What makes a 28yr old, female, management consultant decide to run the 2007 Mds?
Mind, Body, Spirit & Charity
MdS 2007 Results
MdS 2007 Results
These were my daily results:
Date |
Stage |
Position |
Time |
Km |
Comments |
SUN 25 |
1 |
544 |
5 hrs 56'40 |
29.3 |
Ran for the first and last 2k |
MON 26 |
2 |
520 |
7hrs 45' 32 |
35.0 |
Ran the last 4k |
TUES 27 |
3 |
530 |
6hrs 45' 40 |
32.3 |
No running |
WED 28 |
4 |
458 |
16hrs 28' 18 |
70.5 |
Ran the last 6k |
THURS 29 |
Rest |
|
|
|
|
FRI 30 |
5 |
268 |
5hrs 31' 34 |
42.2 |
Ran the whole way |
SAT 31 |
6 |
684 |
2hrs 42' 01 |
11.7 |
No running |
|
OVERALL |
454 |
45hrs 09' 45 |
221 |
|
I'm not really sure where to start apart from I'm so glad that I entered this event. It was an amazing experience, both the actual event and the two years of preparation that went into it.
Here is a very brief overview of my 7 days in the Sahara.
Day One
I was really nervous. I had no clue about how I would cope and whether my body would be up to this challenge. I was nervous about getting sunstroke and dehydration, I was nervous about being last, I was nervous about breaking a leg. At 8.45am we gathered at the start line, all 800 of us, for our first welcome from Patrick (the organiser). The gun went and I began running. The Euro sport helicopter was hovering above us and performing some very fancy sideways flying for at least the first hour. That kept me entertained for a while and I soon lost my feeling of nervousness. After 30 minutes we (my boyfriend and a friend) began to walk. We wanted to make sure that we were pacing ourselves which meant we arrived at checkpoints approximately every two hours. I was given salt tablets and drank as much water as I could. I filled up my water bottles, one with plain water and the other with electrolyte. Throughout the whole 7 days I drank every last drip of water I was given and if I could get my hands on more then that was mine too. I was determined not to get dehydrated. As it turns out I have never been so rehydrated in my life, nor pee'd so many times a day! We were nearing the end of the first day so it was time to pick up the pace. The two boys shot off ahead but I continued to jog at a very gentle pace. I did get a little concerned that I was already being left behind!
Day Two
Again, we were arriving at check points about every two hours spaced between flat salt plains, gigantic mountains and sand dune after sand dune. Part of the route on this day was roped up because of the drop on the other side of the dune. My routine at check points was getting very sharp now. I took 5 minutes per checkpoint where I would remove my shoes and socks, fill up my water bottles, drink any that was left over and eat a fruit bar. I was beginning to feel really good and well enough acclimatised now to pick up the pace over the next few days. When I arrived back it was lovely to find the tent…TENT 72, (which I shared with 7 other guys) and just to collapse down and give my feet a good massage. Much to my amazement I had not a single blister in sight and besides feeling a little tired was perfectly well. Most of our tent arrived back within a few hours of each other but unfortunately everyone had begun to develop blisters, bad knees etc. Needles and iodine were used to treat the sore spots and bandages and plasters were out in full flow. I cooked up a delicious freeze dried chicken korma and by 7.00pm was in my sleeping bag. Sleeping in the desert is the most uncomfortable experience ever, it's hot and cold, windy and still, rocky and flat. It doesn't really know what it wants to be. A very ferocious sandstorm blew up in the night and before I knew it I was lying with the canvass on my face. We were all too tired to do anything about it so we just left it flattened on top of us. After falling asleep again I heard a cry of `jhalla jhalla and whistles being blown. The canvass was raised from my face by a group of local Berbers whom were employed to put up and take down the bivouac every day. Looking out from under the canvass I saw that almost half of the 200 canvasses were lying flat on the other competitors - made me feel a little better!
DAY THREE
I was getting very used to the routine now, waking, yoga, eating, organising kit and getting to the start line for 9.00am. We all woke at about 5.30 every morning when the sun rose, so had loads of time to get organised. I was ready to pick up the pace but unfortunately over night my boyfriend had begun to develop sunstroke and our friend had been sick. We walked this whole day and my attempts at playing games to try and pass the time and make us all feel better failed badly!!! We crossed salt plains that went on for hours and hours and climbed dunes, carrying the sand in our trainers until the next checkpoint. The gaiters we had been given were pretty useless as they let the very fine sand in and then kept it in! The day seemed to go on for ever and our pace really slowed down. We could see the bivouac in the middle of a flat plain, which looked like it was only 20 minutes away, but after walking for an hour we didn't seemed to get closer to it. Distance is so deceptive in the desert. On this day we crossed a plain that was about 10km long… it was almost possible to see the curvature of the earth. Dinner that evening was delicious…freeze dried Bolognese! Slept on more rocks.
