Just found Kobus on YouTube - gritting his teeth and plodding on determinedly through the sand. He looks dangerously close to a camel, hope he's not trailed too far behind... If the last pair of camels sweep you up, you're taking too long and your race is over.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q34b_onAzSw
Results not in yet... well, only for the first 660 and he's not in that group, so we know his time is more than 7 hours. Day 2's race was 35km in a loop, returning to the same start point and thereby not having to move the tents. Good aerial view of the starting point and the camp: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Jp96xQwEWM
Conditions at 8.45am start: 15.8 degrees and 38% humidity
Conditions at 12.15pm : 24 degrees and 18% humidity
6 retirements at 12.15pm
First place: Aziz El Akad (No 3-Morocco) : 2h 41m 17s
Main features of the race today: cold and wind. Wednesday is set for the massive double-length race. The race book with maps hasn't been issued - the organisers are having to change the route according to weather forecasts, as the original route went through several wadis (dry river beds) which have turned into potentially dangerous quicksands, following the storms at the weekend.
Tuesday 31 March 2009
Stage 1 completed!
Excellent news at last - he's completed the first day's 33km in Morocco's highest dunes, Erg Chebbi/Erg Znaïgui. Starting around 10:00am, he finished approx 19:40, which would be 50 minutes after sunset. 812 competitors set out and 805 crossed the finish line.
1st place: 2h 34m 05s (12.85km/h) Mohamad Ahansal
805th : 9h 39m 44s (3.42 km/h) Kobus Cilliers
Conditions at 10am start: 20°C and 36% humidity
Conditions at 1.30pm : 29°C and 24% humidity
I don't know anything else, I've not heard from Kobus at all since 10 minutes before the start, and all of this information is from http://www.darbaroud.com/. But it's fantastic to find out that he's completed day one - Well done Kobus!
Tomorrow's weather is likely to be 4°C higher than Monday's, and there's a good chance of rain again on Thursday.
1st place: 2h 34m 05s (12.85km/h) Mohamad Ahansal
805th : 9h 39m 44s (3.42 km/h) Kobus Cilliers
Conditions at 10am start: 20°C and 36% humidity
Conditions at 1.30pm : 29°C and 24% humidity
I don't know anything else, I've not heard from Kobus at all since 10 minutes before the start, and all of this information is from http://www.darbaroud.com/. But it's fantastic to find out that he's completed day one - Well done Kobus!
Tomorrow's weather is likely to be 4°C higher than Monday's, and there's a good chance of rain again on Thursday.
Monday 30 March 2009
ça y est mon kiki
http://www.darbaroud.com/fr/html/mds/24mds/portraits/24mds_portraits_014_CILLIERS.php
Thank you Amanda for your superb translation from French of Kobus's interview.
Regarding "ça y est mon kiki", Amanda says: The kiki bit is rather difficult to translate as it means more than it translates to in a word - it really does convey in french the once in a lifetime challenge yourself to the limit essence of the mds.
29/03/2009 - Jacobus Cilliers (Competitor Number 14)
Here is one that immediately comments on the marathon: more atypical, it's hard to find! And if you take 10 minutes to talk with him, you discover someone who is passionate, animated equally by a sense of humour and strength of will …
To begin with some info: his first name is Jacobus, measuring 1.83 m. and weighs 137 kg.
And he signed up voluntarily for the marathon known as the most exhausting, the hardest of its kind!
He tells his story with that typical British eccentricity (sic) that conceals great modesty.
"I like extreme sports, for my 40th birthday, I was looking for a big impact, knowing that whatever I do, it would go down as ‘ a mid-life crisis’, but then after it whatever I do, even something really crazy, everything else seems bland ... Two days after this decision, I see on TV, a report on the MDS: I said to myself, that’s my challenge (French: kiki), you’ve found it, that's it! The English team is full up, so I am in the Korean team.
- How many are you?
- - There’s just me, I'm the only one... "
-
- That was nine months ago.
Here begins the training of someone who even calls himself a “couch potato" who does nothing, no physical activity...
At weekends, he trains to stay on his feet and to move, walking 6 to 8 hours per day, and not on an asphalt road to accustom himself to these new efforts. He walks 16 - 20 km, "to set off" on this new adventure.
