Day Two Update – 67.3 km down!

Hello from Morocco!

At the end of Day Two-Marathon des Sables, I have received the first of “daily” emails from Graham Plant.

So it appears that even the Sahara Desert experiences IT issues.

Stage one consisted of 36.2 km between Jebel Irhs and Tijekht Wadl (for those of you into your Moroccan Geography)- the temperature was a chilly 29c. Seven runners had to retire on the first day.

Stage Two was 31.1km, covering Oued Tijekht and Jebel Et Otfal. The MDS website shows more details and gives you the opportunity to drop Graham a cheerio.

Whilst I have the stage, I’d just like to thank you all for exceeding Graham’s goal of achieving $10 000 for ‪#‎Alzheimer‬’s Victoria Australia! I know that your support has put an extra ‘spring in his step’. The website thememoryjogger.com.au is still open for any last minute donations too.

Graham wanted me to share some of his words below. I’ll be sure to post any updates as they come to hand.

So here it is;

“Guess what? The run is really tough – who would have thunk it. Today I climbed some of the larges, steepest hills I have ever tackled. But felt much better today.

Have had emails from Suzie, Justin, Shelly, Cathie, Matt, Prof John and the guy who wore my number last year – which was really nice – pls thank them.

It is hot, it is sandy, it is demanding. Had to go to Doc Trotters today to sort out some blisters.

I’m ok with my placing – trying to conserve some energy for the big day.

Can you please let Alz’s Aust Vic know that I have lots of video and photos. Another sand storm has hit the bivouac which makes things pretty miserable.

It is by far the biggest physical and mental challenge I have faced. I’m in a tent with a great bunch of Aussies and with a whole lot more who are also on an adventure.”

Next update to come shortly (IT issues notwithstanding)!

An update from Morocco!

What a whirlwind of activity it has been!  Over the past two weeks I went from sitting just over half way to achieving the targeted funds raised of $10,000 to this morning being only a few dollars short.

During this time of been on morning radio, had an article published in my home town newspaper, been spoken to about being in a morning to show and had an interview published by my good friends from Places We Go!  (See links below)

Two weeks ago I was in Melbourne, working, training and preparing my gear for MDS.  Now I’m in Casablanca. It is the wee hours of the morning and shortly I’ll be on a bus to  Ourzazate – the gateway to the Sahara.  Although the the commute is a horrendously long way – I’m still quite amazed at how small the world is…

I’ve had amazing support from family, friends, colleagues, clients and complete strangers who have connected with the cause.  To see what fantastic levels of support I have been receiving check out The Memory Jogger on Facebook at:

http://facebook.com/thememoryjogger

My diary has been maintained throughout this entire adventure and it will be published at some stage.  For now it’s time to get my pack ready and go for some breakfast.  There’s a 6-7 hour bus trip awaiting before another 3-4 hour bus trip in a few days to the Sahara.

Places  We Go interview.

http://placeswego.com/the-memory-jogger-travel-with-purpose

Interview on SEN’s Morning Glory.

http://audioboom.com/boos/3000317-graham-plant-marathon-des-sables-morning-glory

Benalla Ensign article

http://bit.ly/vicbenmemjog

Happy Running!