Today was the infamous salt flats.  I had the privledge (we'll say) of working the checkpoint prior to the salt flats.  We were prepared with extra water for the competitors, so everyone was topped off.  I could tell by the mid morning that it was going to be a hot one.  The salt flats looked like one of those old Shell commercials on the Bonneville flats.  Most of the runners looked strong coming in and did great.  However, I had more people driven out of my checkpoint than any other.  They might start calling me Dr. Death.  Thankfully, no one was even close to that, and most of the people driven out today made that decision on their own and didn't require us dragging them kickin' and screamin'.  It is interesting to see the body breakdown though.  Most of these runners can stretch their bodies to extremes.  Their mental fortitude is never questioned.  In fact, if my feet looked like theirs, I would find myself self prescribing a long weekend in front of the 42 inch catching every sporting event on television.  But eventually, the body just can't take it, and it just shuts down.  It is actually a privledge to see people completely broken down to their most simple parts.  They feel vulnerable and defeated.  But, it just takes a hug or a pat on the back and a little time.  They always look better the next day and somehow put a smile on their face.  Tomorrow, is the long day.  It should be somewhat like an overnight shift in the ED where the hospital turns off the lights, makes us all work with flashlights, and turns the thermostats down to 40 degrees.  I've been through worse.  Today was my birthday, and I celebrated with my new April Fool's friend, Chris Sparrow, who is a tough newly 24 yr old from Great Britain.  Chris decided that he wanted to spend his bday running 5 marathons in 6 days.  I decided I wanted to spend mine taking care of his feet.  Having a great time.  Miss my wife and Louis tons.  Will talk to you all soon.
 
Dr. Jay 

It is really impressive to see microbiology in person.  I always learned about the diseases that get passed around people living in close quarters.   Med school taught me to watch for those living in college dorms and military barracks, but I've never gotten to see it first hand.  It seems like everyone caught some bug.  Vomiting, diarrhea, and more diarrhea have been everywhere.  Rare is the person without symptoms.  I (knock on wood) am the rare one.  Luckily, it seems that the problems are fading, but it has put many very strong runners into a lot of hurt.  In fact, one of the strongest stopped today at checkpoint 3 because he just couldn't drink any fluids.  There have been a lot of theories, but most are blaming the empanadas the day before the race began.  I must have an iron stomach.  I'm not sure which of my parents I inherited that from.  The racers are really impressive still.  Many are hurting but still running.  I've seen more blisters in 3days than I've seen in my entire life.  We will likely have another long day in the medical tent.  Blisters, blisters, blisters.  thanks to my dad for the updates on the NCAA.  go big east.  salt flats tomorrow.  should be another really brutal day for the runners.  more to come later.

Jay Sharp, MD

Greetings from Chile.  Made it here ok with having a little contraband (beef jerky and Gorp) confiscated by Santiagos finest.  The competitors are impressive but thankfully, mostly healthy.  Hopefully, they will take good care of themselves to make our job easy.  They will certainly have a problem with their feet.  We are expecting lots of blisters.  The organization is great and we are hoping that all will go of without a hitch.  The first day starts early tomorrow.  There is much anticipation from the competitors.  Camp1 is a beautful backdrop with colorful walls to the cliffs.  More to come.
 
Jay Sharp