Donna, LOVE the blog so far - great work! (And thanks for the shout out...) We're looking forward to seeing you later in the year! Cheers, Alina

Sam; what a beautiful article by Clare. I did read it twice now and was v.inspired by Both the cause (raising money for drug and alcohol addiction treatment centers) and the transformation (from non-runner to ultramarathner). I've asked my sister a bajillion times to run the race however i get the feeling (in polite way) that she would rather eat her left shoe. I'm grateful for her support THO - she supports me in so many other ways.... that when (and if ) she did decided to enter it would REALLY be icing on the cake. so to speak! Her specialty is cooking, art, general sisterly love (&critisim) & laughter. :D We could consider...the theme this year be 'Love'. some of google sources suggest that 'Sahara' means moon & love: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_the_meaning_of_Sahara and how true that Love is bond so precious in humans....be it in a conversation with oneself or with children (...as Patty's personal story touches on... in recconciling the effects that addiction can cause for family) or the LOVE that unites sister, brother, lover, friend, fellow athlete, aunt, uncle, cousin, grandparent.....the list goes on and on. AND might i add, be the loved ones here on this earth or not! (i had a friend who raced the sahara and re-tells the story of the long stage of the race. He desribes the feeling a 'passed' relative being by his side when no one was there to be seen.... and it may have been delirum or it may have been exactly as he says it was) What a concept.... to cherish in the dramatic backdrop of the very fine sand sand sandy (as Patty describes it) Sahara desert. LOVE! Two linguistic examples: Arabic [أحبك إلى الأبد ] - I love you forever. French [Mon amour pour toi est si grand que le Monde] - My love for You is as grand as the world. here are some more love words in arabic & french at this link: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/82742-love-words-in-arabic/ in summary - my sister will likely not join the event. However i'll carry her love with me as a v.healthy fed competitor full of hugs, happiness & SMILES standing at the race start line with an abundance of energy. And if fate shines on the 'moon' and the 'love'... my habibi will join on the sun filled course as a volunteer. So three cheers and a big YAY FOR PATTY, SHARON, SAM & the SAHARA. YIPPPEEEE!

Donna, Yes, my sister will be with me. I am so excited! She (like me last year) has never done anything like this. I think you should persuade your sister to join you in Sahara (like Sam Suggested). Sahara 2011 could be the year of the "sisters"! You will have to tell me all about Gobi when we meet! That race is on my "to do'" list!

Donna. We are so glad to have Patty back and that she is bringing her sister this time. You can read about Patty and her sister in the latest feature on the website http://www.4deserts.com/sahararace/rtpsrtp.php?SID=3&SBID=FAR_264. could you persuade your sister to join you?

Patty Lady! I've read about your story. What an honor it will be to share the course with you & we'll be sure to give the race a run for its money second time around! I'm running as an individual...am I on track that your sister will join? I was so lucky to have my sister join in china although she did not race....she ran a kilometer or two unofficialy with me on the last day. it made my heart sing! Donna

Hi Donna, I think it is great that you are doing another race! I did Sahara 2010 & did not make it so i am going back to finish this time. Ihad to withdraw due to severe blisters and an infection in my toe. The sand is very fine there! Maybe we will both finish our 2nd attempt! Are you racing as a team this time or individual? Patty