Just a quick note to say Mike's back in the UK safe and sound after his ordeal for charity. He's awaiting photos of the event and will write a few proper words when he gets chance, but in a quick email to me he said to thank you all, and here's his thoughts on the event in the inimitable squaddy style...
Just got home mate - I'm waiting for the official photos from the event to be done, didn't get a chance to take any en route.
I came 23 out of 280 odd in my category - winner got in about 28 mins ahead of me. Tony finished about 60th in 8:37.
I'll knock up a little statement, needless to say it was a ^$*£^%* ninja event - I covered the first 11 miles in 1:56 but the climb up to 5,700' started to take it out of me. It was 40C with 30 mph winds - every Yank I'd spoken to on the way round had said it had already added over an hour to their previous times.
Got my second wind in the 'Sand Pit' about 4 miles from the end - flew round that but needed to stop for a leak about two miles from the finish - worst mistake, I should have just wet (ahem) myself and kept going - couldn't get my legs going to the same pace after that and the last two just dragged and dragged. Vowed I'd never do it again, but give me a few weeks and I might change my mind. Next time I'll do some training for it though - not something you can rock up and just blag (although that's basically what I did - and still managed a semi decent time despite the four days on the lash beforehand!)
The guy's a legend. Nuff said.
/quick edit: £2,547.00 was raised, with an extra £577.36 claimed back through tax! Well done to Mike and thanks to everyone who sponsored!