Monthly Archives: October 2011

As the final runners rose in full spirits, yet hobbling around, it was another early start as we watched them get ready as the sun rose over the river. An amazing setting for the final stage. A few kit checks, feet checks and the runners were off. The rest of us hobbling around inspecting eachContinue reading “Day 7 – the final stage and home”

Up at 3am, had a coffee and some porridge which was difficult to keep down. Pondering whether I should really attempt 105km with my feet the way they were and general feeling of weakness. But a few of us who were feeling a bit down decided to go for it. As the countdown to theContinue reading “Day 5- the long stage, 105km”

An easy day today apparently. Flat. Now as most people who competed this year and the years before, you should take what you are told with a pinch of salt. Early rise out of the jungle to some lush wet terrain and some more steep inclines (flat and easy I believe its referred to). TheContinue reading “Stage 4 – 42 km (ish)”

Due to some technical difficulties and signal problems there were some issues in updating the blog, so having just returned to the UK, the following is an overview, albeit slightly late of the days that followed… Stage 3 got off to a good start. Another early swim across the river and the obligatory missing ofContinue reading “Stage 3 – 37km”

Ok so this was the ‘easy ‘stage. Early start due to rainfall waking everyone at 4am. Spot of breaky, taped up back due to ruck sack rash and ready at the start line for the swim start. Katie joined in as Jungle Jim wanted a guide so lifeguard Katie came to the rescue. The countdownContinue reading “Stage Two – 24.8km”

Early start, 5am following a rubbish sleep, cock wrestling at 3am (Americans call them roosters), more mango s falling on Katie, there was a nervous energy around camp as the head torches were on, hammocks put away and bags being packed ready for the race ahead. The hot water wasn’t ready until 630am and theContinue reading “Stage One – 22km”

After an interesting trip down the Amazon river, hammocks squeezed next to each other and banging into each other as well as an early rise to the chug of the boat, we caught up with a few familiar faces and new faces to boot. At around 8am we stopped the boat near a beach andContinue reading “Arrival at Basecamp”

After a few internal flights, a stop off in Belem for some food then the final stretch to Santereim we arrived. Met by Shirley, Brett and Gil who kindly pointed out there are only 45 runners, the long stage is now 100km, totaling 230km and someone was killed by a jaguar last week at checkpointContinue reading “Arrival, the Amazon”

Sao Paolo airport, terminal one. 7am and its scorching heat outside. Some runners have gone for a quick warm up in between connecting flights, now that’s just plain silly. Its the last opportunity some half decent food ! As more people meet, the excitement grows. Especially when you meet someone doing their phd on theContinue reading “Arrived in Brazil”

Reality sets in as a nearly missed flight and lack of time to get essential kit. But hey, done it before, how hard can it be second time round ? I’ve been recognised by fellow runners from the article in Metro and my blog which is nice. Bumped into Jim Binks, the 69 year oldContinue reading “Take Off”