150 miles of running with your heart conclude at Pyramids

MIKE STEMPLE UPDATE, BACK IN THE U.S.: Last 48 hours have been difficult. Back in the U.S., waiting for my flight home. Have a fever, sore throat, and wearing a medical mask. Hopefully, I can recoup quickly and start running again. Feel tired, so I’ll write a post-trip wrapup over the weekend. Thanks to everyone for the e-mails and posts. I will respond to you all over the weekend as well.

Even though Golden’s Mike Stemple has withdrawn from the 4 Deserts Sahara race because of illness, INDenverTimes will continue reporting updates on the race itself. Look for new photos and video at Follow Mike Stemple’s trek across the Sahara

FINAL RACE UPDATE, SATURDAY, OCT. 31, 11 a.m. MDT: So much more than a mere formality, Stage 6 of the Sahara Race 2009 was to be a joyous celebration — a chance for competitors to finally let go and stop focusing every ounce of mental energy on just getting from point A to point B. As conclusions go it didn’t disappoint, nor fail to move even the stoniest of hearts. Even the Sphinx might have shed a tear or two.

In the competitors came, some carrying their national flags and all receiving huge applause from spectators gathered around the specially carpeted finish area — another unique touch that delighted the emotional arrivals. The traditional RacingThePlanet finish line pizza and cold drink specials were there for all to enjoy too.

First place went to Paolo Barghini of Italy, victorious after a week of battling against a group of formidably strong opponents. The consistent 49-year-old, who had waited until Stage 5 to sportingly obliterate his nearest rivals, was ecstatic.

“I feel happy, happy, happy,” said the newly crowned Sahara Race 2009 champion, who completed the 150-mile course in 28:14:83. “I won a great race, and I won my favorite race. I came here and I wanted to win, but after the first stage I didn’t think I would. But here I am!”

Christian Schiester of Austria took second place overall, with an incredibly close gap between him and third place Luis Marcos Silvestre of Spain. Schiester completed the course in 29:28:02, with Silvestre clocking 29:30:47.

Erica Terblanche of South Africa was formally crowned as winner of the women’s race. Always in front and never threatened, she finished the distance in a time of 38:15:02, which also put her 13th overall.

“I enjoyed the race immensely,” she said, collecting her finisher’s medal. “I met a lot of lovely people, and I’m grateful for the efforts people made to help me get here. I’ll definitely be back to tackle another 4 Deserts race.”

She then added: “Don’t run with your legs, don’t run with your arms, don’t run with your head. Run with your heart.”

The second-place woman was Teresa Lam of Hong Kong, with Christina Dotson of Bermuda in third. Only a few minutes separated this pair, and their final placings went down to the wire, as in the men’s race. Lam covered the distance in 47:35:44, with Dotson home in 47:41:37.

In the team event, the ever-popular Trifecta blokes were the victors after a good old tussle with second-place Mixed Bag. Team Good Sport came in third. Trifecta completed the course in 39:26:06.

The best finish for an American man was fifth place, by 28-year-old George Chmiel of Boston, who covered the 150 miles in 32:20:40. Sharon Dopak was fastest American woman, finishing 57th overall in a time of 51:28:12.

FRIDAY RACE UPDATE, 9:15 a.m. MDT: The relentless Paolo Barghini stormed in with a sub-10-hour finish, looking like he could do it all again. Speaking on the finish line, he said: “I’m just very happy to win the stage for myself, my family and my sponsors. I really wanted to win the long stage, and it was a fantastic day. I could run the whole day. The terrain suited me very well, and there were so many different landscapes. For me, the thing that will stay in my mind for a long time is the sun setting in the Black Desert, with the sky on fire.”

Luis Marcos Silvestre of Spain came in second with a time of 10:21:24, with Christian Schiester less than 20 minutes behind. Both guys had given it their all, but it wasn’t enough to catch Barghini.

All through the night people arrived in camp, weary but ecstatic about what they had achieved. Pete Sexton and Anthony Brown of the U.K. finished the stage together, cheered in by Gary Hearns of Ireland. Hearns had turned up at the finish line at almost exactly the right time to see his friends over, claiming he could set his watch by their pace.

Venetia Price, who, along with Tobias Frenz, had helped encourage an in-pain Erica Terblanche on toward the finish, said: “I can’t quite wrap my head around that stage, walking more than 90 km (about 54 miles). I thought I was going to enjoy the last five miles, but I actually loathed every minute of it.”

Terblanche, suffering from a flare-up of a knee injury, was elated to be finished, her lead in the women’s competition absolutely unassailable. Venetia, who had moved well the entire day, was the second woman home, with Christina Dotson third.

George Chmiel of the U.S., who came through in ninth, was as amped as ever: “I have three goals today,” he told staff . “To be the first American, to be in the top ten and to win my age group, yeah!” And with that, off he tore.

THURSDAY RACE UPDATE, 10 p.m. MDT, Wed.: The 54.3-mile Black Desert March has started for 108 runners, even though several have technically withdrawn. The leading 16 competitors started at 1 a.m. MDT.

