Stage 2 completed

My arrival at the end of Stage 2 today

Today's run of 38.5kms saw temperatures ranging from 20C on the start line at 08.30 to just short of 39C later on the stage.  The route encompassed sand dunes, rocky tracks, more sand dunes, a dry lake bed and rough mud tracks, finishing on flat hard sand.

Steven clearly ran relentlessly all day as his average speed was faster than Stage 1 yesterday when he finished in 62nd position. Today's stage was longer, and his detemination brought him to the end of it in 34th place and 5th of the GBR entries. This gives him a position of 42nd overall for the first two days.

The dark dot in the distance behind Steven in the above picture is a subsequent competitor; being so spread out, it's a pretty lonely environment with only one's own thoughts to drive you on in the searing heat and the sand dunes dragging you backwards.  Thinking about the distance already behind, and striding out towards the next check point and water station are probably foremost, whilst trying to deny the pain that must be in the legs.

This freeze-frame shot of having just crossed today's finish line doesn't convey his physical state; he actually looks pretty good, but watching it live made me wonder if he would make it past the webcam. I would have thought a definite problem with a leg (or both), and a real need for water, food and an electrolyte boost.

One thing about getting to the end of the stage asap is that there is much longer to rest and recouperate for the following day (assuming one has the fitness and stamina to maintain a good running pace).  Running for four hours and finishing by about midday may have its advantages over going slower and stopping a lot, which would result in still having to cover the same ground, but in much higher temperatures as the afternoon heat builds. Some competitors are not finishing until 6 - 7 pm.

A finish in the top ten Brits is the goal, so I don't think slowing down is in Steven's mind, although I'm sure his legs are telling him otherwise!

I have emailed Steven each day after he's finished, and if anyone reading this has the time, I hope you will too (and thank you to those of you who may have already done so).  The mental and emotional boost this gives is incalculable, knowing that the ones at home are behind you, thinking about you and willing you on.

Details for emailing MdS participants is in Steven's recent blog titled "Last Post before 357 runs across a desert"

Looking forward to another successful day on Tuesday - Stage 3.  More dunes and stony plains.