The toughest day ever!

Having completed 58 miles in the previous two days, throwing in a double marathon is a bit cruel. The scenery was the best yet with pink canyons and massive cliffs but the route was BRUTAL. 20 people dropped out. It was reasonably warm but 75% of the course was soft sand. My pal from the day before couldn’t continue but I spent the majority of the day running/trekking with Mark. We encouraged each other during the dark periods and there were many.
The first marathon was tough but ok. But the second half was horrendous. My total time was 20 hours and 20 minutes and I finished at 4.20am when I had started at 8am. This was a huge success. There were many difficult sections where the soft sand sucked you into the ground – 75% of the course was soft sand. Then we hit the 5km stretch of sand dunes having been active for over 14 hours. Imagine your hardest leg session except you’ve already done 14 hours of exercise. It was pitch black and there were lights showing you the top of the sand dune – some were 4 stories high and you ended up on all fours clawing your way up. My poles helped but they were sinking 2 feet into the sand. On top of that I’m carrying 23 lbs on my back.
Later we went through the devils garden. Again in the dark negotiating through bush, cacti and other stuff. My gators were ripped to be bits which is going to be an issue in the next 2 marathon on Thur/Fri.
My body is holding up and subject to my shoes not filling with san every two minutes, I’m confident I’m going to bring this home. However just one misplaced foot and it can be over. This is the toughest even ever. I’ll expand on the stories when I get home but in the time allotted, that’s it for today. Cheers.

Shorter but harder!

At last I have Derek's day 2 blog based on how long they take to arrive next update likely to be Thursday.

Hard to believe but day 2 was 27 miles and harder than yesterday. So much is dictated by the terrain and near after 5 kg there was a climb of 500m. Not much you would think but at altitude higher than we have back home, with temperatures higher than back home and a 24 LB pack on my back – it was a good test. My hill training came in handy but the key is keeping m...y body temperature down or you can be in big trouble. There isn’t much shelter from the sun so this also dictates when you can run. It might be flat in places, and there were plenty of them but if you keep running then tomorrow might be an issue. And today is all about tomorrow.

I met a wonderful American guy called Andy and we stayed together the whole day which made it easier. The scenery once again was stunning making the pain in my shoulders slightly easier (along with the pain killers).
When I got back to the finish you are greeted by people cheering and a cow bell sounding. I rehydrated and went straight to the medical tent to get a couple of blisters seen to. The amazing thing is after 8 hours 30 mins unofficial time I know I’ll feel great in the morning because all I do now is put my feet up, rest, rehydrate and eat. Tomorrow is the big challenge. 53 Miles and I’m unsure how I will tackle it. Much will depend on how I feel. This is like no other race in that it’s as much about survival. The conditions are brutal. I won’t be sending a blog for a few days now as I’ll be having fun in the sand! Thanks for your messages of support.

Day 1 Race report

Sorry for the late post here is Derek's Day 1 report. I didn't get it before I flew to Vegas. Fiona

Before we get into the race, we were at camp on the north rim of the Canyon. We had a spectacular meal laid on for us before we went to bed at 8am. It was cold to star and went to minus during the night – it was freezing but my cosy sleeping bag worked.Up at 6am for the race and my first cold breakfast – it was ok. Today was 31 miles and it was a tough day. The heat built up as the day went on and with an 8am... start I tried to get in as many miles as possible before then heat took its toll. The altitude is a definite a factor as is the hard packed tracks, stones, and fine sand – it gets everywhere. Then there are the cactus which lurk in the ground. One of them snagged me and I had a few needles to pull out. My pack weighs 25 lb before you add 1.5 L of water. Too heavy but it makes sure I won’t be freezing or starving at night. The camp was 5 miles from the last check point but they kept taking you towards it then away from it – not nice. I finished in 8 hours and 20 mins (unofficial). Tomorrow is 27.5 miles and that leads up to the 53 mile long day so I’m sticking to my strategy of getting acclimatized and breaking myself in slowly. Only on heat spot which I treated so so far no blisters.Now for recovery. Salt drink taken, protein drink next. Feet up and rest before my first freeze dried food – can’t say I’m looking forward to that. This is an amazing race with stunning scenery but I’m told it only gets better from here.This probably won’t be posted till Tuesday as there is no signal at the camp and they have to save the emails then take them into town. It will be posted to Mrs Stewart who will then put it in the blog – assuming she isn’t at 35,000 feet!

