Greetings from an internet in Oaurzarzate in Morocco. After traveling for 38 hours from Melbourne I finally made it here last night. The weather is fantastic, a sign in town said it was 35C today, but didn't feel like it.
Today was all about the final packing of the back pack and I have arranged my food into separate packs, one for each of the 7 days of the event. Not sure of the weight of the pack but it will be around 10 kgs at a
guess.
Tomorrow is S-day when we all get taken out to the Sahara - its very exciting. After breakfast we leave about 8am and get driven out to the desert and finally we find out how far each stage is. All eyes will be
on the distance for the long stage, I am guessing 80km.
Had some lovely meals in town and tried a cous cous tonight - so nice. Clearly one of the things you have to eat when you come to Morocco. I figured I should eat well tonight as its freeze dried food for a while now.
Great group of people doing the event, so it should be fun! No blisters is the thing everyone is wishing for.
Apart from no blisters,my only other goal is to beat the sag camel! In triathlon if you are coming last and not going to make the time cut offs, there is a sag wagon to come and pick you up - here its a camel ;)
It seems a bit unreal but tomorrow its off to the Sahara Desert!!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Tuesday, March 29, 2011
MDS - Pre Departure Thoughts
Well the day has arrived - departure day for the Sahara! It seems such a complete world away from a big city like Melbourne and a job in an office on the 34th floor of a high rise building... but shortly I'll be on the other side of the world, in the most fammous desert on the planet.
A couple of last minute thoughts spring to mind...
1. The physical stuff is bound to be hard. The pack will be heavy for the first day or so, and coping with that, and the predicted heat will obviously be a challenge. Staying fit, healthy and strong is therefore priority number 1. Keeping the feet in good conditions is priority number 2. If I can manage those two things, then I should be able to finish. It's like so many things - focus on the process, and the result will look after itself.
2. Logistics. Getting yourself on the plane is harder than usual. Anything you pack in a suitcase under the plane may get lost. I am flying Emirates, one of the better airlines, so the chances are low they will lose your luggage, but its still a chance. So everything I absolutely need will be taken on as hand luggage, subject to weight and size restrictions for hand luggage of course! Currently my hand luggage is a little over 7kg, plus two hand held parcels (one for race shoes, and one with documents / cameras etc). Hopefully it wont be a problem.... but maybe I will repack one more time! :)
3. But I think the area that will make or break the event as an experience is the mental side.
I am not a natural camper, and have never camped in the bush, so this will be a challenge. Also the conditions are very basic, although apparently this year there is a seat at camp toilets, in the past it was just a hole, or more likely you would just go into the desert.
There will also be plenty of time doing nothing but recovering at camp post the days stage, or waiting for the stage to begin after the "tents" are taken down by the organisers. So there is a lot of waiting around apparently.
Moving from a fast paced life in the city, to a very slow pace, in completely different surroundings I think will be the biggest challenge. But the good thing is that I am aware of this, and I am looking forward to seeing how I cope in such drastically different circumstances.
The biggest positive, is that I know about it before I get there! Its all about slowing down, focusing on what I can control and just letting everything else flow around me.
Time to soak up some Sahara atmosphere!
A couple of last minute thoughts spring to mind...
1. The physical stuff is bound to be hard. The pack will be heavy for the first day or so, and coping with that, and the predicted heat will obviously be a challenge. Staying fit, healthy and strong is therefore priority number 1. Keeping the feet in good conditions is priority number 2. If I can manage those two things, then I should be able to finish. It's like so many things - focus on the process, and the result will look after itself.
2. Logistics. Getting yourself on the plane is harder than usual. Anything you pack in a suitcase under the plane may get lost. I am flying Emirates, one of the better airlines, so the chances are low they will lose your luggage, but its still a chance. So everything I absolutely need will be taken on as hand luggage, subject to weight and size restrictions for hand luggage of course! Currently my hand luggage is a little over 7kg, plus two hand held parcels (one for race shoes, and one with documents / cameras etc). Hopefully it wont be a problem.... but maybe I will repack one more time! :)
3. But I think the area that will make or break the event as an experience is the mental side.
I am not a natural camper, and have never camped in the bush, so this will be a challenge. Also the conditions are very basic, although apparently this year there is a seat at camp toilets, in the past it was just a hole, or more likely you would just go into the desert.
