Medico Says Good to Go!

Today I completed my EKG and physical.  No real suprises but good to know that I am good to go!  Review of my shot records also showed no deficiencies.  Additionally the good Dr. wrote a prescription for Cipro to add to the kit "just in case" with the warning of its side effects relating to tendonitis and/or tendon rupture and interactions with NSAIDs.  With two copies of everything one to go into my pack and a spare in my checked bag this to do item is now checked off!

Course Details?

For the 28th Sultan MDS, there has been some changes to the general event format as compared to previous years. While the uncertainty of the event/course is part of the fun, I still like to know somewhat what to expect.  This is what I have gleaned from postings on the MDS website:

From "The starting line is in the sight" (love how things get distorted in translation)

• Five competitive stages totaling 230km (143 miles)
• A"difficult" course
• Untimed liaison stage of 7+km (4+ miles) at the end

From "The Week End 28th Sultan MDS" and the Terres D'Aventure brochure:

• Liaison stage to be conducted on the 13th
• Marathon?/final stage of MDS on the 12th

So what does that mean, or how I interpret this information.

• One marathon length stage (26+ miles)
• Assume one 50 mile stage
• Leaving about 67 miles for the remaining stages or an average of 22+ miles each (I am expecting these will vary significantly in length)

Estimated schedule

5th: Bivouac
6th: In-processing
7th: Stage 1
8th: Stage 2
9th: Stage 3
10th: Stage 4
11th: Stage 4
12th: Stage 5 (Marathon)
13th: Liason/Back to Ouarzazate
14th: Ouarzazate

Only time will tell!

White Sands

Shake down run at White Sands

With the MDS only five weeks away, training is continuing.  This week has been heavy with back to back long runs(25+ miles) in addition to some shorter ones.  The long runs were done down south by the Organ Mountains east of Las Cruces NM and at White Sands National Monument. White Sands was chosen to do a final shake down of my kit especially my new gaiters.  These performed exceptionally well.  While it was not hot (in fact it was 22 deg F when I started out- 76 when I finished), there was lots of sand.  Everything appears to be good to go!

Tawny dog on the dunes

Training Update - On The Road Again

Due to travel I was not able to get out of, I've spent the last twelve days in the Wasington DC area. While this has hindered my training some what it hasn't stopped it.  Believe it or not there are extensive "trail" networks through out the National Capital Region (NCR) which can be taken advantage of.  While many of these are paved, there are sections that offer trail running type conditions.

Two of the most significant trail systems include the Cross County Trail (CCT) and the Wasington and Old Dominion (W&OD) trail.  These offer a refreshing option to the standard urban jungle runs.

I was able to cover a large portion (35 out of about 40+ miles) of the CCT about twice and spoty portions of the W&OD.  Since these trails are relatively flat, there were some good speed workouts.  Looking forward to getting back to New Mexico!

Gaiters Galore

A critical piece of equipment for the MDS is a good set of gaiters.  Their entire purpose is to keep sand out - period.  Sand = blisters.  Enough said.

My search for a suitable pair resulted in limited commercial options (Sandbaggers, MDS, Raidlight).   While I am sure these were most likely suitable for the event, none of these options appeared to meet my expectations.  Therefore I embarked on a R&D project to come up with my own design.  Never ending  thanks to my mother for her assistance with assembly consultations and professional sewing!

As with any design project one must first define the requirements of the product.  For my gaiters they were as follows (and not in any particular order):  Sandproof-duh!, Velcro attachment to the shoe, cover the entire upper of the shoe, extend above the ankle, adjustable at the top and around the shoe, breathable, durable and finally professionally constructed.

Based on these criteria my design incorporated a ripstop lower portion (durable and sandproof) that covered most of the shoe and an upper spandex component (breathable and "adjustable").  Loop Velcro was affixed to the gaiter with the hook component attached to the shoe (note: I am not too happy with the job the cobbler did on the shoe and may have to get this done over).  The back portion of the gaiter also included a small section of spandex to allow for adjustment around the circumference of the shoe.  No Velcro was attached to this piece and the spandex adheres to the hook Velcro on the shoe sufficiently well.  The top of the gaiter also includes a small bungee drawstring and lock to snug up if necessary.

After numerous attempts the final shape and dimensions were determined.  This give the gaiter a more foot shaped appearance and breaks with the ball of the foot.  This also minimizes weight and streamlines the design so as not to snag on the local flora.  Colors were selected to give a New Mexico flare (form and function)!

Initial field trials show no significant issues.  Be on the look out, I will be the only one there with them!

Back Detail

Front Detail

Side

Stylin'

Fitz Compression Wear

A chance meeting with Richard Berry and family up in Lapland has brought together the British manufacture Fitz Compression Wear and my MDS attempt.  I met Rich while on "holiday" in Saariselka when he was having difficulty with the lock on his apartment and came next door for assistance.  Discussions later in the week during New Years celebrations (at 68.9 degrees north latitude) reveled he was in the performance sports wear business and I was heading for Morocco.  What a coincidence!

Rich was extremely intrigued by the MDS and upon returning from the land of reindeer, follow up emails indicated that Fitz was interested in having me try out some of their gear.  Having satisfactorily used compression shorts during the 2012 Desert RATS stage race and many other ultra-marathons I am planning on using compression shorts during the MDS.  Compression tops my also be an option along with calf/shin sleeves.

Competing and training in compression gear is fairly standard for me, a hold over from my cycling days. I enjoy the support it gives and the improved recovery especially during high mileage weeks.  I am looking forward to shaking down Fitz performance wear and to see what works best for my training, competitions and MDS attempt.

The Fitz web site is:  www.fitz4sport.com




Thank you Rich and FITZ!

SUV Trail Run

Yesterday I competed int the Sugarloaf Ultra Vista (SUV) Trail Run, a great event put on by Mark Dorion.  The start was about midway between El Paso and Las Cruces and consisted of various out and back loops over varying terrain along the Sierra Vista Trail.  Not a lot of vertical but plenty of rollers.  I came into this with a "just a training run" attitude but competitiveness got the better of me.  6:16:30 for 60k and second place too (thanks for the award Mark)!  Quite happy even though I did not run with my pack.  Still a little early for that many miles with it.

Practice taping feet, worked out well - no blisters. The Kiensio Tex Gold tape works better than Elastikon.  Not as thick, better adhesive and the paper backing makes it easier to cut.  I also used "on the move food" rations for my race nutrition.  Even after only 500 calorie breakfast it was sufficient to get me through the event.   In fact I had some leftovers when I crossed the finish line.  GU recovery brew at the end went down well.

Overall a good day!

Tawny dog on the Sierra Vista Trail