He wants to mention "Likey", fan and experienced expert of extreme marathons, who opened a shop and offered this advice:
"To succeed,
15% depends on your fitness
30% of the system and the strategy of life that you put in place during the marathon
The rest is in the head".
He looks at me, smiles and says, I am counting on the 15% of my physical form!
In life, Jacobus is an inventor ... This is not made up!
In Birmingham, where he lives, he decided to raise £10,000 pounds for the children of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Jacobus is a native of South Africa, he knows the conditions there, and he wants to fight for those "who have nothing".
Around him, many people support this.
Today, the eve of departure, Jacobus is determined to not think about anything and live only in the present moment, "there, I cross the dunes, that's all”, otherwise it is too much for him.
He still carries his cigarettes in his bag, he smokes 40 a day.
When we are about to finish, he turns to me and says: "In general, those who are large see themselves as being worthless and of no ability. If me, I succeed in completing this marathon, they will know that it is possible that they too are capable (of it).
Thank you Amanda for your superb translation from French of Kobus's interview.
Regarding "ça y est mon kiki", Amanda says: The kiki bit is rather difficult to translate as it means more than it translates to in a word - it really does convey in french the once in a lifetime challenge yourself to the limit essence of the mds.
29/03/2009 - Jacobus Cilliers (Competitor Number 14)
Here is one that immediately comments on the marathon: more atypical, it's hard to find! And if you take 10 minutes to talk with him, you discover someone who is passionate, animated equally by a sense of humour and strength of will …
To begin with some info: his first name is Jacobus, measuring 1.83 m. and weighs 137 kg.
And he signed up voluntarily for the marathon known as the most exhausting, the hardest of its kind!
He tells his story with that typical British eccentricity (sic) that conceals great modesty.
"I like extreme sports, for my 40th birthday, I was looking for a big impact, knowing that whatever I do, it would go down as ‘ a mid-life crisis’, but then after it whatever I do, even something really crazy, everything else seems bland ... Two days after this decision, I see on TV, a report on the MDS: I said to myself, that’s my challenge (French: kiki), you’ve found it, that's it! The English team is full up, so I am in the Korean team.
- How many are you?
- - There’s just me, I'm the only one... "
-
- That was nine months ago.
Here begins the training of someone who even calls himself a “couch potato" who does nothing, no physical activity...
At weekends, he trains to stay on his feet and to move, walking 6 to 8 hours per day, and not on an asphalt road to accustom himself to these new efforts. He walks 16 - 20 km, "to set off" on this new adventure.
He wants to mention "Likey", fan and experienced expert of extreme marathons, who opened a shop and offered this advice:
"To succeed,
15% depends on your fitness
30% of the system and the strategy of life that you put in place during the marathon
The rest is in the head".
He looks at me, smiles and says, I am counting on the 15% of my physical form!
In life, Jacobus is an inventor ... This is not made up!
In Birmingham, where he lives, he decided to raise £10,000 pounds for the children of Mozambique and Zimbabwe. Jacobus is a native of South Africa, he knows the conditions there, and he wants to fight for those "who have nothing".
Around him, many people support this.
Today, the eve of departure, Jacobus is determined to not think about anything and live only in the present moment, "there, I cross the dunes, that's all”, otherwise it is too much for him.
He still carries his cigarettes in his bag, he smokes 40 a day.
When we are about to finish, he turns to me and says: "In general, those who are large see themselves as being worthless and of no ability. If me, I succeed in completing this marathon, they will know that it is possible that they too are capable (of it).
Sunday 29 March 2009
All set and ready to go...
From texts from Kobus today:
"The new first stage is going to be really tough it has 16km of sand dunes it start with 12 and end with 4. Don't know what is in between or total length. They expect many drop outs. Keep you posted."
Kobus says the sand dunes are massive - each one equivalent to climbing over the Malverns, and for 16km as the crow flies.
"Just passed the medical. Had to beg and talk them to death but did it. I am now officially in."
The doc finally gave in, but not content with that, Kobus got him to sponsor him 100 Euros if he completes the course without having to be put on a drip.
