Training for the Marathon des Sables - Physical endurance and Mind over Matter

Just recently I received a call with the news that I’d been “blessed“ with a start number for the Marathon des Sables 2008. Those of you are familiar with this event know what quote/unquote blessed means: the Marathon des Sables is worshiped - and dreaded by all 750 starters from all over the world – including Lahcen Ahansal, 10 time winner of this, the toughest footrace on earth. I am also going back to the Sahara – I’m certainly hooked.

Those of you who aren’t familiar with but are very interested in looking into something like the Marathon des Sables, this event is a 250 km long race through the Moroccan Sahara in 6 stages with complete self-sufficiency. The average daily temperatures in the desert reach 45-50 degrees, the atmosphere is arid. Accommodation: simple Berber tents. Dunes, plateaus, dried out salt lakes, cliffs, mountains. The terrain leaves nothing to be desire by a desert runner’s heart.

Hmmm, a lot of factors to consider while training. Where to start? How does one prepare for something like this?

Factors to consider for the desert:

- heat / low humidity
- sand and many various difficult terrains
- duration – one week and 6 stages back to back
- entire body exertion
- backpack with approx. 10 -12 kg (at the first start)
- survival skills/solidarity
- nutrition

and last but certainly not least:

- mental strength.