Dean Karnazes in Second at Sahara

Last month Dean Karnazes finished in 2nd place at the Sarah Race in Egypt. The Saharah Race is a 250K race across the largest non-polar desert on Earth. His time was 30 hours 13 minutes and 9 seconds. He was only about 3 hours behind Ryan Sandes; a South African who is 20 years younger. 

Paul Liebenberg (another South African) and Karnazes are competing to be the first to finish all 4 legs of the series in one year.  The series a part of a 4 race desert series including events in Chile, China, Egypt and Antarctica.

The final leg called  "The Last Desert" will be a 250K race across the Antarctic peninsula. It starts on November 24, 2008, just about a month after the event in Egypt.

I am guessing that it will seem cold compared to the Sahara.  

Go Dean, Go... And don't forget your mittens!

No Show for Ironman Florida

As I write this, I should be covered in salt, draped in mylar and wearing a finisher medal for Ironman Florida. I should be eating pizza and watching other's dreams realized, crossing the line, a year of effort paid off. 

Instead, I blog. 

Due to a remarkable culmination of commitments (both business and family) I decided at the last minute to skip the event. As soon as I had decided to do that, my wife pointed out that "MyRunningDoc" would not have approved of anyone showing up for that race given the preponderance of stress and massive shortage of expendable energy available. So I find some small consolation in the knowledge that I made a difficult but healthy decision; one which I would have supported any patient in making.  I am already registered for Ironman Louisville 2009, and if the stars align just right, I just might find a spot for Ironman Florida 2009 as well. 

For all of you who did participate today...I hope it was all you dreamed of!  See you next year.