RacingThePlanet: Madagascar 2014 Blogs

01-Sep-2014 01:36:12 AM [(GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi]

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.