Dear friends,

Its all done. Last big run 87.6km was started as planned. I had problem in both legs (no excuse). Left has ankle problem and right still has itb problem. Started race slowly. The course was simply brutal, killer. It covered all kinds of torturous terrain and made sure that you are really a strong person physically, emotionally and mentally. Everyone’s expectations of race timing was changed b/c of course. I was expecting to finish in less than 20 hrs or atleast that was my goal but I finished in 5 minutes, jk. I started at 8am and ended next day 8:05am, brutal 24 hours of run/walk/jog on hilly, dry beds, canyons, sand and name it….

At CP5, (Check Point), I was totally down with my injuries and it was total dark. But still I decided to walk alone in the dark. It was a different experience. Except beautiful moon, I had no one to give me company. My head lamp and backpack lamp was on. From mile up and down , I could see one or two lamps flashing. Suddenly came across Korean team. One of the lady was injured and could not walk. Thank God that I could atleast walk.

End of CP5, I just entered and saw one friend was resting. So decided to go w him on next CP. He was also bored walking alone at night time. It was scary too. Could hear dogs barking all the time.

b/c of my injuries , Amjid and I started slowly. May be just 3km/hr. course was brutal. We thought last 2-3 CPs will take us by 11am or so till before cut off of 1p. but my luck was great and Lisa, a 24 years old girl from London came to my rescue. She cured my itb such a way that my whole pain went away and we 3 could start running at a pace of 6 km/hr.

at cp6, I was surprised to see Christian. He is a v good runner and could not believe that he was with me. My tent mates are all elite runners and not sure why they put me with them. Later came to know that Christian had thrown up and was resting for more than 5-6 hours b/c of loss of energy. But I am glad that he could make it.

My tent mates came in first 5 position. 1-jordan, 2-finland, 3-jordan, 4&5 from Denmark. Final tally will be known tomorrow.

I could not get blog for first 2 days due to bad weather. And Jose, unfortunately, I was getting in tents by 4p by that time, I could not do anything w my wet backpack and I had to sleep in wet backpack for 2 days. But hey, that made me more tougher for third day.

To All my families, friends,

I am so happy that I have your around in my life.  Without you, it was not possible for me to reach to finish line. Thank u so much to all of u.

Tomorrow, it’s a small walk to Petra (3km) but today, the race is done. Planning to drink camel milk. Ride camel. Evening is a medal ceremony and party. Sunday is a free day before flying back to DC by late night flight. Decided to see Aquaba city which is like Florida.

I still have couple of more blogs remaining. If I get a chance, I will write more.

Once again, thanks to each and everyone who was beside me. Your support really helped me get going.

Cheers

--atul

Day 4: stage 4 is done. 7 hrs and some 52 min. Less than 8 hours as expected. Had a lot of problem. Course was quiet moderate to difficult. At cp3 we had a 3.5 feet tunnel to pass thru. It was written as highway to hell. Many struggled hard. I just crawled like a baby w my backpack and had no problem crossing it w soft sand touching my feet and hands. Bad part, it smelled bad so I had to wash hands as soon as I came out.

Cp1 was just going down the hills with crazy rocks and sand. My leg muscles did not support good and I started feeling pain in it band. At cp3, I did some stretching wo and felt very good.

Between cp2 and 3 , Dr. Zeena was going in the support car and she gave me few advice before reaching final camp. Badly needed water and I got from her.

Cp4 was just walk and walk and walk on sandy and rocky surface.

Today, we came close to civilization and the fun of wadi rum is low now.

Tomorrow is a big one. 87.6km. looking at the rate, it may take me 24 hours to cross line and with good wishes from u all, I am sure, I will cross that. I will write the blog as soon as I can. Friday is a rest day.

Got to go and finish day and goto bed (sleeping bag) early to save lots of energy for tomorrow.

Hope, u all are fine.

Tejal and Mihika,

I am coming sooooooon. J

HI all,

Thanks for writing on my blog. We had terrible 3 days of which 2 days rain and tents dripping and making sleeping bags soaked. I slept 2 nights in half soaked bag.

Stage 3: is done. The course was total sandy. First 10km were difficult with getting down in canyon filled w rocks. Some 7 feet steep slope was waiting for us to test our bodies. Many people got stuck in 3 feet rocky area. They had to adjust their bags and then get down.

Next all 3 stages were moderate. Too much of walking. Hit final camp at around 3:50 or so.

Got 2 blisters. Now I feel I am elite runner.

Everyday, food stock is going down and it makes backpack lighter. Walking and running so much making muscles become stronger. Compared to yesterday I am in much better shape.

Tomorrow is 40 km before long march of 87km. did not sleep well for 3 night. Wish to sleep well tonight.

I did send blog yesterday,  short one saying thanks to everyone. Not sure if you all got it or not. Hope this goes thru. Please write so that I know someone is reading.

Tejal and Mihika and my wife, hope u are doing good. Enjoy the way u want before I come home. I will be eager to go to shamsherry.

Any one from friends want to make chicken tandoori or biryani for me ?

More tomorrow….

Day 0: we came to camp1. It started raining heavily. Just went to assigned tents. Night was too bad. Our tent had a lot of problems. My sleeping bag was soaked. Could not sleep well at all.

Stage 1: It was raining all the way to finish. Temperature was too cold. Reached camp1 after brutal 7 hrs and 15 min. everywhere sand and sand. Sucks..

Stage 2.: It was sunny but cold. The degree of difficulty was hard. I say it was too hard for most. Finished in7 hrs and some 35 min.

Its sunny outside hope its not going to rain tonight and I don’t need to sleep in wet sleeping bag.

Cyber tent was not set till now, so could not do anything.

Special thanks to Ali and Nicolas who kept my backpack wt under control. It helped me a lot.

These below lines for my beautiful girls….  I miss u darlings. And hey I missed ice massage from u girls.

Thanks to sushama for taking care of girls and self during blizzard condition at home. And thanks for all my friends who supported me.

I am dreaming chicken tandoori and biryani at the moment. Anyone ready to offer?

Bye for now. If cyber tent works then will write again tomorrow.

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