I cannot begin to describe how hard that last part of the climb to the top Kilimanjaro felt to me. It was truly the hardest thing I have ever done. I will never do it again but I am so glad that I did do it. 

Victory For All!

Congratulations to all of the "Sweet 16" team members that reached the top of the worlds tallest free standing mountain, KILIMINJARO!

More Importantly, Congratulations to everyone who even dared to partake in this monumentous event! I am proud of each and every one of you for even attempting a feat so great. Few people have even tried, and even fewer have accomplished what each and everyone of you have accomplished. Whether you made it to the summit or not, you pushed yourself beyond rediculous,excruciating, and painfull limits and conquered them all! I am humbled and proud of the pain and suffering that each of you went through.

Life takes on a whole new meaning when you break yourself, enjoy it!

Robert

SUMMIT!!!

Success!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

First every one is safre
If you would of told me I would have stood on top of the hightest mountain summit in Africa a year ago I would have told you are crazy!  Let me go back over the lasr 36 hours. We started to high camp 2 days ago. Less than 1 hour into the journey up one of our  strongest members developed Acute Mountain Sickeness and had to head down. We all cried as we said good bye to Tom Woods. Physically he was strong but Tim had been monitoring his Oxygen Saturation and it had become dangrously low and unsafe. We reaced Barfu our highest camp early afternoon. We began the Summit assault at 10;30 PM. I felt good but the climb was so steep and I knew I had 9 hours of solid cliimbing ahead of me. We slowly grinded up the mountain  under the full moon.  Tim was not able to accompnay us as he was in the baackm making sure others were OK. All through the night I climbed I can tell you CHILD BIRTH  is easier! The only thought in my head was a Rotary District Govenor said if I made he would give 100 dollars to my cause . I climbed on for Clean water in my mind ONE family would have clean water if I made it was my montray so sorry for the bad spellingf . But I climbed on and we ccryed at the summit more to come! thanks for your suport!! African keyboard doesn't work well

Next Stop; Summit!

It appears that our crack team of mountain climbers have reached Barafu Camp located at 15,500 feet. Temperatures there can dip down to 15 degrees. This is the last camp before the the Summit. Melinda sent a challenge via text that every rotary president in Ruth Allens District donate $20 to clean water in Belize. I encourage all of Sweet 16's fans and followers to donate to this worthy cause as well.

Wish them luck and God Speed as they head for the Summit.

Way to go Sweet 16!

Robert

News from 15,000 Feet!

Our happy hikers have made it to Branco Valley and to 15,000 feet. This is no easy feat, as trees do not grow past 11,000. It seems that oxygen is necessary to life, but this does not affect our hardened crew, for they have super human abilities developed from hours spent in some mystery tent located at La Hacienda Osburn. Stay tuned as they ascend to altitudes never reached by mere mortals..............

Quote of the day..." Everyone is Strong and the Pictures Loom Amazing. We are Lucky to Have Kind Easy Going Porters!"  Elissa

Be sure to check their progress on the Spot GPS Tracker @

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0CL5DdbQGzaIsMRoBc0TU8i5SBWGALFln

--Robert--

Upadate From Afar...............

Day 2 Update....The "Sweet 16" Clan is alive and well! The last text intel from Melinda said that they were at 11,100 feet and that everyone was doing well. "The plant life here is amazing and the sun just appeared for the first time", says Melinda. GPS Spot has them moving along at record pace for adventurers of their tremendous stature. Stay tuned for more updates........... Robert

Time to Fly

We are at Dulles airport in DC and are about to fly over the pond. Today our travels have gone well and we should be in Tanzania in around 24hours. We visited the Smithsonian air space museum today. The Enola Gay seats inside of the building which is a very sobering sight. Just another reason to raise awareness for Rotary. Peace, Polio and Clean water are three big goals that Rotary is striving to achieve. Thanks for all the support.  The" Texas Sweet 16" is spread all over the Atlantic the Devino's have flown ahead of us and should be flying out of London as we speak. Molly Cummings should be also arriving ahead of us also via Amsterdam. One benefit of preparing for this trip is that I just feel great.
In that sense the trip has already been a success. Thanks for the messages of support. Also thanks to the Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Club the "best Rotary club on the planet"

Love Melinda

Spot GPS Tracker

Our good friend Robert Leonard has loaned his Spot GPS tracker for our Kilimanjaro trip. You can follow us at the attached link. We will start up the mountain Tuesday night Texas time.

Thanks for all the support we are now up to 6 family water filter systems. Hug a Rotarian today!
Let's wipe out dirty drinking water in Belize.

http://share.findmespot.com/shared/faces/viewspots.jsp?glId=0CL5DdbQGzaIsMRoBc0TU8i5SBWGALFln

God Bless
Melinda

Packing and Tapering Down

With just a couple of days left till we leave my packing has reached a frenzy level. Our house looks like an REI store has exploded inside of it. My training has tapered way down as it is time to rest up for the climb. I am excited about getting going and starting the climb. Margarita our dog knows something is going on. She understands one of her favorite friends Barbara will be staying with her to keep her company. Thanks for supporting the Clean Water for Belize campaign.