DAY FOUR
The double marathon day was upon me. Unfortunately my boyfriend had picked up some bug and was not feeling too well and my friend's knee had begun to really hurt him. We walked at a very sustainable pace and the day went on and on. As the sun set and began to fall behind the dunes a laser was seen in the distance to guide us to the next checkpoint. It looked as though it was just a few k's away but again it took hours upon hours to reach. As we got to the final checkpoint we meet up with the two doctors that were in our tent. We were adamant not to let them beat us and so the three of us mustered up the energy to run the last 6k up down up down up down up down up down and few few more up downs across modest sand dunes to the finshline. Both tiredness and darkness ment that I fell flat on my face a good few times, but after 16hours on the go it was a case of just get up and get on with it. My soles were bruised and my body was crying to let it stop. We got in at 1.30am and collapsed.
DAY FIVE
Rest day. As every morning, I got up and did some yoga but this morning I took my rollmat away from the camp and practiced for over an hour. A French photographer, that had been following me around on the other days, still managed to find me and take photos of me standing on my head….no peace! I spent the rest of the day lying under the canvass and before I knew it, it was 6.00pm and time for bed. My body was well rested and fed, my feet felt fine and I was ready for another day. Unfortunately on this day the Mds claimed it's first victim. A French Man had completed the double marathon in a very fast time. He went to bed that night and the next morning did not wake.
DAY SIX
I decided to run on my own this day as I felt I was really ready to pick up the pace. The boys agreed and so I was off. I ran, ran and ran. I was way up the field of runners and so didn't recognise anyone I was running with. It became very common on the other days to pass the same people. I still stopped for 5 minutes at each check point to carry out my usual ritual of watering, eating, airing feet and kissing each foot. This became my superstion. I never once failed to kiss my feet! Everyone is mad in the desert so this was not frowned upon! Leaving the final checkpoint I picked up the pace again. I ran so hard over the last few kilometres that I could hear my heart beating faster and faster. I worried about keeling over with exhaustion, but I had a race to win so didn't ease up. As I approached the finish line I heard lots of chaps shouting `go for it British lady'. It felt fantastic and I ran though the finish line with my arms in the air. I had come in 268th, which was such an amazing achievement. There were only a few other females that had already completed and so I was well up in the rankings. I collapsed under the canvass for about an hour and after more food and water and still not a single blister or ache or pain I was feeling fresh.
DAY SEVEN
The shortest day of all. I was really sad that my time in the Sahara was coming to an end. I had met some brilliant people and had a lot of laughs. Unfortunately my friend's knee and ankle had become so bad that he was struggling to walk. We really took our time over the dunes this day to ensure that we all finished. I had tears in my eyes as we approached the finishline but as soon as a pack lunch of French bread, cheese and tuna was handed to me, along with my medal I was bubbling with excitement. I only then realised how much I had missed real food.
Well, that is a very short account……there is so much more to say and stories to tell. I was one of a very small handful, out of the 800 competitors, not to suffer with a single blister, ache or pain and I put that all down to my preparation before the event and self management during the event…. Along with a little superstition!
An amazing achievement and I'm looking forward to my next adventure….
I am now collecting sponsorship….
If you have sponsored me on paper or e-mail then please follow one of the links below to make your donation
Or if you haven't sponsored me and would like to then you can do so here.
For The Alzheimer's Society you can donate by following http://www.justgiving.com/marialeijerstamalzheimers
A million thanks for your support!
My reasons
Hi! My name is Maria and running the Marathon Des Sables will be my biggest challenge to date, both physical and mental. I am competitive in mind and spirit and believe that this is my chance to prove to myself what I can really do. Even though this is a running race, for me it will be a form of spiritual achievement where my mind will connect with my body to get me through the 7 days of immense physical exertion.
Now as I see my name amongst the competitors list I am very dedicated and serious about this event.
The other reason for running the 2007 Mds is because I am an avid supporter of worthwhile charities. Throughout my career I have always actively supported charities and given this I shall be raising money for three charities which are very important to me.
