Marathon Day - April 3, 2009

Well today was the marathon day. it's also the last day. they called off the short stage due to water crossing, which we had today. It was a great day, blisters and all. I think I came in 15th but that's prelim. I felt wonderful and the terrain is a geologist dream. It was all I could do not to pick up rocks while running. Tonight they are feeding us and giving us WINE! what a treat. We leave tomorrow for town and a hot shower; truly needed, I think I'll take 2 or 3. Thank you all for the emails, support and good wished, they helped so much. I was the envy of all my tent mates with my emails and even shared some. I'm so thrilled with this experience. It was worth it every dollar and blister.
Love to you all.

Newest from the Desert - April 2, 2009

First let me thank you all for the emails. I finialy got them last evening and it was such a treat to read them. I almost cried but of course didn't :) Keep them coming, they are much appreciated.
So today, or rather yesterday was the long stage, 54 miles (or 56 , they can't quite get it straight). I was reallly ready to go and kicked it for the first 36 kilometers. As the dark came and we had to climb a mountain and crawl up 5 story sand dunes. It was fearful and my feet finally gave way to blisters. They cover them toe to heal. It's very odd and beautiful and scary to be in the desert by yourself with only a head light to guide your way. I made it to the last check point and then had the doc trotters work on my feet. I'd only let them have at the heal but MAN it hurt!! I finally made it in around 6:45 this am. Everyone in camp is limping and cringing so at least I'm not alone.
Keep up the good work run partners. Love to you all from the Sahara

March 31, 2009

what a beautiful day but hard. my feet are starting to hurt and that slowed me down a bit. For clarificaiton I was the 2nd american woman yesterday. another girl kicked it and is in third place. I probabably dropped a few places but i'm giving it my all.
It was a cold and windy night in the tent but it could be worse. My tent mates are all good sports and no one snores! It will be an early night tonight, tomorrow is the 50 miler so I probably will not be able to post tomorrow. I'll do it on the rest day. I'm a bit nervous about the 50 miler. The dunes are brutal; they really take it out of you. I need to keep a slow and steady pace. today I was singing out load; most people are french to they don't understan d me any way.
I hope my running partners had a good day today. Hang with me tomorrow. I'll need your help for sure.
Love to you all.

First Day Finished!

Well, i've finished my first day. It was hard but beautiful. The dunes are amazing and very steap!! Tonight will be my first night in a tent. If you want to see what it was like during the night I got stuck out there go to the official website and look at the videos.
I was the first american woman to cross the finish line today, but not sure i can keep that up. I'll try and get another post tomorrow after the run. Thanks for keep up with this. I hope all my running partners had good runs today too.
Love too you all.
Daphne

Hello From Africa - March 26

I"ve finally made it to Morocco. It took 1.5 days with lots of layovers but I'm here. OZZ is beautiful and the hotels looks like a palace. I.ve met many of the other runners and they are all so different but nice and just as excited as me. Today after lunch a few of us went shopping and I puchased a geni lantern. I plan on rubbing it in hopes I get a few wishes out there in the desert.
I hope you are all doing well back in the states. The running starts on Sunday. It.s really here now.
Happy Running!

Last Update From Home

It’s getting close; only one more day before I leave for Morocco. While racing across the Sahara, I’ll be posting daily updates on the blog. The updates will be short and sweet; we are only allowed 7 to 8 lines per computer visit but I’ll try to make them informative and upbeat.

The competitors can also receive emails from March 28th through April 3rd. These are unlimited. At the end of each day, the race officials print out the emails that each participant gets and then delivers them to the racers. I expect to get a wheel barrel of emails daily from my family, friends, and followers. From what I understand it keeps the spirits of the racers uplifted to receive chatty, encouraging messages from home. You can not send any attachments. If you do I will not receive the message at all.

Here is how it works:

1. Go to the following website: http://www.darbaroud.com/
2. The website will come up in French. Go to the top, right-hand corner and click on the US/England flag.
3. You will click on a link that says email – phone – fax, write to competitors.
4. You will be able to click on my name and number which will start the message to me. However, they suggest that you put my surname (Williams) and my race ID number (863) in the subject line as well to ensure I get the message.

I’ll be expecting updates from my running partners to hear how your run went.

I’m grateful to all of you for your positive thoughts. Keep them coming over the next two weeks. I’ll be relying on them.

Wish me luck!
Happy Running

Thoughts for the Desert

“The body does not want you to do this. As you run, it tells you to stop but the mind must be strong. You always go too far for your body. You must handle the pain with strategy...It is not age; it is not diet. It is the will to succeed." : Jacqueline Gareau