ESPN RADIO and POLL

I will be talking on ESPN 104.9FM Outdoors America Radio show between 8:30 am to 10:00 am this Sunday. The other guest is Richard Garriott a gentleman whom was one of the handful of space tourist to stay on the Space Station. In addition he has also been down to the Titanic and hunted for meteorites in Antarctica. Imagine little old me on ESPN Radio!
Am I becoming an athlete?  


Poll:


Is Melinda becoming an athlete?


YES


NO


Please vote in comment field.

The Tent

Pictured above is Erich Schlegel, Molly Cummings, Tom and Kim Woods in the tent.
Tim and I have a lot of visitors coming and going which is really cool. The tent can simulate altitudes up to 13,000 feet. The tent is being used nearly 24 hours a day by one of the "Sweet 16".  We are not going to Disney World but to an environment that can be very harsh on ones body. The purpose of the tent is to give our team an advantage of some pre-acclimatization before we start up the mountain.
 Our goal is to be as safe as we can but there really are no guarantees. Besides it looks really nice in the living room.

Love to all
Melinda

Kilimanjaro Expedition only 2 Weeks till we leave.

Happy 4th of July!! I started my day by doing 2,500 feet on the stairclimber. I just walked straight into the pool afterwards clothes and all. I had to cool down. Our Expedition named the "Sweet 16" leaves on the 18th for Tanzania. We will arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport on the 20th then start up the mountain on the 21st. The "Sweet 16' consist of 16 wonderful people who are all training hard and looking forward to a slow climb up the mountain. In addition we could not even attempt without the 35 Porters, Cook, 5 Assistant Guides and our Head Guide John. All together the "Sweet 16" Expedition will consist of nearly 60 people. Expedition member Steve Dailey and I are climbing for the Belize City Rotary's Club Clean Water Project. To see more about Steve's efforts go to http://betterhalfliving.org/    The photo of my new monogramed dufflebag.

More Training

It has been raining non-stop for the last few days here in Texas.  That doesn't stop the training. Have been really hitting the gym and the stairclimber. I use to hate the stairclimber but now it is not so bad. A month ago I did a little stress test on the treadmill. Today I took the stress test again and my heart rate was some 30 beats per minute lower to perform the same task. I am starting to feel stronger and that the summit is actually possible.

It will be great thrill to stand on the summit of Kilimanjaro with my Rotary flag in hand!!  A lot of people have stepped forward with encouragement it is my hope to make them proud.  Rotary does such great things for so many people all over the world.

Acclimatization for Kilimanjaro

Acclimatization

Having a big  day in the "Acclimatization Tent" getting ready for the climb. We have this wonderful tent set up in our living room. We look like lab rats sitting in it. It is funny when someone comes up to the plastic window points and say's "I want that one." The tent is currently set to simulate 13,000 feet of elevation. The tent is in constant use by our expedition team members. You can even play Wii while hanging out  in the tent. The first day I got an "Altitude Headache" after just a couple of hours but now I am doing a lot better. I really want to make it to the summit. Oh by the way the Rotary installation banquet last night was great!

Move over hubby there is a new sheriff in town!

I have taken over Tim's Marathon des Sables blog and will be using it so to keep my family and friends updated on my climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro. We will leaving for Africa on July 18th. I will keep you posted.

Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary /Shelterbox

Way to go Team we did it. The race is finished but not the mission. Our original goal was to raise enough money to house 10 people after a disaster with Shelterbox kits. We currently have pledges to house 30 people with Shelterbox's kits. So why isn't the mission finished? I think no I know that we have more in us!

I hate to keep moving the finishing line further away but when you signed up for the Marathon des Sables you knew it was going to be longer than imagined. Yet I was so very surprised and humbled by a  generous $1500.00 donation from the Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Foundation. I thought we have more in us so I would like to see us get 40 people maybe 50 people sheltered from our efforts. Note we will never meet the people that will benefit from our effort.  The lesson of Karma is strong. Please note just during the short period we were running the MDS Shelterbox deployed to Fiji, Western China, Uganda, and Mexico. Shelter box gives to those who have nothing but the clothes on their back. One day their live is good the next they have nothing. It is very humbling when a 6 year old boy gives up his ice cream money to our cause. Thanks Brogan! Also a sincere thanks to all to those who have given not only money but more so spiritually. I am humbled by it all.

Send a symbolic $1.00 dollar to Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Foundation
Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Club ~
P.O. Box 341841
Lakeway, TX 78734.

