Training

- Desert Runner Training Camps

Desert and other similar " hostile terrain " ultra running events are increasing in popularity. The MdS in Morocco is always oversubscribed with the next chance to enter 2012 (for UK entrants) but there are similar events in Mali, Jordan, Namibia, Gobi Desert, Atacama desert, Egypt, Libya and even in Andalucia where the heat and tough mountain terrain ensure a very tough challenge.

The Marathon des Sables attracts a field of 800 runners from all over the World. Many come from Northern Europe with a high percentage from the UK. As the MdS is held in late March or early April it comes on the back of winter. Not an ideal time for attempting one of the world’s toughest challenges when the previous months have meant training in cold, wet, snow, frost and fog.

The " Desert Runner Training Camps " will enable you to find out for yourself just what it takes to compete in high temperatures over hostile terrain and with instruction from multiple MdS age category winner Fulvio Villano, (who has also raced and won in Libya, Mali, La Reunion, Spain, South Africa, Norway and Australia amongst many others) and Paul Bateson, MdS veteran with event experience in Israel, Jordan and Tunisia as well as races in Andalucia from Duathlon (on and off road) up to 126km distance and numerous age category wins in everything from 10 to 50km - you couldn’t wish for a better team.

Training camps usually begin on a Wednesday or Thursday and can finish on either a Sunday or Monday. (Programme depends on arrival and departure times).

Desert Runner Camps include informative talks and demonstrations on:

• Equipment, clothing, pack weight, nutrition, hydration and foot care.
• Practical sessions running with and without kit.
• Basic Navigation instruction (if requested).
• Vehicle support where necessary.
• Airport pickup and return.
• Half board, shared accommodation).
• You will be well fed and most importantly the camps will give you the opportunity to see how you fare when running day after day in high temperatures, e.g. 35-45Centigrade or more.
• Berber camp, only if here for a week or by special arrangement.
• Granada visit inc Albaycin, Arab quarter, Alhambra grounds. ( recovery day )

During a camp expect to cover around 110km.
Numbers 1 to 8, ( any more, please check ).

Prices on application, ( excluding flights ).

Please email: info@axarsport.com or Telephone (0034) 958 36 37 66

** Part of the Runner Training Series offered by Team Axarsport s.l.
--- Marathon, 1/2 Marathon, Trail/Mountain Running, Ultra and Stage Racing ---

Note : Entries now being accepted for the Al Andalus Ultra Trail, July 12-16, 2010. five day, five stages, 230 km race
www.alandalus-ut.com.

See what a client says at runningfree.com about our Desert Runner Training Camps >>

See what a client says at themds.co.uk about our Desert Runner Training Camps >>

Book Review

Recommended reading :

A Practical Guide - Ultramarathon Stage Racing by Guy Giaoui and Foued Berahou.

This is an excellent well translated booklet, 95 pages of tips, charts and all the advice you need to get you through the Marathon des Sables, Trans Aq, and similar races.

Written by two older " middle of the pack " competitors with a preface by Benoit Laval, ( the creator of RaidLight ) this book should be required reading. Even " veterans " can learn a few things. Published by RaidLight, it should be available from your nearest supplier.
Any problems contact www.raidlight.com or order from me prior to attending a training camp.

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