MdS #1: Initial Inception

I first saw Marathon des Sables on an episode of Human Playground. While the star of the show did not complete the race, it inspired me with its beautiful landscape as well as the prospect of such an impossible challenge. Before long, I saw it again on the show Losers, where a competitor go lost in the desert for 10 days. His story only motivated me even more.

I'm still trying to figure out, why is it I'm chasing these races that seem "crazy" to many. My current hypothesis is that I'm trying to find some sense of self-worth from these excursions, like I'm trying to prove to myself that I'm more than enough. However, every time I reach a summit, I can't help but look for the next challenge. I like the idea of constantly moving forward, but I don't think it's a good habit to never stop and celebrate my wins. For some reason, it never seems like much of an accomplishment to me.

For those who have never heard of Marathon des Sables or MdS, it is a 6-stage 7-day running race through the Sahara desert. It usually covers about about 150 miles, and includes one "long stage" where you have to run through the night. Not only do you have to cover an ultra distance, you have to do it while carrying all the supplies you'll need for that week: food, sleeping bag, additional clothes, toiletries, etc. The race organization provides a bivouac with minimal coverage for sleeping and rationed amounts of water to be distributed at aid stations and at the bivouac.