"Also had 3 interviews with the press and a photoshoot. Now if I don't make it I will be the biggest big mouth twat in Morocco"
Other news: Kobus has tested his Full English Breakfast today and says it is the best ever. True to form, he's still doing his preparation and training as for Master Chef, not the MdS! All the checks and medicals have now been carried out and the first stage starts after an early breakfast tomorrow.
"The new first stage is going to be really tough it has 16km of sand dunes it start with 12 and end with 4. Don't know what is in between or total length. They expect many drop outs. Keep you posted."
Kobus says the sand dunes are massive - each one equivalent to climbing over the Malverns, and for 16km as the crow flies.
"Just passed the medical. Had to beg and talk them to death but did it. I am now officially in."
The doc finally gave in, but not content with that, Kobus got him to sponsor him 100 Euros if he completes the course without having to be put on a drip.
"Also had 3 interviews with the press and a photoshoot. Now if I don't make it I will be the biggest big mouth twat in Morocco"
Other news: Kobus has tested his Full English Breakfast today and says it is the best ever. True to form, he's still doing his preparation and training as for Master Chef, not the MdS! All the checks and medicals have now been carried out and the first stage starts after an early breakfast tomorrow.
Weather forecast
One thunderstorm again today but rain eased off. Forecast is dry for next few days but drizzle again towards end of week. Despite the "mild" description, Kobus says it is already very hot and he's bought an umbrella to tie to his rucksack - for the sun, not the rain this time though.
Due to the unpredicatable weather conditions, the route for the week hasn't been fixed but they have been promised it will be the toughest MdS to date. The organisers are concerned about the high humidity - apparently this is the main reason for people dropping out in the past - and they are issuing extra salt tablets and extra water.
Monday 30/03/2009: Hi: 13° Lo: 3° There is a 0% chance of precipitation. Partly cloudy. Mild, Windy. Temperature of 13°C. Winds NNW 33km. Humidity will be 47%.
Tuesday: Hi: 14° Lo: 4° Winds NNW 23km.
Wednesday: Hi: 17° Lo: 3° Winds NNE 20km.
Thursday: Hi: 18° Lo: 3° Winds NNE 24km.
Friday: Hi: 17° Lo: 4° Drizzle. There is a 10% chance of precipitation. Winds N 25km. Humidity will be 50%.
Saturday: Hi: 17° Lo: 4° Drizzle. There is a 20% chance of precipitation. Cloudy. Mild, Windy. Winds N 38km. Humidity will be 57%.
Due to the unpredicatable weather conditions, the route for the week hasn't been fixed but they have been promised it will be the toughest MdS to date. The organisers are concerned about the high humidity - apparently this is the main reason for people dropping out in the past - and they are issuing extra salt tablets and extra water.
Monday 30/03/2009: Hi: 13° Lo: 3° There is a 0% chance of precipitation. Partly cloudy. Mild, Windy. Temperature of 13°C. Winds NNW 33km. Humidity will be 47%.
Tuesday: Hi: 14° Lo: 4° Winds NNW 23km.
Wednesday: Hi: 17° Lo: 3° Winds NNE 20km.
Thursday: Hi: 18° Lo: 3° Winds NNE 24km.
Friday: Hi: 17° Lo: 4° Drizzle. There is a 10% chance of precipitation. Winds N 25km. Humidity will be 50%.
Saturday: Hi: 17° Lo: 4° Drizzle. There is a 20% chance of precipitation. Cloudy. Mild, Windy. Winds N 38km. Humidity will be 57%.
Saturday 28 March 2009
Wellsh weather in Errachidia
We are staying in a lovely Hotel in Erfoud in the Errachidia province with temperatures around 20 degrees C and are fed the best french food we can dream off. All in good spirit and starting to accept our fate. The french organisation has been nothing but brilliant. Say what you want about the Frogs, they have just gone up a few notches in my estimation. Thanks Zoe for putting the photo on the blog. I was there when the helicopter took it. At that stage we were still in the tents. Later the water raised so high the Moroccan Army evacuated us in troop carriers. Overnight the water raised and the whole camp including the admin bit (not shown in the photo) were under water and some tents has washed away. The first stage 30km start at the camp and goes through a couple of (dry) river beds.
