Well, I am back in Whakatane after my Namibian adventure. It is really good be back in familiar surroundings and to settle into normal routines. I am fully recovered from the race, and I will be taking a break from running for a short while.
I had my first good night’s sleep last night. Since the race, most night’s have had waking moments where I feel confused, with questions swirling in my head … “Which camp is this?” “How far do I have to run today?” “Will I have enough fluids?”
The best part of the week-long event was when I reached Luderitz, hand in hand with the two front-runnng ladies (Lucy and Lia) and Rob Jarvis, of Christchurch. That enormous sense of relief at not having to run/walk/stumble/crawl another step, together with a huge sense of achievement, is the most wonderful feeling in the world.
Having Craig at the Finish Line was very special.
I sat and watched other competitors coming in, savouring every minute of my own pleasure : it is difficult to describe how “high” one can feel in those circumstances. Every competitor would have felt this.
I ran the race under two banners ... Hospice and NZ.
We all recovered remarkably quickly, and by that evening, everyone was scrubbed up and ready to party … albeit not until terribly late. It was only the young volunteers who stayed up until the early hours of the morning. 
Canon Lodge in the Fish River Canyon where we enjoyed the Awards Ceremony and our first night back in a real bed.
My constant companion on the race was my good luck charm, little Kiwi. Every morning, I would arrange him in the pocket of my bag so that his feet and face were towards the front … onward and upward!
Wide-eyed and bushy tailed before the race.
A little bedraggled (and weary) seven days later!
