Battling the wind as well as the terrain on Stage 3

An 8.30am start for our hero today saw him on the grid with the remaining 834 competitors in a temperature of 24C and setting off into windy conditions, whipping up sand  in the gusts and protective buffs worn to avoid mouthfuls of grit. The heat eventually reached about 31C. The 35km stage route encompassed dried up lake beds, sandy tracks and dunes, pebbles, stones, sandy descents and ascents through gorges and hill passes. A strong westerly crosswind made going tough as the route headed north; apparently there was impressive scenery, but the trying and exhausting conditions gave little time to savour the views.

This will take you to photos of today's Stage 3 (sadly none of Steven) http://www.darbaroud.com/uk/html/mds/27mds/photos/uk_27mds_photos_2012-0410.php

Looking at the check point times and daily/overall times and placings, Steven has gone faster each day and moved up the overall standings to a point where he is currently 37th overall and the 3rd British runner.  I know he's motivated, but this is beyond all expectations.

The last communication from Steven was at the weekend before the race started, so how he is feeling physically - blisters, muscles, shoulders, stomach, sunburn and legs, we can only imagine.  Mentally, he must be in the zone to be pushing at this pace. He did say before he left that there was more to this ultra marathon running than just being fit. Twenty-seven competitors have withdrawn so far, from the original 854 starters on Day 1.  Wednesday will surely see that drop-out rate increase significantly as the competitors tackle a gruelling 82km (51.25ml) stage, equivalent to two full marathon distances in one stretch.
I'll be glued to a PC at every opportunity on Wednesday for Stage 4, to monitor his progress through the 6 checkpoints and on to the finish, after which I expect to be giving a further account of his continued success.
Go Steven....Go..