Triumph in Sand Dunes Well done, congratulations to all of you, very proud, Susannah just told me on the telephone you came in 305th, which just about puts you in the top third of the original number of you who started. You must be feeling so elated on a truly fantastic achievement. Going through all the details of the Entrants I was reckoning to myself that about a third were British (I wonder how many of them finished), there three OAPs of 69, another ten or so of 62/63, and a goodly gaggle of 50s . . amazing, or plain out of their minds; might have a go myself next year, if you want to repeat! All love Dad
Chequered flag over the horizon I ve just finished feeding Violet lunch. 9 1/2 months ago when you came visited few days after her birth you mentioned this madness!! With 11 clicks left (thats from your place to the HK COUNTRY CLUB and back) those months training have paid off. Revel in those final strides.
Sand Rovers This is the last day(news travels a day late).
It's Over Rovers. Carl, Chloe and Will, time to celebrate! Beds, Bottles of wine, Morrocan food and a long, long bath,shower. Absolutely can't wait to hear your voices. GOOD SHOW.
Way to GO!! I am so glad to know that you guys are still well! Chloe, you've got that Ruggles stubborness and determination..coupled with strength of body and character...you are a WINNER! Take care of your feet and God Speed.
love,
Randy
Awesome!!! I think by the time you'll read this you will have completed the race. We're in awe of your achievements. Of course the race itself.. but also the dedication in your training and the fund raising for Operation Smile. You must feel great (mentally i mean.. physically you probably dont feel so hot). Well done guys... Ryan, Bec, Jordan and The Bump (who'll get a proper name in four weeks!)
your throbbing news I am empathizing with your second toe as I write. From the pictures there are a great many taped feet around there. No close ups yet ... good that you have documented yours. I know all the photographs of each of your personal journey will be so amazing. Looking forward to everyones wrap up comments. Love to you all as well.
almost there!! Am so impressed with how mentally and physically strong you guys are--can't believe the end is in sight! Well done! I'll be offline the next few days for Easter with the family in CT but will check in on Sunday evening when you are all done and hopefully at a spa somewhere :)
love you to both,
B
"It's done." A direct quote from today's press release Carl. Even more touching though the expression of comradery. You know what they say about crossing the desert...I don't BUT you will after it's all logged in tomarrow. Horray only one more day. (If this is a duplicate message sorry)
finish the race---you can do it! I am so proud of you. I will donate $300.00 to your cause if you both finish or even if one of you finish. Not that the money is anything but I pray for you that you are able to enter that world of supreme effort to complete the impossible--I know that you will never be the same afterwards and I am so glad the two of you were able to enjoy the moon together a few nights ago. Stick together---you can do it. I love you both. Your work daily work is little compared to the expansion of the soul this supreme effort can create. Take care as best as possible.. Aunt Ginger.
plasters and savlon Mella is on her way - she got the flight, and is carrying every known foot treatment we could find in Boots - though myself, I think the crutches have the edge!
Have sent blog, but just in case, am sending this as well. With loads of love and awestruck congratulations
Your messages of 13th and Your feet! 14th April 1750 GMT: You all know what to do, as long as the doctor has treated and passed keep going and no need to worry. The soreness must be excruciating at times but you'll get through, I know. Congratulations, all of your messages have been immensely inspiring. This is a physical journey, but also a spiritual one and you'll probably only know the impact of that when you have completed and had a chance to reflect. Certainly, I suggest, this is evident to us the readers already. Very exciting now that your destination is in sight. Also, if relevant, perhaps the particularly bad weather conditions have kept enticing mirages off the horizon! As usual, sending this via all routes, so please excuse the repetition. Best love to you All and look forward to your final report. . Dad
Only a day left! Only a day left you guys. How utterly fantastic. I can't imagine the depth of your feelings. I will check back when the race is over for the day 5. Hope it was steady on. Love, Mom
Will, you can do it! Will, I know you are going to war tomorrow and I know you will win because you are invincible! keep fighting!
btw, please keep taking pic on your feet. I want to see something which make me can't eat! :-)
Wow--so impressed! Chloe and Carl, just saw that you guys made it through Stage 4 and are pushing on. Jon and I are SOO proud of you both.
