Dear All

Not got the energy to say much. Long March done and dusted, but at a cost. I really have nothing left in the gas tank. Easily the toughest Long Stage of any of the races I have done previously. A really tough day. Very happy to have completed the event. Tomorrow’s stage is ceremonial and not timed. We will be plodding along about 5km to finish in front of the Treasury.

Now looking forward to a shower, a bath and a cold coke. Might even treat myself to a cold beer or two.

Thank you all for your messages of support.

I will post more details on Facebook in a few days.

See you all soon

Thanks everyone for the messages of support, I really appreciate them. It’s great to receive so many messages from former racers – Gary, Stan, Sophie, Lucy and all. Thank you so much.

Yesterday was a really tough day at the office. We seemed to spend a great deal of time crossing really soft sand, and it was a real challenge. I got some pretty bad blisters on my left foot, and not wishing to gross everyone out, when i returned to camp and took my shoe off, my sock was blood red! On the positive side, the scenery is truly breathtaking. There are some amazing rock formations and vistas. The atmosphere around camp is positive and uplifting. Now that the rain has gone, everyone is smiling.

Today felt surprisingly good. I have found a way to shuffle along that seems to avoid pressure on the hotspots Very happy with the progress I made today.

We are now well over half way, and really just have the Long Day to go. The strategy for me is going to be very simple. Keep my head down and just watch the check points tick by.

Thanks again for all your support. I look forward to reporting my progress Friday afternoon.

Best wishes to you all

Dear ALL

Thank you so much for the messages of support. Please keep them coming its great to have something to read after a day running across the desert.

Stage #1 was a toughie! The weather was shocking! Cold and wet! Fortunately the going was good so I was able to keep the kilometres ticking over. It didn’t help that we all got soaked the night before so all our race kit was dripping. Night 2 was totally miserable, a real low point. The temperatures were frigid, the winds strong, and the rain constant. Our bedoin tents leaked like sieves so we all got soaked yet again. It was a real struggle to get ready in the morning. Kit wet and sand everywhere in the tent! On the positive side, I have some great tent mates and the banter is fantastic. Real boost for personal morale.

Today’s stage was just under 40 km. The sun came out and the rain clouds disappeared from view. The weather was bright and sunny – perfect! Morale throughout the camp site improved instantly. The going was tough at times today. Lots of soft sand which slows you down and tires out the legs. Happy to finish the stage in just over 5.5 hours, which was slightly slower that yesterday, but given the terrain, I am happy.

I am doing my best to keep everyone entertained and am carrying a pack of trivial pursuit questions!

So far no blisters! A few mild aches and pains but that’s not surprising after 80km.

Looking forward to by dehydrated spag boll!

No more rain is forecast, so although its going to be cold – everyone should be happy tonight!

Thanks to you all – the plod to petra continues!!!