Hi All

I've made it!!!!  

Against all odds, lack of proper training and my injured knee, I managed to finish the 8 miles (12.8 km) race,  in 1:18 hour, in 648th place, from a total of 2.500 participants. Not bad at all : ) 

It wasn't easy though: a circuit loaded with huge ponds, 1/2 meter deep mud, hills, downhills and steep eroded parts, it was for sure the hardest physical activity I ever did so far in my life. At the end of the race your body just ask you to stop and you try to not listen to it and just carry on until the end. I think it will take one week for me to be able to walk normally again : )

But it was definitely worth it and I will surely do it again next year, with a healthy knee and plenty of training!!! 

The rain have stopped in my state Santa Catarina, leaving a total of 122 deaths and more than 80 people missing, but there are still thousands of people homeless and in need of basic help. 

My initiative even attracted the attention of the Brazilian media. See here a report that was broadcasted last week. it seems I'm sort of famous in Brazil now : )

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=QUThtCOEhUI

More pictures and videos of the race:

http://echofloripa.multiply.com/photos/album/115/Grim_Challenge

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=tPBtmC_p0I8

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=B9KJb-eEheI

Some recent news about the flooding:

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2008-12/07/content_10467685.htm

http://www.clicrbs.com.br/especial/sc/sos-sc/galeria/lista