Long day with nothing to do but try and hide from the sun. The queue for the cyber tent is about two hours long, no queue at the toilets tho! Tomorrow will be a short run into San Pedro, bring on that pizza. Daniel and I were just perusing the results, I cannot believe I made 10th!!!! Must admit I am over the whole waiting thing now, hope we get a good nights sleep at least. Rain is forecast for tonight again so might get interesting. Thanks everyone for your messages of support and blog posts, it definitely gives me something to look forward to every day. Tomorrow I will be able to use my computer with no queue - wont know what to do with it

It’s a lovely sunny morning in Kari Gorge, Valley of the moon. The long stage is officially behind us, came and went in a flash!

 

There was no cybertent last night hence the delayed blog. Last night was dramatic to say the least, I’m sure you all read the breaking news so will know about our freak weather. Luckily I was in camp before that all started, although a feel a bit left out hearing the horror stories of sand storms and violent lightning. From my relatively dry vantage point in the tent I witnessed a spectacular lightning show while watching the sand storms brewing in the distance. For those still out on the course they must have thought they were facing the end of the world! The race was actually stopped because of the severe weather and the competitors still out on the course were bussed into camp. Bit of a let-down for some however it must have been a very tough call for the organisers, who did an amazing job of holding it all together under such difficult conditions.

 

I will try and remember a bit of the course yesterday although I fear most of it has been erased from memory (tends to happen on these longer runs!) I started out with loads of hammer perpetuem and gels. The first 30kms or so was insane, people just racing their hearts out, it was relentless. At the third checkpoint the first 15 or so runners were all within a couple of hundred meters of each other, no-one wanting to ease off the pace. It started to open up when we went through some more salt (yes they found some more of it!) I ran alone most of the time from then on just holding my pace. We climbed the bestest dune ever just before checkpoint 4. Wow! Should have had climbing gear, it was so steep if you tried standing you would have fallen backwards right down to the bottom!

 

From there it was a long 14km stretch through a dry river bed. I had finished my perpetuem at this stage and tried my first hammer gel…… not a good idea. As it went into my mouth I thought my 10 year bid of no chucking was over. It took me a while to stop the retching and compose myself. Ok so no more gels, now I knew I was in trouble, if you aint putting fuel in the tank it will eventually run out…… I kept up the drinking as long as I could but the nausea was becoming more and more of a problem. Just grit my teeth and kept pushing.

 

After CP6 we were in ‘The Valley of the Moon’ As goofed as I was I did manage to take a lot of it in. It is the most amazing place, bizarre landscape carved out of salt and rock. Strange shapes all around I am still too fuzzy to find the words to describe it so would encourage you all to ‘google it’ for yourselves. J

 

I partnered up with Daniel, my fellow Zimbabwean competitor, for the last two kilometers. He is a superb athlete who has had an amazing race. We were commenting on the odds of two Zimbabweans being together here for this race, and doing so well in the rankings – flying the flag high! Those two km dragged on forever, it was good to have company.

 

Kirk came in just as the sun set. He was strong and happy to be in before dark. He came in with Ed and Steven from our tent. They all did a great job, I’m proud of me old man J His feet are a bit of a mess, I’ll tape them up for the 10km jog into San Pedro tomorrow morning. Oh we have been promised pizza and cokes when we  get into San Pedro square, now there’s something to run for!!!

 

I have a blog left so will probably write some more this afternoon.

Let me start by trying to describe todays campsite. We are in the middle of the salt flats, its pretty hot. The snowcapped mountains provide the traditional backdrop and we are camped right between two salt water ‘pools’ called Los Ojos de Salar – the ‘eyes of the salt water flats’ which show the water level under the surface. It is a stunning location (as always!) I have spent the last hour just looking out across the flats watching fellow competitors run in.

 

I’m sorry my blog did not update yesterday. I have spoken to Alina who has promised to find it and upload asap. I hope she does as I spent a fair amount of time with my two uncoordinated fingers typing it out!