Memo Shelterbox

Stage 3 Marathon des sables Part 1

I had just left checkpoint 2 only stopping long enough to fill up my water bottle and change socks. The last leg had been a bad one for my feet as in out of nowhere 5 blisters have popped up. I blamed it on myself for doing  a bad sock change. The blisters are mainly between the toes and just bothersome. The heat has crept up steadily and is now north of 120 degrees fortunately there is no wind. I would hate to have had some wind cooling me down and miss out on the hottest temperatures of the whole MDS. The ipod is playing in my ears and provides a good distraction to the stunning heat. I start off the leg jogging then walking using a run walk startegy with a ratio of 80% walk and 20% run. That quickly becomes a 99% to 1% run / walk survival mode. On this section there is a lot of support vehicle activity going on with the Doc Trotters medics staying very busy. There are places along the route that a vehicle can get to and with this heat a lot of people are getting zapped. I go through a little grove and pop out the other side to find a Brit standing off to the side looking confused and holding his flare. I quickly jog over to him and inquire what is up? He replies,"I can't get my flare into my pack." I say"No worries I thought you were going to shot the thing. Let me help you" Relived that this guy is not about to pop his flare. I push it down into an outside pocket it is tight but after a struggle it goes in. I pat him on the back and say "Good luck mate" off I go. There is only about 5 miles left in the stage and despite the heat I am going along well. Life throws stuff at you never when it is expected but usually on a Tuesday afternoon out of the blue. I am feeling grand despite my feet's new blister friends. I am thinking just be patient and finish this leg keep enjoying the day. I need a drink so time to hydrate so this heat doesn't take me. I reach back and grab nothing my water bottle is gone.

Victory Party

Please come join us for our final 5 mile walk. We will be starting at the Lakeway Inn at 6pm and returning at approximately 7:30. After the walk, we will be overtaking the balcony area at Josie’s Bar, at the Lakeway Inn, to enjoy good friends, toast Tim, and submit our donations. Whether you walked or not, this will be the event you don’t want to miss if you want to show your support for Tim and his causes.


We will meet in the upper parking lot on the left as you come into the Lakeway Inn.

If you are not able to walk, please join us for the Party!

We will also have a shorter (2 mile) route set up for those who would like to walk less. These will be strategic walkers than can go to Josie’s Bar ahead of the crowd to save spots.

The Rotary Foundation has agreed to match our donations up to $1500. Please help us help them reach their pledge.

If you can't attend, please send your donations by mail to:
Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Club ~
P.O. Box 341841
Lakeway, TX 78734.

Checks payable to: Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Foundation ~ memo: Shelter Box USA

Thanks,

Robert Leonard

Last desert message from Tim

Greetings from the desert final camp woke up this morning at 545 the berbers came by with coffee and croissants we then mossied over to start line sang happy birthday and as we departed they blared ac/dc highway to hell.you can watch the finish on webcam tomorrow morning I should finish between 5 to 8am your time.love to melinda I picked up a pretty rock and carried it with me for her that is love.out here you cannot give away gold krugerands if people have to carry.thanks to erich schlegel and theira I looked at my sleeve today and thought how lucky I was.croc score 4.we cannot wait to take on the highest dunes in north Africa tomorrow.it will be a test and we will kill it.feet are ok wrapped and ready to go love to all send emails to regular address now


Love to my queen and kids I think I might have lost some weight on this one and plan on keeping it off.only a half k tomorrow todays marathon I just cruised and ran just a few flats.the long day second half we worked hard through the night we passed a couple of hundred people and no one passed me and magnus.we were on fire through solid 15 to 20 miles of talcum powder non stop dunes it was dune after dune after dune thanks again for the support



Love to all
 
Also note that distances mentioned in previous post are actually km not miles. ~ Robert

Stage 5

Tim finished today’s 42.2 km stage in position 787 with a time of just under 9 hours. So far he has run/walked/crawled 229 km. 21 km to go! Should be a piece of cake.

It looks like e-mail communication has been closed so you will have to send him telepathic messages through his secret agent weiner dog Margarita. This is a free service she provides but not guaranteed.

Don't forget to join us tomorrow at the Lakeway Inn at 6pm for the final walk. If you cant walk, come to the Victory Celebration at 7:30 at the Lakeway Inn Bar. Bring you checkbook and giving spirit.

Thanks,

Robert

Day 4

Day 4 consisted of 2 back to back marathons for a total of 54 miles. Competitors had 2 full days to complete this stage but not Tim, he ran all night and finished in just under 22 hours at around 7 this morning. This gave him the luxury of lounging around all day licking his wounds. Below is his latest message.

i felt your hands lifting the pack when i needed it last night. liz get some rest for you must be tired from pushing me up so many dunes. the second 26 miles was just endless dunes. an emptier pack just means you can carry more water so no less weight. resting all day! finished at 7 am after 22 hour push. the dunes are like talcum powder croc scale 9. love to all and thanks for the emails they give us all inspiration. love you melinda tim, elissa and friends thought about all of you last night more than once.#




cheers and love tim.

going slow tomorrow.

Day 3

Tim ended today's 40 km (25 mile) leg of the race in position 835 with a time of 9 hours 17 minutes. Tomorrow's leg is 54 miles and should prove to be extremely challenging. Below is his latest correspondence:

~"tomorrow no email 54 mile stage. body great feet hurt. songs today melinda you are my queen, lady n red, bnl mil dollars, freebird c of 78, no glasses again sorry, lubbock girl did miles for you, thanks for the emails the do keep us going, i felt a lot of power out there today, do not worry about stage times tomorrow i plan on holeing up midday, liz yes pop is with me in fact i brought some of his ashes along for the ride. tomorrow is your day and i will do my best today everyone had a hard go. did a short interview on the dunes yesterday mentioned shelter box and rotary, 2 kiwis 1 aussie 1 canada 2 us in my tent all great guys. you can not give away krugerands to anyone to carry the terrian is rough. the good part is hell only comes between 12 and 4. the desert is beautiful. well keep the emails coming they are the highlight of our day. tomorrow the race begins and i should move up as i am strong and max heart rate only 143 for a few seconds, love to melinda, e, t and freinds. cheers~"