Competitors will pass through nine checkpoints, including one in a village where they might stop for tea with local people. This will be an epic day, with lots of tears expected. The top runners could take between nine and 10 hours to complete the stage.

WEDNESDAY RACE UPDATE, 5 a.m. MDT: Christian Schiester of Austria won Stage 4 of the Sahara Race 2009, with Paolo Barghini of Italy coming second.

Speaking shortly after crossing the line, Christian said: “It was difficult out there today. Paolo pushed me all the way.” Barghini congratulated Christian on his win and the two shared a joke about how the Italian soccer team always seems to beat Austria. “I had to beat Paolo today,” laughed Christian.

Erica Terblanche of South Africa cemented her overall lead by winning Stage 4.

Kristine Palmieri of the U.S. was in 64th position earlier in the day, just ahead of the event’s youngest competitor, 19-year-old Jye Seung Lee of South Korea. Palmieri said she was unfazed by the exertion but still not a big fan of freeze-dried food.

Pete Bocquet of Australia continued to make solid progress toward his goal of finishing the 4 deserts. All five competitors who are due to complete the 4 Deserts in the Sahara are still in the race.

TUESDAY RACE UPDATE, 5:15 a.m. MDT: Tobias Frenz of Germany has just won Stage 3 of the Sahara Race 2009, with Paolo Barghini of Italy second.

Everyone is moving steadily through the stage checkpoints. Jason Traff of the U.S. got lost for a brief time earlier today but found his way back onto the course. Erica Terblanche leads the women’s race, with Team Trifecta back in front in the team event, having caught rivals Mixed Bag.

MIKE STEMPLE UPDATE, STAGE 2: Golden’s Mike Stemple withdrew from the 4 Deserts Sahara race during the second stage Monday, unable to fight off the effects of a sore throat and sinus infection.

With temperatures on the sand of more than 110 degrees, Stemple started feeling disoriented between Checkpoints 1 and 2 and had difficulty “shedding the heat. . . . Sorry to let everyone down who has been following me, but with temps over 110, it is hard to fight this sinus infection with a case of strep throat as well.”

About 5 p.m. MDT, Stemple’s message was posted on his Web site: www.iamnotafraid.com:

“Well today started off with me feeling very washed out from not sleeping last night because my throat hurt so much. Got 1/4 through the day and my nose kept running and it was hard to swallow. Between checkpoint 1 and 2, I was having a difficult time shedding the heat. Was sweating fine but my sinuses started throbbing, vision blurred, and I started to get disoriented. I decided to pull myself from the race as it was getting hard to focus on drinking and staying on course. Sorry to let everyone down who has been following me, but with temps over 110, it is hard to fight this sinus infection with a case of strep throat as well. I am sure after I get healthy I’ll pick another race to do soon – but for now I am not feeling well enough to move forward here in the Sahara.”

MONDAY RACE UPDATE, 7:42 a.m. MDT: Mehmet Danis of Canada won Stage 2 after catching Germany’s Tobias Frenz in the final kilometer. Christian Schiester of Austria finished third. Erica Terblanche of South Africa was the first woman to cross the Stage 2 finish line, followed by Christina Dotson of Bermuda.

Golden’s Mike Stemple appears to have stopped during Stage 2, according to his GPS tracker, but it was impossible to tell whether he has completed the stage.

Danis, the Stage 1 winner, said: “I could see Tobias start walking, so I thought it best to minimize the difference between us. I didn’t want him to have that psychological boost going in to tomorrow so I tried to catch up. When I saw the camp, that really gave me a boost. I checked on Tobias when I caught him to make sure he was fine and then just went for the finish.”

Fifth-place finisher Paolo Barghini of Italy said: “It was brutal today. Between CP1 (Checkpoint 1) and CP3 the ground underfoot kept changing so much. I think a lot of people are going to find it very difficult.”

The second stage started with a couple of rain showers before clearing to become sunny. It was expected to be another very hot day. The second leg of the 4 Deserts Sahara race is the tough, 26.4-mile Marathon el Qarawin stage, which includes many dunes.

Canada’s Trailwinders team was in good spirits. Team member Lara Rintoul said, “We benefited from the climate chamber we used in Canada but are quite surprised at our pace. We thought we’d be able to go quicker. Its so beautiful out there I’m happy not to run, as powering along head down would mean I wouldn’t see it. We’ll never be back here so we have to ensure we take it all in and enjoy it.”

SUNDAY RACE UPDATE, 12:40 p.m. MDT: The final competitors have reached the end of Stage 1 and arrived at the White Desert campsite. Last to come in were Jack Denness and Karen Dockwray of the U.K. As they crossed the line, 74-year-old Jack joked: “Sorry we were so long. We stopped off for a honeymoon.”

Many competitors found Stage 1 very tough, and the medical tent was busier than normal. Several people needed treament with IV drips. There was a brief rain shower at the campsite, and everyone is now enjoying the spectacular location.

Erik de Haart of Australia and Alain Wehbi of France did not complete the stage. Patrick Griggs of the U.S. also withdrew.