Talk the talk, now let's walk the walk

It's 8.30 pm on Friday night and I'm tucked up in bed.  This will be the last night where I have a descent bed to sleep in as tomorrow night I will be under canvas in the Grand Canyon worrying about the contents of my rucksack and the weather conditions for the start of the race the following morning.
Today was all about registration - making sure I didn't fail before I started.  I had to check out of one hotel and check in to another. I decided to "fly the flag" and walked from my hotel up the Main Street for breakfast in my kilt!  It took me 3 times as long as normal as all the locals wanted to either explain their Scottish heritage or just generally have a chat.  I was welcomed at the registration by the race organisers Colin & Tess and it was so nice to meet them after a lot of email and FB communication.  We've agreed that I should ware my kilt at the awards dinner along with a cowboy hat - that will be a picture for the collection!
I've met so many new people today and the one thing they all have in common is their love of adventure and based on my experience this week, this will be a real adventure.  G2G looks harder than MdS and the temperature will play a large part.  Sure it will be hot during the day but it could fall into the minus numbers at night which will present a real challenge.
My rucksack weighed in at 26Lbs!  It was described as "one of the heavier ones".  I've repacking tonight and reduced my food as the calories on some days were 3,200 which will probably be difficult to consume. But I've only got it down by 1Lb!  I'll get my shoulders taped to avoid the straps cutting in and will use my secret weapon to relieve some of the pressure of the straps - sanitary towels! Honestly I won't be the only one using this technique.
We had a beautiful meal in the park tonight but the temperature dropped quickly so we didn't hang around.  Tomorrow involves getting breakfast then heading up to the coach which will take 3 hours to our camp site in the Grand Canyon.
I've been talking about this race for 2 years and now it's time to execute the plan.  I'll keep my blog going but realistically you won't hear from me until Monday.  If you want to message me then go to www.g2gultra.com and go to "race coverage" and "email a competitor".  My bib number is 252.  Let's do this!

Almost there

Tick tock, tick tock.  It's getting closer and everyone you meet is excited and nervous about the race.  Many different strategies are being employed and fortunately for me having done a staged race before, I have a rough idea as to what is important and what is just "noise".  What is essential is that I don't waste any energy on the noise and conserve as much energy as possible during the day as we have a lot of time to do nothing.
Yesterday's flight around Kanab was special in so many ways.  The scenery from the sky was stunning especially when we flew down a narrow canyon!  My flight was the last one because the winds were picking up so it was bumpy but worth it.  I was even given the opportunity to fly the plane for 10 minutes which included lining the plane up to land - Dave Baird the pilot took control with 45 seconds left!  Dave and his wife gave up there time to allow as many runners that experience and wouldn't take a penny for it.  They just wanted you to have a good time and enjoy flying.
I met some new runners as well; 3 Japanese, 2 Frenchmen (they were MY passengers on the flight!), a Swiss professor in Business Psychology and the youngest runner in the race who is 22.  She is working with a charity to inspire your people and is full of positive energy - you can see how she will be an excellent role model.  What a mix of people with a common passion.
Before dinner I went for a private yoga session with a very laid back teacher.  After she realised how "non bendy" I was she helped me with some exercises I can use during the next week to help prevent injury or ease the strain.  Yoga definitely has to be part of my training regime going forward before I snap!  I walked away very calm and relaxed, probably an inch taller.
Dinner was with my new expanded group of friends but was slightly more subdued as we all beginning to retreat into ourselves in preparation for the organisational phase before the race starts on Sunday.  Today I have to move hotels and then register for the race. I hope I don't have to empty my rucksack and show them all the manditory items, although I will be repacking the bag for one final time as I figure out how to get the weight down without starving.
Tonight the organisers are laying on dinner for everyone so this will be the first time the 120 runners will get to meet.  It won't be a late night as we will be leaving on Saturday morning for our base camp in the Grand Canyon which is 3 hours away.  The temperature is meant to be dropping for the next two days and it was very windy yesterday but who knows what it will be like when we get there.  Tick tock - my destiny lies ahead.