 

Todays stage….. Well it was tough tough tough…. But still very enjoyable J We started out climbing up loose rocks on sand to the entrance of a massive rocky canyon before a steep decent down a sand dune. Oh and up the other side, shoes full of sand so sat down and did my best to get some of it out. The next 13km or so was across mostly hardpacked sand with loose rocks to a clump of trees in the distance. Daniel and one of the Spanish guys ran me into the ground, I was really feeling the pace so slowed down in a bit of shade for a km or so through the trees then into the infamous salt flats. That put a damper on the moods of most people but not Anne (who caught me up in the salt flats) and I. We imagined we were walking through snow in the Alps, with a gentle alpine breeze to keep us cool. It was a great mental picture however in reality it was hard going, upto my knees at one point in crusty salt with dust and/or mud underneath. It was a long leg, 14km between checkpoints, simply because it is so inaccessible. We made up a lot of time crossing the flats and muddy stretches with runs wherever possible and a forced march in between. From the last checkpoint it was a short run into camp along a jeep track, muddy as hell!

 

Tomorrow we tackle the big one. Fingers crossed but I am definitely going to give top 10 a bash. What’s the saying? Go out hard or go home!

 

Thanks for all your messages!

 

Ok I gotta go, people are shouting for their turn to send the one email!

bbly

Well I can honestly say I enjoyed today. :) very happy. Lost a bit of time but as I keep telling people there is still a long long way to go. There were alot of people who pulled out today, not sure of the numbers.

 

We started off at 8 and got stuck into some waist high vegetation on crusty soft terrain. Very tough going, the top 20 or so were all in a group trying to find our way through this most difficult terrain. We had been warned by Alistar at course briefing that today was going to be the toughest day in his opinion. I paired up with Sandy (second lady) as the terrain opened up a bit. She was going strong and definitely firing a warning shot over Anne Marie's bow who was just behind us(the first lady). At the second check point we included Anne Marie and the three of us pushed on through rolling sand dunes and then into more of this crusty soft terrain. It is the most unnatural thing, lunar like. What a mission but not pushing too hard makes a big difference to how much energy you waste. Our group swelled to seven members at one stage including my fellow countryman Daniel who is having an amazing run. At checkpoint three the girls declared a truce and we decided to walk up the gradual climb of sand with slate rock before enjoying more rolling dunes (one massive descent again!) and two sand river crossings which proved to be quite challenging, we were on all fours scrambling up sand walls, three steps forward two back! Scrambling through a 'river oasis' (foul smelling flowing mud!) and then one final dune climb to camp. Position 15 for the day however feeling so strong and fresh after a most enjoyable walk through the most stunning terrain I've seen.

 

Kirk had a tough day today and is proving rather biligerant at my attempts to ensure he rehydrates adequately. Dont worry I will perservere, he will be fine. Strong ox, who loves kicking runners butts as he marches past them. While I type this he is lying in our tent battling flies, he didnt welcome my suggestion that he just embrace them and sit there like one of the pickies back home. Dont fight it cause you aint gonna win.... so embrace those flies! We are both filthy now by the way. My face is encrusted with sweat crystals, dust and grit. We both agreed when we first arrived at camp one that it was Sahara all over again....like we never left! Hang on there is one big difference in our tent from Sahara, his name is Steve, he has the most noxious gas I've ever experienced. Kirk has been outdone!

 

I'm feeling very upbeat about tomorrow. Strongest I've felt so far in the race. Those blisters are not much of an issue, the foot is sore though and aches like hell at night.

 

Mum please give lots of love to Sienna and Josh, sorry I cant email, thinking about them lots xxx

 

Tomorrow we take on the infamous salt flats.....

We are camped beside Cejur Laguna! A salt lake in the salar Atacama. Flamingos in the distance snow capped volcanos behind us, what a place! Before I forget I keep meaning to tell you about the night sky here (when its not raining!) You can see so many stars, its amazing. We were up at 5am this morning again. The South Koreans Kim, Yuni and Simba slept in with the rest of our tent. Proved to be a good move as Kirk and I were done with breakfast and toilet duty before the crowds. Enjoyed a nice sleep in for an hour afterwards. Slept better last night, went to bed feeling ok but woke feeling like I was being dragged back from the afterlife.

