CHALLENGES
Not every cloud has a silver lining Simon Davies tells us how he got on during his final challenge in the Ice Desert Jungle Ultra series, and sadly it didn’t go to plan
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HIS HAS BEEN a tough article to write. Last week I failed to complete the Desert Ultra – the final race in the Ice Desert Jungle Ultra challenge. I’d completed the Ice and Jungle races, but the race in the Namib defeated me. I put everything into training and I felt strong on the start line. I’m beyond gutted to have failed. I felt great for the first 20 miles and was enjoying the running and the incredible scenery. At check-point three I took on some fluids and instantly started vomiting. I carried on for another seven miles to check-point four, walking and jogging slowly so I could try and get some food and drink inside me. Even with the reduced effort I was throwingup even a sip of water. The medics kept me at this final check-point for a couple of hours until I stopped vomiting and managed to keep a little water down. Eventually, I managed to get back on my feet and compete the final six miles, and was confident I could recover for the next day. I woke up on day two still unable to eat or drink. It was disheartening to be sat staring at my breakfast unable to keep any of it down and knowing I had a 55km stage ahead of me. I started with a plan to move slowly and steadily. I was confident I could get through the day without food as long as I could drink enough water. However, despite my best efforts it took me four hours to walk the first 10 miles, vomiting every time I took even a sip of water. I was determined to finish, but if you can’t drink in the desert heat things aren’t going to end well. Eventually, after speaking to the race director and medical team I took one of the hardest decisions I’ve ever made; and quit.
After being withdrawn from the race I decided to stay and help the crew. I’m so glad I made that choice. I spent the rest of the week filling-up water bottles, helping the medics at check-points, and even running alongside some of the athletes for a few kilometres to keep them company at the end of each stage. It was so rewarding to see a little of what goes on behind the scenes. In all the races I’ve done I don’t think I’ve ever seen such a close-knit group of runners and, despite my personal disappointment, it was awesome to spend the week with such a diverse range of incredible and inspiring athletes. I’ve made some lifelong friends and memories. As soon as I withdrew I also made the decision to sign-up for next year’s race. I’m determined to finish my Ice Desert Jungle journey and I’m taking the positive that I now have extra time to continue to fund-raise for Rainbows Children’s Hospice. I’ve doubled my original target to £50,000 and I’m going to do everything I can to find out what went wrong so I can do as much as possible to ensure a better result next time. I’d like to use this opportunity to say a heartfelt thanks once again to everyone that’s supported me during this incredible year; my team at the Training Shed, the sports science team at Loughborough University, my corporate sponsors – Training Shed, RS Components, Effect and Second Sight – and everyone else who has donated their time, energy and money to help raise an incredible £35,200 for Rainbows. Your generosity will have a huge impact on the children and families who rely upon the invaluable work that Rainbows provides for our community.
58 January 2019 / theactivemag.com
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