Kanab rocks

Another day closer to the race and yesterday was spent on the logistics, resting and eating.  My rucksack has been an issue right from the beginning.  Even after upgrading from a 25L to a 32L I still couldn't get all my food, equipment and clothing in so I headed to the local outdoor shop and came out with two straps that can carry my sleeping back outside the rucksack.  This will make a big difference and I think in 3 days time I can put it back in the rucksack as I will have consumed a lot of food which takes up most of the room.
I then spent a couple of hours checking every item going in the bag to make sure I had everything.  I was given a tip of repacking the freeze dried food into freezer bags.  It reduces the weight (packaging) and the bulk due to the air in the packed bags.  You keep a couple in the original bags but rather than throw them away you use them with the ones in the freezer bags in order to "cook" the food.  It made a significant difference.  So for the first time, the bag is packed.  I'll get it weighed on Friday but it's heavy and I may have to reduce my food slightly - leave out the beer!
Later on I had a lovely massage and had my muscles all stretched out - it was so relaxing.  My foot's sore from time to time but I'm just going to have to MTFU and get on with it.  However the skin on my right foot is very dry and three small cracks have appeared.  This isn't good as you always have to guard against infection and running on raw skin isn't fun.  I'm sure it will be fine but that's today's task.
One of the joys of an event like this is the people you meet.  Last night 6 of us went out for dinner; a South African, an Australian, 2 Americans and an English guy.  All from different backgrounds with different running experiences so there were no shortage of stories.  There's a nervous excitement building and tomorrow is registration when it will start getting serious.
In a few hours I am heading out for a short flight around the area of Kanab.  The rock formations around here are stunning and seeing them from the sky will be amazing.  This is a local pilot who is giving 15 minute flights for free - that tells you all you need to know about how friendly the people are and how proud they are of the history of their area.  Tonight I have an individual yoga lesson for some gently stretching.  Much to my surprise, Kanab really does rock!

Little Hollywood

What an amazing place Kanab is.  It is steeped in the history of making "Westerns" and everywhere you turn there is reference to them.  The people are so proud of their history and so friendly. We've been made so welcome here, it's a great spot to prepare for the main even which is getting very close now.
Part of the attraction of events like this is meeting new people. I met Frank on the bus from the airport and Dirk at the goodie bag pick up.  Yesterday we went a trail run into the local hills.  The scenery was amazing however we aren't in the real mountains yet.  Memories of MdS came flooding back as we sank our feet into the fine red dust.  I was the only one wearing gaiters and later on the guys were complaining that the dust had go right into their socks.  Add to that sweat and you have created a paste that will shred the skin on your feet so it was a good reminder.  I could feel the altitude when climbing but the hill walking I have been doing for the last 2 months meant I was strong.
The sign posting on the trail could have been better so we were out for longer than anticipated but this exposed me to the heat which I need to get used to and it allowed me to practice my hydration which is critical.
With the jet lag I am getting up at 5am in the morning but this is no bad thing as it won't be much later in the race.  The hotels breakfast was ok but eating off paper plates and using plastic knives isn't my idea of fun.  However from Sunday onwards I would "kill" for that breakfast as I eat mine out a plastic bag - either wheetabix or granola with macadamia nuts, raises and powdered milk!  But today I am going to the local bakery for croissants with ham and cheese and a cappuccino.
Today, other than resting, I have two main tasks; sort my rucksack and get a massage.
I'm heading off to the local climbing store to see if I can have my sleeeping bag strapped to the outside of my rucksack otherwise I don't have enough room for all my food.  Yesterday Dirk was explaining he'd a DNF in the Gobie desert with only 25 miles to go and it was because he hadn't taken enough food so that's underlined the importance of the nutrition.  We're all comparing notes on food but it just reaffirms that I have the right stuff but the bulky sleeping bag (which is manditory) is the problem.
A massage later on will get the blood flowing to my muscles which are feeling great just now but are in for a bit of a shock soon.
My Maggies fund raising has almost broken through the £4,000 barrier so thank you for your support www.justgiving.com/derek-stewart6 .  Till tomorrow.

Reporting State side!

