Actually it’s pronunced more like “Where’z yaz at?”.
Well I finally arrived here in Ouarzazate after my five flights and 36 hours of travel. Flights were actually pretty stress free and some what relaxing, and the time was still shorter than any of my FatDog 120 times, so I can’t complain. Ouarzazate is in southern Morocco, “Gateway to to Desert”, and is quite a nice little tourist town. (Google it and look at maps/satelite view – its looking pretty brown around here – and the race is about 200 km south by the Algerian border) People are friendly and helpful, althought there is only a little Engish. But pointing and a smile will get you a lot. There are a couple big movie studios here as well, as movies like Gadiator and Lawrence of Arabia were shot in the deserts we will be racing thru. I actually watched Lawrence of Arabia last night on my IPad. The movie is beutifully shot and the scenery is Amazing! I am even more excited to be out there. “Hut Hut Hut” I decided that will be my mantra during the race if things are going slow. That’s what Lawrence said to his camel to get it going!
Met some other races and it is a huge range of people at this race. From someone who has raced in the last year the “4 desert series” (Gobi-china/ Atacama – Chile / Sahara -Egypt / Antartica) to someone who said “I have to go back to my hotel and assemble my pack – I just ordered it off the Internet and it came with all these all these Ikea like instructions to put it together. I haven’t tried it on yet!”. Mind you she is Swedish so she should have no problem. But all the racers are really nice. Veterans who have raced it before will tell their horror stories – “it was 51 degrees on this stage, got up to 57 degrees on the long stage”. I’m sure some of this is just to see the look of fear on a newbies face, and like a good fishing story, I’m sure it gets hotter ever time they tell it. BUT they are BACK! So that says it all.
Off now to a talk about how to “pack your racing backpack”. I’m sure I’ll be regretting not ordering that sheet of Titanium from Belgium and making my own stove – thereby saving myself 5 grams!
More later
Scott
Hey Scott, My mind shuts down when I think of the race and view pictures and read words! I cannot believe you are doing this! I can only say, May the Buddha be beside you and guide your path to the end. Get read, get set……GO!! I will be thinking of you as you approach zero hour. You must be very excited as you sit in the camp – my fingers and toes are crossed with tons of good wishes for the spectacular race!!! Love Sarjit
Scott – have a great first day on Sunday. We will be thinking about you. I am so impressed with all the hard work you have put in to get to this point! Hut hut hut!!
Uncle Scott…this is amazing! I keep watching the video over and over, and I’m just in awe! I’m glad you had the chance to settle in and meet some of the other racers before the big start. It seems the Veteran’s ‘horror’ stories didn’t scare you, but only fueled your motivation (much like I knew it would!) Ben and I will be thinking of you and sending positive ‘anti-blister’ vibes! Good luck, be safe, and watch for our emails! ‘Hut, Hut, Hut’ Hugs…Aleisha & Ben
Countdown!
Glad to hear you traveled safe and stress less.
Run fresh, Run straight, Run fun, then Rush .
All the best for your experience.
If only one is ready for it, it will be you.
Hut, Hut, hut
Fran
You are awesome! can’t wait to hear more stories from you. Run safe! Karen
Hey Scott – WOW!!! Great Work!!! We’ve been following you’re unbelievable progress on the site – your run is the first thing I check before I head to work – Keep up the fantastic effort. All the best from the Hopes – Mike, Marcia, Mia and Oliver – I told Mo he better have a beer wating at the finish line. Ciao for now!!!
Ive just been Wow’d checking out the stage 3 photos. What an absolutely gorgeous landscape across red rocks and passing through ancient relics.
Equally as amazing is the calm stoic features of the contestants. When does the crazy start to come out and play? All the best, your home team is with you all the way.
Scott, what is it in you that gave you the strength to do what you are doing? You are my inspiration – when I feel I am failing, I will think of you. No wonder Mo loves you so much.
Emily
Hi Scott,
Keep up the good work.
Just got off the phone with your Mom. Wow. What an adventure. You should be so proud of yourself. Lots of people talk about doing these things but you are “doing” it. I thought I was doing good to go in the Sun Run 10 K.
Leah
Congrats Scott! Once again we’re in in awe of what you’re accomplishing. Hope you & Mo have a nice, relaxing recovery afterwards.