Marathon Stage started with some concerns following my left foot blowing up after the 75.5km stage though started well with the Sahara shuffle called upon to get me through to the 1st checkpoint. Along the way I realised that perhaps my shoes may be a little tight after the feet expanding in the heat & made the best decision to take a rest & relace my shoes. Today was the first time I had chosen to listen to my ipod & this made a massive difference in tuning out the pain. I managed to push through to checkpoint 2 with a little shuffling & walking in 51 degree temps. I was particularly inspired today as it was the Marathon Mans very first marathon & in the Sahara! I made good time to checkpoint 3 in some pain & then decided to make a real big effort in the final stage home by running where possible. It was awesome feeling passing a number of people & sprinted it in to get home in 7hrs 30mins. Paris Opera is in town for the final night tonight before the final 17km in the morning Yippee!
The last week has been an incredible journey with the body, mind & spirit really pushed to extremes. There sure have been some of the best moments ever & at times some of the worst experiences. It has been incredible to see the response of such a large group to these conditions & I am extremely pleased to be in the group with very minor concerns such as blisters. The Marathon Des Sables 2008 will be one to treasure & remember for a lifetime. I can definately encourage anyone who would like to push themselves to the next level to take on this challenge as anything is truely possible if you believe in yourself ... I am so appreciative of all you incredible people who have sent through your messages of support to provide the inspiration required to take on the next day! Looking forward to updating you following race finish though may just need a little rest & good bath first.
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