What is pain?

During training, we used to have a favourite saying: "Pain is just weakness leaving the body". I'm not sure who coined this phrase or which one of us introduced it to the group but during a particularly difficult session, it always garnered a quick moment of levity.

As Matt and I reflected on the Adventure Challenge on the morning of the last day, it occured to us that pain -- like athletes -- comes in all shapes and sizes. It is true that at times, pain is simply weakness leaving the body, but pain is other things as well. Have a read:

Pain is also:

1. Nipples chafed to the point of bleeding;

2. 3am breakfast after 4 hours of wind-swept sleep;

3. Beginning a 50km trek at midnight;

4. The combination of sand/sweat/dirt/grime and contact lenses;

5. One's pelvis after 40km on those awful mountain bike seats;

6. 20-30 Mars bars and 4 days of constipation;

7. Blisters infused with new sand, dried blood, wet sweat and white puss;

8. On a mountain peak, 1-metre visibility, rain, wind and stranded at 6am for an 11am start;

9. Sleeping on a salt flat that is soft as a marble slab;

10. The stench of ones clothes after 6 days of showerless competition.

Desert Hacks, does anything else come to mind?

Also, I'd like to take a minute to thank all of our supporters. Little did we know that so many of you were following our GPS with equal parts anticipation and trepidation. It was a wonderful feeling to read all of the messages of support after we'd returned -- each was like finding an unopened Christmas present from years gone by.

While we didn't exactly reach the goal we'd set for ourselves, there is little doubt in my mind that without your support and positivity, we could not have accomplished what we did. The outpouring of support and love was both surprising and humbling. In the most sincere way I can, I thank you.

J-Ro.

ps: Watch this space. Three of the Desert Hacks are already in negotiations with sponsors for their next adventure.