Mission to Morocco - MDS 2011 by Birdypie

Wow January has flown past. The training has gone pretty well in that I’m still on my feet and not injured! Mileage has been consistent and I’m now doing a few runs with a weighted pack to get prepared for the desert. That has been quite a shock to the system but I think the legs and back are slowly adjusting. Last Sunday I took a little trip down to Camber Sands to do some training on the dunes. Very hard work but I’m glad I did it – I’ll try and fit a couple more trips in before the off.

February is going to be a month of contrasts starting with two weeks of very big mileage. After a rest week this week I’ll be heading to Farnham on Friday to take part in the 66 mile, 2 day Pilgrims Challenge. That is going to be a real toughie but I’ll be running with Tina and Kerry again so will be nice to meet up with them. The weekend following its time for the Punchbowl 30 again. I’ll take a step back after that and then just focus on final prep work – building up the pack weight and trying to stay in one piece. I have a tendency to pick up colds at this time of year so need to keep the vitamins up at the moment.

 I’ve completed most of my gear shopping today. Hugely expensive but had to be done. Most difficult questions are around clothes and footwear as always but hopefully I’ve got it right. The innov-8 roclites will be coming to Morocco with me once they’ve been kitted out with sand gaiters.

So it continues to get proper serious. I’ll try and report back post Pilgrims if I have the energy...its going to be a tough couple of weeks!!