The new arrangements are...
The first stage on Sunday is cancelled.
Today was supposed to be the admin and registration day at camp.this has now changed. We will go to another hotel where the French stay and do the admin there. This involve checking our kit, medical checks and handing in all our luggage that we do not carry during the race.
After the admin day we return to the hotel in our racing kit for the night.
Early Monday morning trucks will pick us up and drop us off at the new start point. We don't know yet where it is.
Originally we were all disappointed because no one want to return home saying they have done half a race. Everyone here want to be tested to their full potential. However this soon passes as we realised that the organisers were greatly concerned about our welfare because of the expected high humidity. They expect this to be the hardest race yet despite been 30km shorter. It transpired that in 2006 they had their biggest drop out rate because of humidity. Apparently no one is prepared for that environment and competitors overheat and suffer far more foot injuries. Hydration is also more difficult and the organisers is unsure how much more water we need. Bear in mind more water need to be carried and due to the remoteness of some routes they can not change the frequency of watering points which is up to 20km apart in some stages. In 2006 many were hospitalised and one Englishman had to be induced into a coma and flown to Europe for treatment.
It may be an unexpected adventure and although we enjoy it and are making the most of it, it is not why we are here and we are on pins and needles for the race to start. General attitude about the organisers concern over the safety and conditions....Bring it on, that is why we are here.
The new arrangements are...
The first stage on Sunday is cancelled.
Today was supposed to be the admin and registration day at camp.this has now changed. We will go to another hotel where the French stay and do the admin there. This involve checking our kit, medical checks and handing in all our luggage that we do not carry during the race.
After the admin day we return to the hotel in our racing kit for the night.
Early Monday morning trucks will pick us up and drop us off at the new start point. We don't know yet where it is.
Originally we were all disappointed because no one want to return home saying they have done half a race. Everyone here want to be tested to their full potential. However this soon passes as we realised that the organisers were greatly concerned about our welfare because of the expected high humidity. They expect this to be the hardest race yet despite been 30km shorter. It transpired that in 2006 they had their biggest drop out rate because of humidity. Apparently no one is prepared for that environment and competitors overheat and suffer far more foot injuries. Hydration is also more difficult and the organisers is unsure how much more water we need. Bear in mind more water need to be carried and due to the remoteness of some routes they can not change the frequency of watering points which is up to 20km apart in some stages. In 2006 many were hospitalised and one Englishman had to be induced into a coma and flown to Europe for treatment.
It may be an unexpected adventure and although we enjoy it and are making the most of it, it is not why we are here and we are on pins and needles for the race to start. General attitude about the organisers concern over the safety and conditions....Bring it on, that is why we are here.
Pissing down
(text from Kobus)
Pissing down.
Aparently the camp has washed away
stage one cancelled
they are planning at moment.
Everyone in good spirit but very dissipointed
Pissing down.
Aparently the camp has washed away
stage one cancelled
they are planning at moment.
Everyone in good spirit but very dissipointed
It's raining in the desert
Kobus phoned me (Zoe) on Friday lunchtime - it's pouring down with rain and the sky is black, black, black as far as they can see. They're on their way to the first bivouac camp. No-one can believe it - it's never happened before in 24 years of the MdS. I checked the weather on the internet: yes, it's true, there's a massive band of rain sweeping across the north west corner of the Sahara as we speak, predicted to be heavy rain on Friday and Saturday, light rain on Sunday and Monday, and sunny all the way again from Tuesday! I sent the news to Kobus. All I could hear was manic shocked laughter in the background as he relayed the message.
Later on Friday evening Kobus phoned with the news of the day's events. The French group had gone direct from the airport to the desert (about 6 hours' drive) but couldn't get through due to the rain and had to turn back. When Kobus's group arrived later there were rivers running through the tents. They dug trenches around the tents and tried to waterproof them as much as possible, but were then evacuated to the staff tents. However these were in an even worse state than the ones they had just been working on.
With 800 competitors and the same again in support crew, this was an emergency situation and the Moroccan Army was brought in to the rescue as it was expected that the whole camp would be washed out. The Army shipped the whole lot of them out to the nearest town... Kobus said the organisation of everything was immaculate - by 8pm they were, all 1600 of them, booked in to hotels with bed and food arranged. Wow!