Stage 2 ~ Report from correspondent Tim Osburn

love u melinda, another great day. thanks for the emails the help a bunch fyi email letter count limited, thanks melinda read my sleeve check on everything mentioned, heat was amazing but i am doing great with it hbpm max was 149 on 700 meter climb to day. steve d thanks for the performance coaching tips, fire in the gut shirt rocks, first two checkpoints fantastic then a long black rock flat from 2 to 3 i saw a lot of peoprle suffering but no worries the heat is no problem for me. my training paid off. So many great athletes here it makes ur heart break when someone flares out. dont have glasses on thus the spelling errors. today i walked across the desert with jesus it was nice he lives in florence italy. nearly pulled my flare last night in tent because i was laughing so hard at one of the aussies mick jokes. we all had tears in my eyes. mick pulled out today love to all feeling way to darn good/ i feel the support so much. love to all

Message from the Desert

Last night no email as a sand storm was blowin during email hours.


Melinda I love you and the kids. The event started this morning witrh a lot of fan fare and such more details to come. I finsihed todays stage in 5 hours and some 50 minutes with a 27lb pack to start but each day it will get lighter. The country side is beautiful to say the least. The weather was magnificent I do not know how hot but it was hot. This is expected naturally. Everyone in our tent which is number 130 has made it through and amazingly at this time there has been only 3 abandons which is great. I am looking forward to tomorrows stage but will go slower. I can not tell you enough on fabulous this experience is.  With that being said I can tell you I felt the power of the whole group back home and that is a solid fact. Love you and no worries I will most assuredly live Croc score 5. Out of words per email limited and alot of people waiting in line 2 talk to love ones. Cheers

Day 1

After studying the official race web site, I am able to conclude that the following race results may or may not be accurate due to my lack of fluency in the French language.


As far as I can tell, today’s stage was 29 km (17.4 miles).

Tim started in position 719 at 9:10am.

He went through check point 1 at 11:28am in position 666.

Checkpoint 2 at 1:29pm in position 830.

Checkpoint 3 at 2:56pm in position 803.

Total race time of 5 hours and 46 minutes.

Way to go Tim!

Right now, he should be sleeping like a baby on a camel hair carpet in the sand.

We will be walking another 5 miles tomorrow starting at 5pm at the Emmaus Church. Please join us if you can. Today we had 14 loyal walkers that I know of. Please keep it up and thanks for participating. It meens a lot to Tim and his causes.

Support for Tim and his Causes

Please join us in supporting Tim Osburn as he competes in the ultimate test of tests, the Marathon Des Sables, in Morocco. He will be running/walking/crawling for 7 days and 150 miles across the Saharan Desert, not only to test himself, but to raise awareness for two very worthy causes, Shelter Box USA and Rotary International.


http://www.shelterboxusa.org/
http://www.rotary.org/

To show our support, we will be walking on the days that Tim is walking and donating to his causes based on our mileage. The idea is for each person to walk 5 miles per day and donate at least $1.00 per mile that he/she walks. If you can’t walk, donate. If you can’t donate, walk. If you can’t do either, help spread the word.

The race begins this Sunday (April 4th) and ends next Saturday (April 10th). We are planning on meeting at pre determined places in the Lakeway area in the evenings so that we can all walk together. If you can not make it, no problem, this is not a regimented event, you can walk on your own. The goal is to make a commitment, test yourself as Tim is, and support these causes in the process. Tim will be averaging 21.428571 miles per day, we can do 5.

On the final day, Saturday, April 10th, as Tim finishes the race, we will end our last 5 miles with a nice and sweaty but relaxing party at Carlos 'n Charlie's. There we will relish in our accomplishment, enjoy good friends, and open our hearts and wallets to these worthy causes. If you are a donation only supporter, please join us for the fun.

I also encourage you to involve your kids in this event. This is something that they all can do, physically and monetarily, that will give them a good taste of commitment and charity.

Please reply to the e-mail below if you are willing to take on this “monumental” challenge. I’ll put you on the list for locations/updates.

Robert@moderndb.com

Thanks,
Robert Leonard

Arrived in Africa

On the ground

Espn Radio Sunday morning 8:30 am to 10:10 am 104.9

I will be on Espn Radio Outdoors this morning from 8:30 am to 10:00 am to talk about the Marathon des Sables, Shelter box and Rotary International. You can listen live on their webcast at www.espnaustin.com 


Cheers Tim

Walk/Run with Tim.

I would like to thank my family, friends and sponsors for all the help you have given me over the last 5 months.  Today the scales showed 179lbs it has been a fun journey from 204.5lbs!  I feel fit and ready to go both physically and more important mentally.

I hope that I do not let my causes down and cross the finish lines with arms held up triumphantly for everyone involved!  My two causes are Rotary International and ShelterBox Usa both are great organizations that do some incredible things on a global level. 


A special thanks to my friend Robert Leonard who will be running this blog while I am out in the Saharan Desert.  He also created a Facebook fun fundraising page called "Walk with Tim" the money raised will go to the Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary club then on to Shelterbox Usa and the Lakeway/Lake Travis Rotary Foundation. Here is the link again Walk with Tim the goal is to raise at least enough money for one shelterbox.


