Updates from Garrett for Days 1 - 4

Day 1:

Its cruel that the first day of the race is also the hottest day so far this year in this part of the Sahara. Temp hit 41 celsius at 3.30pm. Just as I finished the 1st stage. Stage was 28km. St8forward until u factor in running up rocky ridges that go for on forever, lots of sand dunes and hot flat dried river beds that fool the runner into thinking everything is much closer than it actually is. Throw a raging sandstorm into the mix for the last 8km...it was quite brutal out there. Mixture of running and walking to get through it. Finished in 379 position out of 730 taking part. Tomorrow is 38km...I cant wait. Bye for now. Off to have a blister sliced off my foot!

 

Day 2:

Still alive. Prayers are working. Update from y`day. 12 dropped out. 20 on I/V drips. Hardest 1st day in history. Think they r trying to prove something about in being the toughest footrace in the world. Today was 35km. Just short of full marathon. It was BRUTAL out on the course. The hardest thing I've ever done. Temps soared over 47 degrees. Finished 235 out of 731 people on course. Quite proud. Started with steep climb and descent, followed by long run across to CP1. CP1 to CP2 was flat, awfully hot and v hard. People ran out of water b4 CP2. CP2 to CP3 was sand dunes and a force 4 or 5 sandstorm. People dropped like flies all over the course, including some very experienced runners. All down to the extreme temps. We get 4.5 ltrs in the evenings to go with the 1.5 ltrs at each CP enroute. I hope they ration more tonight. I have 3 more blisters to add to the 1 y'day. Off to get my feet looked at! Out comes the doctor's scalpel. full marathon tomorrow. Gonna take it v easy.

 

 
Day 3 & 4:

 DAY 3: 38km over bad terrain. Great start 2 the day. Difficult day with some horrible climbs over sand. Pushed very hard from start and got to CP2 (20km) in top 150. CP2 to CP3 was a disaster. Temp was 43C with 35% humidity,  ran out of water 5km b4 CP3. Dehydration almost put me out of the race. Dave who I did day 2 with arrived on route after 25mins & got me 2 CP3. Had 2 take 1 hr penalty 4 extra btl of water @ CP3. Pressed on from there, finished 340 position 4 day. This day was worst day in history of race. By end of day, 120 people were out of the race compared to 45 in total over 7 days last year. Reason was v technical course, high temps and humidity. Humidity is normally around 6% but it was over 30% all the time.

DAY 4, long day, 58km (cut from 78km due to conditions). 6 CPs on stage. Pushed v hard from CP2 to end to make up for y'day. Came in position 250 for day. Rest day today. Feet a mess. 2morrow is full marathon. Gonna push it hard once feet hold up. Last day then is 12km over 'biggest sand dunes in the area'!!!

DAY 6 & 7 UPDATES TO COME SOON!!!

The Marathon Des Sables is billed as the world's toughest footrace. Its run in the Sahara desert every year (April 2006) and covers approx 155 miles over 6 days.. In addition to that, competitors have to carry everything they will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on their backs in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc).

The 155 miles includes a full marathon on day 3, a double marathon on day 4 and another full marathon on day 5. Temperatures regularly hit 45 degrees celsius during the day.

As the official UK site for the Marathon des Sables (www.saharamarathon.co.uk) says in its introduction to the race:

"Welcome to the world of lunatics and masochists....."

I am running for Medecins Sans Frontieres UK (see their work on http://www.uk2.msf.org/aboutus/). Please dig deep and sponsor me online. Every penny collected for this worthwhile cause will be guaranteed with blood, sweat and tears.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure.

It is also the most efficient way to sponsor me: Médecins Sans Frontières UK will receive your money faster and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in tax will be added to your gift at no cost to you.

Please also consider sponsoring me per mile completed as an alternative. I fully intend to complete all 155 miles though!

Many thanks for your support.

Garrett