Well its all over now for another 12 months. It was the first time I have followed the event because we had one of our members taking part of course. The party is still to come when Nicky gets back home.
Having read her sobering email after stage 4, the long trek of 82 km through the night, which was graphic in its account of her blister problem, she still manged to complete the next marathon stage and the final 18 km stage 6, all within the regulation time limits.
An amazing triumph of mind over matter.
When I have got over the weeks events we must look forward to Mel's attempt at her first marathon in London.
and Pete is training hard for his Forces March in May.
This Blog was started because Nicky was trying to raise money for a charity whilst having fun running across the Sahara desert. I'm now changing its aim to concentrate on our Junior club events Especially our fun run on Northstreet Moor
Monday, April 11, 2011
Saturday, April 9, 2011
Marathon de Sables. Latest news
This has been a sensational ,drama filled week for us supporters and web cam watchers as the 800 plus competitors have forced themselves over 5 stages of the 150 mile race in the desert.
Our local hero Nicky Chrascina has fround it very tough indeed and managed to continue despite serious blisters.
She is just 10 minutes away from starting the last stage of 18 km after walking and running since last Sunday for 61 hrs 19 minutes. She is currently placed 742 out of 811 still in the race. 38 have dropped out. Considering the demands of being self sufficient for the whole time and the difficult conditions, its remarkable that so many are still there. At least having eaten all their food by now their packs are much lighter so that will be a relief.
As usual you can get up to date info from the race web site:
http://www.darbaroud.com/uk/html/mds/26mds/roadbook/uk_26mds_roadbook_6.php
The leaders who are starting an hour after the slower competitors will be racing over this relatively short stage so should be on the web cam from about 10 am local time ( 11 am UK) perhaps earlier!
Here is a photo of Nicky finishing at the end of the 80 km stage (taken from the computer screen)
Our local hero Nicky Chrascina has fround it very tough indeed and managed to continue despite serious blisters.
She is just 10 minutes away from starting the last stage of 18 km after walking and running since last Sunday for 61 hrs 19 minutes. She is currently placed 742 out of 811 still in the race. 38 have dropped out. Considering the demands of being self sufficient for the whole time and the difficult conditions, its remarkable that so many are still there. At least having eaten all their food by now their packs are much lighter so that will be a relief.
As usual you can get up to date info from the race web site:
http://www.darbaroud.com/uk/html/mds/26mds/roadbook/uk_26mds_roadbook_6.php
The leaders who are starting an hour after the slower competitors will be racing over this relatively short stage so should be on the web cam from about 10 am local time ( 11 am UK) perhaps earlier!
Here is a photo of Nicky finishing at the end of the 80 km stage (taken from the computer screen)
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Marathon de Sables. Latest news
Stage 4 completed at 09.26.59. I was a long way out on my ET! It must have been tough.What happens next?
Marathon de Sables. Latest news
Stage 4.
Pushing on through the night Nicky reached CP 6 at 06.20 this morning. 10km to go to the end of this stage. How do the organisers cope with this situation . There are a large number of competitors even slower than Nicky and they are all committed to finish!
If you go to the race web site click here:
(http://www.darbaroud.com/webcam/26mds_webcam_index.php)
You can see the view out through the stage finishing arch looking back down the track. ETA for Nicky must be about 8 to 8.30am! That's 9 to 9. 30 UK time) The last part of the stage looks relatively level but how tired can you get but still push on?
There is another stage still to tackle!
Pushing on through the night Nicky reached CP 6 at 06.20 this morning. 10km to go to the end of this stage. How do the organisers cope with this situation . There are a large number of competitors even slower than Nicky and they are all committed to finish!
If you go to the race web site click here:
(http://www.darbaroud.com/webcam/26mds_webcam_index.php)
You can see the view out through the stage finishing arch looking back down the track. ETA for Nicky must be about 8 to 8.30am! That's 9 to 9. 30 UK time) The last part of the stage looks relatively level but how tired can you get but still push on?
There is another stage still to tackle!
