Blisters, heat, diarrea, cramps, muscular pain, swollen ankles, limited water, long distances, infinite times, liophilized food, powerbars, powergels, salt tablets... no more of that for now, but neither of all the extreme emotions and stron companionship of the latter days.
We made it to Ouarzazate after more than six hours of bus. We went to the hotel and after a super shower that removed a one week-old crust of dirt, we headed for dinner. Needless to say, we all served in our dishes more food than we could eat!
We started drinking beers with Wolt's assistance that night, but the real beer-party was next day in Karam Hotel. With Bo, DJ Toni, Wolt, and others we drank many many well-deserved Heinekens hahaha.
Today was the prize ceremony. Very cool to see those athletes take their trophies won after so much effort. However, the MdS is more than just about the ranking. I really admire the slowest racers that spent so much time out in the desert to complete some of the stages. Think that some racers spent more than 30 hours to finish the 82km stage! They could have quit at any moment and still they just move the other foot forward to the finish line.
A funny thing is that Yelitza tried to go to Merzouga to the finish line. She never made it... it is super far and she ended up being invited by some moroccan family. She spend a lovely day there with strangers while I was drinking my beers in Ouarzazate. We eventually met up and we are now in Rabat at Andras's place, a good hungarian friend I met in Iran. Last night we were all together with Anja and Marian telling all the stories about the MdS, and laughing about them.
Thanks all for your support. It was very nice of you to be always present.
I remind you as well, that if you feel generous today, you can still contribute to the Charity I support: go to www.justgiving.com/gustavointedesert for more details.
Muchos abrazos a todos!!!
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Looking back, I realize that some things could have improved to make the experience more comfortable... I write some random things as a record for myself and for other rookie desert runners that might end up reading my blog...
My shoes were too small, which provoked some very nice blisters in almost every toe. Two more sizes woudl have worked fine. I removed all the soles in the last two days to make more room for my feet.
My stomach was not good for five days and even now is not perfect. For moments I had heavy diarrea which worried me a lot because of the risk of dehydration. Doctors in the camp gave me assistance, but they would not give toilet paper. Advise: bring enough toilet paper!
I brought too many AAA batteries.
Perhaps it was the month I spent with Laryngitis or perhaps it is that my legs are still those of a mountaineer or who knows, but the pain in my legs is related to that muscle in the front near the ankle that runners have very well developed...
The sleeping mattress I found it a bit hard but good enough. It weighted only 130 grams.
Music helped but I only used it for 5 km or so. I could have done it without.
THe underwear I used was not good at all and it caused irritation in my legs. I should have brought long sports underwear or use lycras for running.
Raidlight backpack was ok, but perhaps the 20 liters one might have worked optimizing a little the packing of the food.It broke after journey 1... there are few things I dont like about the front bag but I cannot say it was uncomfortable to an extreme. Toni brought needles and that helped a lot.
I took 24000 KCal approx. I did not use all my food. I was not that hungry. Gels ok, but should optimize with some more pwer drinks.
I brought too many nuts. They are very caloric but not very easy to digest with stomach ache.
Cannot think about anything esle now but there are many other things... bla bla bla...
ayhope!