Extreme Endurance, Extreme Conditions
Case Study: Client G - Extreme Endurance, Extreme Conditions
The Sahara Marathon (Marathon des Sables) is 6 marathons, back to back, across the desert, one stage being a double marathon of 84 kms.
Runners compete in extreme heat on a variety of tough terrain, carrying a week’s supply of food, a daily ration of water, and sleeping under canvas. It is one of the toughest endurance events in the world. Many runners fail to complete the course; some suffer hospitalisation.
Team Fitness has successfully trained athletes in the elite category of this event.
Training comprised gym based upper-body strengthening - necessary for carrying a rucksack without prejudice to the running gait - lower body muscle balancing, distance and interval running - with heart rate monitoring - nutritional analysis and advice.
Members of the Special Forces also provided assistance and advice.
To simulate the climate conditions, Team Fitness constructed a ’sweat box’ surround for the treadmill. Ambient temperature was kept at a constant 90o, and the athletes had to run in full kit. Drinking whilst running was practised constantly, with ingestion every 3 minutes - an absolute requirement to avoid dehydration.
Pre-race preparation included acclimatization, and replication of conditions by training on the lava fields and beaches of Lanzarote.
