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Sunday, January 30th, 2011

Absolutely loved running out to the sahara, but must say the drive back was a bit tedious. It was interesting virtually retracing the steps that it had taken me 78 days to run, and revisiting some fond memories. The terrain remained spectacular, and wild, but seemed gentler from the comfort of the campervan. Gone was the worry regarding the weather, and whether the local shops had ice, or painkillers. I had plenty time to reflect on the run, interspersed with some fairly terrible CD’s which were mostly mine.

It’s easy to see the run through rose tinted spectacles and say “that wasn’t too bad”, but it still strikes me how physically arduous and mentally draining i found scotland2sahara. It was exactly as i hoped it would be, a decent test of what my body is capable of, and i feel blessed that i chose something that although difficult, was achievable. The prevailing wind direction and the hills certainly taught me a lesson on occasion, and the one over-riding memory is that i never felt i was having to deal with these things alone, but had the support of friends, and family, and everyone else that sent me best wishes and advice. Some of the views, and conditions will stay with me forever.

Back home i’ve had a shower and smell better than i did in the desert. The flavour saving beard has gone leaving me with a ridiculous tan line. My stats show i ran 2659 miles, and lost o.3 kg only. I ate literally hundreds of bananas, satsumas, milkshakes, bread rolls, eating a grand total of 663 000 Kilocalories. I lost 3kg running a self sufficiency jungle race a week before starting, and i’ve put this back on in the last 4 days. An added treat for me will be to see my good friend ian edmond having to try to eat 20 pickled eggs in an hour. We had a sporting wager about how far i’d get, and i’m glad to avoid the fate that awaits him, and his bowels.

It’s also been humbling hearing of other people’s efforts and achievements. For clarity, as this is not always accurately reflected in press articles, i am pleased to have reached the sahara to fulfil a personal ambition. It’s difficult to beat seeing the sahara sands shift during the day, and seeing the african sky at night knowing that you’ve tested yourself and come out the other end. The run is in excess of what the guinnes world record was at the start of the challenge, but i have no desire to claim this, as i’ve learned about Running the Sahara, where Ray, Charlie and Kevin ran 37 miles a day for 111 days. They never claimed the record, but it would not be correct to claim a record, knowing they had exceeded it. I presume it would construe a British record for consecutive ultramarathons, but am happy to stand corrected.

That run, and several others are just fantastic. Hugh Symonds “running high”, over all 3000 feet peaks in GB and Ireland was a brutal accomplishment, and Other great ones include Richard Donovan’s immense 7 marathons in 7 continents in 5 days. Brilliant. I’m also following Ray Zahab crossing the Atacama at present, and Sean Newell cycling between all the commenwealth countries.

No such capers for me, as i sort out all my stuff, and leave the washing machine on non stop. Doing some serious wedding planning this week, and there will be a preview on Adventure show on Tuesday, and other stuff like Reporting Scotland etc. I’ll get some blood tests to confirm that i’m probably a little anaemic, and need to take it easy for a couple weeks but otherwise i’m tickity-boo

On tuesday i’ll meet with Dave and Karen from the yamaa trust, to discuss plans for future fundraising, and projects. Any suggestions or ideas for the trust appreciated. It has astounded me to see the big hearted response from everybody including the likes of Mark Beaumont, Ian Rankin, and Chris Cusiter.

The S2S auction finishes tomorrow, with bargains still to be had. A specialised and individually tailored internet/ phone training plan with supercoach Mandy Miller, is £120, probably a quarter of it’s value, and there are still cut-price opportunities to get into some of the world’s best, and most scenic races. The raffle will also be drawn, good luck to all with tickets.

