Stomach Issues

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The Run Becomes A Job

Well, the "boys" are still working hard!! Or should I say - RUNNING hard!!

I get very little information in small doses and am doing the best I can in posting any info that I receive.
Please be patient but also keep checking back regularly for updates.
The "runningthesahara" website should be updated very soon. (not sure why they are not showing any new info yet)
But PLEASE, PLEASE log on and don't forget to check out H2O Africa!!
One "small drop" is worth "gallons" to the people of the world without water.

Charlie is moving right along and feeling really good! He's had some stomach issues but that hasn't stopped him for long.
It's natural for the body to reject the kind of abuse that its taking from all this running. One way of releasing that stress, by the body, is through the stomach. Whether it be by rejecting food, or immediately flushing the food out - the body will find it's own way to deal with these matters.
The amount of food these guys have to eat is unbelievable! And it is very difficult to eat when you are running so much. The body just doesn't want any food. But it certainly needs it. And it takes time for the body to adjust and acclamate to the "new eating plan."
In any case, after trial and error situations of the body and mind - the human spirit will prevail and keep pushing forward!!

They've reached their 50 miles a day mark and have gone on to run over 1000 miles in just a few short weeks!!!! (probably long weeks to them)
Give them all a big hand!!! Wow! What an accomplishment already!!!

Their only 2 days from Mali and will cover this great country in the next few weeks.

More info later.

From "Team Charlie" headquarters

Charlie's quote for the day:

"Today is the day the run became a job!"

I spoke with Charlie this morning. He is still doing well, although struggling a bit. He and his teammates are simply tired, hot, and lacking sleep.
They knew the first couple of weeks would be tough so they aren't complaining at all, but they have released how they are feeling.
Their bodies will basically be "torn down" over a period of time before they adjust.
If they can just make it through these next several days, their bodies will have become more accustomed, along with their minds, and it will be much easier. (easy? - I don't think so.)

They're still treking through Mauritania and will soon enter a United Nations developement plan; a millennium village. They will get to view a finsihed product of what the hopes of this run will help accomplish throughout Africa.

As they ran early this morning through a small village, a few children began to run with them. Before they knew it, at least 15o children were running with them as they passed through the village. "A sight to behold!"

I asked about their food intake. They've been drinking at least 15 liters of fluids a day and eating cooked meals of pasta, rice, or couscous with a "beef stew" type topping. It's been more than acceptable, although they look forward to some of the "comfort foods" they brought with them each day.
It will take some time for their bodies to adjust to their new eating habits as well. They will have to take in over 8,000 calories a day to keep their bodies functioning properly. ( and so they don't lose too much weight. It is possible they could lose as much as 30 pounds or more by the end of this run. (not the ideal diet plan for most of us - LOL)

Keep checking in for the latest. I'm doing the best I can with what I have here.

From Lisa Trexler at "Team Charlie" headquarters

Trans Sahara Hwy.

Okay everyone!
It's been 8 days.
They've covered about 450 K so far!

Their all doing really well and still have great spirit.
They are on their way to Nema, Mauritania along the "Trans Sahara Hwy."
It's a straight route for now.
They've come into some really large sand dunes and some really large scorpions as well.

Charlie says this area is beautiful. "Amazingly beautiful."
Each new place they enter is more fascinating than the last.

They've been getting up around 4:00am to start running due to the heat. It is usually 115 degrees by 11:00am. Very HOT!

Let's keep the faith and show our support!

450 K - a drop in the bucket compared to the 4,000 miles they will cross to fill the bucket!
Can WE help fill the bucket? ...... with clean water?
Charlie's doing his part. Are we doing ours?
Spread the word, raise awareness, and get support.
Log onto www.runningthesahara.com and click on H2O Africa to find out how you can help.

Take care everyone
Take care Charlie, Ray, and Kevin

From "Team Charlie" headquarters

Questions or comments:
ltrexler8@aol.com

Moving Along

The latest:

Charlie and his teammates, Kevin and Ray, ran about 75 K yesterday.
They ran 7 hours in the morning and 4 hours in the evening.
The temperatures are well over 110 degress during the day and the nights are very cool.

He said: "The country is beautifuland I am doing well physically."

Kevin had a much better day and Ray is doing great and feeling very strong.

Don't forget to log onto www.runningthesahara.com
It should be up and "running" soon so you'll be able to track progress and read about H2O AFRICA to help donate for new wells and clean water.

From:
Team Charlie

Senegal To Mauritania

Everything looks GREAT so far in Africa.
The "boys" ran their first 30 k through Senegal to the border of Mauritania.
I spoke with him for a brief moment;

Charlie: "Things went very well here today. We feel really good. We kept it slow. It's beautiful here and we can't wait to start again tomorrow."

Check back later for more updates.

From: Team Charlie