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Well folks I did it, it wasn't fast and certainly not pretty but I managed to successfully complete the 24th Marathon de Sables.
The whole event was in danger of being cancelled due to floods (not what you expect in the Sahara!!), several local people were killed which put our frustration into perspective, it resulted in the first and last day being cancelled and the event being pushed into four days instead of six.
The first day was my 37th birthday and began with the largest sand dunes I've ever seen which zapped your strength and legs combined with getting used to carrying a two stone pack. My right knee was problematic almost straight away which eventually led to shin splints and a dodgy back.
Day two was a long hard slog across both more dunes and long open plains, we had slept on stony ground and had only carpet between our sleeping bags and the floor. The food was rehydrated with boiling water and left a lot to be desired in the taste department.
Day three was the day night stage which had been extended to a crazy 92 kms, after about 12 hours I was feeling pretty grim with dodgy guts and need the support of the medics to patch me and my guts up, having taken on some fluid I pushed on through the night to eventually make it to camp after nearly 28 hours on my feet.
The final day my knee and shin splints were really troubling me so I took a few painkillers and blasted my way through just over a marathon to complete the race. The knowledge that we have raised nearly £8000 for such a good cause kept me going throughout the race and I am truly humbled by the support I had both before during and after the event.
My initial plan to retire has been replaced by a urge to better this acheivement and am currently waiting for a op on my knee before committing to my next lunacy. Thanks again for your support,
Best wishes
Rob
