In It for the Long Haul

Apologies to those of you in the colder climates for last week’s “Spring has sprung” comment. I know some of you had to run in 30°F weather or slog your way through slush. It is warming up, though and it’s time to really start working on those training plans for the summer’s big events, little events and non-events.

Speaking of big events, right now there are 700+ people out in the heat and sand storms of the Sahara Desert running the 22nd Marathon des Sables or (literally) Marathon of the Sands (if you speak French, read all about it here). The Marathon des Sables is a six-day, 151-mile endurance race, requiring participants to carry all their own gear (except tents) in packs. Oh and temperatures routinely reach 120°F during the day. Plus, the race has strict water rations. Expect Sand. Lots of Sand. And yes, there really are more than 700 crazy people who take part in this event and pay over $3,000 US for the privilege.

Thanks to YouTube you can take a peek at last year’s Marathon des Sable.

Bon courage, mes amis!