Happy Sunday!

"Trois...deux...un...allez!"
MDS Race Director Patrick Bauer has yelled into his megaphone, "Trois...deux...un...allez!" and they were off…ready to start their desert adventures this morning.

As for Stage 1, it looks like they started running right away into some beautiful sand dunes! The course looks a bit challenging for the first day but not too bad :) Should be fun!
Here is the road book to follow along.

FROM the DARBAROUD WEBSITE:
This years MDS promises to be a tough one: not only is it the longest ever but it also kicks off with Morocco’s highest dunes - a 31.6 kilometres long first heat that could do much damage. Not enough to demoralize the competitors, only too happy to be facing the enemy at last. Old hands mix with newcomers who get to discover the special atmospher of the caravan, bringing together 32 nationalities and people coming from all walks of life, from policeman to baker, and psychiatrist to former football coach.

Me & My Dad
Many of you are asking and wondering why I am not in Morocco running the MDS this year.
(Photo of me and my Dad after I finished my very first marathon)

It was decided that I would stay behind this year due to a very ill father who has been in and out of the hospital and who is looking at having another surgery. I have been spending a great deal of time helping care for him at the hospital and at his home along with my other siblings. It became very clear to me that I did not need to be out of the country at this time. It has also become very hard for me to leave my two little children ages 2 and 5 for this amount of time, I miss them way too much! Next year the entire family will go over and we even hope to get grandma and grandpa to go to!!!

I have not been doing much training at all but doing a small amount when I can, in the garage on my spin bike, rowing machine and versa climber!!! My secret weapons :):)

Message I received from Patrice Clapacs, who did MDS in 2007:
Hi Lisa...So jealous of everyone out there about to start out on the most amazing adventure of a lifetime. It was absolutely one of the most amazing experiences of my life and gave me the most cherished new friends. I can thank you for getting me there and getting me to the finish! Hopefully my photo won’t scare anyone off but here’s my memory…



My feet after just the first 2 days. The day after the long stage I woke up to go see the Doc Trotters medical staff and as I was leaving the tent I kicked the tent stake with my pinky toe and it was the first time I cried. (but not the last! I had many tears of laughter and joy) Definitely NOT something I am looking forward to next year.

You are all amazing and are in for the time of your lives over the next week! Best of luck to all !!!




Let the party begin!