What first inspired you to take on the Marathon des Sables?
I first seriously looked at MDS in 2021 but for lots of reasons, it wasn’t possible. I’ve known about MDS for many years as it’s so well known. Having undertaken a 50km race in September last year and hearing my cousin was thinking about it too was another helpful consideration.
Can you describe what it felt like standing at the start line on day one?
Hugely exciting, but slightly terrifying knowing we had 250 km ahead of us and no idea how our bodies and minds would adapt to running in the desert. Such an thrill standing amongst 1,000 other competitors all probably feeling slight trepidation as well
What was the toughest moment of the event – and how did you push through it?
The lack of sleep and sandstorms at night. Mentally then preparing myself for running a marathon or more the next day. Taking one day at a time and during the day, imagining running another 5km as my target to the next checkpoint, rather than the reality of another 35-40km still to do..so breaking it down into manageable stages.
What did a typical day in the desert look like for you?
Up at 5am – kit and trainers on before forcing down ‘warm’ porridge – again. Packing all my kit up in the dark and walking to the start. Running/walking for 5-6 hours – beautiful dunes at times, harsh rocky terrain at others. Reaching check points and trying to stay positive throughout. Back to camp, recovery shake, stretching, foot admin, food and resting. Then get some food in again early evening and try and get some sleep before the next sandstorm
How did you prepare physically and mentally in the months leading up to the race?
Running in Suffolk fields, footpaths and tracks for nearly all my pre-training runs with separate PT sessions for strength training. Heat chambers in the two weeks before and getting used to running with a heavy pack. No booze either from Jan 4th until after the race finished in April helped too….
Was there a particular moment during the challenge that will stay with you forever?
Running down huge mountain dunes was similar to the feeling you get if you’ve ever skied off-piste – jumping into sand untouched by humans. That was pure exhilaration. Then seeing other competitors overcome huge physical and emotional hurdles – including 2 blind participants, a lady who took 31 hours to complete the long stage and a Frenchman who was wheelchair bound and who was pushed by a team of 6 men. Extraordinary acts of resilience and perseverance that can only be admired.
You’ve been raising money for the new children’s hospital in Cambridge – why is this cause so important to you?
It’s a one off opportunity to raise for a project that once built will stand for years to come. It’s the first children’s hospital in the East of England and the first in the world to combine looking after a child’s mental and physical health together. I have other charitable interests which I will continue to support but this felt like the right charity to support.
How do you feel now that it’s over – physically, emotionally, and mentally?
Haven’t run since! Best decision was to have a complete digital detox for the whole time I was away and remove myself from all emails and messages. Totally overwhelmed by the amazing support I received from my family and friends. Relishing being fitter having just turned 49 than I ever was in my 20’s.
Do you have any advice for someone considering signing up for the Marathon des Sables?
Do it….It’s a hugely empowering and life changing experience – not all of it fun or enjoyable by any stretch but it will open your eyes and mind to the extraordinary collective spirit of a group of people coming together to share an experience in a landscape often untouched by human hands. You will be surprised by what you can achieve if you put your mind to it….
A huge thank you Ed for sitting down with us and answering some questions regarding his incredible Marathon Des Sables experience. The fundraising page is still available via the link here: Ed’s Fundraising Page
