Its done. Game over. There was a lot of swearing. Unfortunately I couldn't hold on to that top 10. Day 5...
 
86km. I knew I had to take it easy to just finish so quite quickly, staying in front of the Italians and Norwegian (he's actually Danish) became unrealistic. I started off feeling ok but by CP3 (28km) I was finished. 160km in 4 days through the desert had wiped me. I was nauseas and already overwhelmed with emotion. Even scared of not finishing. I was broken.
 
The madness had only started. For the next 35km, we ran into a head wind of about 30km/hr. No matter which way we turned, it gusted head on. I cannot tell you how that breaks a mans spirit. Km after km for about 5 hrs. I started losing my mind, screaming, swearing at the elements. 
 
It took 7.5hrs to get to the 50km mark. I was wasted. Took a 1h15 break here, got a meal in, some fluids, had a lie down and waited for the heat to cool off. All that with sand continuously being blasted at you. I was in a dark place. 36km to go.
 
Left 50km only able to walk, the wind just too strong. The terrain too technical. Up and over hills. Traipsing soft sand. Got to checkpoint 6 (60km) ready to pass out, clearly low on sugar. Then an angel gave me a Coke. The med staff have them for emergencies. I wasn't going to say no as Coke mixed with water is my equivalent of rocket fuel. That coupled with a setting sun (getting cooler) meant I left CP6 feeling strong and headed into the night. What a difference. Ran most of the way to CP7 (68km). 2 stages left, but now pain was becoming an issue, feet, ITB and quads. My body had never been this far. 18km to go. I ran when my legs would move. It  took forever but eventually I could see camp and crossed in 15hrs. Overwhelmed with relief and emotion I started hyperventilating and couldn't hold back the tears. Taken to the med tent for observation and some jelly beans. It was done.
 
That last day was like running on a beach for 15hrs, in immense heat with a head on wind. Every third step would give way to soft sand. Some sort of torture. The concept of this race is crazy. Ridiculous.
 
Finished last night in twenty something and overall in 16th. Total running time 37h40.
 
People are still coming in, 26hrs and counting. For those already finished, we hang around camp doing nothing but trying to put up with ones own filth. Tomorrow, we drive back to Cairo for a ceremonial 2km run around the pyramids.
 
A massive thanks to everyone for all the messages. It really has made a difference, without sounding cheesy, to this journey.
 
Time to hang the shoes up. At least for a few weeks...

After a bad nights sleep thanks to a wind storm and part of our tent blowing down, I woke up feeling a little apprehensive about day 4. Fortunately, today was one of the easier ones with lots of runnable ground but it still took 5.5hrs to do 40km. I struggled a bit through stages 1 - 3, even with spectacular views, amazing mountain and rock formations and a canyon that we descended. Had a good rest at the last checkpoint which I think helped me storm through stage 4, managing to catch the Italian team and finish ahead of them in 11th place.
 
Overall tonight, I'm sitting 9th. Day 5 is 86km and you have two days to finish it in if necessary. After that we're only left with a 2km ceremonial run on Sat that finishes in front of the pyramids (and doesn't count towards your overall time). I was umming and ahhing about running non-competitively tomorrow, because it's going to be one hell-of-a day. Its 40% of the total race. But its a race in itself. And so much can happen. But sitting 9th has changed my mind. I'm going to go for a top 10 on the premise that finishing is more important than killing myself. The Italians are only a minute behind and a Norwegian (who finished ahead of me today) is a further minute behind. Its not going to be easy...
 
We've been staying in some pretty amazing locations that I keep forgetting to write about. Tonight we're staying in a UNESCO world heritage site called the Valley of the Whales. This area used to be a sea and there are still fossilized shells everywhere. Pretty cool. Apparently tomorrow we'll see fossilized whales!
 
Gav and Nadia - if you read this, please bring some cheeseburgers and a coke on Sat. Can't wait to see you guys. We'll prob be there from 10ish.

First of all, thanks all for the messages. Awesome stuff. Feeling super supported.
 
Day 3, 42km and so far the toughest. Stage 1 and 2, rolling dune after rolling dune. Spectacular but after 25 -30, less so. Even  starting at 7am, it doesnt take long to heat up. 30+ deg. by the time I got to CP2, only then to enter a valley with no wind and temepartures hitting 40. An incredible slog through the sand and intense heat. Its the first stage where I've finished my bottles. May also have had something to do with the  800m winding climb to CP3. A 10 minute stop to cool down before heading down the hill (ie they could;ve just had the CP at the bottom!!). I got to CP 3 in 9th but only cause I'd just passed an Italian team of 4. They didn't  hang around so I left CP 3 in 13th and remained there for the rest of the day. Stage 4 was a killer, 10km of more soft sand, no wind and a beating sun (now midday). Really frustrating running. Today hurt me and in an effort to reserve some energy, I walked the last 2-3km. In after 6h15. 1 proper blister, popped. Recovery has been slower tonight and I'm still hungry after my meal. Debating tucking into day 6's stash.
 