They're expecting they will have to do all the pre-marathon administration (checking documents, medicals, kit etc) in the separate hotels.
All in good spirit, and "excited" at the anticipation of the first stage, where the route takes them through a couple of "dry" river beds... They don't have adequate weather protection for rain, nor the right shoes. However, Kobus was very impressed that all his clothing has stayed bone dry, as it was packed in plastic bags to keep the sand out!
In the meantime I've checked the weather forecast again and the rainstorm seems to be passing quicker than expected:
Weather for Morocco
Current:15°C; Mostly Cloudy; Wind: W at 12 mph; Humidity: 77%
Sat 18°C 7°C Sunny with showers
Sun 15°C 3°C Sunny with showers
Mon 16°C 4°C Sunny
Tue 20°C 4°C Sunny
Later on Friday evening Kobus phoned with the news of the day's events. The French group had gone direct from the airport to the desert (about 6 hours' drive) but couldn't get through due to the rain and had to turn back. When Kobus's group arrived later there were rivers running through the tents. They dug trenches around the tents and tried to waterproof them as much as possible, but were then evacuated to the staff tents. However these were in an even worse state than the ones they had just been working on.
With 800 competitors and the same again in support crew, this was an emergency situation and the Moroccan Army was brought in to the rescue as it was expected that the whole camp would be washed out. The Army shipped the whole lot of them out to the nearest town... Kobus said the organisation of everything was immaculate - by 8pm they were, all 1600 of them, booked in to hotels with bed and food arranged. Wow!
They're expecting they will have to do all the pre-marathon administration (checking documents, medicals, kit etc) in the separate hotels.
All in good spirit, and "excited" at the anticipation of the first stage, where the route takes them through a couple of "dry" river beds... They don't have adequate weather protection for rain, nor the right shoes. However, Kobus was very impressed that all his clothing has stayed bone dry, as it was packed in plastic bags to keep the sand out!
In the meantime I've checked the weather forecast again and the rainstorm seems to be passing quicker than expected:
Weather for Morocco
Current:15°C; Mostly Cloudy; Wind: W at 12 mph; Humidity: 77%
Sat 18°C 7°C Sunny with showers
Sun 15°C 3°C Sunny with showers
Mon 16°C 4°C Sunny
Tue 20°C 4°C Sunny
Thursday 26 March 2009
I am about to board the plain and the trackers still have not arrived. If only I did not try to save a few quid and bought my own rather from hiring one from the states it would have been so much better. Please show your dissipintment by emailing the supplier at support@trackme360.com .
You can still follow my progress on the mds website. It is darbaroud or something and there is a link to that on the www.saharamarathon.co.UK website. I will ask Zoe to find I shortcut and put it on my blog
I am really sorry about that
Sent from my iPhone
You can still follow my progress on the mds website. It is darbaroud or something and there is a link to that on the www.saharamarathon.co.UK website. I will ask Zoe to find I shortcut and put it on my blog
I am really sorry about that
Sent from my iPhone
Gps bad news I am afraid
I am about to board the plain and the trackers still have not arrived.
If only I did not try to save a few quid and bought my own rather from
hiring one from the states it would have been so much better. Please
show your dissipintment by emailing the supplier at support@trackme360.com
.
If only I did not try to save a few quid and bought my own rather from
hiring one from the states it would have been so much better. Please
show your dissipintment by emailing the supplier at support@trackme360.com
.
You can still follow my progress on the mds website. It is darbaroud
or something and there is a link to that on the
www.saharamarathon.co.UK website. I will ask Zoe to find I shortcut
and put it on my blog
I am really sorry about that
Sent from my iPhone
Wednesday 25 March 2009
Gps tracker maybe lost!!
Just heard that the gps tracker have not arrived yet. They are send
from the US and apparently there is a holdup at customs. Hope to have
the tommorow before we left
from the US and apparently there is a holdup at customs. Hope to have
the tommorow before we left
Bummer!