At a minimum I want you to "get out there".
Get/stay fit you deserve it and your children will be thankful when you live to be old.

Cheers Tim

ESPN Radio 104.9 Sunday Morning

"FIRE IN THE GUT"

Game Face

I will be on 104.9 The Horn ESPN Radio Sunday the 28th from 9am to 10am. Please listen in if you can.
http://www.espnaustin.com/ has a live webcast.

The shirt I am wearing in the photo above is made from a special Bamboo fiber and was provided for my effort along with several other shirts by one of my sponsors"Fire in the Gut" Performance Clothing.
www.fireinthegut.com

A special thanks to those that have told me they have made a donation to Shelterbox Usa through their link. It is easy way to give to folks that are in Haiti, Chile or some other area that has had people dislocated either through a natural or man made disaster.

Cheers Tim

www.shelterboxusa.org

Shelter Box Usa and Rotary International awareness are my causes.

Today I am in Dallas with Melinda at a Rotary Training Event pictured with me are Alan Monroe and Martin Postma of ShelterBox USA. Behind us is one of the kits that ShelterBox sends to disaster areas.

One of my missions on this journey through the sands of the Sahara is to raise awareness for the organization Shelter Box Usa and Rotary International.  These two great organizations often work together when disaster hits. It is my goal to help promote and work to help these two organizations to achieve some of their noble goals.

Rotary International is one of the world's largest chairtable organizations working on things ranging from ending Polio globally to providing local projects for the betterment of communities.

Shelter Box Usa responds instantly to natural and manmade disasters by delivering boxes of aid to those who are in need. Each box supplies an extended family of up to 10 people with a tent and basic supplies.

To find out more about these organizations click on the links below and please support their worthy causes.

Shelter Box USA

Rotary International

Post Race Sponsor Oyster Creek Ice House

http://www.myspace.com/oystercreekicehouse

 I am proud to announce that Oyster Creek Ice House has agreed to be a post race beer sponsor! This is a critical motivational sponsorship! There will be a time during while I am racing across the desert in 120 degree heat that I will be thinking it is 5 o'clock somewhere. I will say to myself is that a mirage or is it the Oyster Creek Ice House with a cold beer dripping sweat off of its sides; no it its just a darn camel keep moving must finish now. Run if you can, walk if you must, crawl if you have to but never quit until the cold beer is in your hand. I look forward to using this sponsorship to its fullest! THANKS TIM AND THE FINE FOLKS AT THE OYSTER CREEK ICE HOUSE!

The Heat is on 15 days to go!!

Currently up in Idaho at a not so top secret training facility. The temperature is 28 degrees but the air is thin. Basically I am just doing ski run after ski run after ski run. The legs and lungs feel great to the point I forget we are at 9000 feet. Yesterday morning there was about 10" of fresh powder. Deep enough for some chest shots but not quite face shots. I got up early and was able to get in several runs in before it got all cut up. Time to get back out and get the burn in the legs going again. Then some heat time in the sauna. Next week it will be full kit time as in with all the actual stuff I will be taking in the pack across the Sahara. That is instead of weight and stuff. I am getting very excited about facing this race head on in just a couple of weeks!

Cheers Tim

Recovery Drink Sponsorship

Today I am proud to announce that Austin's own brand new Sweet Tea infused Deep Eddy Sweet Tea Vodka has become a sponsor. I can not wait to cross the finish line and enjoy this unbeliveably refreshing drink. I can only imagine how wonderful this is going to taste after a week of eating sand!! Thanks to Gary Crowell for providing this sponsorship.

EKG and Thanks.

"CROC"

Today was a great day as I got my EKG and physical out of the way. My heart rate this morning was 42. By the time I got to the doctor and finished doing all the other test. (NO GLOVE thank you very much) Then came the EKQ and it showed a 52 BPM the Doc's only question was is if I was taking any heart medication to make it that slow. Which I am not so that is good thing all systems go on the cardio side.

Also special thanks to Steve Dailey AKA "Croc" with http://www.primefocuscoaching.com/ and founder of http://www.achievementbridge.com/ he has been helping me with pre-race mental preparation and in-race techniques/tips. One thing the "Croc" knows for sure is how to prepare you to perform at your peak level.

Peace Out
I hope you enjoy this story as it plays out.
Marathon des Sables Diary

More prep and sand gaiters

It sounds simple just throw the pack on an run 150 miles across the Sahara desert. Only problem is there seems to be a dozen details to tend to as we have to be self sufficent for a whole week. One of the keys is a pair of Sand gaiters (sexy numbers shown above) have to be stitched on to the shoes otherwise sand gets into your shoes and after a few miles your feet are mangled. Apparently the sand heats up to 140 degrees and plus the abrasion factor of it can make for a bad thing. So I took my shoes to the Austin Shoe Hospital for the fitting. I told "Joe" the Manager my story and what needed to be done.  5 minutes latter he finally stopped laughing at me and he agreed to sew the velcro strip on to my Brooks Cascadia trail shoes. I told him these gaiters were going to be the fashion rage and people were going to be lining up in mass. He just kept laughing and told me I was crazy. I seem to get a lot of that lately. Next week I get a medical check out and EKG. Next thing I know they will be asking for blood. Oh I forgot they already did that. My diary will continue

Peace Out
 Tim

30 Days out. Training

The last few days were spent hauling 80 lb bags of concrete, rocks, rebars, and riding pick axes and shovels out at the Bar None Ranch from sun up to sun down. That will wear you out but it is good for a core workout. I picked up and moved close to 10,000lbs of concrete and just as many lbs. of rocks. However, today was our Kilimanjaro groups first training hike up SODA hill. The Osburn's and Devino's had a brisk two hour hike before heading home to watch Olypic Hockey. Tomorrow heat yoga and more running with a pack.

