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EVENT NAME LOCATION DATE Gobi March China 1 Jun 2014 RacingThePlanet: Madagascar Madagascar 31 Aug 2014 Atacama Crossing Chile 5 Oct 2014 The Last Desert Antarctica 1 Nov 2014 Sahara Race Jordan 8 Mar 2015 Gobi March China 31 May 2015 Atacama Crossing Chile 4 Oct 2015
RacingThePlanet: Madagascar 2014 Blogs
Another 46km down, 82km into the race or approx one third of the way through. The countryside of Madagascar is certainly beautiful and I am enjoying being entertained by the villagers as we twist through remote villages. There are plenty of zebu and wild dogs to dodge, although I was surprised to sight 3 snakes today, which made the long grass sections “interesting”. No one is praying to the blister gods, as unfortunately the blisters came thick and fast today. First it was 2nd toe on the left foot and then 4th toe on the right foot chimed in. Next thing my heels both joined the blister party, which naturally led to every other available toe deciding to get in on the action. I will need to watch them as they have appeared on all toes and both heels, so if another hard day tomorrow my feet could be destroyed. The course, today, was a combination of soft sand and many river crossings and sand/water/feet don’t quite mix. The culprit was wet socks, but because the crossings were spread out quite consistently during the day my socks didn’t dry. Am surprised how my physical resilience has been kicking back in – the legs definitely remember this desert stuff. I also coped fine with the 38C heat and oppressive, continual sun, and just put my head down and moved on. Have had my feet poked and prodded by the race doctor, this evening, and will be popping a few more painkillers tomorrow than today. Day 3 is another marathon, broken into four stages, with two rated as difficult – hmmm. If you haven’t supported The Tommy Lim Initiative, please do. 100 percent of donations go to the charity as all administrative running costs are being separately covered. You will actually be able to track the specific project that your funds are used for. Thanks for your support.
Valerie Hayden
Posted: 03-Sep-2014 03:51:32 AM
Keep those blisters as dry as you can to avoid infection! And make sure the doctor looks at them every day. Good to hear you are still in high spirits!
Helen Wheeler
Posted: 02-Sep-2014 11:46:10 PM
Nice job today Matty : Reading the other accounts it looks as if it was a real toughy. Glad to hear you've still got your 'muscle memory' from the other races... Shame the feet don't have blister - resister memory! Get them nicely taped up, pop the painkillers and good luck for tomorrow xxx
Helen Wheeler
Posted: 02-Sep-2014 11:46:05 PM
Nice job today Matty : Reading the other accounts it looks as if it was a real toughy. Glad to hear you've still got your 'muscle memory' from the other races... Shame the feet don't have blister - resister memory! Get them nicely taped up, pop the painkillers and good luck for tomorrow xxx
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MATT CHAPMAN
RacingThePlanet: Madagascar 2014 competitor
Bio
Entrepreneur with interests predominantly in the recruitment sector and secondary interests in farming and hospitality.
Hometown
Singapore
Profession
CEO
Why are you competing?
To re-sync my personal and work balance. Ironic
that it takes entering an ultra marathon to get
myself focused on this!
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