Training for the Marathon Des Sables

I have been looking into all sorts of blogs and online forums and the one thing that always shines out is that if you train smartly, look after your body when out there and keep a strong mind you will finish.  There is a lot more to this of course as its 250km over 6 days in the heat of the Sahara desert.

I just thought I’d update all you HikersBlog readers on my progress and what sort of training I will be doing over the next 8 Months.

Since I got the entry I set myself the goal of 20 miles per week.  This seems pretty straight forward and it is but only if I look after my achey hips and crunchy knees.  I am trying to get as many of the NIMRA Mountain races in and these have been good so far even though I am near the back, but I’m ok with that.  You are self sufficient for the race and the only thing they provide is water (it’s rationed), salt tablets and an open sided tent to share with 10 other competitors.  If you need Medical assistance they also provide this but on the whole its what you carry on your back that you live off.

Cash and I had our first proper back to back session in the Mountains this weekend and it was actually ok.  A 10 miler on Friday evening up bloody bridge and along the Brandy pad before having a Topic bar and returning in the rain.

After a Herrons late dinner it was a night in my Camper van before a toot up Binnian from Carricklittle aiming for around 6 miles. My legs were tired. Once I got to the top and saw the stunning views I got the buzz and this was enough to head over the South Tor and descend passing the Blue lough. I then returned passing the many walkers heading up for the day.