Be safe out there.
We love you,
Brooke
Congratulations Chloe-it is me, Emily Lansdowne-Hillary Locked passed your web site along to me and I am speachless. When I read about what you were up to I had to drop you a note and tell you how amazing it is!! It is INCREDIBLE!! It sounds like you are doing well and now, it is the 13th, you are more than half way to home! I have told all my family about your amazing adventure and they all send thier best toughts and wish you and your Husband and Will loads of strength in the days to come!! You are all such an inspiration and I know you can do it!! Hang in there! Lots of Love!! Emily Kakel
Is it chocolate mouse time yet? Egads you guys. What a stage? I confess that an interested bunch of us were a bit concern last night hoping of course NOT to to find out that one of you had been airlifted to France via the darbaroud website. Luck of the Irish, poor fellow. They reported hypothermia which brings to mind cold but more likely in your case calories. So, it may well be dessert time. Hugs to all you Sahara Runners.
Sand Dunes 13.4.06: I feel as though I have got stuck in a sand dune trying to work out if my messages are getting through and which route is the most sure!
All of your updates have been very interesting and inspiring and, a long with everyone's messages, you are all to be congratulated tremendously on a magnificent venture. You are going to make an immeasurable difference to so many people's lives. Also when you go back to work you be full of confidence and "kicking ass" all round.
God bless and now start to reap that immense satisfaction from what will be a lifetime's achievement
So proud of you Hiya, it's Jason here...Have been following you and your team mates' journals everyday! Though I don't think I will ever do this in my whole life, it gives me a lot of ideas as to how tough it is to survive and to compete in the desert while reading the journals!
Only a couple of days left, be focused and positive and I'm sure you'll finish the race well!
Amazing Wow... I have to say I think you guys are inspirational. Your strength of character and positive attitudes are an example to us all. Keep going guys- we know you can do it. All the UBS crowd are rooting for you!
Nice going boss Do you want me send you one of those little battery powered hand fans? Might help with the heat. Anyway, big up to all of you - nearly there - you'll make it.
Chubby
the trail behind you The webpage photographs tell such an amazing story of your journey. I had little Flora on my shoulders yesterday about this time sitting here musing with Rose as we looked at the trail map. We were "Feldenkraising" particularly thinking about Carl and the terrain of the 3rd stage wether the up and down was an advantage or an "achilles nightmare" you see we are "armchair" participants/therapist can't help ourselves!
We love you all to pieces and are so, so,well IMPRESSED!
It's Chloe's Mom Will, Though we have not met I like your stradegy. I have hopes for you all that the night run will in a similiar way shake up the mind enough to find a new race if you will. It is hard to imagine that this 21st MDS is perhaps going to be noted as one of the more challenging. The hydration/electrolite issue is enormous but it sounds like you have a tent full of clever teammates and that you are all taking good care of each other. Give them all a big cheer from me. Jeanne Ruggles
We decided that this was the best way to keep everyone informed of how we are coping with the race...hope we can muster the energy to write our experiences every night while in the Sahara. The race begins on April 9th and finshes on the 15th.
... full info
Dad
non-member comment
Triumph in Sand Dunes
Well done, congratulations to all of you, very proud, Susannah just told me on the telephone you came in 305th, which just about puts you in the top third of the original number of you who started. You must be feeling so elated on a truly fantastic achievement. Going through all the details of the Entrants I was reckoning to myself that about a third were British (I wonder how many of them finished), there three OAPs of 69, another ten or so of 62/63, and a goodly gaggle of 50s . . amazing, or plain out of their minds; might have a go myself next year, if you want to repeat! All love Dad