Stage 5 (marathon stage): 42.2k, more dunes!
Waking up on the last competitive day, I felt free. Not sure if it was the completed long stage, the day of rest, the already covered 180k, the finisher's medal waiting at the end or the hot meal to come shortly after, but whatever it was, I was loose.
Morning, like clockwork. Ready to go.
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| pic by Mark Gillett |
To be honest, from start through CP2 is all a blur. Not because I was running that fast, only because I was able to shut my brain off and just go.
Coming out of CP2 and looking at 4k of dunes, brain kicked in again. Then, on a flat rocky patch, anxiety began to build, 'last day, don't leave anything out here. Too early to let loose now? Yeah, wait for CP3.' Luckily, I did hold off a bit and would need that energy for another 3k of dunes ahead.
Around 31k, we exited the dunes to flat, and with CP3 not so far, it was time to get going.
Out of CP3, I was off to the races and heating up quickly. I didn't care. 'Last 10k. Keep it rolling.'
Passing through a cool (looking, not temp :) section of deep red ground, I lamented not being able to stop for pics, but there was business to take care of.
Finally, through a village that seemed all but abandoned, out the other end and flat, rocky trail to the finish. 'That's it, there it is! Can't overheat now. Keep pushing!'
6 days, 222k and an unmeasurable experience.
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| pic by Mark Gillett |
I'm in the video at 17secs!
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| indescribable pic by Mark Gillett |
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| enjoying some time on our behinds! Glenn (center) - good friend, saved me more than once Steve (left) - tent mate, inspiration, finished 20th overall! pic by Mark Gillett |
In the spirit of the race, our shade time was short-lived. We headed back into the sun to welcome home friends, tent mates, countrymen and total strangers.
Stage time: 5.19.31
Stage place: 147
Overall time: 32.48.33
Overall place: 167 (out of 970 finishers)
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