DUTCH DES SABLES
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The ultimate shared
experience
Odile has never seen the desert and even if she’s
on her first MARATHON DES SABLES she still won’t
see it quite like the others. Blind from birth, Odile
runs marathons, does tandem cycling and has climbed
Kilimanjaro. When she was looking for someone to
guide her through MDS, the ultimate challenge, Gerard
volunteered. Something of a wordsmith, Gerard is
sharing this incredible adventure with her. « He’s
very observant and has a romantic eye » Odile
says wistfully. He describes not only the breathtaking
landscapes but says he tries to “help her feel
as many things as possible through all her senses”. “He
picked flowers so I could touch them. He rubbed camomile
between his hands so I could really smell the fragrance
Yesterday morning on leaving CP4 a flock of birds
flew off and their song was so different from the
one back home. It’s wonderful”. Their
shared adventure is also gruelling. Odile thought
she would run parts of the race but quickly hurt
her ankles: “It’s impossible to put your
feet where you should, even with Gérard’s
instructions”. The worst was the steep slope
down the jebel on day 2. « He’d say lift
your foot now to avoid the rock and bang I’d
put it exactly where I shouldn’t have ».
Their course has become much harder and slower as
a result. And the fatigue isn’t just physical
according to Gérard : « I admit
having to concentrate so hard is taking its toll ».
The relief at finishing the long stage was so great,
he broke down in Odile’s arms. « I’ve
done and learnt so much thanks to racing, says Gérard,
Above all it’s about sharing. And this is the
ultimate».
