Stony Brook Runner in Home Stretch of 150-Mile Marathon in Africa

Three Village Patch is following a journey undertaken by Tim Austin of Stony Brook. Austin is running the Marathon des Sables, a 150-mile, six-day run through the deserts of Morocco. He has been sending once-a-day updates.

Sunday, April 7

Austin reported that he's finished the first stage without problems. He said the top temperature he experienced was 35º C – or approximately 95º F – with a strong wind. He noted: "Some sandy patches and short steep climbs: trekking poles are worth their weight. Didn't feel thirsty & kept taking the salt tablets: hydration is on track. Scenery is beautiful: wide vistas, rolling dunes and dramatic rock formations."

He also reported finding the temperatures surprisingly cold at night, particularly between 4 a.m. and dawn, but he's stayed warm thanks to his sleeping bag and down vest.

A few more observations: "I saw a lizard in the middle of the trail today: couldn't resist trying to give him a drink. The water soaked away before he could get a sip, but he enjoyed sitting on the cool patch of sand. I haven't seen any snakes, spiders or scorpions yet, but check my shoes and sleeping bag everytime I get up."

Monday, April 8

To give us an idea of how tough the race is on one's feet, Austin reported he has worn through the sole of his right sock on only the second day of the Marathon des Sables.

"Another great day: tougher than yesterday with 3 Jebels (mountains) to climb and higher temps; the wind keeps blowing across the plains so the heat isn't a problem until in the valleys," he wrote.

Some of his peers were visited by a camel spider, while others saw a scorpion.

"Although it's getting harder every day I'm staying safe and enjoying myself," Austin said.

Tuesday, April 9

At the end of stage 3, which lasted 38 km, 7 hours and 2 mins, Austin reported he is at position 648 in the race of more than 1,000 competitors.

"This is the point at which every muscle aches, but the scenery and people around you get you across the start line, [through] the 1st 100 yards, 1st mile, 1st checkpoint & on [through] the stage," he wrote. "Today was hard: hotter and longer than yesterday, but with less climbing. It's time to stick to the plan."

His plan was a set of three goals: Finish the race, have a good time doing it, and stay out of the bottom 100 positions.

"To do this you only need to focus your mind on one thing: constant symmetrical forward motion, and focus you must, like a magnifying glass focusing the sun's rays into a white hot spot. Blot out the pain, look at the mountains, the oranges and dunes and the shimmering heat haze blurring your fellow runners into the distance. This is a marvelous wilderness and taking the odd moment to remember that, and the people at home following my progress, keeps me going and enjoying the whole experience."

Wednesday, April 10

During the longest stretch of the marathon – 76 km – Austin started at 8:35 a.m. and finished at 16 minutes past midnight. He stands at position 565.

Austin wrote: "Five blisters on my toes, but interestingly, less aches than when I started yesterday morning. I started the day with one clean sock and a clean pair of shorts; I don't have a spare runningshirt, so at day's end when I change into my clean shirt for the night, my dayshirt is starched stiff with salt. My feet are in relatively good shape: all the beach running at West Meadow, Stony Brook and Smith Point helped ... other people are not nearly so lucky."

To send Tim Austin a note of encouragement, visit this website and search for his number (1060): http://www.marathondessables.com/en/write/write-to-a-competitor.html