Just Getting Started

Receiving emergency IV after finishing Stage One of six. The just emptied red barf bucket waits for a refill.

Check in

Bag weighed in at 9.9 kilos approx 23 lbs which means there is 6:1 bag to weight ratio. To give an idea of how it compares to other runners, my mate Gab has a 10:1 ratio so in a self-supported race situation like this being bigger is better in a way.

The course looks to be extremely challenging. In addition to rocky undulating terrain and hot humid climate, we will have to contend with razorsharp spinoflex grass and potential snake, croc and spider hazards. Hmmm

We set off in half hour for the first campsite and start racing tomorrow.

4/20

Desert gear and sustenance minutes before heading to JFK. I think I have everything...

Spring

I spent the past weekend at my cousin Ulla’s country house in New Milford, CT.  Inspired by the spring vibes and the outdoors I attempted to resuscitate my atrophied muscles which have had little exercise since the foot injury.  While I didn’t actually run, I did coax my legs into lunges, knee ups and heel-to-butt kicks.  Today I am sore , but encouraged as my left foot feels no worse for the wear.

New Milford, CT. Photos by Zandy Mangold © 2010

Bad News Is Good News

I have never been so grateful for such bad news.  Yesterday’s MRI analysis showed that I have a neuroma (inflamed nerve) in-between two of my left toes as well as a partially torn fascia – but no stress fracture – thus the race will go on! After not running for a month and wearing nothing but running shoes, a la Jerry Seinfeld, the injuries have healed enough to give me hope that I can cover some ground in Australia.