753--DAY 5

DAY 5

Whose the Daddy?!!
Well, a survey of the local fly population would indicate me. I cant smell me though...except when I sit down at checkpoints - then I positively hum! Well another day done; just the fun run through the (biggest) sand dunes (in Morocco) left. I pity the poor coach driver who has to spend 6 hrs with us on the way back to the hotel!!

Tonight we have opera singers which will be quite surreal. Beautiful singing combined with someone squatting behind a tent taking a...

My shoulders hurt so much that it feels like Ive carried a damn camel across the desert rather than just a backpack. I feel like I could go to bed and sleep for 16 hrs, but Ill tell you what Ill do you a deal...Ill watch the opera, get v little sleep, then finish off with 1 last effort. Then ill get blind drunk (on 1 beer).

I forgot to tell you about the camel spider I found about a foot from my head in the tent...

Thanks very much for all your messages. Youve been fantastic!!

753--Day 4

DAY 4

Well thats the daddy done. Starting at 9am yesterday, myself and 2 tentmates maintaned a continuous good walking pace until 6pm, stopping only to refill water bottles and answer calls of nature. After 26 mikes, as shivering wrecks we stopped for dinner before setting off for the final 16 miles in the dark across more nasty dunes. Never before has it taken me 3 hrs to walk 3.5 miles!! Also saw leaders as they started later - awesome running!

Theres a rather sombre mood in camp this morning as the organisers told us that a seemingly healthy 49 year old French guy - who came 45th place in the 42 mile stage - went to sleep last night and didnt wake up. Helps put things into perspective.

Feet still good-ish: Today is rest day, followed by the Marathon Stage and 7 miles across the highest dunes in Morocco (the world?). Thanks very much for the messages, be they support/general abuse, great news or simply things to ponder on those endless days. All really appreciated.

753--Day 3

DAY 3

Tick in the box for stage three. Another 21 miles done. Thats 60 miles in three days now (which is a first for me). I still have no blisters (hes a liar hes got three). My shoes are now too tight and causing me problems, despite being a size too big before I left. Theyve also started to come apart - which is impressive as theyre only five weeks old. Campsite is looking like a prisoner of war camp (except for the comedy local guy using a quad and trailer to advertise camel rides..?). Eco-friendly toilets line the route - bring your own paper and lighter!!
Well tomorrows the one weve all been waiting for: 42 miles, a good 5 of which are in sand dunes. Tasty stuff (unlike my breakfast which now seems to taste like cardboard). No update tomorrow as wont get in until about 5am Thursday which will hopefully then be a rest day. Still enjoying the holiday though despite quite achy shoulders. Backpack getting lighter by the day. Getting some great pics - wish you were here!

753--Day 2

First of all, apologies for accidentally misleading people. Although I was led to believe the mds was 151 miles, it turns out this year is only 133 miles, as follows: miles (km)
18 (30)
21 (35)
19 (32)
42 (70)
Rest
26 (42)
7 (11).
Ive decided not to complqain as I expect the response would involve a solo run on the rest day. Yesterday was a tough intro to dune and hill running in extreme conditions. One person had to drop out due to heart problems.

DAY 2
Todays 21 miles was a grueller. I was fine <13 miles (clearly too fast) and suffered somewhat for the remainder. Hey ho. At least one more dropped out today and several IV drips had to be administered. Scary stuff. Fortunately, the worst worries in our tent are: tents gettng blown down in the night, blogging using French keyboards, snoring, and a few blisters. All good for now (cream crackered though!)

PS Thanks for the messages guys. Much appreciated

D-Day has arrived

The day has finally arrived (almost). On Thursday 22nd March I will fly out to Morocco, and the run starts on Sunday 25th. The race will be (approximately) as follows:

 

Sunday 25th March                    -           13 miles

Monday 26th March                   -            26 miles

Tuesday 27th March                  -            26 miles

Wednesday 28th March              -            50 miles

Thursday 29th March                 -            Rest Day (or finish miles 36 - 50 from yesterday)

Friday 30th March                     -            26 miles

Saturday 31st March                 -            13 miles

 

I will endeavour to update my blog each evening whilst I am away (but make my apologies in advance for any days missed due to fatigue!)