Ready ~ Get Set ~ and Go!

Meet My Tent Mates. Tent #71

Kira! George and Greg


Stephen the Rock Star! South Africa Rocks! Patrick

I would like to take a moment to introduce my tent mates. I feel very fortunate to have had such warm and friendly people to share a tent with. All though we may have been focused, tired or sick and in pain, we did share some fun times, stories and jokes and always encouraged each other.

Kira who was a returning alum from 2006. Greg, Kira’s boyfriend and Mr. NCSI. George, so many ultras under his belt that I think he has lost count. Christo and Martin, they came for South Africa but work in the Congo. They have been friends to one another for 14 years and very fun to have around (just a note, they are both straight. I don’t want to be responsible for any confusion). Stephen who I had been to two camps with, always smiling and never complains! And Patrick who I have heard been called Mr. Hardrock because of the number of times that he has competed in that race. Every one of them has helped me in some way to finish MDS and to make it memorable. I am really very grateful to those who I had the pleasure of sharing tent #71 with.

looking up from the ground of our tent

tent city

if you look behind me, that was our bathroom accommodations.
Be-a-u-ti-ful!
which was basically a whole in the ground with tarp walls.

shopping and the Berber children

As we readied our selves for the race, the day before was filled with waiting in lines. First we had the breakfast line and then some free time before our group had to check in, get our bib numbers and survival kits etc. During this free time I took a minute to shop for my kids. All I had to do is look as if I wanted to shop and Berber children would swarm me with their goods. I had a difficult time buying what I could and trying to get something from each child. George and “M” got a kick out of my dilemma. The Berber’s were not allowed into camp but they were all over along the perimeter. Where do they all come from??? One guy even had a full on store set up.

we have over 10 miles of THAT?

the day before. calm!

our group

My shopping expedition was completed and we lined up to get our packs checked, turn in our ECG’s and get our survival kits and bib numbers. Survival kit means FLARE and SALT TABLETS. In MDS lingo, packs are KITS and bib numbers are BREASTPLATES. Everything is done in kilometers which are KLICKS. We also received tags to be worn around our necks at all times. One was a water ration card and the other was for medical purposes.

After we passed inspection (with no penalties, YAY!) it was time for the lunch line. Later that afternoon was the race briefing and then the dinner line. One thing that I realized right away was that sleeping on the ground was hard!!! It was much more uncomfortable then I ever imagined. I loved my sleeping bag though and it worked great! As I drifted off to try and sleep, two things were on my mind. The first was that my stomach started to hurt. I made a mental note of what I had eaten that day and came up with either the carrot salad or the dried apricots that were ailing me. The second was the wind storm that I was having the pleasure of experiencing and this would not be the last either.

the cold morning of the start

By morning, I doubt if anyone had gotten much sleep. And to top the windy night off, it was dang cold!!! Everyone was bundled up the best we could. Our tents had been taken down by the Berber’s and we were left exposed to the elements and nervously awaiting our instructions to start the race. Every morning we were greeted by Eugenia who briefed us on the morning routine, what time the race would start and how long we had to travel and the time allowed. She did an awesome job!

morning has broken

The first stage was the longest and the most difficult in MDS history. For me, well I felt like I had the snot kicked out of me. Not only did I have to deal with the 10+ miles of sand dunes and the heat, I also had a raging stomach ache. This I did not expect. Many people ended up feeling sick for a day or two along the way, to get sick right off the bat was extremely discouraging for me and the whole first day I spent worrying if my body had put itself in some kind of calorie or electrolyte deficit. I was very worried about not being able to finish. Not to mention the fact that I did not get to ease into the swing of the race but rather had to be sick in front of fellow runners and friends… it was not a very good day to say the least.

following a blind runner

heading over there

But on the other hand, the dunes were so incredible! It was very tough going up and over endless sand hills that almost felt like I was trying to make it up the down escalator. At one point I was on all fours. One thing that I was so grateful for was what I was able to learn at the Dreamchaser camps and how I was able to apply what I had practiced out in Death Valley to what I was experiencing here in the Sahara. Stage one was 31.6 Kilometer, or Klicks. Just over 19 miles. My calculations are not accurate. The Dune day was done and finished. I had made it. I received the most precious email from my husband that night. He said “Partner, there are 35 people behind you. You are winning!” He had no idea what I had gone through and at that moment I appreciated his humor so much!

Karen, Andrea and George. a happy group!

a look ahead

a look behind

I was also grateful to Kira’s kind words and encouragement as I dragged my sorry self into the tent. Also I am most grateful to Laurie Andrews and her big hugs and for her and George assisting me in getting cleaned up and ready to call it a night. Day one was over and I was spent! TBC

I will be leaving tomorrow for Leona Divide (who ever had this idea was a sick individual… George? ) I’ll continue this next week. Have a great weekend!!! LC