Phone a Friend

As I began to digest more of the book, I started to realise how life would be easier if I could find someone to share the training and the race with. I phoned a friend of mine, leaving a message of intrigue for him and he eventually returned my call.

After a general explanation of the event, the training and the challenge (during all of which I was glad he didn't hang up), we decided to consider the prospect. For me I will make my decision on finishing the book. He might take a little more convincing though, but he thought he would at least share in the training.

Yippeee, now there's some bit of an incentive at least! If it doesn't work out, I suppose I could always buy a dog, like my old pal, The Littlest Hobo!

It will be at least 2013 before I could race, as it's booked up until then, but I will keep an eye on the website!

Marathon Des Sables - What am I thinking?

18th May 2010 - Marathon De Sables. Am I nuts? Why am I even considering this?

I have no idea why I want to do it. Sitting on my couch at home, it is easy to think I'll bite the bullet, sign up and complete an event with over 150 miles in the Sahara's sand, rocks and dunes.

I ran today - 5 miles in the drizzle on the GAA pitches in Glanmire, no pack on my back and no heat to deal with, all the time thinking about the MDS. Could I do it? What about my shin splints? What about the training? What about the organisation? How would I acclimatise? Madness.

I had a half day at work today, had a nice lunch in Wildways in Cork. Visited Waterstones, said to myself that if I found a book on the MDS, I would go for it.

I was horrified when I saw it, sitting there on the shelf - an account of the MDS.

"Right" I thought, "I'll buy it, read it and see if I can convince myself to do it". And we're off...