So this is it! The start of my blog. I will update as often as possible. After a two week break in training (due to kids being on holiday), I will be back at it on Tuesday. I can't wait!
This is great, Rach. Looking forwward to reading all the gory details, and how you feel and look. All the very best for this long year of training, for a most amazing goal!!! Can't wait to meet you in the desert. Your running friend, Craig
Look forward to reading about your progress and the day you move from waitlist to defo list. Having such a good cause to run for can only be good for your motivation. We also need someone to keep a tight rein on Craig otherwise all the wine will be done before stage 3!
The MdS covers 243km/151 miles (in sections similar to 25, 34, 38, 82, 42, 22 km) run over 6 days (7 for some) - equivalent to 5 1/2 regular marathons. That's a speed of between 3 and 14 km an hour for competitors aged between 16 and 78). I will have to carry everything I will need for the duration (apart from a tent) on my back in a rucksack (food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag etc). Water is rationed and handed out at each checkpoint. I will have to prepare all my own food throughout the race. Temperatures can reach up to 120°F, and I will be running or walking on uneven rocky, stony ground as well as 15 - 20% of the distance being in sand dunes.
This blog is to track my journey to the Marathon des Sables in 2009. It will cover all my training, decisions about my kit, nutrition etc. It will also cover issues such as sanity (or the lack of it) and my general everyday mutterings.... You have been warned!
I'm 35 years old, and a mum of two girls (aged 7 and 5). I started running (I use that term very loosely) when I'd had my second daughter. I came across the Marathon des Sables completely by accident and it fascinated me from day 1. Over the next four years I kept going back, having another look, wondering whether little old me could take on such a massive challenge. After 4 years of looking I took the plunge. Because I'm not a natural runner (more of a plodder really), I am hoping to walk the MdS. After (very briefly) discussing with family and poor long suffering husband, I sat at my computer, and entered the 2009 race (back in March 2007!). After spending 18 months on the waitlist, I finally got the call I've been waiting for on 12/09/08! I'll be raising money for Epilepsy Action, as my youngest daughter suffers with epilepsy.
So here goes....
3 comments:
Hi Rach, I've just found your blog!! I'll put a link on my blog to yours
Stephx
This is great, Rach. Looking forwward to reading all the gory details, and how you feel and look. All the very best for this long year of training, for a most amazing goal!!! Can't wait to meet you in the desert.
Your running friend,
Craig
Look forward to reading about your progress and the day you move from waitlist to defo list. Having such a good cause to run for can only be good for your motivation.
We also need someone to keep a tight rein on Craig otherwise all the wine will be done before stage 3!
AlanC
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