2004-10-04 - 9:33 p.m.

Have you ever read the Dune series?
I have.
The books are set on this desert planet whose inhabitants are these incredible warriors, conditioned by the harsh climate around them. They wear body suits that collect the moisture they excrete or perspire so that no liquid is lost or wasted. One bit of information that I retained from the series and have used here in Mauritania is to keep my mouth closed. The amount of moisture lost from an open mouth is unbelievable. If left ajar, especially when running, a completely dry mouth and throat can be a huge problem. On several occasions, beset with the world’s worst case of cottonmouth, I have used all my will power not to swallow. If I do, the walls of my throat will stick together, and only the loosening power of unavailable water will part them.

Have you ever had to defecate so badly that you just moved to the side of the road dropped your pants?
I have.
Most friends and family will know my running in Crapo Park story from two winters ago. They will also be happy to find, due to my increasingly uncontrollable bowls, on no less than 5 separate runs I have had to relieve myself by the roadside. In the states I used to time my runs so that a restroom would be close by at the moment when my intestines needed relief. Sadly there are no port-a-potties on the road leading to Azougi.

Have you ever run 10 miles in 120 degree Saharan heat after being sick 4 days in a row?
I have.
I just finished this novel called “Once a Runner.” It is about a college student working toward the world’s record for the mile. I couldn’t put it down, and when I finished at 2:00 today I had to get out. The girls begged me to stay until it had cooled off. I asked myself what Quentin (the main character of novel) would do. Brashly ignoring my comrades, I exited the house and began pumping my legs through the sweltering heat. Results: Ridiculous sunburn, dehydration (upon returning I immediately drank 3 L of water), almost lost in the desert (couldn’t locate my target on the horizon for nearly 10 minutes), exhaustion, and mockery from fellow volunteers.

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