With the Marathon des Sables done and dusted, this will sadly be my last blog update as this project has come to a close. I want to take the time to thank every single person who took the time to read this, who sent words of encouragement and who showed interest. If you are reading this, preparing for your own race and if you have any questions, you can always contact me via the blog and I'd be happy to help as much as I can!
I'd like to share a few of my perceptions of DO's and DON'Ts for a race like this.
DO's:
* Do spend more than 15 Euros on a sleeping bag. The desert nights are very cold, and unless you are well insulated, you will either have to carry more clothes with you (adds weight) or you will have to face the risk of not sleeping at all which means your body will not recuperate as it should.
* Buy shoes that are 2 sizes bigger. 1 size is just not enough as your feet swell from long hours in hot conditions, and with the carrying of a backpack, your posture changes so more pressure is put on your feet.
* Take more than enough anti-inflammatories / strong pain pills. The medics won't give you pain pills since they have no idea what you've taken and it's too risky to mix meds. 1 a day is unfortunately not enough as you'll run our quite fast.
* Be open-minded, flexible and adaptable.
* Plan on managing EVERYTHING about yourself for this race. Manage your sleep, your feet, your hygiene, your gear, your food and water intake, your speed, your strategy for the check points, your sun lotion application (the last thing you want to have is a nasty sun burn on top of pains, fatigue and possibly dehydration), etc. Literally every little thing needs to be managed. Top and experienced runners have had to pull out of this legendary race because they didn't manage their race well.
DON'Ts:
* The organization hands out 120 salt pills (they recommend 2 per bottle of water), but I would not take them unless you are a pro racer. For the recreational competitor, you can compensate for electrolyte and salt loss by eating correctly, and drinking enough & regularly. The extra salt pills helps you retain water, which can cause a lot of additional swelling (other than the usual) which in turn causes you pain in your feet & you are more prone to blisters when it's a tighter fit in your shoes.
* Race against anyone else but yourself. If you get caught up in their pace, and their strategy, you are likely to fail. Stick to what you prepared to do. Everyone does the same course, and some will be faster than others, but as long as you finish, you get the same medal number 1 gets.
* Don't think ahead about upcoming distances and terrain in the race. Take each day or stage at a time, and even just from check point to check point. Otherwise it will be easy to get overwhelmed with what lays ahead.
Most of all, try to enjoy every moment while you are out there, because it's very special and when you get back to your normal life, and responsibilities, it will be too late to enjoy it!
Thanks for reading and good luck with whatever challenge you will take on!
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