C'est Fini

It is about 8 hours after start of today's marathon stage (42k) and Em, Katie, Lynne and myself are in. After a horrible 90k stage (the race director is crazy) where I fell apart after the 3rd checkpoint with 50k to go, I had a great day today. I came in around 5 hours, followed by Katie, and soon after Lynne, then Emeka. I can't really describe how we all feel -- besides dehydrated -- it was HOT today. We are satisfied knowing that very few people would choose to do what we did to get to this indescribeable state. I want to thank some people without whom I could not have done this: Coaches Ross, Ramon, Scott, Earl, and George -- I heard you out there. Mike Conlon / Finish Line PT, Mark Thompson Accupuncture, Dr. Marc Bochner, the 73rd Street North Face store whose Flight Series gear was indispensible, and Dr. Martin. Thanks also to all of you that donated -- it kept me going. Most of all I want to thank my parents, whithout whom, I really could not have been here, and my bro Marc.

(Posted by Iwan)

I Came, I Saw, I Ran, I Finished!

What a week! This crazy desert run was supposed to be 6 stages over 7 days, but was changed a bit this year due to weather and course conditions. This year's race was modified to 4 stages over 5 days, and in that time I've run over 120 miles. Some may say that I didn't do the true Marathon des Sables, but I beg to differ. This has truly been a character building experience and a test of my drive and determination. I carried more than a piano here, and as sick as it is to say, I wanted to see how mentally tough I was and how I'd respond in some of the most difficult conditions. I got what I came for! I can't tell you how great everyone's e-mails and words of support have been. I had multiple flashes of all of those who are important to me and felt your presence and encouragement with me every step of the way. I hope that in the near future I'll be able to put a race report together to describe what this journey has been like, because no words could adequately express what my mind and body have through this week.

(Posted by Katie)

Stage 4: No Words...

I think it will take me some time to be able to truly describe what I went through yesterday and into the wee hours of the morning. We ran 56 miles yesterday and it was unlike anything I've ever experienced before. I questioned my motives and what brought me here but knew that I had no choice but to finish what I started. Stage 3 started just after 9am and I finished around 5am, finishing in just under 20 hours. I'm not sure how many women are in this race but at the present time I'm ranked 36!!!

At the beginning of the day I knew I was in for a long one and that running wasn't going to be much of an option due to the condition of my feet. We had head winds pretty much the whole day which didn't make the task of moving forward any easier. As the sun set I came into check point 4 (I think) and paired up with a guy from Philly (Sam) who was my buddie moving forward.

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement and support. I can't wait for evening emails tonight!

xo

Stage 3: 91K

91 kilometers = 56.5447785 miles

Stage 3 - April 1st -2nd. It's 5:40 pm right now in the desert and the longest journey yet for the racers. They have 2 days to finish the 50 miles, but they'd have to bivouac in the desert unsupported so were going to try to push through the night.

Katie, Iwan, Em, Lynne + Connie - keep up the awesome work! We're cheering for you!


(posted by Heather)

Stage 2: Random Thoughts from Katie

There is such a thing as too much togetherness!

Thank you, NYC friends & family for all the love, but I'm not feeling the love from my biological family - what the f!!?!?

I made it though Day 2. It was more difficult than Day 1 and tomorrow we have the 50 mile stage. My foot feels good but I have blisters on both my big toes in the same spot....very weird since I've never gotten blisters in this spot!!? My traps are sore from the pack, so tomorrow will be very interesting to see how the body responds to putting the stupid thing on.

The desert is truly amazing. Heaz and Keri, every time I run through the desert sage and smell its sweet smell I think of the two of you. Karen, Anne and Ann - I loved your little notes and can't wait to read my next little message from the girlies tomorrow.

After 2 days of running the 'Ironman Shuffle' has a totally new meaning. This may sound odd, but i really think MMM has had something to do with the rain and crazy desert weather. No more room to type...

Ciao for now.

xo

Stage 1: Dune Bound

7 hours after the start of the first stage and the sun is setting over the camel hair shaded dunes. All but Connie have arrived back to the bivouac and spirits are good.

WHAT A DAY!

We started at 10am into 10 miles of the steepest dunes in Morocco. The buzz of the chopper and the smell of desert sage filled the air above us and there was a long procession of runners as far as the eye could see. We weren't quite sure whether to curse or praise the beauty around us. The nearly unbroken azure sky stretched endlessly before us, but allowed the sun to beat relentlessly upon our white caps.

The first check point marked the end of the sandy section and then we entered a long flat plain of broken rock. We hop scotched each other before Emeka took off into the horizon. At mile 15 we ran through the ancient ruins of an old Berber fort. There were quite a few sections that resembled Lenape Lane! Finally, we climbed a series of dunes and at the top we could see the finish line waiting for us at the end of 21 miles.

Video Footage