Why have I decided to enter the toughest footrace on earth in 2008?
Getting out of the comfort zone. Adventure and Charity!
About MeHi. My name is Jonathan and I am running in the Marathon Des Sables (MDS) 2008. I have been running seriously for five years and this will undoubtedly be my biggest challenge yet.Every race I have completed, I have always wondered: Could I have pushed myself further? Having completed a number of marathons, I wanted the ultimate physical challenge and this must be it. My training is going well and I will be competing in two ultra marathons prior to the MDS. I cannot wait to take part in this challenge and look forward to meeting my fellow competitors. I am also taking part in this event to raise money for the worthwhile Charity, detailed below.
Dedication
 I am dedicating my MDS 2008 to the memory of Andy Hapgood. Charity
I hope to raise alot of money for this charity. Jack is a young boy suffering from a rare cancer, Neuroblastoma, which, at preasent, is only treatable in the USA. Please visit the Jack Brown Appeal website for further and fuller details of this charity. I am in the process of setting up my Just Giving site to enable you to pledge online. Watch this space!
Sponsors
Rainbow International are proud to sponsor Jonathan in his valiant attempt to complete the MDS 2008. We will be providing him with all the equipment he needs to complete this challenge. Please take some time to visit our website to see the services we provide.
Would your company like to sponsor me?If 'YES' you can contact me via email at this address:
jonathanj4@aol.com
If you would like any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me through the email address above.
My Blog!
I will be posting my experiences here when I get the chance. Please check to see how things are progressing.
| DATE |
ENTRY |
30/3/2008
Day 1. |
They hit us with the dune stage right from the begining. 15k
of the second highest dunes in Africa!! But it was a wonderful experience a
truly magical place. The pain of the dunes paled with the views on offer. Then
10k of stony plateau in the heat of the midday desert sun. Finally 7k more of
smaller dunes.
Finished in about 6h 15m. Felt absolutely fine and huge bonus NO
BLISTERS!!!! I am in tent 85 with 7 other Brits, we are next door to an American
tent they must think they are next to the cast of The Young Ones crossed with
Bottom!! Anglo/American relations have dipped. Update tomorrow everything being
OK.
Best Regards/Love JJ. |
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31/3/2008
Day 2. |
38k today in 47° heat!! Very punishing on the feet and relentless
terrain. Salt plains, stony flats, a few dunes and a few climbs. Finished in
just over 8 hours and I am feeling very good. One or two very small blisters but
compared to some competitors nothing to complain of.
It is now a beautiful
evening and in camp surrounded by mountains. Great spirit among all the
competitors which I find very uplifting.
Well, off to cook dinner, starter
peperami, main freeze dried chilli, pud werthers original mmmmm. Speak soon,
regards and love JJ.
PS. Keep the messages coming. Very much appreciated. |
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1/4/2008
Day 3. |
It took just over 9 hours to complete todays stretch. It was exceptionally hot with temperatures between 45° and 50°c which made it very wearing and tiring. There were lots of dunes, sand and several climbs that felt like mountains, but they probably weren't. I am absolutely fine, it's going brilliantly, everyone is in good spirits and enjoying themselves. It is a great experience, with vast open spaces, magnificant views, in a beautiful country.
Tomorrow is the long stage, 75km approx. 50miles, so there will be no update, as I am not expecting to finish until 2-4am !
Thursday is a rest day so I will be in touch then.
Love to everyone. |
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3/4/2008
Day 4. |
The Long Stage!! (78k).
Where to begin. Fine up to Checkpoint(CP) 3
and doing a nice pace then bang! About 9 hours into the race (just about to get
dark) I started vomitting violently, this continued for about six hours by which
time I have never been in such a mental and physical low.
It was dark and my
mind started playing tricks, at one point I thought I was walking along a very
high ledge!! Got seen by doctors, treated with pills and rehydration sachets and
made to stop for 3 hours, so I got the sleeping bag out and had a kip!! Pace by
now very slow and I finished in 26 hrs.
I now feel fine and have a rest day
before the marathon stage tomorrow. Speak soon,
Love JJ. |
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4/4/2008
Day 5. |
Marathon day done, it was a slog but felt fine, temp up to 50°. Took 9 hrs.
Feet fine but b*****d bunion has reared its head but not a real problem. We are
being entertained by the French Philli Orch tonight. Then 17k tomorrow. Then
back to the hotel for a small sweet sherry (or maybe 6 cold ones).
I will never
eat porridge, Go bars, cashew nuts and energy drinks again in my life!!
All your
messages mean so much and I thank you all. Getting emotional so will bid you
goodbye. Will update by phone tomorrow.
Love to you all. JJ |
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5/4/2008
Day 6. |
I have finished! It was very hard going but a fantastic experience in an amazing country. Everyone in my tent completed the course although there were some close calls.
I am back at the hotel, having showered etc. with the medal in my pocket and going for a few cold beers ! I collect the tee-shirt tomorrow when I hand in the emergency flare.
Many thanks to everyone for all their support and e-mails, which were very much appreciated. Will be in touch on my return home.
Lots of love JJ. |
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