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Aarrrggh!

Tuesday, August 15

Cannot seem to catch up.  The days are packed, very little downtime, and we've been falling into bed when we return to our room.

Briefly, yesterday (Monday) we walked 19.2 miles in 83 degrees with real feel in the 90s. During training, Jim and I had wondered if altitude would compensate for humidity.  Answer: it didn't.  The heat was brutal.  But there were plenty of pit stops for potty visits; fluids and snacks; bug spray, sunscreen, iced neck cloths, foot care; and more.  A medical team is on hand as well.

Today we walked 18 miles and were scheduled to bike 21.  Again, it was 80-something, real feel in the 90s.  Our group made it to the first biking rest stop around 3:20 so we got called because it was past time to close the course.  So Gold Team rode the oxcart to the end point for the day.

Jim and I have survived so far but are not unscathed. He lost a toe nail and has some nasty blisters.  I have a heat rash that stings like a severe sunburn. We are both generally achy and exhausted.

More tomorrow!

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