MDS Day 7 - The final stage

Dusty has send me the final email, so this will be the last post for me. I was able to capture another screen shot of her at the final stage finish, but there were so many people (as you can see in the picture) that there was no way to catch the cartwheel. Dusty did not see the web cam either, so she walked right past after this. This is the only shot I was able to get. It is a bit hard to see her. Clicking on the picture will make it a bit larger. She is right in the center getting her picture taken while holding up her medal. Congratulations, Dusty!

Hi all, it's all over. I finished the last stage yesterday (Saturday) and it was spectacular. The last 10 miles took me 2:40 which was fine with me. It was hot (which I love) and seeing others completing their dreams of racing across the Sahara was wonderful. There were people out there accomplishing amazing things. A 79 year old man finished, three sight impaired people and guides, and people with feet blistered so badly that they wore shoes two sizes larger so they could complete the race. It was amazing! I feel very privileged to have experienced this and to have had so much support from so many. Thanks also to Paul who made this possible and supported me the whole time.


I am in Ouarzzate today and tonight, off to Casablanca in the morning and I have an 8 hour layover there, spend the night in Madrid, fly to Atlanta, Salt Lake and Jackson. I will be home the night of the 12th. At that time, I will do my best to write up a race report.

There aren't many pictures. My camera did not like the sand and would not cooperate.

Love and hugs!
Dusty

Day 5 - holy crap,it's hot!

Well...I guess I was wrong - Dusty did send another email for yesterday's stage. It may have been some technical issue on the long day because she does not even mention not sending one. Anyway, below is her update from Stage 5. I will post another update later for Stage 6.

42.2k, 26.2 miles. Temps were around 120 degrees this afternoon. I finished in 7:30. I haven't eaten much today so this will be short, I’m hungry. My feet are sore but holding up well compared to many others. Stomach has been great. Taking 2X hc as usual. Popped another 10 when I crossed the finish line today because all I wanted to do was cry. I'm trying to stay hydrated. My ankle has not given me any trouble. The Paris Opera has been flown in and will play for us tonight.

Tomorrow is the last 17k and I get a hug from Patrick Bauer (race Director,he's clean!!), lunch and a bus ride to Ouarzzate.I am looking forward to a shower.

MDS Update

Hello all – I have not received any further updates from Dusty, but I have been keeping tabs on her and know that she is still doing well. She had a long day for the 82K, but she persevered. I suspect the long day was the reason for no email. The email service that MDS had for you to send the participants emails is closed now, so I assume that she can’t send any out to me anymore either.

I had not noticed until today, but in addition to the Temporary Results, you can also view live result and see times that the competitors passed through each aid station. This made it much easier to predict when Dusty would cross the finish line. Like Dave, I missed a screen shot of the cartwheel, but I did get to see it myself, which made me smile. Dusty walked off camera right away (without any signs of soreness or limping), but I waited and got the below screen shot. She is waving to all of you!

Tomorrow is the victory lap – 10.2 miles. Congratulations Dusty!