- October 27, 2008
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Begining Stage 1...
Beginning at the oasis of Farafra, we runners begin Stage 1 in an area surrounded by white rocks in the heart of the White Desert. Temperature’s today climbed over 100 degrees with almost no breeze, making the first day of racing a brutal one. It was the perfect introduction to the Sahara. The sand dunes were remarkable, stretching in every direction as far as the eye could see. Of course, the sand was hot. Many of the competitors suffered from blistering, making the medical tent one of the more popular destinations post run.
The field in the Sahara Race is very strong. Rob James, runner up at the Atacama Crossing, is looking tough. We’ve kept in touch over the months and have developed an enduring friendship. That said, Rob is extremely competitive and I’m doing my best not to get caught up racing him. The only competitor I’m keeping an eye on is Paul Liebenberg, who is vying with me to be the first to complete all 4 Desert Race’s in the same year. Of the four individuals who set out to do this, Paul and I are the only two left. He got the better of me today, taking an impressive second place (I was fourth). So the race is on!
I’ll try to update this blog daily with a progress report. Satellite reception has been good so far, hopefully this will be the case for the rest of the event. I can’t tell you how bizarre it is to be out in the middle of the Sahara Desert sending an upload via satellite to this site. Bizarre, and a little exhausting, so I think I’ll sign off for now and try to relax before tomorrow’s run.
So long from the sands of the Sahara,
Dean
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[NO NEW UPDATES] Expedition Dispatches: Desert Grand Slam with Dean Karnazes
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You are my Hero D!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: von | November 24, 2008 at 05:29 PM
You are my HERO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: von | November 24, 2008 at 05:31 PM