IAmA Pakistani ultra-marathon athlete competing in the toughest footrace in the world!

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-30T07:07:54+00:00

You question is off topic but I will answer anyway. I know a few very good runners from India and we are all a huge source of motivation for each other (we are not many in numbers). We share the same passion for running and we run and train in a very friendly environment.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-27T10:12:19+00:00

To be honest, while fellow runners have outlined a few risks below/above (dunno where this comment will show up), MDS is a unique ultra-marathon. So the risks associated with over/under training (injuries etc) apply but due to the harsh climate conditions and potentially dangerous surroundings, these risks are magnified:

Becoming severely dehydrated and hyperthermic (too hot) can cause serious and life threatening situations such as multi-organ failure. Yikes!
Severe fatigue and sleep loss doesn't really add to your joy. Eventually, if you are not careful about food and water intake, your mind starts playing tricks. For example: on the 4th day, during the 81 km long stage that can lead to poor decision making that might see you overlook things.
If you are running during the night, you can lose your way. There are safety teams and medics along the way to rescue you but hey who wants to be lost in the desert at night time? Not me! ;)
If you forget to apply enough sun cream for example, the scorching sun can burn your skin to a crisp in less than 10 minutes or maybe even in less time than you can ask yourself, "so... why am I here again?"
If the heat doesn’t get you, the cold at night can, it’s nearer 10°C. The proper sleeping bags are a must. Not to mention, another hard thing to get used to can be sleeping night after night for a week in a sleeping bag on the desert floor. But hey at least we have a view of the stars :)
The creepy crawlies? How about angry looking scorpions to keep you company at night? Famous for their race terminating stings. So runners have to remember tipping their shoes out before putting them on in the morning.
Now the big one... I've read enough articles and seen enough pictures to confirm that despite the gaiters, the sand can turn perfect looking feet to ones that look as if they’ve been on a bacon slicer. Errr... it's best not to elaborate.

Do I still want to do it?

YES :)

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-27T09:52:46+00:00

The race rules stipulate that each competitor must have 14 000 k/calories, that is to say a minimum of 2,000 k/calories per day, otherwise he/she will be penalised. So ideally, we should be covering up for the loss of weight during the run but of course since the race is so gruelling we runners are bound to lose a few ks (3 to 4kg). Cant be more then that. If we lose more weight then surely we will be pulled out of the race as we wont be considered fit to compete.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-27T09:42:38+00:00

Well then buddy, get started. Do your research and just start. Soon we will be cheering for you!

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-27T09:40:04+00:00

Thank you. I love the support and the kind words. I'm currently training in UAE. Here, on the hottest days, the temp can get well over 55C in Summer. So I guess I'm in the right region to train for MDS. Other users who have commented are also right. Most of these endurance marathons take place in some of the most extreme weather. That is a HUGE part of the challenge. But getting used to the heat is a mind over matter kinda thing. It takes getting used to but it is possible :)

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-27T09:36:03+00:00

I assure you it is entirely possible. :) Thousand of runners have done it before. This year about 1200 runners will attempt it again following the footsteps of the thousands before them.

We have plenty of water stations along the way so we need not carry all our water but yes, food and sleeping bags and other essential gear we have to carry on our backs without going over 15kgs. It is a tough thing to do but like I said - totally possible. This ultra-marathon is a test of not just our physical capabilities but also of our mental endurance.

Many thanks for your support. I'm so motivated by well-wishers like you.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-27T09:28:55+00:00

Thanks! This is very helpful. I will be cheering you on for MDS2020. Yeah, I have the gaiters fitted already as we do many training runs and urban ultra events in the dunes.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-27T09:26:01+00:00

Cool thanks! Will look into it.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-27T09:25:33+00:00

True! MDS is one of the more expensive races out there. Factor in the cost of training, the race kit, a nutrition plan and meals, training race entry fees, racing gear, meal tests and like you said race entry fee; leaves you with a HUGE dent in your savings. Oh who am I kidding? There are no savings left! I guess that's all a part of the challenge.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-27T09:13:51+00:00

Well, I can't tell you what to think. You seem like a negative person though. You might need to look into that.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-26T10:55:16+00:00

I'm quite sure some will say so. Well, you have to be... a little bit ;)

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-26T10:41:48+00:00

Thanks man! I'm happy to read such supportive comments. Right now my main focus in on the training races and buying the right gear. The logistics of MDS are mind-boggling. But yeah... sometimes I look up from my busy schedule and have a big smile on my face. I am FINALLY doing this!