There will also be plenty of time doing nothing but recovering at camp post the days stage, or waiting for the stage to begin after the "tents" are taken down by the organisers. So there is a lot of waiting around apparently.
Moving from a fast paced life in the city, to a very slow pace, in completely different surroundings I think will be the biggest challenge. But the good thing is that I am aware of this, and I am looking forward to seeing how I cope in such drastically different circumstances.
The biggest positive, is that I know about it before I get there! Its all about slowing down, focusing on what I can control and just letting everything else flow around me.
Time to soak up some Sahara atmosphere!
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Contacting me in the Sahara, and race updates
After the conclusion of every stage, all competitors (if they wish) are able to send one email. My email will be to my partner Jill that will contain an update of how that stage went, how I am feeling and a general update of the event.
Jill will that update here.
Every morning, any emails sent to competitors are distributed to those competitors. Being so far away from home, and in such difficult conditions, those who have done the event say what a great boost people get from these emails. So if anyone would like to send me an email, it would be lovely to hear from you.
The process of how to send emails is not entirely clear, however I understand you go to the event website (www.darbaroud.com) and there will be a link from 3 April (first day of the race). My competitor number is 923.
Itinerary for the event:
1 April - picked up from Ouarzazate, Morocco and driven into desert.
2 April - administration checks (medical and gear)
3 April - race start. Day 1 likely to be approx 30km
4 April - day 2. Likely to be approx 38km
5 April - day 3. Likely to be approx 40km
6 April - day 4. Likely to be approx 80km - cut off is 34 hours, I hope to finish in 16 hours
7 April - day 5. Rest day to allow people to finish the long stage
8 April - day 6. Likely to be the traditional marathon stage, 42.2km
9 April - day 7 and finish. Likely to be approx 20km. After the finish, participants are presented with a finishers medal and then taken by bus back to Ouarzazate to a hotel, for the first shower in a week! Beers are expected to flow on this evening!!
10 April - Post event dinner function.
11 April - depart for home!
Wish me luck!!
Jill will that update here.
Every morning, any emails sent to competitors are distributed to those competitors. Being so far away from home, and in such difficult conditions, those who have done the event say what a great boost people get from these emails. So if anyone would like to send me an email, it would be lovely to hear from you.
The process of how to send emails is not entirely clear, however I understand you go to the event website (www.darbaroud.com) and there will be a link from 3 April (first day of the race). My competitor number is 923.
Itinerary for the event:
1 April - picked up from Ouarzazate, Morocco and driven into desert.
2 April - administration checks (medical and gear)
3 April - race start. Day 1 likely to be approx 30km
4 April - day 2. Likely to be approx 38km
5 April - day 3. Likely to be approx 40km
6 April - day 4. Likely to be approx 80km - cut off is 34 hours, I hope to finish in 16 hours
7 April - day 5. Rest day to allow people to finish the long stage
8 April - day 6. Likely to be the traditional marathon stage, 42.2km
9 April - day 7 and finish. Likely to be approx 20km. After the finish, participants are presented with a finishers medal and then taken by bus back to Ouarzazate to a hotel, for the first shower in a week! Beers are expected to flow on this evening!!
10 April - Post event dinner function.
11 April - depart for home!
Wish me luck!!
March 2011 MDS Press Conference
The 26th anniversary MDS, will be the longest yet!!!
Paris: Press conference back
25/03/2011
The 26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES press conference took place on 10 March at the National Moroccan Tourist Office in Paris, marking the media launch of the 2011 event.
Back in 1986, 23 pioneers took off from the start line to tackle ergs, dried-up (or not-so-dried-up) oueds, scorching heat and sand dunes.
Instead of being met with a cry of “never again”, each event has seen numbers of participants rise.
In a fortnight’s time, almost 900 “desert loonies” will set off into the Moroccan swelter.
Everyone’s looking forward to it – organizers, sponsors, the media and all kinds of athletes.
