Gary Johnson
September 28, 2005
Well at last day 4. I'm glad to have survived this tortuous race so far. When asked last night to write my day diary I decided to push hard to the first checkpoint. The field is so strong; I knew I could probably beat them all on 1 only. I did and dedicate it to my baby daughter Madison, who is 9 weeks old tomorrow. I was taken promptly by Ray, Kevin and Joe who I watched slowly disappear into the distance. The surface, being quite soft, was energy-draining which made my already tired limbs more sapped of energy. My finish time I was aiming for was 11am before the heat kicked in. At checkpoint 2 I was cleaned up as my nose was constantly bleeding for 10 miles. It was then that I decided to walk the last stage. But I still had to keep going for 5 miles to get there. 2 more runners came by me, a Korean guy and Terri, an American woman (which hurt my pride a little!). I then was taken by my old friend Chuck who smiled and said, "you OK bulldog?" I can't write my reply! At checkpoint 3 I still felt under the weather. They were all great. Wade cooled me down by pouring cold water over my head and in my ears. As you have noticed I have not talked much about the terrain. Well when I usually run I don't look around too much, just the ground ahead and at markings. But on this last section, I walked it all knowing I would be in for my 11am cut-off. I for once looked around taking in the absolutely breathtaking scenery. In the 10km speed march home I planned out my daughter's future (until 18), my new business direction and of course my training for the Atacama 2006!
I have my excuses for my poor performance in this race; however watch me go in Chile!
This had been by far the best leg in any race as I could still talk at the end!
It's been another great experience with some inspirational people.
(Leanne give Madison a kiss from Dad X)
Gary J
"British Bulldog"
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