I’ll blog an update with some stats from the challenge next week, thanks
andrew

FINISHED RUNNING, AMAZING FEELING

Monday, January 24th, 2011

I couldnt be any happier. I’ve just finished my run, comprising 2659 miles from John O groats, and finishing in the magnificent moroccan sahara desert, near the algerian border. The desert was everything it promised to be. Tough, sandy, hot, and no friend of back or achilles pain, but the feeling coming off the high dunes to the finish with my good friend donnie campbell who has run the last 9 days with me was immense. A picture tells a thousand words, and i’ll not bang on about the views and the beauty of the shifting sand but will try to fire some pictures up as soon as i can.
Today was a microcosm of the whole challenge. I never thought that the challenge would be anything other than unremittingly hard, but the highs and lows today mirrored every other day. My back today gave me constant bother, and ive had shooting pains down my right leg for the last 3 days. To anyone else with sciatica views of the sahara are pretty good painkillers. As a treat we are holed up in Maison Merzouga and having a beer.
Tomorrow i’ll start the long drive home, and i’m actually looking forward to seeing the scenery again, through different eyes. I’ve a fair respect for the high atlas, and it will be awesome just passing through them again.
The first question i got asked by the BBC team was “how do you feel.” I definitely feel tired, and sore, but i also feel happy, and proud that i’ve finished the challenge. Perhaps most of all i feel grateful that i’ve come through relatively unscathed, and to Jennie, and my amazing family and friends for all the support i’ve had. I also got asked what my next challenge is, and that will be to find a beer tonight.
Since the last blog, donnie campbell has been running with me. It’s been excellent having his company and i’ve found it easier running with folk than solo. He’s been on top form, although spent most of today emptying sand out his shoes, and am certain he’ll be in touch with Sandbaggers for gaiters next time.
There will be a short piece in the next adventure show, and then the 1 hr documentary will go out in March. I’ll also be doing a few talks when i get back, and am really looking forward to sharing the experience.
It’s definitely time for a shower, but thanks to all for reading and ur support. Thanks also to those that have been kind enough to donate to the Yamaa Trust. It has been a huge part of the challenge, and It’s fantastic for me knowing that every penny will be making a huge difference in Mongolia. Thanks also to all my fantastic sponsors
cheers
andrew

Auction – get your bids in quick, only a week to go!

Monday, January 24th, 2011

Since Andrew has done so well and finished a week ahead of schedule i thought it only fair to keep the Auction open until the 31st of January as originally intended, to let you all get some last minute bids in for some fantastic prizes.  There is also still a week left to get your hands on some raffle tickets, just email me at yamaatrust@live.com for tickets!

AUCTION PRIZES

• GOBI CHALLENGE PLACE – Current Bid – £1010 – still a saving to be made of almost £600 on this fantastic run through imposing sand dunes, towering mountains and seemingly endless sunbaked planes of the Mongolian Gobi.  Experience raw culture and a great sense of camaraderie taking part in this challenge http://www.sand-baggers.com/gobi_challenge.html
• Team Axar Sport Al Andalus Ultra Trail – Current pid – £685, Value.  an amazing race in beautiful Spain http://www.alandalus-ut.com/
• Scottish Ultra Place – Current bid – £170, Value over £300 – Still a chance to get into this race for almost half price whilst making a large donation to the Yamaa Trust.  This event sees athletes cover 140 miles on foot over 5 days, taking in beautiful surroundings and some of the most extreme environments Britain has to offer. http://www.scottishultra.com/
• Something for the Weekend – Current bid £100.  Yet another bargain on this adventure race weekend in the Black Mountains, Mid Wales.  Diciplines include running, mountain biking and Kayaking! http://www.mightcontainnuts.com/events/something_for_the_weekend/index.html
•  Entry into Any Round of The Welsh One Day Ultra Marathon Series, 2011 – currently no bids… get a real bargain on your choice of these fantastic one day events in Wales http://www.mightcontainnuts.com/store/index.
• Glenmore24 place – Current Bid – £50.  A unique forest trails race in the forests outside Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands.  Choose between a 12 or 24 hr run http://glenmore24.com/
• 50 mile challenge place – Currently no bids – taking place in Kent it is a fun race and can also be used as a great way of training for adventure races or of raising money for charity. http://www.50milechallenge.co.uk/50mile.htm
•  Moonlight Challenge place - Currently no bids Value – £35 A fun night time ultra taking place in kent the route will be lit up by glow sticks http://www.50milechallenge.co.uk/moonlight.htm
• UK Gear PT 1000 running shoes – current bid £70 / rrp – £95 – Fantastic ultra durable road and trail running shoe.  Supportive and long lasting with an excellend level of cushioning http://www.ukgear.com/Shop/Products/Mens-Footwear/1119-PT-1000-Road-AND-Trail-Running-Shoe—Structured-Cushioning.html
• Tailored Training Programme by Mandy Miller – Current Bid – £120 Value £300.  Mandy is a Certified Coach – Road Runners Club of America and USA Triathlon and
  Expert in Sports Psychology
  Prize Includes:
  16 week coaching program for any running or triathlon event of your choice
  Includes:
  - Detailed, day by day training program by certified coach
  - Unlimited Email Contact for feedback and questions
  -Once a month phone consultation
• Medical by Marathon Medical Services – Current Bid £50 Again bids are sitting at an amazing half price bargain.  Make sure you are fighting fit for your 2011 challenge events with a full medical courtesy of Marathon Medical Services http://www.marathonmedicalservices.co.uk/
• Running Hamper by Delimann – Current Bid £30 Value – £30 - A delicious selection of foods to reflect the S2S journey…carefully selected by Andrew Murray himself http://www.delimann.co.uk/product/104/s2s-runner-s-hamper/gifts-for-him-and-her-and-more-
• Calling all Aberdeen FC Fans.  Bid for a pair of tickets to any game of your choice!  Current bid – £50! Also bid for a signed shirt – current bid – £50
• Ross County Shirt Signed by Scott Morrison and Andrew, Current Bid – £50
• Signed St Johnston Football Shirt – current bid £46 (to bid on this please visit the ebay auction at http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=180613650997&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT
• 3 x passes fo 10 caveman classes at Mission Training Systems (value £75) www.missiontrainingsystems.co.uk top 3 bids will win! – Each pass has a current bid of £50

