The Extraordinary MDS
One of the most astonishing experiences was my participation in the MDS marathon in morocco. Being among 1000 runner from all over the world who share the same dream, filled with joy as the pursued their lifelong dream. The amount of the energy, passion, happiness to be the middle of the dessert, knowing the hardship they will be facing mind blowing.
To be really honest, I cannot say that I was really prepared mentally with the things I will face during the race. Many aspects of that race were unknown to me and they would have never been if I didn’t experience it firsthand.
One of the many things that I did not imagine was the extreme whether conditions, keeping in mind that I am an Emirati in which the temperature is over 40c for the year. While on the other hand the cold the breeze which may reach to 4c at night was not helpful, until we got to understand the different of the tents in that region and the locals’ trick to use the actual tent to keep themselves warm.
Another point to consider if you are planning to join the next race is the quantity of water which was barely enough to drink, add to prepare your frozen dry meal. I was not able to get an extra amount of water (which was not much at all; to wash with by the forth day only.
The organization of the whole race and daily relocation of the whole camp on daily basis was really astonishing, however reaching to you personal tent and seeing it blown because of the wind makes one feels like its the end of the universe. You find yourself in front of two options, you either set it yourself
Last but not least, one should be really careful with the weight of your backpack especially in the first few days while its packed with your food. One thing that I learned that there will be no time to eat more than 2 meals.
Having said this, I have enjoyed one of the most astonishing geographical landscape, images that I would never forget, got to live the hardest yet happiest days of my life, lived through a mixture of personal stories and emotions.
Its a lifetime experience that I would never forget.