So, on 10 March, Patrick Bauer invited a large crowd to the presentation of the 26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES, and the event was a great success
Around thirty journalists attended, including the AFP, teams from TV5 Monde and Eurosport 2, and the Moroccan TV station 2M, who came specially from Casablanca.
There were also event partners like Allianz, Transavia.com, Jogging International and of course Sultan teas, without which the race wouldn’t be happening.
This year once again, Patrick Bauer and his team have rustled up a course worthy of the race’s international reputation, to be revealed to competitors when they are handed the road book upon arrival in Ouarzazate.
The only tantalizing scrap of information so far is that the 26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES will be the longest yet, taking runners 700 m further than last year, for a grand total of 250 km 700m.
Although most competitors simply aim to reach the finishing line, there is little doubt that Mohamad Ahansal will once more try to get his surname written on the first step of the podium.
As for the women, Touda Didi will be looking to win back the title. But the current holder Monica Aguilera, and Frenchwoman Laurence Klein clearly don’t see things the same way.
Set your diaries for 3 April at the start line to see the adventure take off.
Paris: Press conference back
25/03/2011
The 26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES press conference took place on 10 March at the National Moroccan Tourist Office in Paris, marking the media launch of the 2011 event.
Back in 1986, 23 pioneers took off from the start line to tackle ergs, dried-up (or not-so-dried-up) oueds, scorching heat and sand dunes.
Instead of being met with a cry of “never again”, each event has seen numbers of participants rise.
In a fortnight’s time, almost 900 “desert loonies” will set off into the Moroccan swelter.
Everyone’s looking forward to it – organizers, sponsors, the media and all kinds of athletes.
So, on 10 March, Patrick Bauer invited a large crowd to the presentation of the 26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES, and the event was a great success
Around thirty journalists attended, including the AFP, teams from TV5 Monde and Eurosport 2, and the Moroccan TV station 2M, who came specially from Casablanca.
There were also event partners like Allianz, Transavia.com, Jogging International and of course Sultan teas, without which the race wouldn’t be happening.
This year once again, Patrick Bauer and his team have rustled up a course worthy of the race’s international reputation, to be revealed to competitors when they are handed the road book upon arrival in Ouarzazate.
The only tantalizing scrap of information so far is that the 26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES will be the longest yet, taking runners 700 m further than last year, for a grand total of 250 km 700m.
Although most competitors simply aim to reach the finishing line, there is little doubt that Mohamad Ahansal will once more try to get his surname written on the first step of the podium.
As for the women, Touda Didi will be looking to win back the title. But the current holder Monica Aguilera, and Frenchwoman Laurence Klein clearly don’t see things the same way.
Set your diaries for 3 April at the start line to see the adventure take off.
Sneak peak of the 26th MDS course
(from the event website... www.darbaroud.com... note details of the actual course and distances of each stage is only provided to participants on 1st April as we board a bus and driven into the Sahara).
ADVANCE INFORMATION - Itinerary 26th SULTAN MDS
The reconnaissance mission for the 26th MDS has come up with a course worthy of the event’s reputation. Anyone who thought it might be hard to devise an itinerary to match the beauty and difficulty of the 25th anniversary MDS will soon see that nothing is impossible after all. We can now announce that the 26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES will be a wonderful event in every sense of the word.
To stir the imagination of forthcoming participants, here are two or three exclusive snippets from the 2011 itinerary.
With its 13 km of majestic dunes, Erg Chebbi will be one of this year’s high points. The dunes, Morocco’s highest, are undeniably difficult to cross, but in recompense they offer a feast of arabesques to the eyes. Several jebels with slopes exceeding 12% will add colour to the course and reveal some breathtaking scenery. It’s a wonderful sensation to stand high and take in a 360% view. Patrick and his trackers once again took their time to contemplate those familiar panoramas that have lost nothing of their charm.
This year, sand and dunes will be present in every stage of the marathon. There will also be numerous oueds to cross that no one ever goes over because they are off the beaten track. Some remote villages will be passed through, giving an idea of the daily lives of a people attached to their land and traditions. Also included will be a pair of dried-up lakes and a few steep-sided gorges to bring reality into the picture. And the valleys, of course – there will be some very beautiful valleys, plus plateaux with pretty black stones littered with fossils. If you want to know more, you’ll just have to come and see it for real on 1 April 2011.
