MARATHON DES SABLES 2006
(THE TOUGHEST FOOTRACE IN THE WORLD)

Many of you may only know me as an under-achieving, idle ,drunken slob but to celebrate my change of career and my 50th Birthday I have decided to change my life style and make a contribution to society.
In April I am competing in the 2006 Marathon Des Sables.
This is a 154 mile race, in southern Morocco, across the Sahara where you have to carry all your own equipment, food, cooking and survival gear. It takes place over 7 days and is the equivalent to 6 marathons with a single 50 mile overnight stage. It crosses rocky terrain and some of the highest sand dunes in the world. Tempatures can reach 50 C during the day and are close to freezing at night. Sandstorms, sunstroke, serious blisters, dehydration, navigation, madness and snakebites are all hazards. (What's even worse I will miss out on my rugby trip to Dublin for the first time in 22 years)

I am already training hard by competing in back to back marathons, a coast to coast Scottish biathlon, along with 34 and 50 mile ultra marathons. I am not pestering any of you by seeking sponsorship for these events.
Instead, and to make this whole stupid idea worthwhile, I wish to do something useful for once and I am asking everyone I know to dig deeply and be as generous as they can for a hugely important charity. Sadly almost everyone has had a friend, colleague or relative who has had to use the Marie Curie but they all praise the magnificent work done there. To know I am raising a decent amount will maybe keep me sane.
Q. What's in it for you?
A. 1). The comfort of knowing you have helped such an important cause as the Edinburgh Marie Curie and the assurance that once you have donated I shall never pester any of you again for money by doing such a stupid thing.
2). The satisfaction of knowing that I will be suffering guaranteed pain and immense discomfort over Easter.

 Thank you for visiting my fundraising page. You can either hand me a donation when you next see me, post it to me at 48 Pentland View, Edinburgh EH10 6PS or donate on line. Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. Marie Curie Cancer Care will receive your money faster. What ever way you donate, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax can be added to your gift at no cost to you. Remember, this isn't a 2 hour sponsored walk round the park!       So please...... sponsor me now!
For more information on the Marathon Des Sables check out the links on my web page http://donaldsandeman.saharamarathon.co.uk Many thanks for your support. Donald Sandeman

NB   February Update:  Training is going very well but I do have a few minor injuries following my 54 mile Thames Meander Ultra Marathon.  I am now taking daily saunas in an attempt to acclimatise myself to the heat.  Special thanks to Edinburgh Leisure, Anatom Sales (Smartwool socks) and Footworks running shop for their assistance and for everyone who has already sponsored me.

Sadly and significantly this month I have learned that my mother is suffering from terminal cancer and will be using the Marie Curie facilities.  This has ofcourse added even more purpose to my fundraising.
Thanks again
Donald

LATEST UPDATE: 20/4/06
I'VE DONE IT!!!!.
The race was the hardest ever with horrendously hot and windy conditions. There were 146 retirements in first four stages compared with less than 20 last year. 3 very serious cases,one of whom had to be ventilated and flown to France.   I lost all the skin from my feet after the 3rd stage and could only hobble the rest of the route finishing very near the back of the survivors.  My mum was told that I had finished on the Saturday and she celebrated with a sip of champagne before slipping away later that night.  Sadly I didn't get a chance to see her to celebrate.  It was by far the hardest thing I have ever done and will never do anything like it again.   I will compile a full diary this week and can email it to anyone who wishes.   I have extended my closing date so if you have not donated there is still time. Marie Curie have proved to me that they provide a truly fantastic service
Thanks to everyone
Donald

May Update.  Full diary and some photos on my blog http://sanddemon.blogspot.com/

With regards to my coments about never doing anything like it again, I am considering doing one of  two similar (but  I doubt if as hard races).  One is across the Gobi Desert and the other is crossing Chile via the Atacama desert.  The feet are obviously getting better.
Thanks again to all that have made donations