Tag

Desert Kit List

18/03/2019

How To Pack Light For MDS

When you embark on a race like Marathon Des Sables, keeping your pack weight down and minimising unnecessary items is very important in order to have a good race experience. Here are Elisabet’s three “rules” for how to assess every item that goes into your pack in order to minimise waste. 1. CAN YOU EAT IT? Food is your fuel and what is going to get you around the race and keeping your spirit high. There is a minimum calorie requirement which may be sufficient for some people but not... Read More

04/03/2019

How To Repack Your Food For MDS To Reduce Weight

Last week we spoke about how to fuel for a multi-stage race such as Marathon Des Sables, and with only 35 days until MDS we thought we would start share some top tips about how to reduce your pack weight starting with your food as repackaging your food can save you a lot of excess weight and volume. For instance; freeze dried meals are packed protectively but some brands have quite heavy pouches. Normally you would eat the meal directly from the pouch the food comes in. However, in MDS... Read More

25/02/2019

How To Fuel For MDS 2019!

Disclaimer: Although between us we have completed many multi-stage races & consequently have a great interest in nutrition, we are not a qualified dieticians. This article is aimed at helping you understand how you can structure your food, give you ideas for what to take and what factors to consider. For more personalised suggestions Elisabet offers 1-1 consultations.  Among the many questions we get receive about MDS in store, we are frequently asked what should I eat for a self-sufficient multi-stage race such as the Marathon des Sables. The reality I that there... Read More

11/02/2019

Get Your Shoes & Feet Ready For MDS 2019!

With only a few weeks to go to Marathon des Sables, it’s time to get your shoes and feet ready for the task ahead. The risk of blisters, infection and other complications are particularly higher than usual due to the extreme environment you’ll be running in. By now, hopefully you will have chosen your shoes. If you haven’t, then check out our previous blog post that offers some tips for shoe types, sizing, and fit. You can run in MDS in road or trail shoes, but there are a few considerations... Read More

03/01/2019

100km of Namib Desert – The Ultimate Running Holiday

Ever felt like combining running in an epically scenic environment as well as enjoying a luxury lodge? The 100km of Namib Desertmight be the right option for you! After doing many wonderful running holidays usually involving self-sufficiency, carrying a sleeping bag and mat, the combination of running and pure indulgence was tempting. I signed up for the 100km of Namib Desert which is a four-stage race covering 15km, 42km, 26km and 21km. The stages are varied; one savanna stage, a marathon mountain ridge stage, a canyon stage and a sand... Read More

14/11/2018

How To Choose Desert Gaiters For A Successful Race

** Join our myDesert Running Forum on Facebook to chat with new and experienced desert runners about kit, training and more ** Every year there is a big debate about gaiters for the Marathon Des Sables (MDS) and other desert races. What are the options? Which gaiter is the best? How should it be fitted? This can make it quite confusing so we’ll cover these questions and help you choose the right gaiter for YOU.   Considerations when Choosing your Desert Gaiters: What is right for one person may not be... Read More

12/11/2018

Desert Kit List: Overview

** Join our myDesert Running Forum on Facebook to chat with new and experienced desert runners about kit, training and more **   What do we know about multi-stage desert racing? We have completed the Marathon des Sables in 2012, 2014, 2015, 2016 and 2017. Elisabet won the race in 2015 and 2017. She is also the Oman Desert Marathon Ladies’ champion and has raced in deserts in South Africa, Namibia and Australia (she won the Big Red Run in the Simpson desert outright in 2016), having completed 13 multi-stages. We have the most current... Read More

12/11/2018

Desert Kit List: Cooking

** Join our myDesert Running Forum on Facebook to chat with new and experienced desert runners about kit, training and more **   Cooking Equipment for races such as the Marathon des Sables It is not compulsory to take a stove in MDS and some people opt to eat their food cold. If you are fast enough you can use the afternoon sun to warm your water and/or your food. A hot meal or cup of hot tea or coffee can be a great morale booster so don’t underestimate the value of... Read More

12/11/2018

Desert Kit List: Socks

** Join our myDesert Running Forum on Facebook to chat with new and experienced desert runners about kit, training and more **   Socks and Calf Compression All socks are suitable for both men and women and in addition, we carry a few women’s specific socks. Note that the sizing is different for these. Looking after your feet is extremely important and choosing quality socks is a well worth investment. Everyone’s feet are different so you might need to try a few different socks or combinations of socks before you find what works... Read More

12/11/2018

Desert Kit List: Personal Care Kit

** Join our myDesert Running Forum on Facebook to chat with new and experienced desert runners about kit, training and more **   In this section of our kit list, we have grouped together with the small but really important things that can make or break your race. This includes items for personal care, blister prevention, anti-chafe, sun protection and compulsory equipment for the Marathon Des Sables.   Personal Care & Sun Protection Looking after yourself can be the differentiator between failure and success in multi-stage racing so don’t neglect good hygiene.... Read More