Many people look at a programme like this and wonder if they will be ready, or if they are up to standard. Obviously, you need to train hard to get to the finishing line, but that doesn’t mean that you need to be a Super Marathon Runner to finish. Speed isn’t everything, and a good walker is perfectly capable of completing the MDS, and often arrives a lot fresher than a runner who has had trouble pacing him or herself. It’s important to realise that this unique opportunity to cross the desert in complete security is not reserved to a select few. Discovering the majestic landscapes of the Moroccan southern Sahara is a rare pleasure within the reach of experienced hiking enthusiasts.
When it comes to the competition, clearly only the great champions will get to taste victory, but most competitors simply target the finish line, which above all calls for a good dose of determination and knowing how to pace yourself.
On that subject, and to conclude, Patrick BAUER would like to inform runners that pacing themselves is crucial, because the distance won’t be any shorter than it was last year. He would also like to remind participants that water management is a fundamental concept of the MDS – failing to take the recommended amount of water to the CP can turn out to be a severe handicap, and in any case much more penalising than carrying a standby litre.
ADVANCE INFORMATION - Itinerary 26th SULTAN MDS
The reconnaissance mission for the 26th MDS has come up with a course worthy of the event’s reputation. Anyone who thought it might be hard to devise an itinerary to match the beauty and difficulty of the 25th anniversary MDS will soon see that nothing is impossible after all. We can now announce that the 26th SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES will be a wonderful event in every sense of the word.
To stir the imagination of forthcoming participants, here are two or three exclusive snippets from the 2011 itinerary.
With its 13 km of majestic dunes, Erg Chebbi will be one of this year’s high points. The dunes, Morocco’s highest, are undeniably difficult to cross, but in recompense they offer a feast of arabesques to the eyes. Several jebels with slopes exceeding 12% will add colour to the course and reveal some breathtaking scenery. It’s a wonderful sensation to stand high and take in a 360% view. Patrick and his trackers once again took their time to contemplate those familiar panoramas that have lost nothing of their charm.
This year, sand and dunes will be present in every stage of the marathon. There will also be numerous oueds to cross that no one ever goes over because they are off the beaten track. Some remote villages will be passed through, giving an idea of the daily lives of a people attached to their land and traditions. Also included will be a pair of dried-up lakes and a few steep-sided gorges to bring reality into the picture. And the valleys, of course – there will be some very beautiful valleys, plus plateaux with pretty black stones littered with fossils. If you want to know more, you’ll just have to come and see it for real on 1 April 2011.
Many people look at a programme like this and wonder if they will be ready, or if they are up to standard. Obviously, you need to train hard to get to the finishing line, but that doesn’t mean that you need to be a Super Marathon Runner to finish. Speed isn’t everything, and a good walker is perfectly capable of completing the MDS, and often arrives a lot fresher than a runner who has had trouble pacing him or herself. It’s important to realise that this unique opportunity to cross the desert in complete security is not reserved to a select few. Discovering the majestic landscapes of the Moroccan southern Sahara is a rare pleasure within the reach of experienced hiking enthusiasts.
When it comes to the competition, clearly only the great champions will get to taste victory, but most competitors simply target the finish line, which above all calls for a good dose of determination and knowing how to pace yourself.
On that subject, and to conclude, Patrick BAUER would like to inform runners that pacing themselves is crucial, because the distance won’t be any shorter than it was last year. He would also like to remind participants that water management is a fundamental concept of the MDS – failing to take the recommended amount of water to the CP can turn out to be a severe handicap, and in any case much more penalising than carrying a standby litre.
Marathon des Sables - logistics
Coming from an ironman and marathon background, the most obvious difference about those events to the Marathon des Sables is that its a multi day self-sufficiency event.
Thus, the logitics of working out what to take and what back pack to take it in, are of critical importance.
With requirements to take certain compulsory gear (eg compass, knife, survival blanket, anti venom kit etc) and a certain amount of food (at least 2000 calories a day) working out the most weight-efficient way of doing that is really important.
I have probably spent more time searching the internet and shops for back packs, freeze dried food, gaiters, trail runners etc than actually training itself.