If I thought the last months training was hard, the journey to Las Vegas wasn't much fun starting with the flight being delayed 3 hours and 20 minutes.  Some communication from Thomas Cook would have been nice but it gave me a chance to practice my breathing and patience.  When that didn't work it gave me plenty of time to worry about how I was going to get my bus from the airport to Kanab which was leaving 3 hours after my plane was originally scheduled to get in.  If I missed the bus I'd have to stay in Vegas and come back to the airport 24 hours later.
I was also unaware that there was a comedians conference in LV with a plane full of contestants who were practising their acts after a few too many drinks on the plane.  One guy got stuck in the toilet door twice and had to be "freed" - now that was funny!  I put my head phones on and zoned out for 10 hours - good practice for the race.  With 35 minutes to spare I sprinted off the plane, managed to persuade some good people to allow me to skip some of the massive queue and then found myself in the slowest possible queue for customs. Tick tock.  Several phone calls to the bus operator, and a big than you to them as the bus diverted to my terminal and picked me up.  Kanab here I come. Only one other competitor on the bus so we spent the next 3 hours comparing race food, hydration tips and experiences so the coach trip flew in.  Got to the hotel and wondered why I was tired - it was 4am back home!
I got 6 hours sleep but jet lag meant I was wide awake at 4 am local time.  I decided to go through my itinerary for the rest of the week before the race begins on Sunday morning 9am.  All of a sudden the reality is kicking in and the excitement is building which will continue all week as more competitors start to arrive.   I'm picking up my race goodie bag this morning and can't wait to see what's in it.  Probably buy some G2G merchandise and take in Kanab while acclimatising.  Tomorrow I have a massage, on Thursday a flight in a plane to see the local area (OMG the mountains are stunning!) and a yoga session.  Friday's when it really hits home and race check-in is at 3pm.  Unlikely though it is, this is where the doctors can put an end to your race so fingers crossed.
I will be writing a daily blog up till the race starts, that I can guarantee.  Subject to how I'm feeling at the end of a race day I intent to either blog directly or Fiona will blog and or post my message on Facebook.  Remember that due to time difference it will be a day behind.  If you want to send me a message during the race then these get delivered to me in my tent at night.  If you go to www.grand2grand.com and go to the "race coverage" section then there is an email a competitor facility - my bib number is 252.  You will also get race updates here or you can like them on Facebook and get updates.  There is no tracking facility.
I'm heading down for breakfast shortly and will then go out and explore Kanab.  I hope you enjoy the excitement of following this amazing adventure with me.  Remember I'm raising money for Maggie's so if you want to support an unbelievable charity then go to www.justgiving.com/derek-stewart6 . Catch up tomorrow.

Stripped naked

Well I'm almost there.  I leave tomorrow morning and fly to Las Vegas arriving at my hotel in Kanab around 3am UK time on Tuesday.  Registration for the race starts on Friday, we move out to the start campsite on Saturday and 8am local time we start with 31 miles on Sunday.  This is followed by 26 miles/53/day off if you've completed the 53/26/26 & 7.  But the mileage, altitude, terrain and temperature is just half the battle.  It's the mental side that will determine whether you finish or not.
Having completed MdS 4 years ago I have had an insight into what lies ahead.  You're carrying everything you need and Im still trying to squeeze it into a bigger rucksack than I'd anticipated.  I've seen posts with people somehow managing to get into smaller rucksacks but at the cost of calories which could be the difference between finishing and not.
I'll be stripped naked in this race - not literally but there is nowhere to hide.  The morning will start with breakfast. Poring cold water into a plastic bag eating wheetabix, nuts and raisins gives me what I need.  Run/walk and get acclimatised while paying close attention to my core body temperature.  Get that wrong and good night.  Chase down check points - it's the only way to survive as eating an elephant in one go isn't advisable.
And when I finish my 31 miles I'll tend to my feet, rehydrate, eat and then head over to the media tent to stand in a queue to send my blog.  You'll be receiving it a day behind but I want to capture the essence of the race for you so you can share the experience with me.
As I sit here on the couch after a cooked dinner and looking forward to a bath later followed by a comfy bed it's hard to imagine what it will be like.  Basically running a marathon a day carrying 12 kg on my back in hot conditions at altitude and when you finish, there are no showers or change of clothes.  No washing for a week, boiled in the bag food.  Sleeping with 9 strangers a night in a space no wider than your sleeping bag.  6 days.  This is what makes it special.  No FB or IPhone and the only contact with the outside world is the messages that you might send to race control - I'll post details later.  This is my reference to stripped naked - all home comforts are removed and believe it or not, this is the attraction.  Pushing a pen and driving a desk doesn't compare.  Life starts beyond your comfort zone, so get out there and enjoy.
And hopefully you'll support Maggie's www.justgiving.com/derek-stewart6 - apparently there was a BBC programme on Maggies tonight so it will be worth checking it out on iPlayer.
From Tuesday I'll be blogging daily from Kanab, where they filmed the Outlay Josie Wales.  I'm excited, nervous and can't wait till I'm standing on the start line but at the same time I know it will be over too soon.  I might not think that on a daily basis when my feet are "on fire" or my muscles are screaming for me to give up - but that's the challenge.  I'm so privileged to be taking on this challenge I aim to enjoy every moment, no matter how tough.  Catch up on Tuesday from Kanab.