 

At course briefing we learnt the course had to be changed due to the unusual rains that have been falling. To give you an idea San Pedro’s normal annual rainfall is 3cm but so far this year they have had over 150cm! So we were unable to venture into the notorious Slot Canyons and disused mine tunnel. The upside….5km off the course!!! I was very happy with that news. The first leg started off on a track before dropping into a river canyon were we crossed the river more times than I care to remember. It was very pleasant for a while after that as we ran along the ridge of a mountain with breathtaking views, then the high point of the day when we descended a massive sand dune to checkpoint 2. There was a lovely surprise after checkpoint three…the course briefing said crusty and sandy terrain rated moderate….well I’m not sure how I would describe what I went through. It looked like salt, was crusty but I went straight through it into mud underneath, impossible for a fat bugger to run through. I had caught up with the other Zimbabwean guy, Daniel and walked with him for what felt like an eternity through this crap. I cant help but think “if this bit doesn’t get a mention, how bad are the infamous salt flats going to be later on?”

 

At lonely tree (the last tree you see as you head into desert proper) we were given 4kms on a lovely dirt road. I left Daniel to shake his demons in peace as I took off to camp cause I was HUNGRY. Camp was all set up, hot water ready so I tucked into a full portion of chicken tikka with a bottle of rehydration salts. Going to rest now. Will check later to catch up with messages, so sorry I cant email but I am getting blog comments and emails sent through the website thank you!

 

Oh I came in 7th today, dunno how that happened, please don’t go getting hopes up – the bees are already starting to buzz and I know there is still a long long way to go. If I get top 20 I am over the moon. There is so much competition for top 10 its quite something ‘running with the bulls’ they are constantly jostling for position and racing each other proper, not much time for chitter chatter, just as well as I wouldn’t have the breath to talk. J

 

 

I have asked Kirk what he would like to add to todays blog post and he says “Hi I did better today and am going to lie down” Well there we go then, a man of many words!

Stage 1 is over! So much news from the last 24hours, lets hope the energy levels allow me to type out at least half of it.:)

 

So yesterday we were loaded into our buses for an hour and a half drive to Camp One in the Rio Grande. Unlike Sahara there was no sand! However it hadnt even been 10 mins and most of us were wishing it back. The camp site was so rocky. Anyone who hadnt packed a matress was not a happy camper. We had just settled into our humble abode when it started to RAIN. The canvas tents were no match and it wasnt long before we were all huddled around trying to keep stuff dry under bits of plastic. I dont recall how long it lasted, it felt like ages. It eventually blew away tho and we were free to go and wolf down our first freeze dried meal. Fish and potato with parsley, very nice! Ok it was nice after I put in half a litre of the South Koreans sauce. I retired to bed before the sun had even gone down. Couldnt sleep tho, no surprises there. Solving all the problems in my head, ok well trying my best to at least :) I guess one of the more immediate problems was what the hell is going to happen tomorrow morning? We are over 10,000feet above sea level, rocky terrain, shoes I've never run in before, very little training etc etc

 

Woke up at 4:45, bloody freezing! Breakfast was my all time favorite.....Porridge with strawberries! I forced it down, just telling myself I will need the calories. Kirk managed about two spoonfulls before hurling it in the bin and telling us all he has more than enough spare calories to burn. Breakfast coffee toilet etc was done and dusted before 6am so our half of the tent (Kirk, myself and our three South Korean mates) all went back to bed for an hours sleep.:) People who chose to get up at normal times were busying themselves with 20min toilet queues, waiting for hot water and trying to keep warm. There are only 3 toilets in camp for over 160 competitors and all the event staff. Alina has promised more are on their way. I think I will stick with the 4:45am wake up routine for now.

 

The first stage started at 8am and carried us mostly downhill for the 31km. very short stage but by no means easy. There was one climb that just wouldnt end. I hadnt payed attention at the briefing and have to admit it took me by surprise. I kept thinking this is a downhill stage what the hell is going on?!

 

Got to the end in 6th position. Not sure what to think about that other than, 'you idiot you have gone out too fast!' Lets see what tomorrow has in store for us..... Next stage is 42km and rated as mostly 'difficult' I think it gets untidy from here on.

 

Feet are fine but have picked up blisters on top of my toes. New shoes and my orthotics have raised my feet up so they are rubbing on the top of the shoe. Not much discomfort but I worry about infection so have strapped the toes, fingers crossed. My stress fracture is holding up ok. It hurt like hell when I stepped onto a stone so I have learnt to watch where I put my feet. Ummmm what else can I report? I know you all want as much news as possible and seeing as I am only allowed to send one email a day (this blog update counts as my email) I will try my best to give as much info as possible for everyone. Please let me know how you are all doing. I want to know how the marathon went today guys! Was thinking about you while I was sweating my guts out.