MIKE STEMPLE UPDATE, STAGE ONE COMPLETE: “Thanks everyone for the messages. They are much appreciated. Today was a major challenge. Extremely hot and sandy. It is like walking on a soft beach without any water. My cold is turning into strep, so I’m very tired and run down. My knee and foot are surviving. Listened to my iPod all day (Hans Zimmer — Da Vinci Code soundtrack) and plowed through. Feeling better now in camp and VERY thankful for my Sanuks! Nothing feels better on my feet after the torture I went through. Going to make some food now and try and get some sleep! — Mike”

SUNDAY RACE UPDATE, 4:30 a.m. MDT: Canada’s Mehmet Danis has just won the first stage of the Sahara Race 2009 in a time of 3:14:39. Tobias Frenz of Germany took second place. Golden’s Mike Stemple was still on the course.

After crossing the finish line, Danis, who won the Atacama Crossing in April, said, “It was a nice first half, but after the third checkpoint the soft sand and heat really go to me and I slowed.”

Competitors set off from the start line at Farafra campsite under a clear blue sky in very high spirits. The event’s oldest competitor, 74-year-old Jack Denness of the U.K., said: “It is fantastic to be here. I love it. It is great for my ego, as even the front-runners give me lots of respect because of my age.”

Special recognition was given Sunday morning to those competitors who have completed the 4 Deserts: Alasdair Morrison of Scotland and Ji Sung Yoo of South Korea. Five more competitors will join the 4 Deserts Club if they complete the Sahara Race 2009.

Ahead of Sunday’s 120 starters is the 21.3-mile Arabian Nights stage, which leads to the famous White Desert. The sandy and rocky terrain they will cross has been classified as moderate.

SATURDAY RACE UPDATE, 5:15 p.m. MDT: All competitors have arrived safely at Farafra camp site. Unfortunately, the journey for some was delayed because of a mechanical problem with one of the buses.

It’s a perfect Saharan night though, with a temperature of 66 degrees Fahrenheit, no wind and a star-filled sky. The start of the Sahara Race 2009 is scheduled for 9 a.m. Sunday.

Course director Carlos Garcia Prieto of Spain said, “The magic of the famous White Desert will be only the beginning of many memorable moments in the Sahara Race.”

SATURDAY RACE UPDATE, 7:30 a.m. MDT: Check-in has been completed and competitors are now traveling by bus to the first campsite, named Farafra, deep in the Sahara. The journey will take seven hours, but the mood on board the buses is buoyant. Everyone is excited and a little nervous about what lies ahead.

Iamnotafraid.com is Mike Stemple’s Web site. Considering he’s only hours away from competing in a 150-mile, seven-day trek across the Sahara Desert in Egypt, the domain name is more than appropriate.

For Stemple, who hails from Golden, the Sahara will be his second desert endurance run of the year. In April, he traversed the Atacama Crossing in Chile, as part of the RacingThePlanet competition, which Time magazine ranks among the top 10 endurance competitions in the world.

Starting Sunday, Stemple will set out across the White Desert of Egypt, part of the Sahara, with about 150 competitors from 30 countries. He’ll carry gear, food and clothing in a 20-pound backpack. Aid stations roughly 10 miles apart have water and medical assistance. Otherwise, the only assistance provided is a spot in a tent overnight at the end of each stage.

In early October, Stemple was appointed to the Colorado Governor’s Council for Physical Fitness. What drives a married, successful 39-year-old inventor and entrepreneur to take on such a rigorous event once, not to mention twice?

“I have learned that my body, mind and spirit like to lie to me,” Stemple said in an interview with SOG Marketing in early summer. “There are many times I want to stop because I hurt, or the distance seems too far, or the idea of running 145 miles across a desert is just unattainable. I think these doubts creep up in everyone, but I have learned that most fears in life are not real, they are illusions created by ourselves and others to protect us and that I can do just about anything by ignoring the protective lies I, and others, like to tell me.”

The Metro State grad’s resume is extensive and eclectic. He’s certainly not averse to challenges, especially in product development or the acquisition of operating capital. However, the summer of 2008 brought a life-changing moment when doctors thought he might have multiple sclerosis. The diagnosis isn’t complete, but it forced him to examine his life.

“During the time I was sick, I read an article in which the author posed the question, ‘What would you do if you were not afraid?’ ” Stemple said in the SOG Marketing interview. “I realized that I was very afraid of many things, and these ‘fears’ had caused me to live a ‘safe’ life. I vowed then and there to never live with fear again and decided to put my body, mind and spirit through the hardest ordeals I could find so that others could see that a life without fear is possible.”

The founder and chief executive of Trend Ventures, a research and development investment company; and Odojo, which sells social media tools, is developing his Web site IAmNotAfraid.com to show “the great feats anyone can do if they can only not be afraid. . . . I am working on a series of presentations for kids, teens and adults on the philosophy of living without fear and how your dreams are all within your reach.”

“Endurance is one of the most difficult disciplines, but it is to the one who endures that the final victory comes.” – Buddha

Reach Mike during the race by going to www.4deserts.com/sahararace and selecting “e-mail a competitor” from the Multimedia tab. Note that e-mails sent are not private; they can be seen on a printout by other competitors.