Marathon des Sables: Like war without bullets
Posted Tuesday, April 01, 2008, 3:17 PM by Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet author Brendan Sainsbury is currently running the daunting Marathon des Sables, a 150 mile (240 km) ultra marathon across Morocco's Sahara Desert.
"Days 2 and 3 have been the equivalent of two back to back marathons in 45 degree heat. Running in these conditions is like war without the bullets, a daily battle against sand, heat, and your tortured inner psyche. But it's not all so unbearable. Extreme events like this can deliver some amazing epiphanies. There's the feisty night time camaraderie around our desert camp, the cheers reserved for the last competitor to cross the line, and the strength of the human spirit that emerges when you (and everyone else) are forced to draw on your last available drop of energy.
I haven't washed for five days now, but I am sleeping surprisingly well in a sleeping bag with just the stony desert for a bed. I'm still in about 85th position in the overall rankings but the desert has taken its toll on my back and feet.
Tomorrow's the ultimate test, a 75km double marathon that starts at 9am and will continue long into the night. Wish me luck."
Labels: Africa, Marathon des Sables
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5 Comments:
yo Brendan,
I imagine you are lacing up your runners for todays double marathon as I am typing this and heading to bed. Good luck mate, you are one crazy mother and we love you for it. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Cheers and love,
Brian in Bham
Hi Brendan,
Sounds like an amazing (and amazingly difficult) experience to me! Look forward to more stories! Good luck with the 75k!
Maureen
WOW! Way to go Brendan!
All of us here at Roche Blanche central are cheering wildly.
We are following your blog avidly.
Thanks for that extra effort at the end of a gruelling day.
Gary & Jennifer
Brendan,
The photos on the website have been incredible...I can almost feel the salt drying on my skin and the sand in my teeth!
FANTASTIC going in Stage 4! You will be rubbing shoulders with Mohamad Ahansal before you know it!
All the best, Gary & Jennifer
Brendan!
Yeah for you. You are a Marathon des Sables Champ.
You dared to dream big, I love it!!!
Lisa Smith-Batchen
wwww.lisasmithbatchen.com
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