Tomorrow will be new terrirtory as I've never run more than 120km in 3-4 days.
 
Daily routine: up at 5 to pack, eat (porridge with sultanas/strawberries), race brief. Start running at 7. Finish between 12-1 then find some shade to ride out the rest of the days heat. Recovery drink straight away and the second half of my porridge. Feet up, refresh (wet wipes) and hydrate. Dinner at 5, whats in my pack, a choice of free-dried spag bol, fish and potatoes or s&s chicken. Keep hydrating, check emails and in bed by 7.
 
We're in the middle of nowhere so had quite a spectacular sunset. Good vibe in the camp. People still coming in after 12 hours. Madenss to think they spend the whole day out there. Drop out rate onn  the up. Camp fire, cybertent, med tent and a banging drum for whenever someone finishes.
 
Have surprised myself so far, I saw tonight I was 9th overall after day 2. Didnt come here to compete, but to finish. Although, and not forgetting we're only half way, I may try keep this up. But today was punishing so may try hold back tomorrrow, considering day 5 is 86km!

Pleased to wake up today feeling rested rather than fatigued. Recovery going good. Today, 42km (a marathon) and deeper into the desert. Stage 1- relatively easy, flat and mainly compact sand. Nice to ease back into it. But stage two was a different story. Running in a valley with no wind and lots of soft sand. About 830am, it must have been over 30 deg. already. Had me seriously concerned. Reduced to walking the flats and ups and running the downs. Got to checkpoint 2 feeling the on set of a blister so after some running repairs made off on stage 3. It was crazy to look out to see where the other runners had set off, heading in to the middle of nowhere. Vast nothingness. But seriously dramatic. Hard to explain the beauty in that.
 
Stage 3 started with a 2-3km gradual uphill of undulating dunes. Walked the whole thing. Eventually we reached a plataeu, the ground covered is small black rocks. I thought this is what it must be like on Mars. Got into checkpoint 3 in 21st place, looking only to get through the final stage in sort of survival mode. After a 5 min rest - enter the iPod. I left chekpoint 3 signing aloud and shouting at the wind which had made a return. A breeze makes SO much difference - even if it's head on.
 
Coming down from the plataeu  was definitly the highlight of a gruelling day. Prob a 150m drop in two parts,  bouncing in the sand all the way down. Finished strong gaining 8 places for a 13, in just over 6 hours. Was a bit concerned I'd pushed too hard, but the recovery has gone well and I'm peeing plenty - key to ensuring proper hydration. Temp broke 40 deg. today. Sometimes furnace like.
 
Thanks everyone for the blogposts and emails. Keep 'em coming!
Missing you too - you know who you are.
Roep - thanks for the rugby updates.

Arrived by bus Sat night at camp 1, beautiful setting, next to a lake, sun setting, temperatures cool. Difficult to imagine the hard slog awaiting. 

Up Sunday morning at 5am for a day 1  7am start. Still nice and cool but as soon as the sun breaks the horizon you start feeling the heat. 38km today. Exciting to finally start and the first stage was relatively easy going save for a couple of dunes. Stage two was a dream as most of it was on dirt track with a breeze. Stage 3 lost the breeze and introduced soft sand and uphill slog. The heat (38degs) was immense and reduced me to walking. Stage 4 was much the same but hotter. Finally camp 2 appeared  and all in all a good day. Kept properly hydrated, finished top 20 (about 4h45), no blisters, no cramp. The highest number of drop outs happen on day 1 – so mini battle won – but still a long way to go. Apparently today was one of the easier ones. 

Sharing a tent with 4 Americans, 1 Scot, 2 Japanese and a German. One of the Americans is a previous winner and came in tied first today – so interesting talking to him. Rene the German as I write has still not come in (10hrs) so concern is growing. 

Dad – happy birthday for Monday! Will be thinking of you.
Jill - ;-) hmggph

At last, the time has arrived. 2 days before the start, I'm am now starting to get goose bumps thinking about the upcoming challenge. But I'm chomping at the bit - I've been wanting to do this race for a long time so c'mon c'mon - lets go lets go!

For those who don't know, a brief summary;
- 250km running over 7 days (40km, 40km, 40km, 40km, 80km (2days), 10km)
- through the Sahara (Egypt)
- self supporting i.e. carrying all your own gear, everything except a tent and water 

It's been a long year of training and to get through it all without injury is half the battle one. An average of 80km a week Now it's time to see if it pays off.

Hoping for the wind at my back... 

Come oooooon!