My charities
... because I have had friends and family that have been affected by this terminal disease and it was awful to watch them slowly deteriorating before my eyes...
...because this charity provides support to sufferers of Noma, which is prevalent in Africa and since I shall be spending 10 days in Africa during the Mds I would like to give something back to the country as a way of thanks ...
...because this is a small charity based in the North of England that works with disabled children which a friend of mine works for and they really need all the support possible...
To make a donation please chose one of the following options:
- For Facing Africa please make donations by e-mailing me at maria@coretraininglimited.co.uk (I will then contact you after the event to collect your donation)
- For The Alzheimer's Society you can donate by following http://www.justgiving.com/marialeijerstamalhzeimers
- For Leonard Cheshire you can donate by following http://www.justgiving.com/marialeijerstamleonardcheshire
A million thanks for your support!
My company sponsors
www.barefootstudio.co.uk
Running in temperatures which at times will reach 40 degrees C, will require some technical and specialist clothing in order to efficiently removing sweat from my body and avoiding any signs of chaffing.
I was first introduced to Odlo sports wear when I visited Barefoot Studio of Cowbridge in the Vale of Glamorgan. Paula, who jointly owns Barefoot studio, explained how Odlo's sports wear is specifically made using a layering principle. This will protect me from the sun and at the same time remove sweat from my body. The seamless lines will ensure I get no rubbing or chaffing which is a common running ailment. Odlo has a different line for every season and hence I have chosen that during the Mds I shall wear Odlo's cool collection.
Barefoot studios in conjuntion with Odlo sportswear have very kindly provided me with a running top, jacket (for training in the UK rain!) and running pants.
A huge thank you!
www.alexandrasports.com
Given that my feet shall be expected to carry me (62kilos) plus my kit (15 kilos) for 151 miles across very rough terrain warrants a top class and maximum cushioned trainer. There is no doubt, my feet will need to be looked after and where better to start that a new pair of trainers.
For the MDS I have chosen to run in these. A size 9, two sizes larger that my normal size, and men's - I suffer from very wide feet!
A high mileage cushioned shoe with additional cushioning in the heel & forefoot. Midfoot support & shock absorption throughout. 350g
Having previously bought a running bag, fell shoes and socks from Alexandra Sports I was aware of the excellent fitting service that was offered along with the broad range of trainers on sale. The detailed professional knowledge that the employees have of running is second to none. When I visited the shop I received a 30-minute consultation, where my running style was assessed and my previous trainers were analysed. This was very brave of them given I had already clocked up about 800 miles in my last pair. I was told that the maximum should be around 500 - whoops!
Alexandra sports of 40, Gladys Avenue, Portsmouth have very kindly provided me with trainers, socks and Electrolyte powder for my race across the Sahara.
A huge thank you!
For every race I do I am constantly trying to find food that provides me with sufficient energy to keep me going as well as being totally digestible and natural. When running I lose a lot of vital nutrition which can be very difficult to replace as my body will only accept certain foods. When I began my training I ate standard muesli bar throughout the day whilst running which turned out to be far too heavy and gave me severe cramps. This was a disaster since I was desperate for energy and instead I was exerting energy on trying to digest something totally indigestible.
I came home from work one day and my housemate had left a box of Trek raw natural wholefood bars on our kitchen table which she had been sent by the Natural Balance Foods Company. She was away for the week, so as every bad housemate does, I couldn't resist dipping into the box and helping myself to the Mixed Berry, Peanut and Oat and Cocoa Brownie bars that lay inside.
The next weekend I decide on a trip to the Brecon Beacons where I had planned a very testing 55 kilometre route over two days. Setting off on my run I had with me 3 litres of water, some mashed up banana and some salt and vinegar peanuts along with these three totally natural muesli bars. The mashed up banana was more to keep up moral as it was hilarious to watch each other dig into a zip lock bag of now very brown mashed up banana and try to enjoy it, the salt and vinegar peanuts were to replace the salt lost and then the bars were to give me energy. I was amazed at how these bars provided me with an almost instant pick up. They digested quickly and unlike other muesli bars they left no nasty aftertaste or resonance in the mouth due to their totally natural ingredients. I now ensure that I always run with a good supply of these bars and I will certainly be taking then with me on all of my races, not to mention the Mds 2007!
I would like to thank Natural Balance Foods for sponsoring me in this event.
Would your company like to sponsor me?...This is what you could receive in return.
Web Promotion
I will provide a write up on your company on this website along with a link to your homepage.