I am more afraid of yoga than the Marathon des Sables.

Cheers Tim

Time to get Food and Supplies in order 35 days left

Today I received my Mountain House freezed dried shipment! Hmm good stuff can't wait to dine on dehratyed food in the desert. Especially after a nice long run through the scorching sun. Something about eating dehratyed chicken is wrong on so many levels. I am sure the Barbque Sauce with Beef will bring me back to Texas in a heart beat when I dive into it while watching the sunset over the dunes of the Sahara. Although I haven't tested the Barbque it surely will be delightful maybe as good as Cooper's in Mason.

I also signed up for that Heat Yoga stuff today. I'll be starting that next Monday can't wait for that bit of torture.

The big event this evening at the Osburn household was the prepartion of the Toilet paper. This involved reducing the single roll I will be taken  from 425 sheets to 300 sheets plus removing the cordboard center. While I unrolled the roll and counted the sheets down to the proper amount "Margarita" our dog watched  with a curious expression. I do not think she was impressed by my dilegence. Melinda didn't give me a second look since she has been helping get ready by cliping the extra bits of paper off the ends of the M and M packages to help cut down on my pack weight. I really hope that 300 sheets is enough for the 9 days in the desert as Marathon des Sables organizers did not send me any info on that little detail.

It appears there will be 43 nationalities represented in the 25th MDS they include
South Africa, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Korea, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Great Britain, Greece, Guatemala, Ireland, Italy, India, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvian, Lebanon, Luxembourg, Malaysia, Malta, Morocco, Mexico, Norway, New Zealand, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Czech Republic, Russia, Singapore, Slovenia, Spain, Switzerland, Sweden, Tunisia and USA.

25th MDS = 250 kms

News from the officals:
In october,, Mr Patrick Bauer was with his "fine" team of patrollers. Setting off to survey the area for the creation of the “famous” 25th MDS course, we were able to glean a comment for future participants.
Exclusively for the darbaroud.com website, I can reveal and confirm what numerous competitors have imagined for the 2010 edition! Yes indeed, the course, which is still made up of 6 stages, has been slightly extended to reach a total of 250 km - the 25th anniversary requires this! The itinerary will be packed with the most beautiful sites in the Saharan provinces. The menu will include dunes, mountains, dried up lakes, regs, oases and ... more dunes!"

Cheers Tim

Everest Summiter Gary Guller to compete in Marathon des Sables

We heard late last year Madonna was going to compete this year but that is not to be so.

I am happy to report that World Famous Everest Summiter Gary Guller will be competing. In 2003 Mr.Guller summited Everest with only one arm. He has choosen to support the Christopher and Dana Reeves Foundation. You can follow his effort at http://www.garyguller.blogspot.com/ I will try to get his autograph and a photo with him while I am there.

Cheers Tim

Austin Marathon

Yesterday I particapted in the Austin Marathon along with a few friends. The weather was absolutely perfect which is cool with no wind. The spectators were wonderful with dozens of yard parties going off, well staffed water stations and 30 some odd excellent bands playing along the route.  We had alot more fun than you should have while Marathoning.  Pictured carrying the 3:10 pace sign is Marathoner Patrick Arrindell and coming behind him is Marathoner Allen Devino. The annoucer said the 3:10 pacer must have stopped at a few pubs on the course as it was 7 hours into the race which was nearly behind the 3:10 groups target. We found the sign abandoned around the 7 mile mark and made it our groups war banner. That is me high fiving Patrick as he crosses the finish line I had run up ahead to get some photos of them coming in. I am wearing my Marathon des Sables race pack which at the end of the race had about 15lbs in it.

Also congratulations to Marathoner Mrs. Kelly Leonard whom despite a bad IT problem at mile 24 was able to pull herself up off the curb and wipe away the tears. She finished in under 5 hours. Also to Half Marathoner Fred Devencizo who beat his goal time by over 5 minutes. The only bad part for me was standing in the pool for several minutes to make sure no sore muscles next day.  The pool felt like it was below freezing.

A truly wonderful day.

Cheers Tim

Lakeway Eye Center

Lakeway Eye Center's owner Wally El-Hitamy has agreed to provide me some sponsorship on a pair of Wiley X Brick 856 High Velocity Protection Sunglasses Metallic Black Frame and RX-able LA Light Adjusting Grey Lens this are suppose to be bullet proof and fit like googles to keep the sandstorms out. The real cool thing is you can also wear them at night. Can't wait to get them out there in a night time sandstorm in the middle of the Sahara all alone, lost, helpless, crying like a little baby with only these glasses to see me through. Should be fun.

