The Marathon
des Sables is one of the ultimate multi-stage endurance races
in the world. It consists of running six marathons in six days
across the Sahara desert. It’s been around for over 30 years and
according to the Discover Channel has the reputation of being “one
of the hardest footraces on earth”. It’s brutal, it's challenging
and according to pretty much everyone I speak to, a crazy race to
do!
During this podcast I will share my journey of the challenges I
faced on getting to the start line and running the toughest
footrace on earth!
Shownotes

Introduction from Saira
The MDS and when the seed got planted 
The start of the journey in September 2014
Preparation for the race - How I changed my fitness routine and
diet
Weight lifting and how it changed my body
Starting to feel tired, lethargic, aching legs, no
energy…..over training
My low point - not having the energy to get out of bed
My body failing me & being so disappointed in myself
Dealing with candida and having to drastically change my
diet
Having to postpone the MDS until April 2016
Working with a Personal Trainer - Jack Clover from JC
Performance
Why its so important you listen to your body
The importance of being specific with your training and not
just training for training sake
Heading to Australia for endurance training
Dealing with issues during training such as a broken little
toe!
What I learned from training in the heat
What a typical week of training looked like
Kit & equipment (You can also watch videos on the Tough
Girl - YouTube Channel for more info)
Top tips for preparing your feet and why it’s so important
Dealing with the nerves before the race, and why its important
to be relaxed!
Getting the hair right for the race!
Travelling to the start of the race & what it was like out
in the desert
The importance of receiving e-mails and the extra motivation
they provided  - THANK YOU to everyone who wrote to me!!
Cut off times and why you need to stay a head of the
camels!
Why it was important for me to run my own race. We also discuss
the high points, the low points and handling day 4, the long day
(80K - 52 miles)
How I used gratitude in the race and why I found the finish of
the race a bit of a let down
Why I wouldn’t race the MDS again and what I’ve got coming up
next
My top tips for the MDS & dealing with pressure from the
race
Some final fun questions and what made me emotional after the
race!

If you listen to this episode before the 29th April - You can
vote for me to be your role model with Panache!
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Special thank you to Saira Khan for being an awesome host of the
Tough Girl Podcast!