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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 day with the South Africans. We seem to be falling into a solid routine. We hear race briefing, discuss hitting a 7 hr per 25 miles, and then decide the running sections from there. -My fluid plan is working- including evenings I would guess I am doing about 12 liters of fluids and a salt pill every 45mins. -Knees ok, ankle not bad (all things considered), heat oppressive but somehow it’s fun to lose your mind out there and get supper loopy. -toes better than most (drilled a hole in left big nail to drain it, two blisters, one will be rough tomorrow). -random abe muscle cramps from holding center pose with pack and hand cramps at night. -no chafing, huge!
Today’s course… -Started with some more brutal sand. -Took us on to the beach after check point 1, sand was firm so not bad, plan became run 2 mins walk 4. -Came out in these amazing canyons (think they are called tngsy, spelling?) and found ourselves flanked by these walls of blood red sand. Surreal. -Wound are way up a rough upgrade to crest the top and run the canyon wall. Run 2, walk 4. -Steve seems to naturally glide into position 1 and push us on (he also has the gps watch), I “street sweep” and mike and nick (our south African friends) chat it up in the middle. One topic of conversation today: how old school nasa dudes were studs but not over the top about it. -From canyon wall to river beds, through villages, the everywhere sky is ocean blue, look up, remember where I am, enjoy the breeze when it comes (may not return),head down, think about the next step, think about the next rep of 2 mins running, and nothing else. -we had a river crossing 2k from camp and took pack off to soak. Worms be dammed (steve will get us meds when home). -arrive at camp bit late but considering the climb and river joy we are pleased. -real race starts in two days with the 50.
Thorn: heat and lame sauce blisters (again I have it better than most) Rose: the moment in the middle of the day when I ran through the red red canyons and felt no pack, no bit of the previous stages, felt at home on the other side of the world.
All is well here. I am taking care of myself (feel better today than end of stage 1). My love to everyone dancing their own dance wherever that may be.
Malin Lager
Posted: 03-Sep-2014 03:16:32 PM
Half way done and no chaffing - keep up the good work! Glad you found a 'crew' to run with and that you are appreciating the amazing journey you are on... one week till you get to watch bachelor in paradise!
Natalie Schneider
Posted: 03-Sep-2014 12:38:17 PM
Wow! Stage 3 in the books and half way home! You and Steve are incredible! I can't believe I will be picking you all up from the airport a week from now! A little inspiration: I received a thank you note from a Mom who was able to send her child to camp because of the money you and Steve raised. Her note read: "Camp filled my child up with hope and joy! Thank you! Camper Mom, Sue." As you continue to drink up this spectacular adventure each day, know that you provided a spectacular adventure for a child of their own! You guys are simply amazing and missed! Big hug!
Robin Warnick
Posted: 03-Sep-2014 02:58:04 AM
Getting caught up on all of your entries! I've been thinking about you guys and sending energy your way:-). Absolutely love the Thorns/Roses! Leave it to you to always end on the positive too! Keep on trucking along, enjoying the moments you will never be able to re-create! Here is my favorite running words and it always reminds me of you, except you never take your running for granted:). Big hug! I run because I can. When I get tired, I remember those who can't run, What they would give to have this Simple gift I take for granted, And I run harder for them. I know they would do the same for me.
MATT LEWIS
RacingThePlanet: Madagascar 2014 competitor
Bio
Academia by way of nonprofit work by way of selling scripts and books in the entertainment industry.
Hometown
Santa Fe, NM
Profession
Obscure humanities PhD candidate
Why are you competing?
reminder that joy and fun are not always the same
thing. The former often requires everything you
have - pain, sweat, training, effort upon effort -
while the latter a tv-couch-evening-after-work.
Both have there place and time. Good to know
difference.
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