Paul Gladwell's thoughts about the race
1. What the…..? Why would you do this crazy race?
I heard about MDS a few years ago, reading the biography of a bomb disposal expert who lost both legs below the knees in an accident - he did the race on prosthetics limbs and the way he described his experience in the desert made me think 'I have to do this one day' - it's been on my list of life goals for a while.
2. What are you most looking forward to as you pound the dunes?
I'm looking forward to my pack getting lighter every day (because you're eating your way through the food), seeing the finish line in the distance on the final day, and enjoying the longest bath in history after the race!
3. Have you any idea of the sorts of things you’ll think about while you’re out there? Have you been mentally preparing?
I'm going to try and be as aware of the surroundings as possible, to take in as much as I can, appreciate where we are, why I'm doing it, and to focus on our specific race strategy.
4. Any recipe tips from the “dried and reconstituted” packet-mix-recipe-book?
We're not doing this for the food or the accommodation! The freeze-dried food is pretty average and will definitely need jazzing up with some extra spices and couscous to make it just that little more exciting...
5. Do you two ever fight? How are you going to stay friendly?
That's a bit of a 'girly' question isn't it? But no, not really - I think we're both very focused on the goal and when we do have differing opinions/perspectives we're pretty open. 'Time Out' on the race will be important - iPods are a must!
6. What do your partners and kids think of you heading off?
My partner and eldest daughter are both quite apprehensive about the whole concept, but incredibly supportive of my reasons for doing it. It's going to be a big relief for them being able to follow the race via the web and we'll email people back home every day.
7. What’s the toughest run you’ve done in preparation?
Running from Dromana, over Arthurs Seat through the National Parks to Cape Schanck - and then turning around and running back to Dromana (about 57km) with a 3kg backpack. That hurt alot.
8. Most bizarre comment you’ve had since telling people of your plans for the Sahara?
Hmm, lots of bizarre comments - most of them incorporate some form of profanity! But mostly it's just 'WHY!'
9. Any camels involved to carry your gear?
Everything you need for the week you carry yourself (apart from the tent and water). The only thing the camel carries is you... if you pull out of the race.
10. Will you need to wee down your leg?
The toilets are wherever you dig a hole (hopefully behind the privacy of a palm tree or something...)
11. Will you need a mask to protect you from the sand?
I'll be wearing a 'Buff' which is a piece of headgear that can be used as a mask from the sand as well as sand goggles and a legionnaires hat - not a pretty sight.
12. Who will meet you at the finishing line?
My partner Fleur will be waiting for me at the finish line - I couldn't wish for a better motivator to keep going.
|
