Camp tonight was a great surprise- we are staying in a small Uighur village. I am also lucky in that the leader of the race is in my tent and scored us the biggest room with all the pillows. Pure luxury. Though I can't say I am looking forward to our 2.45am wake up call tomorrow, in the attempt to avoid the brutality of this oven to come. Today, I was fortunate that I got into camp before the baking kicked in, but that isn't an option tomorrow. My lack of blog activity yesterday was a result of taking no advice from anyone and pushing it too hard. I am certainly dropping further back in the field, but as long as a make it to the end I will be a happy camper. I've been pretty good at keeping a smile on my face and staying positive, probably more positive than I ever am... I am beginning to question whether my concoction of drugs are the cause for this optimism?! As for my research for my MSc dissertation... definitely no happening! Far more exciting things to do like drain blisters, drink questionable recovery drinks and sleep! Hopefully something will stick and I'll remember all the intricate details I am meant to be noting. The 6 river crossings today did a number on my blisters, but at least now the Doc's expect me at the end of each day and I am more of an expert on blister care than I was before. Only 3 more days to go, hope and pray they hold up. Again, sorry for lack of anything interesting to say, but the brain doesn't function to well out here. Thanks again for the messages, they totally lifted my spirits coming into camp today! Hopefully will be back tomorrow!

Now the T minus 120 days countdown has begun it is time to face what lies ahead.... After volunteering on 4 previous RTP events (Atacama Crossing, 2004 and 2006; Gobi March 2007; Namibia 2009) I have run out of excuses of why I can't/ won't compete. However, the final straw leading me to register for this race is my MSc Dissertation- a study that concerns the emerging global ultra-running phenomenon. Even after volunteering on 4 events, watching both my mum and dad complete races and seeing and supporting many friends from the start to finish line, I still don't 'get' this ultra-running/ultra-marathon/ adventure race... maybe I will begin to 'get' it if I try to enter that world? Training- Day 1: This day seems to have been lived many times in the last few months. Since the beginning of January 2010, when this insane plan of mine surfaced, I seem to have been plagued by injury- mostly old injuries that don't seem too happy with being worked hard again. Though it is the shin splints which have taken me out of action (well, running action) for the last 8 weeks. Despite the physio's orders not to run, i've tried, and I shouldn't have - regressed another week or so. Hence, I've had many '1st Day Trainings' and I fear there will be more, unless I learn self-restraint soon. The extent of my training now involves walking (London's flat pavements is all the variety I can really get) and some other cross-training in the gym. Reality strikes: I always knew I would be at the back of the pack, bumping into the sweepers frequently. However, now I fear the sweepers may be the only people I see on the course!! Hopefully next week I will be given the go-ahead to start some more intensive training. Time is running out. In the mean time, if I can't train I might as well get ahead on the other side of this race for me - my MSc Dissertation research.