Hearing the words 'Sorry, I can't sign your medical form as you have a heart defect' did come as a bit of a surprise to me I must admit. A heart defect eh? That doesn't sound particularly good. Is this going to mean more admin or am I going to die doing this race? Is that what you are trying to tell me?

OK - so the MDS is notoriously admin heavy with an application and payment process that is as clear as mud. Multiple things happening at multiple times and a huge amount of rumour, misdirection and confusion. What is there for all to see is the actual rule book which states you have to provide a full medical and a resting electrocardiogram (ECG) within 30 days of the race.

I have a heart condition, if you hit me, it's murder

Withnail & I references aside, there I was in the private doctors surgery in Johannesburg taking comical photos of myself whilst hooked up to the ECG. Soon after the ECG was unplugged, I walked into the doctors room, form in hand to be signed and stamped. 'So, you do have an irregularity - a right bundle branch block... you see here?', pointing at unintelligibile readouts, 'it's probably not going to cause you many issues in life, but I can't sign this form as your heart isn't 'normal'. South African frankness is legendary.

The truth is, I wasn't particularly bothered about the medical side of things. If I had an issue here, I would have probably died already - of that I am sure. The issue is... more admin. I am going to have to go and see a specialist which will undoubtedly mean even more time and effort in these last few weeks.

Given the choice between a real heart defect and no more admin and planning... i am not sure which I would choose.