Day 2 by Joanna Wiser

Dear all,

have just finished day 2 and its a bit tougher than I anticipated!

The desert is not as pretty as I had hoped, but this is a good thing, the pretty- bits are the dunes which are awful to run on. So far has been mainly rocky or dry cracked ground.

Tomorrow is 38 km, 20 of which are across the dunes, I don't anticipate being in before sundown.

On the bright side I have a wonderful tent! Sharing with 6 guys (one of which is Mark Vivian's cousin, I guess I'll know hin, better than you do by the end Mark) also a girl called Emily who is helping to keep my spirits high, we are going to try and stick together tomorow for moral support.

MORE...

Also have about 6 blisters, not good, please pray for my feet! My shoulders are struggling under the weight of the rucksack but I have nothing ,ore to throw out and I've got heat rash all down my legs.

On a more positive note I have to keep pinching myself to believe I'm actually here doing the race and I've seen stran ge sand thermals and a couple of lizards and some bones like something out of a movie!

Ed, thoughts of our mini break were seriously keeping me going at times today!

Miss you all and look forward to coming home and having a bath, I have sand welded to every inch of my body!!

Keep the emails coming I am loving hearing from everyone, am off to fix my gaiters now they lasted just 10km on the first day and I know I'm going to need them tomorrow.

Love to you all,
JO

Hey Jo!
I've been thinking about you all weekend and wondering how things are going but have only been able to access internet today at work cos of bank holiday. Sounds tough, but I know you can do it - just think of all the pampering you'll get next week with your parents - lovely showers, soft towels, etc. etc.! And you'll totally deserve it ALL!
We're all very proud that you're doing this and I am praying for you every day. Look forward to hearing all your war stories when you get back!

LOTS of love - jenni x

JoJo, please dont get lost... remember, the sun sets in the West!!
Not sure if you've been getting my emails as I think i've been doing it wrong, but thinking about you and your very sore feet and will try and get it right before too long!! I hear Ben Fogle (castaway) is competing, suggest you borrow his gaiters...and trainers for tomorrows leg. How are the crazy chaps in your tent? Lots of singing and dancing around the camp fire I bet! Stay focused, stay strong, you're half way there! loads of love, Edward

Just got to tell you all... there is a photo of Jo from yesterday's leg on the Website (www.darbaroud.com)!! It's quite funny.
There is Jo looking just a little pink, with Emily (430) adjusting something on her back (bra strap?!), while getting the same treatment herself by some guy in a shockingly bright red vest! Dont worry guys... you look great!
There are also lots of people behind, who were presumably even more exhausted than you two... always good to know that you're kicking someone's arse dont you think?! x
ps-Good choice with the hat by the way. What was Emily thinking??!!!

Go Go Jo! Hope you have got your cuppa soup with you, no need to boil a kettle out there to enjoy it! I'd nick a camel if i were you two humps are better than one! The best of luck, its an amazing effort what your doing.

Peterx

Jo.

All the best with the race hope, you dont get sand in the sarnis although its going to be a wee bit on the tricky side! look forward to hearing all the grewsome stories.

If i hear of anybody complaining about the London marathon this weekend I will pass them onto you and that should shut them up!

Henners