Sent from my iPhone
I am naked, totally naked
Well I made it, saying made it, what I mean is that I am packed and at the Travel lodge in Gatwick ready for the flight to Morocco tomorrow. Is was surprising the amount of stress to pack, making sure I have everything and at the same time saving weight as far as possible. I learned that the extra half inch of foil around my freeze dried food add up to 26 gram. Taking 100gram biltong a day in stead of 70gram mean I can not close the rucksack. Changing the strapping to 2.5mm nylon cord save a whopping 123 grams. I made spreadsheet lists, change them print them, change them, print them countless times. I had to decide what to take as hand luggage just in case they lost my bag while at the same time keeping knifes and other no-no's in the hold.
I am knackered and haven't even left UK soil. Zoe was brilliant and help me repack my bags for the plane. She also went for a late night ASDA shop so I do not have to eat the Moroccan food before the race, just in case I get a tummy bug. She then took some time of to take me to the train station and a lovely send off. The train was a nightmare. I was so tense and ready to pounce on any person getting up and just vaguely glance at the empty seed next to me. I was paranoid about my luggage and keep getting up to check if all is still there.
I suspect that is how one feel when you fight a long court battle and lost. You are guilty, you got your sentence, it is a long one there is no appeal and nothing more to do. I am now on my way to report to the police station and there is nothing I can do to get out of it. I am naked. I felt like I lost everything, my family, my business, my positions, my relationships and my freedom. I am naked.
As one do when you are faced with the inevitable, I called my family back in South Africa to get some solace. The only glance of hope, as I told Johan was, maybe we are lucky and someone hijack the plane.....
Saying that once I arrived at the hotel we (me and some of the other British contenders) went to the pub to drown our our sorrows. Was I pleased to learn they felt all the same way Everyone is stressed to breaking point. Apart from me, everyone is a competent fit athlete with countless ultra marathons under the belt and the constitution of Royal Marines in their prime. Some have prepared for this race more than three years and everyone realise this is it, there is no holding back to spare injuries, there is no out. It is do or die.
Well learning that and of course a couple of pints of Old Bishop and I have found my solace, however only a tiny bit though. I left the pub early, had my lasagna and dough balls and are now off to bed dreaming of tomorrows breakfast...full English of course.
I don't know when I will be able again to update this blog, but will do so if I can. In the mean time Thank you all for your support and thanks for thinking and praying for me. I will do my best for you all.
I am knackered and haven't even left UK soil. Zoe was brilliant and help me repack my bags for the plane. She also went for a late night ASDA shop so I do not have to eat the Moroccan food before the race, just in case I get a tummy bug. She then took some time of to take me to the train station and a lovely send off. The train was a nightmare. I was so tense and ready to pounce on any person getting up and just vaguely glance at the empty seed next to me. I was paranoid about my luggage and keep getting up to check if all is still there.
I suspect that is how one feel when you fight a long court battle and lost. You are guilty, you got your sentence, it is a long one there is no appeal and nothing more to do. I am now on my way to report to the police station and there is nothing I can do to get out of it. I am naked. I felt like I lost everything, my family, my business, my positions, my relationships and my freedom. I am naked.
As one do when you are faced with the inevitable, I called my family back in South Africa to get some solace. The only glance of hope, as I told Johan was, maybe we are lucky and someone hijack the plane.....
Saying that once I arrived at the hotel we (me and some of the other British contenders) went to the pub to drown our our sorrows. Was I pleased to learn they felt all the same way Everyone is stressed to breaking point. Apart from me, everyone is a competent fit athlete with countless ultra marathons under the belt and the constitution of Royal Marines in their prime. Some have prepared for this race more than three years and everyone realise this is it, there is no holding back to spare injuries, there is no out. It is do or die.
Well learning that and of course a couple of pints of Old Bishop and I have found my solace, however only a tiny bit though. I left the pub early, had my lasagna and dough balls and are now off to bed dreaming of tomorrows breakfast...full English of course.
I don't know when I will be able again to update this blog, but will do so if I can. In the mean time Thank you all for your support and thanks for thinking and praying for me. I will do my best for you all.
Packed and about to go
That's it I'm packed and waiting for Zoe to drop me of to the station, Stay tonight at the Travel lodge at Gatwick and off early tomorrow to Morocco.