O Positive Blood Type

Well it didn't go as planned. I took the first lance and after about 5 minutes of interflection I went for it. I guess I might of pulled back as it fired because no blood came out of the finger tip. It is harder than I realized to lance yourself. So on the second and last one I beared down but I might of chickened out again. So now I have already put water on the indicators. I nead some blood quick before the indicators dry out. Fortunately a straight pin I found in the utility room drawer does the job. Thank God I am not a diabetic. My hat goes off to all Diabetic's whom have to do this daily.

Time for Blood

One  of the many medical requirements is you have to present your blood type. So after getting the following message:
Bonjour,
Afin d’actualiser notre base de données de participants de la 25ème édition du MARATHON DES SABLES merci de nous faire parvenir les informations suivantes :

PRENOM
NOM DE FAMILLE
DATE DE NAISSANCE
GROUPE SANGUIN

Nous te remercions de nous répondre avant le 20 JANVIER 2010.
Bonne préparation pour cette nouvelle édition !!
A très bientôt.

Cordialement,

I translated it to mean we need your first name, last name, date of birth, and blood type. So I did what everyone would do ordered an at home blood test. It just came in the mail with two lances and a some other stuff. I'll let you know how this goes it should be interesting poking myself. Cordialement,

50 Days to Go/Marathon this weekend.

Since my last update I have continued to prepare my pack. I got a Lady bug knife which weighs in at .4 of an ounce. My light weight signal mirror came in it weighs .5 of an ounce which is the same weight as my supply of sunblock. My new little Canon camera came in along with a spare battery and a 32 gb chip for it so that should be sufficent to record the event it weighs 6.1 ounces and shots high def. On Sunday I will be hiking the Austin Marathon with two friends Patrick Arrindell and Allen Devino. I will carry a pack and we will see how it goes. The goal is simple for these lads is to finish just under the cut off time and it should be fun. I should put in close to 55 miles this week. Get out there!!

Cheers Tim

55 days to go.

   This morning I took my resting heart rate it was 45 bpm which is great. When I first started getting ready last year to compete in the Marathon des Sables my scales tipped at 204.5lbs. This morning I weighed in at 187.5 lbs down 17lbs with a target weight of around 180lbs so the plan is working. That is 17lbs I do not have to carry over the desert and up some of the tallest dunes in the world. I will not miss those pounds for sure.

    The day I found out that my application had been accepted I did a stress test on the treadmill based solely on  my heart rate upon completing a certain excercise to esthablish a baseline heart rate it was 160bpm. Last week I performed the same test it came in at 123bpm which means my efficency had improved by early 25%. 50 is the new 30 for sure. Get out there!

Cheers
Tim

Got this today from the French organizers since I don't speak French beyond "Wi" it could mean anything.
This is going to be an very interesting event to attend their are only 20 something USA entrants!


MARATHON DES SABLES to me


show details 11:50 AM (1 hour ago)





Tu veux tester ta résistance au sommeil et faire ta sortie longue du week-end dans des conditions extrêmes ? Tu veux faire découvrir à tes proches l’univers de ce qui est pour toi une des plus grandes aventures du XXI siècle ? Tu veux goûter aux saveurs du désert avant l’heure ? Tu veux vivre un moment unique en compagnie de stars internationales ?

Si le message ne s´affiche pas correctement, vous pouvez acceder a la version en ligne. If the message does not display properly, you can access the online version.
 

I hope it is not important.

Cheers Tim

Presentation

http://www.blogger.com/post-create.g?blogID=1559157494308011771

Luxury items survey winner. Use underwear as toothbrush.

Several people suggested that I use my underwear as a tootbrush. So there you have it I will not take either a toothbrush or an extra pair of underwear thus saving several ounces of pack weight. I will cut small patches from ths side leg every morning. The quest for a lighter pack will continue and thanks for your suggestions.

Cheers Tim

60 days Underwear or toothbrush?

I am starting to get my pack and its contents sorted for the Marathon des Sables. This is all the stuff I can use for the 7 days 6 stages of the run through the Sahara Desert. You have to be self sufficent for the entire race other than water. Which is nice since it is the desert and it is phyiscally impossible to carry enough water to survive for a week.  The race officials suggest that competitors should carry 9.68 lbs of food and 8.62 lbs of pack gear which includes the pack. 9.68 lbs of food should deliver over 14,000 calories so that means a lot of yummy freeze dried stuff. The 8.62 lbs of gear includes your backpack, pad, and sleeping bag. The saying "ounces become pound and pounds become pain." With just those items alone weighing in at a little under 4 lbs there is not a lot of weight left for clothes etc. Bet you didn't know a roll of toilet paper weighs 7 ounces. I found that when getting ready for an event like this you discover these important facts of life. I was thinking about bringing a luxury/comfort items like a change of underwear or a tooth brush. Which item do you think I should take an extra pair of underwear or a toothbrush?

Cheers Tim

Nice week to Get Out There!!

