Friday, April 03, 2009

2009 MDS is over and Ray Zahab!

The 2009 MDS has come to an end. As I write this post we are still waiting for some runners rankings to be posted.

This years race was cut 2 days short due to unimaginable weather that hit the Sahara desert. I can't wait to talk to Jay and many others in person about there experience. The Marathon Des Sables is one of the most amazing races in the World, no wonder there is a very long waiting list for 2010. This races brings people together from all over the World, from all walks of life. They come together to do the same thing, to do one thing, complete one of the toughest foot races on earth.

Most all of the Dreamchasers completed there journey, a few were forced to withdraw. This is unfortunate but this happens to the best of the best. Lachen who has won the race 10 times withdrew on the 3rd day. In my eyes this takes a real champion to know when enough is enough and that there will be another race to run in the near future. Stepping up to the starting line takes time, dedication, desire and commitment. Anyone who toed the line of the MDS is a champion just for getting to that point. To all of you who crossed the finish line and to those who did not I hope you do know that you are ALL winners, we are so very proud of you.

Here is the link to the page on the MDS web site for you to go and check all the information on the last stage.

http://dedie.darbaroud.com/uk/html/mds/24mds/cp/uk_24mds_cp_8.php



















Mike, Ted and Bryon
Our Dreamchaser team of Mike, Ted and Bryon came in 2nd overall in the team division.
This is the first time in the history of the race that the Americans will stand on the podium!
Way to run guys...one amazing race!




















Meghan Hicks
Meghan Hicks was the 2nd women overall, she ran an amazing race..strong and focused..we are so proud of you girl.


















Jay
Our Jay Batchen was the 4th American Male...wow Daddy Jay...we can't wait for you to come home.



The Whole Gang
Colleen, Tess, Art, George, Connie, Jane, Kerri, Terry, Anton, Becky, Elizabeth, Alisha, Ineke, Julie, Bill.....and to all of you...Way to go. We hope you will post some comments so all the others can find out about your race.

Thanks to all of you for the emails....it was a joy to answer your questions.

RAY ZAHAB is coming to the Tetons
http://www.rayzahab.com/
http://lisasmithbatchen.blogspot.com/2009/03/meet-ray-zahab-in-july.html

Ray will be our guest coach for our July Training camp...
We only have 5 spots left.
If you want to come to camp...email me at
lisa@dreamchaserevents.com



I leave you with this:
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually who are you not to be? You are a child of God. You playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our fear, our presence automatically liberates other.”
--By Marianne Williamson

4 comments:

Lisa Smith-Batchen said...

I was able to run today after taking some immodium and managed to finish the stage - 42K (marathon) in 3:14 for 9th place of the day. I was really pleased as I was not even sure I wouldn't be running to the bathroom until 10K into the race today. So that secured me a top 10 finish and the best result ever by an American. I am so proud to have been able to do well for the USA the family, work, and sponsors. Again, It was dicey if I would run or not but it worked out and I can't believe it. I know with some modifications I can compete with those guys, they are fast but I had one mistake on the long day and it cost me huge. Also, I don't know if you have been following our team but we are going to be 2nd or 3rd. Bryon and Ted did great and we should be on the podium, so that is another coup for the USA and I believe the best finish ever by a US Team. All in all, it has been a great experience, I have some incredible blisters.

Mike

Olga said...

Looks like Colleen and Georgie finished?

Lisa Smith-Batchen said...

Olga...yes...they all finished:)
Jay gets home on Tues.
can't wait!

Unknown said...

It sounds like everyone did fantastic, especially given the conditions.

I love that quote!