MDS Food Plan

After months of research, ordering special foods online and looking in camping stores, I finally found all the freeze dried meals and snacks I will take to the desert. I've considered caloric value (I calculated it as the package weight in ratio to the package caloric content and the packages with the highest calories per weight, made the cut). I also looked at meals that I will eat under normal circumstances, and that I expect to crave when starved, tired, and sore.

The MDS rules state that you have to present a minimum of 2000 calories per day during the technical controls. If you don't have the min calories, you will receive a time penalty. Most people consume 2000 calories on a normal day, without any exertion. Obviously when in the desert, covering huge distances in the heat and sand and carrying 12-15 kgs on your back, we will all need more than the recommended 2000 cals. However, you have to consider weight and cannot take too much more food than the recommended minimum. 

Here's an overview of how I predict each day will look like. I'm within the daily limits of cals and have a good balance of variety, but I might have to make some cuts depending on the pack weight. 

Training in phases

As with everything in the preparation for this MDS race, it seems it falls into place when done in stages. Up until October 2012, I was working towards being able to complete my first marathon (TCS Amsterdam Marathon, Oct 21, 2012). As of November, I started doing a specialized weight training program (put together by my triathlete partner who has never had an injury in two competitive racing years). An example of my program for November is below. This type of training was different for me as it required me to have less days off in between sessions, and to train even when in discomfort. Normally I would listen to my body and if my body said 'no way!', I wouldn't force a workout. However, it soon became clear that my 'no way!' was just an excuse and it was possible to do it.

In January my focus will be to walk uphill 3 times a week with a 9-10 kg backpack on my back and to strengthen my core, back, arms and legs with 3 intense weight training sessions a week. Regular cardio sessions and running sessions (one day hill training, one day speed training, and one day slow long run) will make up the remaining of the days. In February I will need to bump up my running/walking totals to 150 km a week (more than double of a good current week) with the aim of doing 250 km of cross training, running and walking in one week towards the end of February. In March I will do longer slow runs with the backpack on and closer to full backpack weight. So step by step, bit by bit I'm hoping to move towards being strong enough and fit enough to be in harsh conditions with 10+kgs on my back for 8-10 hours a day for 6 consecutive days.