Training/Preparations
The MdS takes place in March/April 2006 which
although is far away at the time of writing, it doesn't give me much time when I
take into accounts all my other commitments. The main things I need to do are:
-
Raise Sponsorship, I'm aiming to
raise £5000 which will be my biggest challenge before the race (see
sponsorship page);
-
Training,
I need to plan a strict training regime which in the months leading up to the
MdS will take up all my spare time. I'm already considering running/cycling to
work in the morning and back home in the evening (about 30 miles in total).
I am quite a keen runner and have run the Great North and Great South run
recently (both half marathons). I'm aiming to run several more races during
the next 12 months.
-
Equipment,
I need to get together some specialised equipment in order to survive (see
below).
Costs
Yes I actually have to pay for this crazy
stunt! Based on the budget of past runners I'll probably have to set aside
£3000. I'll try and get most of my equipment through sponsorship. Note
that these expenses will come out of my own back pocket, all the money rasied
will go directly to my charity
'Facing Africa'.
- Registration fees: £2150
- Equipment: £400 - £500 (shoes, ruck-sack, food etc)
- Telecommunications: £100
- Miscellaneous expenses: £200
- The overall budget will be about £3000
Equipment List
- Ultramarathon runner's rucksac
- Ultra-light, compact sleeping bag and optional
ground mat
- Small torch and batteries or head torch for night
run stage
- 10 safety pins
- Compass
- Lighter (not matches)
- Swissarmy knife (or similar)
- Disinfectant ointment for rashes, sores etc (Savlon,TCP
or similar
- Anti-venom pump
- A whistle
- Small reflector (signalling) mirror
- An aluminium survival sheet
- Light-weight multi-terrain running shoes or a good
pair of trainers
- Sun glasses (100% UV light restricted, light
weight)
- Light-weight, high carbohydrate food rations for
6/7 days (2,000-4,000 calories per day)
- Protective head gear (legionaires hat with
neck-flap)
- High factor sun block and sun burns treatment
- Running shorts and vest
- Marathon runner's water carriers with lightweight
drinking tube
- Compact camera and film (optional)
- Salt tablets / rehydration packets
- First-aid pack with foot-care and heat stress
medicines
- Insect repellent
- Cooking equipment for 6/7 days
- Massage oils (eucalyptus & baby oil)
- Isostar Powder (High energy drinks)
- Nurofen / Brufon (anti-inflamatories)
- Multi-vitamins (sodium, potassium, phosphorus,
magnesium, vitamins C, B1, B2)
- Water purification tablets
- Deep Heat / Ralgex - analgesic spray
- Lightweight wash-kit with lip balm/salve
- Anti-diarrhoea medicine
- Sweat bands (head and wrists)
- Stop watch
- Gaiters for running in sand dunes
- Mess tin, knife, fork, spoon