Subject: Marathon de Sables
Dear All
As some of you may know, on the 31 March this year, I am heading off to Morocco for 10 days to take part in the Marathon de Sables. You may have seen TV documentaries about this race which is known as the "Toughest Foot Race on Earth".
Around 1200 competitors from around the world will be taking part of which only around 5% are female. All competitors are of course certifiable!!!
I think you can all see where this email is going!!
Anyway, the race involves around 150miles (240km) of racing over 6 days (including a rest day). All competitors have to be self sufficient ie. carry all items required for the full 6 days on your back! All food, stove, fuel, sleeping bag, toiletries, clothing, loo paper etc! They only thing they supply is the sacking cover at night in case it rains!!! & 10 litres of water p/day given out at various check points. The water is for all drinking, cooking & washing.
Temperatures average 0 degrees at night & around 40 degrees during the day. A couple of years ago it reached 52 degrees. Should temps get over 50 degrees we are allowed to lots of IV fluids if required.
I entered this race 2 1/2 years ago & cannot believe that i leave in less than 3 months time. I am getting extremely nervous now although I have put in a lot of training. I have just started running with a weighted back pack to get used to that too & work out where all the hotspots on my back & shoulders will be.
Most people who fail to complete this race is because they either die (yes, die!!) or the sand destroys there feet & they cant walk! I hope I don't die, and I am having special parachute silk gaiters made to cover my shoes & lower legs. These are however by no means fail safe!!! For more info on this event just google Marathon de Sables. If you want a laugh, punch "MDS blisters" into You Tube!!! Ouch.
Anyway, I have funded the whole trip myself as I do not believe in charities paying for me to "enjoy" myself. However I am raising money for a charity called "Nowzad Dogs". If you would like to give a £1 or £2, please check out my just giving page. You will also be able to find out a little more about Nowzad on there.
Many thanks for reading this all the way to the bottom. I will send out a little story if I make it to the end of the race with some gruesome piccies.
Nicky
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