magsfran

I am also doing this race!! Super excited - feel free to ask me questions too!! (from a female perspective as well :D )

So I'm probably not a good example as I'm a PhD student, so my work life is quite flexible in what time I work. That said, my top tip is to incorporate your exercise into your day - so if you can run/commute any part of your journey, or if you have a dog to walk or anything like that. Make it something that you're doing anyway. For example, I have a job interview 10 miles away from home tomorrow, so I plan on running back afterwards...

It's also useful to have a running buddy, or join a running club - so you have someone who will hold you accountable for doing your sessions. Running is the best form of exercise (imho....) as you really don't need anything to do it - you just step out your door and you're ready. Social aspects... I once took my boyfriend on a run with me, he was not very impressed so I won't be doing that again lol. You make it work I guess?

The MDS itself is proving a huge finance drain though - above the race costs (which I had saved for), there's just a lot of necessary kit which I don't already own, and it is a bit of a problem for me!

Doing this race and reading Born to Run right now! Very very inspirational, and also very reassuring. Would recommend so much!

You definitely can eat while running, although it takes some practice to get your stomach used to it! It's best to eat mainly carbs during the race day, and then load up on protein (and carb) recovery. This can be gels etc, but like skittles or other sugar works fine, and nuts/seeds etc, dried fruit. You don't need specialist food, just good energy, and a good mix of carbs, fat, and protein.

I absolutely hate freeze dried meals and so I'm taking a combo of protein recovery shakes, chia seeds with some sugar (just add water!), beef jerky, trail mix etc separated into daily calorie allowances to eat at the end of each day. That way I get variety rather than just 800 cals of freeze dried curry for dinner (so gross).

I entered online in December 2015 to get a place for April 2017, so does take a bit of planning, but leaves you enough time for training at least! And the wait-list positions usually pan out as well.