RAFFLE PRIZES

The S2S Raffle includes some fantastic prizes including -:

• 2 nights accommodation in Skye
• 2 nights accomodation in Edinburgh
• 2 signed pro rugby team shirts
• £150 Myla Lingerie Voucher
• exclusive Delimann S2S luxuary hamper
• UK Gear PT-1000 shoes – 6 pairs!
• Hilly Gear
• Injinji Socks
• Elite electrolyte packs
• John Lewis Vouchers
• hawick rugby ball
• pair of race tickets to kelso races
• £150 Myla Voucher
• Weeks free pass to David Lloyd in Edinburgh for a family of 4
• signed Simon King Book….. and more!

I’ve reached the desert!

Friday, January 21st, 2011

After 75 days, i’ve made it onto the sahara desert plain. Cutting down the mighty Gorger du Ziz, and knowing the major mountains are out the way, my achilles breathed a bit of a sigh of relief. Coming down off the high atlas, and thru the tunnel de legionnaires was just a fantastic feeling, and matched by seeing the oasis of the gorge snaking down until the horizon. Myself and Donnie ran past some small sand dunes today and the massive ones are only a couple days away. Im actually within 2 days of Merzouga, but have decided to take an extra day running right through the classic sahara dunes, before finishing near Merzouga, on Erg Chebbi, Morocco’s highest dune. It’s scorching here at the mo, the tarmac was actually melting yesterday, but there has been a breeze, and i’d be disappointed if the desert wasn’t hot. Physically i’m feeling stronger each day and the scnery is just incredible. I’m joined for a couple days by Yamaa Trust trustees Dave and Jim Scott for a couple days, who have been busy photographing donkeys and kids running faster than me. Will post more in a couple days, thanks for all the best wishes and support, not long til the finish now

LESS THAN A WEEK TO GO

Tuesday, January 18th, 2011

Drove back down to the valley to find email. Everything is going fantastically well at present, and im well ahead of schedule. Myself and donnie campbell, who is joining me for the last 9 days climbed up again into the heart of the atlas mountains, amidst bright blue skies and temperatures well into the 30’s. Spectacular peaks jutting skyward, and even the roads, hairpinning back on themselves look amazing. Heading back to 2000metres tomorrow, and have another couple days up high before descending tot he Gorge du Ziz, and then the sahara proper. Despite the altitude and the hills, been managing over 34 miles every day for the last month, and feeling strong heading into the dunes. The people of morocco are extremely hospitable, and i’ve had plenty company running along in the villages. Terry and Toby have taken over from mum and dad in the van, and i’ll only really need to drag a sledge for the last 2/3 days. I’m just finalising a route in the sahara.
Thanks to so many people for their kind words and generosity in recent times, the fundraising total is at £41500, and Vivergo Fuels will matach donations up to a total of £4000 this week, to celebrate the last week of the challenge.
Inother news the beard is getting scruffier, and i’ve lost a total of 1.7kg since i started. I’ve moved onto eating cous cous and dates at every opportunity, and will be looking forward to catching up with so many people when i get back. THANKS TO EVERYONE FOR THEIR BACKING, DESPITE THE HARSH TERRAIN AND TEMPERATURES I’M PLANNING TO MAINTAIN A HIGH MILEAGE FOR THE LAST WEEK, and TOTALLY APPRECIATE ALL THE SUPPORT HEADING INTO THE SAHARA. cheers. andrew