I thought I had the back pack completely sorted out, and then I put together the list of gels, electrolyte powders to add to the water to provide energy on the run (eg Gatorade or Endura) and protein powder and I was (unhappily) surprised at how much space it took in the back pack. To the extent now that the back pack is over full.
That will cause problems (a) to take the back pack on the plane and (b) ensuring I can take everything I need on the event!!
The plane is an important logistical issue - I will take the race back pack as my hand luggage, and a small suitcase to go under the plane. The stuff that goes on the plane with me, is the stuff I cant afford to do without in the unfortunate event that my luggage is lost. Which is kind of everything, except for the moment everything doesnt actually fit into my pack.... so some stuff will have to be risked. But not the freeze dried food, sleeping bag, race clothes, shoes and gaiters. But all liquids will be in the suit case due to airline restrictions, so all the hygiene things are under the plane.
I will have time to pack and repack the back pack many times pre event in Morocco, I actually think that is almost an essential part of the event experience... working out the best way to get all your gear into the pack!
And I know I struggle if it gets close to 10kg, so less is definitely more... but "too much less" is not enough!!
So if you are ever going to do this event, the logistics are something that is absolutely essential to think long and hard about!!
Thus, the logitics of working out what to take and what back pack to take it in, are of critical importance.
With requirements to take certain compulsory gear (eg compass, knife, survival blanket, anti venom kit etc) and a certain amount of food (at least 2000 calories a day) working out the most weight-efficient way of doing that is really important.
I have probably spent more time searching the internet and shops for back packs, freeze dried food, gaiters, trail runners etc than actually training itself.
I thought I had the back pack completely sorted out, and then I put together the list of gels, electrolyte powders to add to the water to provide energy on the run (eg Gatorade or Endura) and protein powder and I was (unhappily) surprised at how much space it took in the back pack. To the extent now that the back pack is over full.
That will cause problems (a) to take the back pack on the plane and (b) ensuring I can take everything I need on the event!!
The plane is an important logistical issue - I will take the race back pack as my hand luggage, and a small suitcase to go under the plane. The stuff that goes on the plane with me, is the stuff I cant afford to do without in the unfortunate event that my luggage is lost. Which is kind of everything, except for the moment everything doesnt actually fit into my pack.... so some stuff will have to be risked. But not the freeze dried food, sleeping bag, race clothes, shoes and gaiters. But all liquids will be in the suit case due to airline restrictions, so all the hygiene things are under the plane.
I will have time to pack and repack the back pack many times pre event in Morocco, I actually think that is almost an essential part of the event experience... working out the best way to get all your gear into the pack!
And I know I struggle if it gets close to 10kg, so less is definitely more... but "too much less" is not enough!!
So if you are ever going to do this event, the logistics are something that is absolutely essential to think long and hard about!!
Final Dress Rehearsal
The last major run with a back pack was a 20km training effort with a close-to full back pack, including the sleeping mat on the back.
I have decided to go with a cheap foam mat, rather than an inflatable one, as I understand that there are lots of thorns that often puncture sleeping mats. As someone has told me - inflatable = deflatable!
I had done a 29km run the day before, so I was fairly tired leading into this training run, and being another warm day in the 30's, found it hard to run too much. So it was mostly a walk.
Still I looked the part...
And the coastral trail is a wonderful place to do your training.
Close up view of the gaiters, glued and sewn to the shoes
Not the best training session, tired and hot and the feet were a bit sore at the end. Will try and run as much as possible in the sahara, seems to be easier on the feet than walking.
I have decided to go with a cheap foam mat, rather than an inflatable one, as I understand that there are lots of thorns that often puncture sleeping mats. As someone has told me - inflatable = deflatable!
I had done a 29km run the day before, so I was fairly tired leading into this training run, and being another warm day in the 30's, found it hard to run too much. So it was mostly a walk.
Still I looked the part...
And the coastral trail is a wonderful place to do your training.
Close up view of the gaiters, glued and sewn to the shoes
Not the best training session, tired and hot and the feet were a bit sore at the end. Will try and run as much as possible in the sahara, seems to be easier on the feet than walking.
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