Newspaper Promotion
I am currently working with a professional journalist to write some stories for local papers. I have already appeared in `The News', `The Echo' and `The Gem' newspapers and have been contacted by ITV2 as they would like to film a documentary on me. Again, if you chose to sponsor me I would ensure that your company is mentioned during this advertising.
During Event Promotion
During the MdS I would ensure that my clothing and bag carry your company logo. The event is televised live on many different channels worldwide. It is also shown and replayed on Eurosport. A number of competitors are also interviewed during the event, and if I am selected I would ensure to mention my sponsor.
After Event Promotion
When I return back from the event another article will be written for the papers where I will talk about the experience, again I would ensure to mention my sponsors. I also intend to do a write up on my company website www.coretraininglimited.co.uk where I shall write about my training and experience to pass on to future competitors. If you do a Google search on past MdS competitors many websites come up where past competitors offer tips on running the event for future competitors, again I would mention my sponsors here and provide a link to your site.
Request for Sponsorship
As you will see on the Mds homepage the cost of entering this event is approximately £3000. Clothing and kit costs around £800 due to the specialist nature required to ensure weight is minimised and fabrics are right for desert running. I would be very pleased if you decided to sponsor me for this event to assist me with this huge outlay.
My training programme for the final few weeks
With just a few weeks to go until I head off to Morocco, my training program has now changed.
On Saturday 17th February I did my final big training event, which was the Thames Path Ultra, a 50-mile race from Reading to Shepperton. I completed the race in 10hrs and 32 minutes, came 63rd out of a field of 123 starters and was 6th female home.
| CP1 | Pos. | CP2 | Pos. | CP3 | Pos. | CP4 | Pos. | Finish | Pos. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01.43 | 46th | 03.19 | 56th | 05.24 | 53rd | 07.59 | 64th | 10.32 | 63rd |
This event has really confirmed to me that it is mind over body and I can?t tell you how amazing it was to see the lights of the finish line. What was actually a 100m drive way to the finish line felt like 100 miles!
I completed the first marathon in 4 hours with no stops accept for maybe 30 seconds at the check points and a few toilet stops. All eating and drinking was done on the go. During the second marathon I slowed up and adopted a walk 5 minutes run 10 minutes policy to ensure that I would make the finish line. I was carrying a pack weighing 6.2kilos when my water bottles were full, hence reducing to about 3.5 kilos towards checkpoints. The weight during the Mds is likely to be almost double this. I really picked the pace up again over the last three miles to get myself home in 63rd position. I finished the race, of course feeling tired, but I had more in me, which was exactly what I was hoping for.
This was a brilliant training run to teach me about pacing myself, feeding my body and keeping the fluids constantly on the go.
From now until the 22nd March I shall be reducing my training to 15 miles a week to give my body every opportunity to rest. I will be focusing more on stretching and yoga.
My original Training programme
It's not all running believe it or not, as I mentioned before I see this challenge as the bringing together of body and mind to achieve the results and therefore my training combines running and weight training with yoga and meditation. Here is a typical week for me...
| Mon | Tues | Wed | Thur | Fri | Sat | Sun | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Early am | Yoga | Yoga | Yoga | Yoga | Yoga | Stretch | Stretch |
| AM | Gym - weights | Rest | Rest | Run - 6 miles | Rest | Mountain run - 20 miles | Mountain run - 10 miles |
| PM | Run - 6 miles | Run - 4 miles | Rest | Gym - weights | Rest | ||
| Late PM | Meditation | Meditation | Meditation | Meditation | Meditation |
My yoga sessions typically last 20 minutes when I practise the salute to the raising sun, as the sun is rising as the name suggests followed by a series of standing and sitting postures, twists and I always stand on my head for a few minutes. It's amazing, try it, it brings a rush of energy to your head and quite often helps you answers questions you?ve been worrying about!
My gym routine is a simple circuit training where I work my arm, back, legs and stomach to build strength to get me up hills and make me more dynamic.
The running is done alone, with friends or through my local running club.
Meditation takes any form from seated meditation to yogic music to cleaning windows in silence.
On top of my strict training program I also regularly go rock climbing, sailing and swimming.
Links
- www.saharamarathon.co.uk - More information about the MdS (you could run it too!)
- www.facingafrica.org - Helping to cure and prevent NOMA (official charity of the MdS in 2003)
- www.darbaroud.com - The organizers of the MdS
- www.bestofmorocco.co.uk - Tailor-made trips to Morocco (marathon not compulsory)