hello Africa

Monday, January 10th, 2011

Reached Africa today. after 64 days and 2168 miles, im in Tetouan in the north of Morocco. It’s an incredible feeling reaching another country and continent especially given how different morocco is to Europe. Racked up 261 miles averaging 37 miles a day last week trying to make the ferry times work at algeciras so am fairly knackered today. That said, those miles were done in the south of spain, which is just incredible. Hills, valleys, pigs, and waterfalls everywhere, there cant be many more scenic places to run in the world. The run down from ronda to the coast was especially amazing, and would be class on a bike also if anyone is in the area. All this means that if mountains dont completely take me down, then i’ll finish a few days earlier than my planned upper limit of 85
Met some great folk this week, including hooking up with Volker and encarna, who showed us some spanish (mostly pork based) delicacies, Paul, michelle and keem from team axarsport. Mum and dad have taken command of the campervan, and one of the first tasks was the ferry to Spain. Have just been to an awesome fish restaurant in tetouan, and am spending tomorrow climbing into the Rif Mountains. Amazing.
One of the big attractions of the trip was morocco, and it wont disapoint. Looking at the route is sending a few tingles down my achilles tendons, with several passes over 2000 metres, and just mind boggling scenery.
Another couple of reasons i think i managed a big week just gone, was the real momentum of people doing special things for the Yamaa trust. Some of these include Karen Smith and Anne Mcsherry raising huge support and awareness,(and funds!), Ian Reilly coaching tennis for the yamaa trust and starting a melrose running crew, Wendy reeves having a cake sale and Vivergo fuels AGAIN showing their massive support by auctioning a Cristiano Ronaldo shirt, raising £800. If anyone out there has any ideas, please let us know, and we’ll try to help out as much as we can, it’s an awesome cause. It’s also brilliant to know that DAve Scott and a fellow Yamaa trust trustee will be getting themselves out to the sahara to cheer me on. Dave also heads up Sandbaggers, one of my principal sponsors, and what he doenst know about kit/ deserts is minimal.

S2S Auction Update

Friday, January 7th, 2011

With only just over 3 weeks to go until the end of the S2S challenge and the end of our auction there is still time to get yourself some great bargains on race entries and much more.  Kick 2011 off with a bang by bidding on one of the fantastic races/challenges on offer in the auction and make 2011 a fit one.  All proceeds from the auction will go to support the work of the Yamaa Trust – www.yamaatrust.com

