FINISHED!

Sorry! I sent an email when I finished, but I think I wrote the address wrong. The final stage was great - classic marathon at 42.2k. It was really good terrain, with dunes, flats, steep climbs and decsents and an final 3k flat run to the bivouac to finish. Anton and I ran togehter again and finished flying the Aussie flag (well, Aussie flag sarong anyway) which was really great. I think I ended up in the top half of the field and about 28th in the womens, which is very exciting!!! Thanks to everyone for the emails - they have really been great, if delayed in receiving them. They really spurred me on and were extremely encouraging. Sorry for the generic updates, but we were limited for characters as well. To answer a few questions quickly - no, it was not too hot, the sleeping mat did NOT get cut from the pack list, I hardly have any blisters, my tent mates were great, I had running buddies the WHOLE time (and a few comments on my ability to talk incessently while I run :)). We are not back in OZZ, showered and about to go to dinner. It was really nice to wash the dirt off and a) use a toilet, and b) not worry about how much paper I am using when I go to the toilet! I finished yesterday a bit before 3pm, and then spent the next 4 hours cheering in everyone from our 'team' - the Aussies, US, NZ etc. It was great to see some of the guys finish with injuries and SMASHED feet. I have too many stories to tell now (you see people do the most amazing things here - both good and bad) so will write a better report when I get time. The good news is that Mohammed Ahnsal WON, and my best friend Samir finished stongly yesterday for a 5th place :) We told him that whatever he did he needed to beat the American Mike, and it took him until the last day to do it. Thank you again for all your support both before and after the race!