Marathon Des Sables 2011

Hi All

 Not so much a discussion, but I am running the Marathon Des Sables in 2011 for Facing Africa and as part of my efforts to fundraise and to keep people informed on my training and what it takes I have launched a website.

 http://www.running-hot.co.uk

 I would love it if people could log on and let me know what they think.

 Cheers

Richard Meade

Hi Richard,

 Great website and best of luck with the race!

 I did the MdS this year for the Mencap Team and also created a website with a blog: http://saharatim.weebly.com/my-blog.html. If you have any questions, give me a shout.

 Cheers,

Tim

Hey Richard

Just popping in to say i'm out in the desert next year as well. You doing any warm up races this autumn? I'll be at the atlantic coastal challenge in October - v gd prep if you fancy it!

Hi Guys

I have a place in the MDS 2011, with my son Ben who ran it in 2004. it seemed so far in the future when i paid the deposit, and now its only 7 months away!

Be pleased to meet up with anyone in the Leicester area, who is running the MDS,I shasll be running the Leicester Marathon in October with my 10Kg rucksack as part of my preparation. So lookout for me near the back of the pack.

Hi Folks,

 I too am have a place in the MdS in 2011 with Yorkshire Cancer! I'm trying to get my training up to plan but with various interruptions am feeling I am a bit behind where I sould be at present!

I took up running in Sept last year after playing rugby ll my life (now 43!). Never enjoyed it previously but now addicted. Ran in the Norwich half marathon in Nov 09 (2hrs 10min) but, on the back of only about 6 weeks training, ended up with ITB probs which were carried into this year.

Only now with proper sports physio, qualified gait analysis and shoe orthotics the ITB seems much better.

I then developed a linguinal hernia and had it operated on 3 weks ago and just back into my running.

I am supposed to be running in the Wales marathon in Tenby on 26th Sept but, with the interruption in my training I am not feeling ready. I am still considering entering just to finish the distance though am certain I wont be running it all (and if I try could set myself back further) but, as it will be my longest event to date, I am tempted.

My next long event currently booked is the Las Vegas marathon but really dont want to be wating until Nov to do my first marathon and am very concious I should probably really be looking for ultra events by that time of year rather than marathons.

I am determined to be ready in time but feeling a bit behind! Hopefully I am not the only one and/or it isnt as bad as I feel it is!

My current regime is up to 5 miles Tues and Thurs and a long run of itro 10 miles on Sunday. I am about to introduce a cycling day also but not sure on how far yet as will be new to me.

I do struggle to do interval training as I dont have a track to work on so any ideas on how I might do this are welcomed or is it simply a case of measuring out 1/2/4/800 meter runs to time myself over etc!

Would be good to hear thoughts from anyone.

Steve

Hi Steve - sounds like you have been having quite an adventure already! Glad you are getting back with the running now though. Can I suggest you pop over to the MdS forum which is here:

http://www.themds.co.uk/forums/index.php

There are loads of MdS vets on there who I am sure will be able to offer more advice than I can. At this point I'm not really thinking of the races as events but build ups to the MdS itself so I think your idea of just completing the marathons is a good plan. The other thing I would suggest is maybe to focus on some long walks as well? The long distance walkers association has a great website which has loads of events you can look at - they are dead cheap and really supportive. It might be worth focusing on long walks rather than running given the injuries you've had. I''m doing no interval work now - i'm not expecting to run a huge amount of MdS so not focussing on speed now more time on feet and running/walking on consecutive days.

 However, like I say its definitely worth getting over to the MdS forum - really very friendly bunch of folk over there who know exactly what they are talking about...well most of them!

Drop me a message on here if you like.

I know!!

Did you do the Druids challenge last year? Do you remember Mimi Anderson being there? Met some amazing people actually - and yes, sleeping on the school floor was awesome - I didnt have the opportunity to sleep on one of the MASSIVE gym mats - had to settle for a yoga looking mat - still slept like a baby though!!

No this will be my first attempt. I've met some great people throughout this year at the various multistage runs I've done - its been great fun.

I'm feeling a bit tired and end of yeary now though - run down and have a bit of a cold. Taking a bit of a break over Christmas to recharge before the final push. Gulp.

Helen for fear of going off topic have a look here for some other multiday stuff;

http://www.sand-baggers.com/

Scroll down on the right hand side.

 I've competed in both the Scottish & Eagle isle ultras which were both excellent, the Gobi challenge is apparently a class apart and the Indo is sandbaggers brand new one. 

There's also plenty of good info,idle chat & witty banter regarding the mds, other multiday races and all things ultra related over here, if you cant find enough on this forum

www.themds.co.uk

Helen have a look at the VOTWO web as well:

http://www.votwo.co.uk/votwo2007/index.php

The challenge series is brilliant. Jurassic is really tough and I preferred the atlantic - stunning scenery all the way and I'm hoping to get back and have another go at it in 2011. Great organisation. Not cheap compared to the pilgrims/druids but you get a bed and the food was very good! Oh and there is free beer!

I've no multiday races planned for next year Helen, though plenty on my wish list. i'll be keeping busy with single day stuff and am going to have a good crack at this one hopefully,

http://glenmore24.com/

free beer Birdy, thats my favourite type of beer

Its a definite bonus Rab! I had a look at the 24 hour race but I'm not really planning much after MdS...well running anyway. Drinking/sleeping and generally misbehaving yes!