I am nervous but sure i will feel better once I am there with all the other guys. Nothing more to say really. Nothing more to do, just have to do the race, that's it.
Tell you more when it is all over
cheerio
I am nervous but sure i will feel better once I am there with all the other guys. Nothing more to say really. Nothing more to do, just have to do the race, that's it.
Tell you more when it is all over
cheerio
Sunday 15 March 2009
ECG’s Hospitals, blood tests and Doctors
Got my medical certificate and ECG last week. ECG shows I have a beating heart but the doctor was a tough nut to crack. I had to beg him to sign the medical certificate to allow me in the race. It went like this, seriously it did:
Doctor: What can I help?
Kobus: Oh I just need you to sign this little form to allow me to participate in a charity event.
Doctor: And you need a medical certificate? This is in French?
Kobus: Yeah but there is a translation. You know the French they are just silly with their rules, it is nothing major.
Doctor: French? is it on the continent? What is it, a Half marathon?
Kobus: No it is in morocco and a bit longer
Doctor: Morocco? Where?
Kobus: In the desert
Doctor: The Sahara?
Kobus: Yes
Doctor: How much longer? A full marathon in the desert?
Kobus: No a bit longer it is an Ultra Marathon
Doctor: What? 38 miles?
Kobus: No, it’s 151 miles
Doctor: When is the last time you did any running?
Kobus: When I was in the police I did a 1.5 mile fitness test in 1987
Doctor: You are fucking mad; I’m not signing this......
What follows were a long strenuous negotiation with me begging and the doctor looking for any excuse to section me. I walked out of his surgery with signature and stamp on the form, so I guess I won :)
That’s it, no more to do, just packing, foot doctor get the last few bits and bobs and of I go to the challenge of a lifetime. Still not sure whether I can complete, but I will give it my all. My greatest fear is that I will quit. I will not easily forgive myself if I quit. Not completing because I don’t make the cut off or because I physically can’t, will be devastated but I will learn to accept it, Quitting however will be a bitter pill to swallow. So if you want to pray for me, pray that I won’t quit.
I got the address for the satellite tracking. You can follow me at http://share.findmespot.com/shared/gogl.jsp?glId=0luLASq8liVyIMsnQeUzL9EiI9MAPKX6i
If above website is offline, an alternative address is:
http://www.untamedadventure.com/advzone/Adventure.aspx?a=17
My position should update every 10 minutes from the start of the race.
Doctor: What can I help?
Kobus: Oh I just need you to sign this little form to allow me to participate in a charity event.
Doctor: And you need a medical certificate? This is in French?
Kobus: Yeah but there is a translation. You know the French they are just silly with their rules, it is nothing major.
Doctor: French? is it on the continent? What is it, a Half marathon?
Kobus: No it is in morocco and a bit longer
Doctor: Morocco? Where?
Kobus: In the desert
Doctor: The Sahara?
Kobus: Yes
Doctor: How much longer? A full marathon in the desert?
Kobus: No a bit longer it is an Ultra Marathon
Doctor: What? 38 miles?
Kobus: No, it’s 151 miles
Doctor: When is the last time you did any running?
Kobus: When I was in the police I did a 1.5 mile fitness test in 1987
Doctor: You are fucking mad; I’m not signing this......
What follows were a long strenuous negotiation with me begging and the doctor looking for any excuse to section me. I walked out of his surgery with signature and stamp on the form, so I guess I won :)
That’s it, no more to do, just packing, foot doctor get the last few bits and bobs and of I go to the challenge of a lifetime. Still not sure whether I can complete, but I will give it my all. My greatest fear is that I will quit. I will not easily forgive myself if I quit. Not completing because I don’t make the cut off or because I physically can’t, will be devastated but I will learn to accept it, Quitting however will be a bitter pill to swallow. So if you want to pray for me, pray that I won’t quit.
I got the address for the satellite tracking. You can follow me at http://share.findmespot.com/shared/gogl.jsp?glId=0luLASq8liVyIMsnQeUzL9EiI9MAPKX6i
If above website is offline, an alternative address is:
http://www.untamedadventure.com/advzone/Adventure.aspx?a=17
My position should update every 10 minutes from the start of the race.
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