#RunWithKhawar

What is The MDS?

Marathon des Sables (The MDS) is the ‘Toughest Footrace on Earth’ (Discovery Channel) in one of the world’s most inhospitable environments – the Sahara desert. Sound challenging enough? Wait, it gets better.

1. 1,200 international runners will brave a distance of 257 km over 7 days.
2. Runners will carry all their food and equipment on their back.
3. The terrain ranges from rocky grounds to soft sand dunes reaching as high as 1,000 feet.
4. Runners will brave temperatures of 50+ degrees centigrade. Yeah, there is no fun under this Saharan Sun!

My story

I’m from Pakistan – a country with a proud history of producing world class sportsmen like Jahangir Khan and Wasim Akram. These men are true athletes and have inspired me to play sports. I was an active person during high school and university. I played squash, cricket and football. However, after joining the workforce as a Project Engineer, I got too busy and my participation in all athletic games took a backseat.

In the summer of 2013, I had a terrible accident that left me bed-ridden for two months with a painful neck injury and concussion. While lying in bed day in and day out, I kept thinking about how we take many things in our life for granted. Many of us don’t put in enough of an effort to maintain the two best tools that we have been blessed with – our mind and body. I made it a mission to take control of my life, start focusing on my health and encourage others to do the same. This is when I found my passion for long-distance running.

So I worked hard to get back in shape after my traumatic injury and ran my first marathon in January of 2015. An elite runner once said, “Everything you ever wanted to know about yourself, you can learn in 42.2 km”. Here is what I learned in my 42 km:

1. Don’t be afraid to push your boundaries. They are always further than you think.
2. It only counts when it starts hurting. Pain is a sign that you are becoming stronger and tougher. Embrace it.
3. Listen to those who tell you that you can’t do it. Remember their names. You will share the news of your accomplishment with them first.
4. Always remember to give back to the community that supports you. Sometimes you run with the hopes and dreams of those who can’t run for themselves.
5. When passing by the ladies, even if you don’t feel like it, run in perfect form. ; )

I have to be honest, the first time I heard about The MDS, I thought to myself who will take on such a crazy challenge? The very next moment, I realized that I will be crazy NOT to do it! The organizers of this race also contribute towards childrens’ education and female empowerment in impoverished communities – two causes that are close to my heart. Hence I have been actively training for this race and with your support I will finally be able to turn this dream into a reality.

How your contributions will matter

An international challenge of this magnitude requires organizers and runners to be equally prepared. This is where you come in. While I have been able to completely self-fund past races, I will need your support to fulfill this dream. I need to raise $5,550 to cover the costs of the following:

1. Mandatory kit: 20L backpack, sleeping bag, headlamp, stove, compass, anti-venom pump, whistle, mirror, knife with blade, disinfectant and survival sheet, etc.
2. Clothing: Specialized desert running ultra-light t-shirts, shorts, socks and sand-proof goggles.
3. Footwear: Specialized running shoes for desert and gaiters.
4. Food: Freeze-dried meals, gels, electrolytes, and power bars.
5. Cost of Training: Training races, product testing and special training meal plans, etc.

Note: My target is $5,550 but I will be spending upwards of $10,550 – including cost of race entry $3,500 and air ticket $1,500. So please email me at [email protected] if you feel you can further support me in any way.

Work in progress: My preparation for The MDS

I knew that approaching The MDS as an amateur runner without fully understanding the risks involved could take a deadly turn. So I worked towards developing speed, strength and endurance through competitive cycling and long-distance running. To further prepare my body for this grueling challenge, I will be participating in:

1. Urban-Ultra Night Rebel (20 km) Completed 
   
2. Westin Kilo Marathon (26.2 km) Completed
3. Abu Dhabi Half Marathon (21.1 km) Completed
4. 7 Emirates Run (60 km) Completed
5. Dubai Half Marathon (21.1 km) Completed
6. Urban Ultra Desert Stinker (20 km) Completed
7. Dubai Marathon (42.2 km) Completed
8. Dubai Ironman 70.3 (1.8km swim, 90km bike, 21.1km run) Completed
9. Wadi Bih solo (50 km) Completed
10. RAK Half Marathon (21.1 km) Completed
11. Urban Ultra Hajar (66 km) Completed
12. Urban Ultra UTX50 Completed

We are all ‘average’ till someone ordinary decides to do something extraordinary and inspires others in the process. Thank you for taking the time to read this. If you can, please support me in my journey. If you have further questions, you can go through the FAQs section or drop me a line.

Cheers,
Khawar

“Run if you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must, but never stop”
– Dean Karnazes