The Marathon des Sables

OK, so the attempt to get to speed training went horribly wrong after a slow ride home and a long day at work I was just too late. I redeemed myself on Wednesday with the club, although I was straight off the bike (10 miles), on with the trainers and straight out I set off at a blistering pace (for me) which, although I couldn’t keep at, helped me come do a sub 50 minute 10k, much of which was off-road.

Although that isn’t a lot for some people (most of the 6″ smaller and 4 stone lighter ;) ) I was ultra pleased, de-stressed and encouraged.

I am missing the club running of the Beverley 20 on Sunday as I didn’t run last weekend, and don’t want to jump to such a distance after the unfortunate low milage of late. Instead I think I will push for the 13 mile Beaver Trail (mostly off road) on Sunday, and see how I fare for speed training on Monday!

Completion of my formal plan is still pending.

Over the past two weeks all I have managed to do is keep things ticking over, it’s worrying to think how many of these weeks I will have over the next 18 months, any more than a few is going to be a problem. My time management is going to have to get even better next year!

I have just had an exceptionally busy period at work and the final assignment of the year for OU degree meaning my spare time has been spent making sure Megan (my two year old) knows who I am. I have managed to do some excellent bike riding into work and back which has kept me going (100 miles a week @ 17 - 22 ish mph constant depending on wind/traffic), worryingly I have lost some weight though but I am putting this down to stress at the moment!

Tomorrow it’s really time to start sensibly stepping things up, so come hell or high water I will be at the clubs speed training session on Beverley Westwood come 6.30. The running should only total about 5 miles but the training should be invaluable. A 7/8 miler on Wednesday evening with the club and a weekend run of 10/13 miles ( www.beverleyac.karoo.net/beaver.htm ) will see me back in the swing of things.

I may even get my formal plan finished off this week.

Paul Murgatroyd has kindly let me post his training programme here. For anyone doing the Marathon des Sables and, more than likely, any other ultra event of the same nature this is a great aid.

Remember though that your training programme should be tailored to how much time you can commit and although these events require a certain level of commitment & fitness it is no good over stretching your training. Too hard too soon and you will be at greater risk injury and illness.
Remember your goals as well… do you want top 150? a new British record (don’t try to beat Lahcen Ahansal. You won’t!) or simple to complete. If you just want to that finish line then 100 miles a week is probably too much.

Click here to download.

Well, it was a little over 6 months ago I sat at my desk at work and booked my place on the 2009 MdS, it doesn’t feel like 6 months both generally and in the amount of training I have done. There has been a little injury to contend with and some very busy times but generally I am fitter than I was 6 months ago, just not 6 months of mds fitter.
Over the next 18 months I intend to get very serious about my training, so serious that I have in fact started a spreadsheet to plan and track my training.It should be noted at this early stage I am not a racing snake but am more designed for carrying heavy stuff up a hill & I only started running in April 2006 1 month before I did my first half marathon fell race in Wharfedale. I was fit before hand and did many different sports, just running wasn’t one of them. Still, there is no time like the present and here I am, I can’t wait!

During the next 18 months I will have the following things to contend with:

• 1 OU project to complete my BSc (hons) in IT
• 1 60 point course to fulfill the points/course requirements
• A two year old (at the time of writing!) daughter
• A full time job
• A better 3/4s who thinks it’s frankly a silly idea

The next few months are going to be … erratic.

I am currently working on my training plan which will cover everything till S-Day (Sand Day), until that is completed (before mid September hopefully) I am sticking to what I know and keeping things ticking over. I will publish it as soon as it is ready.