This was a tough day for me. The sand dunes on day 1 had wiped out many runners and we
were informed at the start of many non starters. Day 1 had also taken its toll on me, the initial
excitement was gone but we were still here to enjoy the experience so crack on we must.
Day 2 was flatter and the pace was quicker, I was out of breath early on, we completed the 41km in around the same time as the 34km on the day before. Flatter doesn't mean easier, it does mean less excuses for walking breaks meaning that Tom and I pushed on and on. It was Tom's day today and I needed him to push me on which he did as my ipod was kaput and my back had rubbed sore. Only my buff squeezed at the base of my spine was making it bearable. Tom only left me half a mile from the finish when he still had juice in the tank. That spurt gave him a minute on me but he was there at the finish line. First blisters today, razor and iodine mmm. 113th overall after a 96th place finish today :-)
Day 3 (37.5)
This day held our first great mountain and my best day so far. A difficult climb but amazing views with the helicopter passing just overhead. Once scaled there was a great downhill path that allowed us to stretch our legs. We caught up with Marcus at the bottom who was having a nose bleed and he joined in with us. We ran some amazing and beautiful soft peaked rolling dunes, we even stopped for pictures and to play running down the steep stuff. Our first taste of salt flats was like running across a frying pan but we took it steady, listened to our bodies and thanked our heat chamber training for keeping us in the safe zone.
The Long Day (81.5k)
This was to be my longest run ever, previous max at 46 miles. I wasn't worried as Tom, Marcus and I decided to stick together and help each other through. The first stage was completely flat but through lots of camel grass. After CP1 we went vertical. Straight up a massive mountain and running was not an option. It was so steep that rope was provided at the top to prevent falls. The mountain was truly beautiful and just as brutal in contrast.
A very technical boulder jumping descent then the salt flats came. Mile after endless mile of emptiness in all directions, it was amazing. Eventually the mountain came but I ran out of water 5k from the next CP. A brutal 5k of sloping soft sand and unrunnable surfaces. The race leader who had started 2.5hrs after us came by at CP4 as did Danny Kendall (no relation) and we cheered them on. The miles drifted by and we were conscious that night was falling. Marcus and Tom faded so they broke out their music, mine wouldn't work but surprisingly as the sun set I felt good. We donned the head torches (mine was completely inadequate) and I was really grateful for their presence.
Following glow sticks we were guided home across more supersoft sand and in 9.5 hours we
were done. All home and happy we rested and waited for the others. Runners and walkers kept crossing the finish line until almost 5pm the day after! Those of us who were back rested the next day, hand washed our clothes and tried to stay out of the sun. We played 'secret allah' (think secret santa) giving non edible gifts of less than 25g :), the airfreshner and game were particularly welcomed.
The Marathon (42.2k)
Being in the top 200 meant a start 1.5hrs after everyone else. You'd think this would be good but
everyone shot off the line like it was the race of their life. Was I missing something? Had everyone been holding back all week? I pushed hard trying to stay with Tom and Marcus. We passed Alfie who had blown up and was giving walking a go, then we started to pass the back markers which was great as we shouted words of encouragement which was returned with gusto.
The second half of the race brought climbs and rolling roads and I came into my own. It was only
the wicked flat sand that took the feeling from me. This section was long but soon we were rewarded with dunes and a far off view of the FINISH line. Cresting the dunes we broke into song, 'Sweet Chariot' for some reason and sucked the last of our sweets. The lump in the throat was big and I fought back the tears as we crossed the finish. Friends cheered us in and there were sweaty embraces a plenty. After a long queue Patrick Beauer the race director handed out nedals and we were done. 101st and a big smile on my face.
That night following a small awards ceremony we were treated to a set fron the Paris Opera. Picture it ... starlit sky, friends and beautiful music. I'll never forget that scene :)
No comments:
Post a Comment