Mephiston

run the marathon des sables (read all 2 entries…)
Toughest thing I've done so far! 3 years ago

830 registered to run, 760 made it to Morocco without training injuries. 29 failed their pre-race medicals, so 731 started the 2006 Marathon des Sables.

585 finished it – there were more drop outs this year than any other. 100 people needed IV fluids on the first day for dehydration, 7 people suffered comas, including one who had to be repatriated to France, and 2 suffered heart attacks. One bloke lost a toe, and another dislocated his shoulder.

This is not known as the toughest footrace in the world for nothing!

It is, however, and brilliant and unforgetable experience, in which I guarantee you will learn something about yourself and the human spirit.

If anyone else is considering doing this, and wants advice, please get in touch! If you’re wondering how I faired – 153rd overall, 22nd Brit.

Bon courage!

Apr 19, 2006, 06:16AM PDT | 3 cheers


Comments:

catriona1307

Congrats!!

Hope to do it myself in 2009 although I had originally thought 2010 as that will be the 25th but think if I wait that long I’ll chicken out so training starts tomorrow!

Aug 19, 2006, 02:17PM PDT | Thread | Respond to this

Mephiston

Thanks – I’m thinking of doing it again in 2010 myself. Hopefully doing the Atacama Crossing next year, as part of the Race the Planet series. It seems I just can’t get enough…

Aug 20, 2006, 02:01AM PDT | Respond to this

mhallworth

Well Done Mephisto!

An awesome achievement. I’ve had the MdS in the back of my mind for a few years and am taking the plunge in 2009. Plan to do the Thames Meander next year a measure of where i stand physically and mentally. Ant tips / advice on preparing the feet for such a punishing trial to minimise blisters etc?

Feb 09, 2007, 06:43AM PST | Thread | Respond to this

Mephiston

Time on your feet, basically: not just running, either, since you almost certainly won’t run all of the event. I was running about 70 miles each week for 6 weeks before flying out, and walking a fair amount as well. I didn’t do any real running with kit, but most of my walking was with some kind of load. Some folks also recommended ‘Tuf foot’, something normally used to toughen the feet of animals with fleshy pads. You’d have to import it from the US though!

Feb 09, 2007, 06:53AM PST | Respond to this


Mephiston has gotten 3 cheers on this entry.

 

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