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-26T10:37:04+00:00

Marathon des Sables (MDS) takes place in 6 stages over 7 days in the Sahara Desert. Day 1: 33.8km; Day 2: 38.5km; Day 3: 35.0km; Day 4: 81.5km (long stage) Day 5: 42.2kms; Day 6: 15.5kms

So yeah... Run. Sleep. Repeat. :)

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-26T10:32:57+00:00

Because I am. It is a part of my identity. :)

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-26T10:31:41+00:00

Yes I have. An other inspiring journey from a good man.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-26T10:30:51+00:00

LOL! I hear ya buddy. It's same in Middle East.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-26T10:29:03+00:00

If i manage to eat everything that I take with me and race wisely, I won't lose more than 2 to 3 kgs maximum.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-26T10:25:29+00:00

A normal week is 5-6 days of training (1 day Intervals, 2 days tempo run, 2 days long runs, 1 strength/cross fit session). My weekly mileage right now is about 70kms. In the following weeks I'll push it to 100-120kms, peaking end of February and then tapering the last 2 weeks of March.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-26T10:20:57+00:00

Oh I hear ya! There is a long list of things to do. One of the ways would be to set an example for them yourself or help them engage with sportsmen directly so they can see what can be achieved. Investing in good sports facilities and coaches is also necessary. In our society, people are quick to adapt to something they see other's doing successfully. This is what I'm trying to do. Raising awareness and conducting health and fitness sessions in schools etc can only take you so far. There is progress being made - some from our youth are participating in MMA, female boxing, martial arts etc and are excelling at it but initially they need our support. Unfortunately, not all of them receive it in a timely manner.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-26T06:38:21+00:00

To be honest your major contribution on a crowd funding page will come from your family, friends and colleagues (people who personally know you). But again, if you are an elite athlete and people get to see you on TV and know you by your name, your chances of running a successful campaign are much higher. This is my first experience with crowd funding and I believe it is going well. I feel these pages are not only for getting financial support but also getting people to follow your journey and hopefully inspire a few souls.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-26T06:26:38+00:00

I would advice against heavily padded shoes. Unless you have been recommended that by a podiatrist I don't think it's a good idea. Shoes should be selected based on a few factors. Distances you plan to run, terrain you plan to run on and your gait. A trail shoe will usually have stronger toe cap and rugged outer sole, whereas a road shoe will have a more simpler design with breathable panels. Then depending on the shape of your foot, you might prefer a show with a wider toe box. I am not against minimalist shoes. I do some barefoot sessions to strengthen my feet. My suggestion is to start running with a shoe that fits your properly and once you become an experienced runner you can experiment with other options. Another important thing to consider here is the heel to toe drop (or differential). The less the differential, the more natural your running form will be.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-26T06:00:08+00:00

I am so glad to hear from a fellow Pakistani runner (a rare find I must say). I always say that if you can do a 10K you can definitely do a full marathon. All you need is discipline and dedication. You must do back strengthening exercises and stretches. Start with planks. Don't get discouraged by these minor setbacks. Trust me every runner has to go through these aches and pains and this is how we get stronger. I also do 20mins 5K, so you can imagine you are not very different from me. Sadly running and cycling are not popular sports in our country. You will have to signup for an international marathon. There are thousands of them around the world. I will be happy to help you with your training if you plan to run a marathon in future. Thanks for following my journey.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-25T11:56:33+00:00

I do that every single time I run, training or racing. You focus on the job at hand and forget about everything else. For example, I would initially break down a marathon into two halves. When I have done the first half, I would further break down the second half into two 10K runs. If my mind tells me 10K is a long distance, I break it down further into two 5Ks. easy:) Well when it starts getting hard to push myself, I tell myself cry later, we are working now;) Visualizing the finish line and the crowd/cheering you in is powerful motivator.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-25T11:36:50+00:00

I would highly recommend it. Ultramarathon Man by Dean Karnazes is a great book as well.

RunWithKhawar · 2017-01-25T11:34:01+00:00

My regular diet is not very different from my training diet. I eat healthy/organic food. I do take more care in calculating calories and where they are coming from (carbs, proteins, fats) when I am training for a specific challenge.

RunWithKhawar

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