Marathon des Sables: The peaks and troughs
Posted Thursday, April 03, 2008, 2:17 PM by Lonely Planet
Lonely Planet author Brendan Sainsbury reports from the Sahara on his progress in the daunting Marathon des Sables, a 150 mile (240 km) ultra marathon.
"Day 4 is what the Marathon des Sables is all about, the 75km 'long' stage that crosses precipitous mountains, undulating sand dunes and dried-up lakes, and makes training for the French Foreign Legion look like a relaxing vacation.
I had no idea to prepare for such an undertaking so I just set off running, climbing, and sometimes staggering, while all the time refusing to either stop or look behind me. There were many peaks and troughs during this long dark day (and night) of the soul, but I rallied in the last 8km came in 72nd just as night was falling.
At the finish, I have never felt so exhausted and struggled to make it back to my tent laden down with my rucksack and mandatory 4 litres of water. Dinner was freeze dried chicken noodles made with cold water and my bed a thin, yet surprisingly comfortable, Moroccan carpet. By 9.30pm I had fallen into a deep slumber dreaming about cheeseburgers and trying to blot out the prospect of Friday's 42km marathon."
Labels: Africa, Marathon des Sables
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2 Comments:
Condratulations on the 71 st position. A 4:38 marathon at 46 degrees is totally inspiring!
Hope you are feeling well. The home stretch is ahead!
What a fabulous experience for you.
Gary & Jennifer
Sounds very hard.
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