Equipment failure

Enjoy the journey to the start line as sometimes you won't make it.  That was advice I was given early in my "going long" days and it's so true.  Last weeks wee scare could have been the end of G2G but with some physio it's getting better but is still sore - bruises take time to clear.  I was very worried that it was my shoes that caused it and this would have meant going back to the drawing board which would have been a disaster.  I put my Inov8s under the toughest conditions in the last 2 days and they have passed the test.  This means they can go off tomorrow to get my gators stiched in - another box ticked.
Testing your equipment before a race, especially one over 7 days, is essential.  I tried out my new compression sock with toes and they are brilliant.  I wasn't so lucky with my Raidlight bottle holders when one ripped when I was putting it on - not happy but a reminder to take duck tape.  Hopefully I'll have a replacement by the time I leave on Monday 18th.
It's been a great weeks training and on Friday I ran 19k without a twinge in either foot. On Saturday I went out with three athletes to climb/run/walk Beinn a Ghlo - a group of 3 munro's with some stunning ridges (22k).  Graham Kelly had helped me before MdS with the Great Glen Run and Lorna Stanger was also part of that group and joined us as well.  Alex Berry made up the group and they didn't hang around. Graham & Alex are taking part in a mega tough race next week so this was ideal training for them and Lorna was coming back from running 100 miles in under 24 hours only 2 weeks ago - fit buggers.  The first climb was brutal with the weighted rucksack (weighed 10% of my body weight) adding to the challenge.  I managed to hang onto their coat tails and didn't fall too far behind!  The final descent was dodgy with the stones giving way under my feet and I caught myself a few time with the poles.
400 m from the finish somehow my pole clashed with Lorna and came out second best.  She did a slow mo dive and the graphite pole sheared!  Lorna was ok but the pole was screwed and an essential piece of equipment.  On the way down the road we stopped into Tiso in Perth and they gave me a new set - no questions asked.  Thank you Tiso that is customer service at it's best.  I was worried they would offer to repair it and I only have a week!  Let's hope I don't repeat that move in the G2G!
Today I went out with my wonderful coach Genevieve.  She has juggled the training schedule with my injuries and I'm amazed to have got this far.  She ran the first half of my 3 hour run.  Again I had the weighted rucksack but her company and encouragement helped as the second half was boring.  But it was a good finish to my week.
Next week I am tapering which will involve 4 one hour runs to allow my body to recover but not to forget we've still got a big challenge coming up.  I'll be buying my final few items but none that need tested.
This journey has been the hardest yet.  In January I was injured and over weight with my heart rate through the roof.  Now I'm a racing snake (under weight but I'll soon sort that when I get back) and my heart rate is behaving itself.  It's been tough but I've proved to myself that if you have a "why" it makes all the difference.  With your support I have raised £2,390 for Maggie's Cancer Caring Centres  (my why) and hopefully we will raise more www.justgiving.com/derek-stewart6.  Thank you.  1 more blog next Sunday before I step on the plane!  Can't wait. :-)

Late scare

My blog is meant to be a journal following my journey over the last 8 years.  However in the last two years it's become more of a medical journal which is disappointing.  I have promised myself that after my recovery from G2G I will be rebuilding my body to reduce the chance of injury going forward.  As you know I "weaned" myself off my Hoka's on advice of my physio.  I was always worried about the toe box being too narrow which would have caused a problem with my feet expanding in the heat of the desert.  I switched to Brooks which were wider but caused blisters and the shoes fell to pieces - certainly wouldn't last 170 miles.  So onto Inov8 which I was enjoying running in. Till Friday.
My pal Derek Boyd took me for a 28km run/walk, my longest yet, along a trail which didn't involve boggy ground.  My left foot (my good one!) felt uncomfortable across the top and on three occasions I stopped and checked the shoe and my sock - nothing.  But towards the end of the trail my foot was in a lot of discomfort.  I woke in the morning with a bruise on my foot and when I tried to run I stopped after 50 yards - extremely painful.  Was it the shoes, the socks, the hard trail or the length of the trail (I hope not or I'm really screwed!).  I agreed with my coach to take a two day break which was ideal as we were taking my daughter to university so it was a welcome break.
My foot has felt fine since but we'll see what happens tomorrow when I pull the shoes on and go a run.  I might have to find myself another pair of trail shoes which wouldn't give me enough time to get used to them plus I need to get gaiters stitched into them which will take a couple of days.  Time's running out, tick tock.
I've also got to finalise my food and get the rest of my gear.  The food tasting is next weekend which I'm not looking forward to - it tastes completely different sitting in the comfort of your kitchen in comparison to sitting in the middle of a dust bowl!  I'll be posting a link to my JustGiving page tomorrow and hope if you can spare some cash you will donate to Maggies - the charity I have been raising funds for in the last 8 years.  If you know someone affected by cancer, please visit a Maggies centre.