A Seven Continent Journey

Recently planning for my Antarctica run I have been in touch with Richard Donovan, who is the Director of the Ice Marathon, Antarctica. He recently sent an email as shown below. He presently is trying an amazing feat of running 7 marathons in 7 continents in less then 6 days. His web site, link below, lists that he successfully ran the Antarctica Marathon today. I wish him all the luck, Lets hope he is able to complete this challenge.

" I may have only occasional access to email from tomorrow until February 6th. Hence, I will have little opportunity answer emails quickly. Many apologies in advance.
I will be travelling to Antarctica and from January 30th - February 4th I hope to run 7 marathons on 7 continents in 6 days. In other words, I'll be taking the long way home!
You should be able to follow the challenge at http://www.worldmarathonchallenge.com/. The website will be in operation over the weekend.
Best wishes,
Richard. "

Woke up a little late in the morning and after having a quick Morroccan breakfast in the morning headed straight to meet Peter at Riad Yasmine, right in the heart of Medina in Marrakech. This Riad (an traditional Moroccon home which is now a hotel, somewhat like a Bed and Breakfast concept) was very beautiful. We then started our journey through the very complicated alleys of Medina. Every few yards you come across Souks ( shops) were tradional Moroccon handicrafts which includes and amazing range from pottery work, leather product, tanneries are in abundance here, carpets etc. are sold. Prices are always quoted to be very high and then you have to haggle the prices. Part of the conversations with the shopkeepers are where we were from. The mention of America/ President Barack Obama invariably brought glitter to their eyes. The shopkeepers to push their prices would claim "this is a good price, a Democratic price". Learning with our experience last night we were very strict in not letting any one follow us pretending to help us. Palais Dar Si Said (Museum of Moroccan Arts) was our first stop .The palace is very opulent and beautiful with a lovely courtyard. The museum's displays are well laid out and include jewelery, costumes, ceramics, daggers and other artifacts. After a pasta lunch at Djemma el Fna, the large square, visited Ali ben Youssef Medersa and Mosque. The Medersa was built in the 16th century by the Saadians and could house up to 900 religious students. The architecture is beautifully preserved and you can explore the tiny rooms where the students used to live. The mosque is adjacent to the Medersa. Being non Muslims we could not get into the mosque. Soon there after returned to Medina to continue exploring the city. The spice shops are very well stocked, there were some spices which I could identify, bought some saffron to bring back home. Dinner was at Marrakeshi Resturant, a nice somewhat opulent place, of course the carb load continued, it was pasta again.

Came down with a cold soon after posting the last post, I had boasted how

good I felt, obviously that jinxed me. As expected it was tough week

to get through cold coupled with a hectic pace prior to leaving for Marrakech.

Plane ride from Chicago to Paris was easy, plane was half empty so I got good

sleep. The flight from Paris to Marrakech was aroumd 3.30 hrs, landing around 1.00pm. The most obvious first impression was the amount French influence here. Situated at the foot of the Atlas mountains, the imperial city of Marrakech is large, noisy, polluted and smelly. The Snow clad Atlas mountains is an amazing backdrop to the city. But Marrakech is also seems fascinating, full of history, and is the cultural center of Morocco. After checking in the hotel and a brief nap I headed to the Djemma el Fna which is really the heart of Marrakech. It is a large central square in the old city (Medina) and during the day it's a perfect place to grab a freshly-squeezed orange juice and a handful of dates. At the end of the afternoon the Djemma el Fna transforms into an entertainers paradise -- if you're in to snake charming, juggling, music and that sort of thing. Snack stalls are replaced with stalls offering more substantial fare and the square comes alive with entertainment that apparently hasn't changed much since medieval times. Video

Djemma el Fna is surrounded by cafe's overlooking the square so you can just relax and watch the world go by if you're tired of jostling the crowds below. I met up with Peter Sayer a runner from Atlanta who I had met initially in Rio De Janerio, where he ran his first marathon. We soon mingled with the crowd, we were asked for money we took photos of the performers and stopped to watch the entertainment. We walked through the alleys that lead into heart of Medina, and honestly speaking there were some scary moments when crowds of young and old would insist on helping us and demand money. The Medina is the old, walled part of town where life continues much as it has for hundreds of years. Mopeds battle for the right of way with donkeys in the narrow alleyways filled with shops selling steel, wool and live chickens. The main thoroughfares are crammed with shoppers, tourists and playing in small alleys. Once out of the old city, you feel quite safe, and nobody bothered , infact I walked back to my hotel. I was pleasantly surprised with amount of popularity of Indian Music and movie stars here.

Next week this time I will be close to running my 3rd attempt to another 26.2 mile journey on foot. How do I feel, well I have put in my effort completing the last long run today of around 10 miles. No training goes to plan, would have liked to a long run last weekend, but couldn't find time. 2 weeks back I had somehow managed to run a 20 miler on a treadmill. Won't recommend this to the sane, I had no choice, Green Bay is reeling with a Arctic Blast. The temperatures have been as low as -40 F. This year I got to be smarter, didn't try the heroics of last year training outdoors. I have to admit it is much more fun outdoors, but for now I have to accept whatever is an "easier" way to train. During the 20 mile run I watched 2 movies, and of course took some short breaks to refuel. I am feeling quite healthy and hopefully should have a good run. I leave on Wednesday for Paris and then onto Marrakesh. I will meet up with Peter Sayer, a runner from Atlanta who I got to know in Rio De Janerio when he ran his first marathon. On Friday I hoping to travel to Casablanca. Next day will be spent in Marrakesh, and also getting ready for the Marathon . Post Marathon, I am looking forward to a sumptuous Moroccan dinner celebration. I leave Morocco on Monday, 26th and return home on Tuesday after spending a night in Paris. Look out for the link to PHOTO STREAM , I will be uploading photos as I go along with this trip.