The Marathon Des Sables
Steven Worrallo
Hello friends,
Yes, another day another challenge.
In 2006 a friend of mine successfully completed the Great North Run. On his return home he was obviously on a high and bored the pants off all of us for the next few days with what a great time he had had.
I am not too sure why, but his story had an effect on me which was just as dramatic. Running a marathon has never wet my appetitie and is still low on my list of things I want to do, but running several consecutive marathons in 120 degree heat with full provisions in your back pack for the week ahead - now that is exciting. Don't worry, the Doctor has certified me sane, although I could hear them chuckling when I left the surgery.
Before October 2006 I had enjoyed a variety of sports but not running - never saw the appeal for some reason. From a cold start in October I hit 30 miles per week immediately then 40 miles after seven weeks. At this point my body complained and said "hey big guy, what you doin to me?" My right leg stopped working and numerous physio and acupuncture sessions have opened my training door once again for the start of 2007. The acupuncture and physio will continue until Race day mid March 2007, but my training programme is once again on the up.
For any of you who think you may have seen me around town, I am now the skinny one, who looks knackered.
Look guys, this is costing me a fortune in time and real money so please support me. I have chosen Facing Africa as my charity,only because the Marathon Des Sables is created for this reason and some of the intro literature sent to me for enrollment is heart stopping.
Other more experienced runners think I am mad with my lack of time for preparation, but anybody who really knows me knows that I stand a great chance of completing the race, albeit in last place. My only goal is to complete the challenge, not win it.
So, please take part with me. I think the race is being fully televised on one of the satellite channels so you can join in the fun as well, if you feel like being bored that is.
Come on give me your cash
Steve Worrallo
How To Donate
You can donate in a number of ways, either by contacting me directly via email or visiting the facing africa website. Go to http://www.facingafrica.org and to the online donations, and enter my name under the sponsor section, also if you are a tax payer, please make sure you tick the gift aid part.
About the Marathon Des Sables
The Marathon des Sables (MdS) is a 6 day / 230km endurance
race across the Sahara Desert in Morocco, normally taking place at the end of
March / beginning of April.
During this time the competitors (myself included!) have to carry all food,
cooking equipment, survival equipment, etc over ground ranging from sand dunes
to uneven rocky ground in temperatures upto 120°F.
Links
