DAY THREE: 37KM I wake up to pitch black, surrounded by whispered commotion, with headtorch light darting through the darkness. A sandstorm had ripped through the camp felling many of the tents, including ours. Grace and I are the first out of our sleeping bags, trying to weigh down our tent as best we could. … Continue reading MARATHON DES SABLES: PART FIVE
Even before I left for the desert a lot of people were asking what kit I was taking. Since I’ve been back not a week goes by where I don’t get asked for advice on what kit to take for next year’s race. So I thought I would compile a list of all the kit … Continue reading My Kit for Marathon des Sables
DAY TWO: 32KM That night I dreamt about riding the London Underground and as I wearily stir, I half expect to be sat in the cramped heat of a Northern Line train rather than the cramped heat of my sleeping bag. Rolling over and staring out at the sand and endless horizon I can’t help … Continue reading Marathon des Sables: Part Four
DAY ONE: 32.2KM I wake up instantly, through fear or excitement I’m not sure. The camp is still relatively quiet with only a few people stirring from their sleeping bag cocoons. I stare out at the endless desert beyond the camp still unable to imagine myself in it. As the rest of the tent begins … Continue reading MARATHON DES SABLES: PART THREE
The day before the start of the Marathon des Sables can be defined in one word: faff. We spend the early morning unpacking and repacking our bags, attempting to shave a few last minute grams. Since we carry everything needed for the race (except for water and the bivouac tent) any weight that can be … Continue reading MARATHON DES SABLES: PART TWO
Simon - @simonruns Still can’t quite believe that I’ve actually run a marathon. I’ve watched the London marathon for years and to think that I’ve now finished that same race is crazy, and would have been totally unthinkable just two years ago. It wasn’t a perfect day for me, finishing slower than I think I’m capable … Continue reading The Morning Coffee Run Crew – THE BIG DAY
The final few days before I left for Marathon des Sables were a blur of hug filled goodbyes and concern laden good lucks. I packed and repacked my bags countless times and panicked more than I care to admit. But before long, as the songs goes, all my bags were packed and I was ready … Continue reading Marathon des Sables: Part One
I cannot believe how quickly London Marathon has come round this year. From a personal point of view the build up has been incredibly special. I can sometimes forget how truly magical it is to run a marathon but these five amazing first time marathoners have really reignited that magic in me again. I keep … Continue reading THE MORNING COFFEE RUN CREW – 2 DAYS!
So by now I will hopefully be about start day two of the Marathon des Sables and so I thought I would ask for you support for the next few painful days. There is no real phone signal when I’m out there so I won’t be able to get emails, read the comments or anything … Continue reading Words of Support
I have scheduled this post to go live on the day I start the Marathon des Sables. Right now as you sip that coffee or eat that slice of cake I have 9ishkg on my back, sand beneath my feet (and probably already in unholy places) and sweat pouring from every inch of me. I … Continue reading The Start Line