• GOBI CHALLENGE PLACE – Current Bid – £1010 – still a saving to be made of almost £600 on this fantastic run through imposing sand dunes, towering mountains and seemingly endless sunbaked planes of the Mongolian Gobi.  Experience raw culture and a great sense of camaraderie taking part in this challenge http://www.sand-baggers.com/gobi_challenge.html
• Team Axar Sport Al Andalus Ultra Trail – Current pid – £685, Value.  an amazing race in beautiful Spain http://www.alandalus-ut.com/
• Scottish Ultra Place – Current bid – £170, Value over £300 – Still a chance to get into this race for almost half price whilst making a large donation to the Yamaa Trust.  This event sees athletes cover 140 miles on foot over 5 days, taking in beautiful surroundings and some of the most extreme environments Britain has to offer. http://www.scottishultra.com/
• Something for the Weekend – Current bid £100.  Yet another bargain on this adventure race weekend in the Black Mountains, Mid Wales.  Diciplines include running, mountain biking and Kayaking! http://www.mightcontainnuts.com/events/something_for_the_weekend/index.html
•  Entry into Any Round of The Welsh One Day Ultra Marathon Series, 2011 – currently no bids… get a real bargain on your choice of these fantastic one day events in Wales http://www.mightcontainnuts.com/store/index.
• Glenmore24 place – Current Bid – £50.  A unique forest trails race in the forests outside Aviemore in the Scottish Highlands.  Choose between a 12 or 24 hr run http://glenmore24.com/
• 50 mile challenge place – Currently no bids – taking place in Kent it is a fun race and can also be used as a great way of training for adventure races or of raising money for charity. http://www.50milechallenge.co.uk/50mile.htm
•  Moonlight Challenge place - Currently no bids Value – £35 A fun night time ultra taking place in kent the route will be lit up by glow sticks http://www.50milechallenge.co.uk/moonlight.htm
• UK Gear PT 1000 running shoes – current bid £70 / rrp – £95 – Fantastic ultra durable road and trail running shoe.  Supportive and long lasting with an excellend level of cushioning http://www.ukgear.com/Shop/Products/Mens-Footwear/1119-PT-1000-Road-AND-Trail-Running-Shoe—Structured-Cushioning.html
• Tailored Training Programme by Mandy Miller – Current Bid – £120 Value £300.  Mandy is a Certified Coach – Road Runners Club of America and USA Triathlon and
  Expert in Sports Psychology
  Prize Includes:
  16 week coaching program for any running or triathlon event of your choice
  Includes:
  - Detailed, day by day training program by certified coach
  - Unlimited Email Contact for feedback and questions
  -Once a month phone consultation
• Medical by Marathon Medical Services – Current Bid £50 Again bids are sitting at an amazing half price bargain.  Make sure you are fighting fit for your 2011 challenge events with a full medical courtesy of Marathon Medical Services http://www.marathonmedicalservices.co.uk/
• Running Hamper by Delimann – Current Bid £20 Value – £30 - A delicious selection of foods to reflect the S2S journey…carefully selected by Andrew Murray himself http://www.delimann.co.uk/product/104/s2s-runner-s-hamper/gifts-for-him-and-her-and-more-
• Calling all Aberdeen FC Fans.  Bid for a pair of tickets to any game of your choice!  Currently no bids! Also bid for a signed shirt – current bid – £50
• Ross County Shirt Signed by Scott Morrison and Andrew, Current Bid – £50
• Signed St Johnston Football Shirt – currently no bids.

Happy New Year

Saturday, January 1st, 2011

Happy new year wherever you are. I’m near CIUDAD REAL, well south of Madrid now. 1833 miles into the challenge, with 817(or probably a few more) to go. I’ve never had a quieter Hogmanay, Jennie and I free camped next to a lake with some wine and food. Probably wise given the look of some of the locals today, and 34 miles in rain and hail would have been even less fun with no sleep. I’ve about another 300 miles in Spain, followed by a short trip to Gibraltar which is apparently like Britain with monkeys, then the boat to africa. Between showes, its a gorgeous part of spain im running through. Full of hills, valleys, and birds. The forecast says the weather will clean up for a few days, and to be fair its actually been ine in Spain. The beard is getting bushier by the day, and is now saving biscuit crumbs.

I passed the old Guinness World Record for consecutive marathons a couple days ago. I’ve now done a fair bit of research into this, and it transpires that the records are not really up to date with challenges people have done (or perhaps these guys have been unable to provide enough evidence for the record.)
The most outstanding effort i have come across was RUNNING THE SAHARA, which is an incredible, and inspiring effort by Ray Zahab, Charlie Engle, and Kevin Lin, 3 pro ultra runners. What they did is far beyond inspiring, so much so it was turned into a major film directed by Matt Damon. I watched the trailer, and seeing these guys spur each other on to run 111 consecutive ultras though the sahara trading routes was incredible. I know Ray, who won The Sahara Race the year before i won, and has sent me a few kind messages at various times. A true gent. I feel given this amazing run, it would be disingenuous for me to claim a record given that these guys have achieved more.
Other fantastic runs i saw include 100 marathons on consecutive days on a treadmill by Mike Buss, and a Belgian guy who plans to run 200 marathons in a row, and a blok that ran stoke on trent to sydney, although at a slower pace. Amazing

The point of my run was to have a great holiday, seeing an incredible part of the world and to raise as much money as i can for the www.yamaatrust.com . I don’t see any merit in claiming a record that belongs, as far as i can see to Ray and his team (unless there are other runs out there). Records are obviously great to publicise runs/ fundraising, and i presume the run will equate to a lesser record of some description

the other great news is my good friend Terry Bishop and Toby will be manning the campervan for a week in Morocco. To say this guy has some stories is like saying the sahara has some sand. check out his blog http://www.troubadourstales.com/ . My mate Donnie Campbell, and his relentless singing of Cher songs will also be running a fair bit of Morocco with me. Top blok but earplugs are packed.

Off for a beer, and will look forward to a couple days in the sun!! Happy new year to all, and check out the S2S auction, for some help with new years resolutions. andrew