Wednesday, April 6, 2011
26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES
From the officicial web site you can see some of the action from each stage in videos . The one shown here is from Stage 3, 38km. Nicky's time was 10 hrs 34 min. Nicky is now well into Stage 4 but going quite slow to start but there is 51 miles to cover. She went through check point one at about 12.17 local time.
They are shown under "Medias" in the top bar of the home page.
Click on this link.
26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
They are shown under "Medias" in the top bar of the home page.
Click on this link.
26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES: "- Sent using Google Toolbar"
Monday, April 4, 2011
Marathon de Sables.Stage Two. Latest news
Nicky has completed two stages and seems to be getting the hang of all that running on sand dunes etc. Here’s a note to help you get info on Nicky’s progress. Alf is putting notes on Nicky’s Facebook page as well.
(http://www.nowzad.com/2007/01/nowzad-dogs-video-slide-show/)
Click here (http://www.darbaroud.com/) to go to the official MDS web site.
At the top of the page is a union jack flag. Click on the flag to get English language on the page.
There are three boxes. “Write to a competitor.”, if you click here it will open an email box. You might need to scroll down to find the box.
Where it says “number” use the drop down sign at the right of the line and scroll down for number 702. You will find Nicky’s name click on the name and it will insert the name in the email box.
Write in your name and move down to add your email address.
Add a subject of your choice and just type in your message of highly motivational thoughts. I.e., enjoying your holiday on the beach!?
Check and click send.
You should get a message saying it’s on its way.
I guess Nicky should see it Tuesday evening if you send it early Tuesday.
Don’t expect a reply because there only 15 computer terminals and 844 competitors!
On the same web site page you will see "Posy". Click here and you will get a list of competitors and information about their progress. Start time, time at three check points and stage finish time. Try to get it in English. Remember Nicky's number is 702
You can search around for the web cam which only works each day when the first runner arrives at the finish. It should continue till all are in but tonight Monday it appeared to go faulty just as Nicky was due at the finish. You have to work out how long Nicky is going to take on a stage in order to be looking at the right time. Not easy.
There is a competitor tracking system which Alf has got working and I will be trying it Tuesday.
That’s a lot to take in but it should be worth trying it to see this amazing race happening day by day. There a\re great photos as well.
Sunday, April 3, 2011
Nicky's MDS - Day 1
Alf's report on facebook.
Click on the link to go to facebook
Nicky's MDS - Day 1
Click on the link to go to facebook
Nicky's MDS - Day 1
Nicky's MDS - Day 1
Posted by Alf.
Hi Facebook land,I now understand how James Cracknel’s other half feels. Nick’s always on my mind, from todays route map I can imagine her, crossing those dunes, enduring the heat, thirst, weight of the back pack & looking out for Check Points 1 & 2, then eventually Base Camp2 . Though I know she has put in all the miles, is mentally strong & determined, we are willing her on all the way.I hope she is looking after her feet, pacing herself well enough to take in the beauty of the desert & bring back lots of stunning images.Been watching Nick’s progress & webcam all day, got no work done, but it’s been worth it, unreal, so exciting. Saw Kerry & Jill having their photo taken on the finishing line & Nick 10 mins later (16.48.20) 7hrs 48mins, I’ve asked her to slow down at next finish line to ensure the webcam sees her number & give us all a big smile & a wave. They all looked really good at the end of stage 1, so proud of Nicky, bet she could murder a cold beer, well water will have to do for now, so I’ll have one for her instead.Till tomorrow, Alfie
Nicky Chrascina
Day 1 completed . Stage one 33km in 7 hrs 48 min. Time at race site is 17.49 an hour behind UK. A good start.
Nicky Chrascina
Nicky Chrascina
Friday, April 1, 2011
26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES
26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES
Here is some of the advanced information about the 2011 race. It sounds pretty daunting.
Click on the link above to see the Web site entry.
The weather seems to be wrming up a bit!
Here is some of the advanced information about the 2011 race. It sounds pretty daunting.
Click on the link above to see the Web site entry.
The weather seems to be wrming up a bit!
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