The race organizers have now opened up the online discussion forums and I'm getting a chance to meet other Marathon Des Sables racers. Seems like a friendly lot but wow - there are some seriously accomplished atheletes here.
Some of my friends look at me like I'm a serious endurance athlete as I've done a few marathons and triathlons. But having had a chance to see some of the bios of other competitors I'm beginning to look and feel like a rank amatuer.
It seems that many of this years competitors are experienced ultra marathoners (100+km runs) and ironmen triathletes (2km swim, 180 km bike, followed by a 44km run). One gentleman here in the Greater Vancouver area is running 20 marathons in 2 years... impressive!
Another Vancouverite has run the Badwater Ultra, a 135 mile race from Death Valley to Mount Whitney. It's difficult to put into words just what a feat this is, so I won't bother to try.
After having a chance to connect with these people it is easy to come away both inspired and humbled at the same time. If I had any illusions about being in the front of the pack for this race I assure you that they have been dropped.
I guess my goal for this race will remain the same - compete only with myself and let everyone else run the best race that they can run. I suspect that it truely is going to be all about the journey.
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7 comments:
Hi Ian,
Just curiosity: which online discussion forums are you referring to?
Best regards,
John
Hi John,
There are several worth checking out. The one in particular that I am referring to here is maintained by the North American race organizers. It is a members only forum - organizers provide registered North American participants with access.
Another excellent forum worth checking out is
www.themds.co.uk/forums/index.php
Anyone can access the forum and the content is excellent. There is an active community of new and experienced racers with a lot of great discussion and information.
All the best...
Ian
Hi Ian,
Just yesterday I told the Dreamchasers that I'm in for the 2009 MdS. This morning I googled Marathon des Sables 2009 and found your blog via "43 things." I thought I'd stop in and say a "hi." While I might not meet you until Morocco, I do look forward to meeting you. I've already met at least 5 folks from the American contingent and they're awesome.
Best of luck in training, I'll be following it.
Happy trails,
Bryon
Hi Ian,
I am registered for the MDS 2009 and live in Vancouver. I would like to meet other local competitors for training runs, discussions and strategy for surviving the MDS.
Cheers,
Ray
Hi Bryon,
Welcome to the 2009 race! I'm looking forward to seeing you on race day!
Hi Ian, nice timing... I just saw your new post come up on my RSS feed. See you in a few weeks.
Hi,
I am running the 2010 MDS and tried to find you on the Dreamchasers forum but can't seem to track you down?
I am also from North Vancouver so would be great if we could speak about the race.
Tiffany
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