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发帖数: 19210 | 1 by Beverley D'Cruz Oct 6, 2011
http://getinspired.lifestyle.sympatico.ca/?mid=4
http://www.manageyourshapeblog.com/.a/6a00e54f9153e08833014e8c1
It’s been five days and over 200km of racing in the sweltering heat of the
Sahara Desert since our colleagues Gavin Lucas (pictured above wearing bib
number 84)and Mariska Kempers left for the 250km Sahara Race in Egypt last
week.
Tomorrow, the last leg of this journey draws their year-long physical and
mental training to a close. Gavin decided to take on the challenge to be a
positive influence for his family and friends (listen to him speak about the
inspiration for it). Similarly, Mariska wanted to be a good role model to
her young daughter. Although their motivation has been simple, the race hasn
’t been easy with Mariska suffering painful blisters that forced her to
pull out of the second stage. Although Gavin has managed to pull through all
five stages, he admits it has been anything but smooth. How could it be
when it is 42° and you’re running in a mass of sand?
“I had a very rough time at the end of stage two, emotionally and
physically drained, wondering if I would be able to continue,” he wrote. I
took a seat in the shade of the tent and for the first time at a checkpoint
removed my pack (many breeze right on through after getting their water),
and had a snack while the wind cooled me off. An English competitor asked
how I was doing, and encouraged me with the fact that we were halfway done
for the day.”
Gavin and Mariska’s dedication to the race hasn’t gone unnoticed at the
Sympatico.ca offices in Toronto. Says Zebunnisa Mirza, Travel Editor of
Sympatico.ca: “When I look at Gavin, his challenge goes beyond just the run
. Gavin quit smoking and changed his entire lifestyle just to prepare
himself for this feat. He’s been working so hard to take care of himself
and it shows. We’ve seen him transform into this incredibly healthy
individual. He looks amazing!”
Since the race kicked off on October 2, we have been following each stage
closely and marvelling at the commitment and courage both Gavin and Mariska
have shared while training and racing through the desert. Even after having
her foot taken over by infection and being put on antibiotics during the
race, Mariska was still hoping to continue on the rest of the course. “I
remain optimistic however and my new ambition is that I can complete 100K of
my original 250,” she wrote on her blog.
According to a study published in Canadian Social Trends in 2007, workers
spent 45 minutes less on average with their family on workdays in 2005, in
comparison to two decades earlier. It’s only natural that we look to draw
inspiration from work mates that we spend majority of the day with. And of
course, Gavin and Mariska have left an indelible mark on us all.
"In the beginning, I thought what Mariska and Gavin were doing was
borderline insane...I still think it’s a little crazy but I also find them
both incredibly inspiring," says Melissa Morra, Publisher for Travel and
Lifestyle at Sympatico.ca. "Putting your mind to something scary but life-
altering, pushing yourself to follow through despite the pain, having the
mental strength to do something like this is nothing short of exhilarating.
I will forever think about Mariska and Gavin when I’m faced with a tough
challenge in life. They are both a true inspiration in my eyes!"
All I can say is we are fortunate to have role models like Gavin and Mariska
, whose journey and experience at the Sahara Race will be discussed at the
water cooler for a long time to come.
Picture Courtesy - 4 Deserts (Racing The Planet) |
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