RunWithKhawar

Training... training... training :)

I knew that approaching The MDS as an amateur runner without fully understanding the risks involved could take a deadly turn. So I worked towards developing speed, strength and endurance through competitive cycling and long-distance running. To further prepare my body for this grueling challenge, I will be participating in:

Urban-Ultra Night Rebel Completed Westin Kilo Marathon (26.2 km) Completed Abu Dhabi Half Marathon (21.1 km) Completed 7 Emirates Run (60 km) Completed Dubai Half Marathon (21.1 km) Completed Urban Ultra Desert Stinker (20 km) Completed Dubai Marathon (42.2 km) Completed Dubai Ironman 70.3 (1.8km swim, 90km bike, 21.1km run) Wadi Bih solo (72 km) RAK Half Marathon (21.1 km) Urban Ultra Hajar (50 km) Urban Ultra Extreme (140 km) Urban Ultra Big Stinker (45 km)

Thank you for your support:) Finishing such an extreme ultra-marathon is a big accomplishment in itself. As this is my first MdS, right now I'm aiming to do it in a respectable time and finish with all my limbs and facilities intact. ;)

If you want to please, follow my journey as I have been posting about my progress, preparation and training marathon schedules on my social media channels: Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/runwithkhawar/ Twitter: @runwithkhawar Instagram: @runwithkhawar Email: [email protected]

Freeze-dried meals, gels, electrolytes, and power bars during the race. All meals, including meals before and after the marathon, require loads of research and prep. I will be posting about it in my newsletters and on my social media channels. Follow my journey and hopefully I will be able to guide you in learning more about my prep for MdS. Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/runwithkhawar/ Twitter: @runwithkhawar Instagram: @runwithkhawar Email: [email protected]

I apologize for answering late. This is my first AMA and wasn't completely sure how it works. I think if you are passionate about something and you have committed yourself to a goal, you will always find/invent ways. Training for an ultra marathon is a huge commitment and although it is an individual sport, I feel it is a team effort. Your family, friends, colleagues all play an important role in helping you cross that finish line. I work 40 hours a week. I think an important thing here, especially if you are working 60 hours a week, is to not take any work related stress home. You can always get a treadmill and train at home. I do longer sessions (5-6hr) over weekends in the morning when everyone is asleep. My social circle is mostly runners/triathletes. We spend time together when we are training.
Finances are a major concern for any athlete. If you aren't an elite or linked to a well known charity organization, it will be difficult to attract sponsors. Crowd funding is a great idea for amateur athletes like us. Visit my page and you will know how it works. https://www.pledgesports.org/projects/the-mds-250-km-sahara-desert-race/

4Deserts in very similar to MDS in terms of preparation and training. Glad to know you had an unforgettable experience. I plan to document my journey as well. I will be doing everything that you mentioned in your post. I even plan to start sleeping in the sleeping bag on the floor of my bedroom a few days before the race;)