 

Ok until tomorrow keep smiling :)

Awake well before the alarm went off at 5:30 thanks to our squadron of thirsty Mosquitos. I had a really good sleep though :) The outdoor shower was savoured under a starry sky. A thorough scrubbing, even cleaned my ears. Breakfast, coffee, last min emails, then a short stroll down to Don Tomas hotel for the 8am meeting. Apparently rain is forecast for the whole day tomorrow. Ummm, hang on isn't this supposed to be the 'driest place on earth'??? The organizers are very concerned about lightning. The other warning was watch out for land mines!!! But don't stress they are sign posted! Time to get our belongings rifled through at check in. Looks like customs at Sydney airport.....

Last day of relaxation is officially over. I haven't touched my bag today, safe in the knowledge that is was properly packed and checked yesterday. Spent a few hours at the local cafe watching the pot smoking hippies practice their circus tricks. Met up with a lot more competitors, swapped stories and had a few laughs, heres hoping the spirits remain as high over the next week. Early start tomorrow with Competitor briefing at 8am, then competitor check in (where your bags are checked too) before the bus ride into the beautiful desert at 3pm. Mixed emotions

Today has been spent repackaging foods into ziplock bags, working out calories, adding more food, checking all equipment, packing, re-packing, I think you get the picture?! Ok we did stop for a walk around the bustling metropolis of San Pedro in search of ziplock bags. Found the one and only box too :) Had a few hours just chilling at the local plaza cafe, watching all the stray dogs (and stray hippies) go about their day to day business. Nice to relax and ponder a moment on the 250km challenge that is now a couple of days away...... Great meeting and chatting with a few of our fellow competitors too. Back at the hotel and within two hours bags were officially packed. Not too sure of weight, however they feel and look good. (especially compared to Sahara last year) I am listing the full contents below. I know it would have been a huge help to me to have this kind of information when I was first venturing into this crazy sport. FOOD 2 x Expedition foods Porridge with Strawberries 804Cal each = 804Cal 2 x Expedition foods Sweet and Sour Chicken 804Cal each = 1608Cal 2 x Expedition foods Savory Mince with Rice 804Cal each = 1608Cal 2 x Expedition foods Shepherds Pie 817Cal each = 1634Cal 1 x Expedition foods Beef and Potato Hotpot 801Cal each = 801Cal 3 x Expedition foods Chicken Tikka 804Cal each = 2412Cal 5 x Instant Noodles Various = 1189Cal 4 x skittles 240Cal each = 960Cal 1 x starbursts 240cal each = 240Cal 8 x Hammer Perpetuem powder 270Cal each = 2160Cal 11 x Hammer Gel 90Cal each = 990Cal 5 x Lays crisps (self packed) = 1200Cal 13 x Hammer Fizz 200mg Sodium 10Cal each = 130Cal 50 x Hammer Endurolytes 40mg Sodium 30 x Darrolytes 200mg Sodium 8 x Nescafe Instant Coffee Sachets 5 x McNabs Multivitamins TOTAL CALORIES 15,736 TOTAL SODIUM (in supplements) 10,600mg EQUIPMENT LIST Raidlight Backpack 30l with race patch Marmot Atom Sleeping Bag 2 x Black Diamond Headlamps Silva Thermo Compass 20 x Safety Pins Swiss Card knife multitool Jetscream Whistle Space Brand Emergency Blanket Dermatone 29.5ml Sunscreen Dermatone Lip Sunscreen Racing the Planet Blister Kit Alcohol Gel 59ml Red Flashing Light Compression Bandage Running Jacket 2XU Membrane Running Tights CWX Pro 2 x Running Top Patagonia Capilene 1 Crew Gloves Warm hat Salomon FellCross trail shoes with gaiters 4 x Falke Running socks Outdoor Research Running cap with flap Oakley Sunglasses Nationality and 4 deserts Patches preprinted Titanium Bowl and Spoon 2 x Raidlight 750ml Bottles with holders 1 x Flat Bottle 1ltr Thermarest matress 20 x Ziplock bags 2 x packs racing the planet tablet towels 2 x packs Tissues Toobrush Polar wristwatch Boxer shorts