The Lazer that marks the way the night of the long day in the MDS

Not a lot to report other then just putting those miles on the trail. Did about 50+ miles this week.
Would like to thank Erich Schlegel and Patrick Arindell for Getting Out There with me.
Patrick and I did 15 miles this morning after Jeff Lamb dropped us off near Doss out in
middle of nowhere early this morning. We really didn't have any other choice but to hike back to the
ranch house. I love the look of the ranchers everytime I hike, bike, or run out there. It is in the middle of nowhere and if you see a car every thirty minutes that is a lot of  traffic. It makes it nice when you have someone to talk to you while training. Just got back from playing some tennis with Timothy. Nice day.

Cheers

Get out there.

Put the pack on this morning and decided to do a half marathon. It took me exactly 3:00:00 hours but with a 20 lb pack through the hills of Lakeway I can live with that. This best part was totally pain free and felt pretty effortless. Listened to a nice lecture on Nietzsche on the ipod which was painfully at times. 6 days 6 marathons is going to be a tough challenge but I am looking forward to it.

Competitor Number

My competitor number is 682 OSBURN Timothy USA.
During the event you will be able to send me a breif email of encouragement.
They will be given to me every evening in our luxury accomandations.

75 Days till departure

The countdown clock hit 75 days today. Training is going well as I slowly add to my training program. My pack which is a Raildlight Evolution II (1150 cubic inches + 305 cubic inches front storage areas) it weighs 1.5 lbs. which is extemely light and extremely small. For perspective that is less than a cubic foot of storage space to carry 6 days of supplies and gear. I am currently carrying a little less than 20lbs while out on training run/walks. It is taking a little getting use to running with a pack but this one is designed for this type of event.
Me weight is now down below 190 lbs which is great that is nearly 15 lbs I don't have to drag across the desert!

Clip on Marathon Des Sables

Gee this does look like fun doesn't it.
http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=4712226

Cheers Tim

Time to get serious

Ok let's get up to date all the info below was 2 months ago. But I just started this blog My first blog might I add. Now lets get up to speed we are about 80 days out from the race. It is January 09, 2010. Since when I first found out I was able to get in the race I have gone from 204.5lbs to 194lbs with a final goal of 175 to 180. I will not bore you with the vigoursous spartan training schedule of I did this many miles today at this amazing pace or I sacrificed this for that kind of thing. But I will update you on the why and how this event is playing out.  Plus seek advice on strategy and ask continually for your spirtual support. Life is not a dress rehersal but the real thing and that is how this little saga shall play out. I plan on pushing myself to the limit in this event. I wish you could be there holding my hand or whispering praise into my ear but you can't so lets enjoy the ride together through the wonderment of the internet. Every single step across the desert my thoughts will be someone. I am looking for a strong wind under my feet to lift me up and help carry me across the finish line. Share this with a freind for I am taking a big bite of life on this one and will need a little help.  Let me know your thoughts. For the next 3 months this is my mission outside of my freinds and family.


Cheers Tim

Where/What is Ouarzazate?

The Marathon des Sables is based out of Quarzazate Morroco in Northwest Africa. Apparently it is like the Hollywood of Africa without the glitz. Films such as Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Star Wars (1977), The Living Daylights (1987), The Last Temptation of Christ (1988), The Mummy (1999), Gladiator (2000) and Martin Scorsese's Kundun (1997)  Babel, Cleopatra etc... were shot in the Ouarazate area.

Officially enrolled in MDS

Hi Tim,




We received your documents and payment; thank you for sending. You are now officially enrolled in the 2010 MDS! Please let me know if you’d like access to our MDS FORUM. In the meantime, I will forward copies of previous updates that have gone out to others in the group.



Best,



--jay b

Getting in?

A month had passed and one morning I was out hiking with a backpack. It felt great the only thing I can think of is the "Marathon Des Sables". I look up the United States website called "Dreamchasers Outdoor Adventure LLC which handles the registration for MDS for US, Canada, New Zealand. I shot off an e-mail to them asking if anyone had dropped out at the payment deadline. His initial reply was "no" but he would let me know if one opened up. Spots are highly coveted and hard to get. There are only about 60 spots to the US, Canada, New Zealand, and Australia combined. A week went by and one Monday morning Jay Batchen had sent out an email from "Dreamchaser" A spot had opened up. I immediately talked to Melinda and we talked it over. I briefed her of the basics and the death ratio. She always wants to know those little details. She said "Sure just don't die and the summit is an option not mandatory." I told her "At least a get to sleep during this event a vague reference to the Texas Water Safari."
I downloaded the 6 page form and began to fill it out. Then I needed to make copies of my passport and provide 3 passport photos. Then get a form notorized. You get the idea I throw in a check and overnight it to Driggs Idaho.

OPS!!!!!!!!!

Wow sounds neat and doesn't it? I'm stoked as soon as I get home I look it up.
Guess what its sold out!!! Worse there is a lottery to get in and it is a 2 year waiting list!

What is the Marathon des Sables.

It is billed as "the World's toughest footrace".
Go to http://www.darbaroud.com/ hit the Marathon Des Sables tab.
Then hit "Race Presentation" button and about 1/3rd down just click one of the pdf files and the "Race Presentation" will down load. Scroll throught the first half as it is in French. The second half will explain it in good detail. The way I look at if an Event requires you have to carry a Flare Pistol and a snake bite kit count me in!