Wednesday, April 08, 2009
What An Experience!!!
Well. What an experience...
I'm sure most folks know that they hadn't had rain in the Sahara for 12 years, then we go and turn up and everything goes pear shaped...
But, I completed the Marathon des Sables!! Or, rather, the MdS that was put on for us... unfortunately the rain and floods meant that the first and last stages were cancelled, plus we didn't get the same searing heat that competitors would normally need to battle with until later on in the week. The only consolation was that the distances we did do were tougher- more dunes and more climbing.
Reading the reports since arriving back, I reckon that they had to keep us to higher ground as much of the original route was through wadis and dried river beds- which were dry no longer... in fact, on reflection I think we were very lucky that they didn't cancel the event altogether.
Plus the long day, traditionally around 40- 45 miles, was increased to 65 miles (91k)! We were advised that this was the longest long day in the history of the MdS!
I think that there are a lot of folks who are thinking that we didn't actually get to 'do' the 'proper' MdS... although I do now have in my posession a solid, chunky enamelled medal...
I think I have got the ultra running bug (or at least ultra walking). Unfortunately I also have another type of bug- the not so glamorous kind involving stomach cramps and frequent loo trips!
But apart from that, a dodgy knee and blisters, I'm ok!! A huge thanks to all who expressed best wishes and congratulations on here, and who emailed me in the desert- all very greatly appreciated and makes an awful lot of difference.
I suppose I had better go away and start to write my race report!!
I'm sure most folks know that they hadn't had rain in the Sahara for 12 years, then we go and turn up and everything goes pear shaped...
But, I completed the Marathon des Sables!! Or, rather, the MdS that was put on for us... unfortunately the rain and floods meant that the first and last stages were cancelled, plus we didn't get the same searing heat that competitors would normally need to battle with until later on in the week. The only consolation was that the distances we did do were tougher- more dunes and more climbing.
Reading the reports since arriving back, I reckon that they had to keep us to higher ground as much of the original route was through wadis and dried river beds- which were dry no longer... in fact, on reflection I think we were very lucky that they didn't cancel the event altogether.
Plus the long day, traditionally around 40- 45 miles, was increased to 65 miles (91k)! We were advised that this was the longest long day in the history of the MdS!
I think that there are a lot of folks who are thinking that we didn't actually get to 'do' the 'proper' MdS... although I do now have in my posession a solid, chunky enamelled medal...
I think I have got the ultra running bug (or at least ultra walking). Unfortunately I also have another type of bug- the not so glamorous kind involving stomach cramps and frequent loo trips!
But apart from that, a dodgy knee and blisters, I'm ok!! A huge thanks to all who expressed best wishes and congratulations on here, and who emailed me in the desert- all very greatly appreciated and makes an awful lot of difference.
I suppose I had better go away and start to write my race report!!
Labels: Marathon des Sables
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Hi Steph,Glad to see an entry in your Blog(good to see your still with us!).An amazing achievement,91KM of hilly sand dunes on one day would be great without the rest!.Don't listen to any one that says that you didn't do the proper MDS ,you completed the course given to you and have the medal to prove it.
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