Marathon des Sables Podcast: Recent Episodes
Marathon des Sables Podcast
In this episode, we’re excited to welcome Mark “Mavis” Reilly to the MDS Podcast. Mark, a former professional footballer, shares his personal story and experiences taking on some of the most gruelling physical challenges to raise awareness for Rett Syndrome, an incurable genetic disorder affecting his daughter Dionne.
From Ironman events to 100-mile runs, Mark’s determination and resilience shine through as he discusses his participation in the epic Marathon des Sables (MDS). In October 2021, the 35th MDS saw the highest temperatures on record, with over 50 degrees Celsius and a stomach bug, making it the toughest MDS in history.
Mark recounts how he persevered, drawing on themes of positivity, hope, and resilience.
Mark’s upcoming book, “The Lives of Reilly,” co-authored by David McCarthy and Dickson Telfer, with a foreword by Ally McCoist, delves deeper into his inspiring journey. All profits from the book will be donated to the charity Reverse Rett, further demonstrating Reilly’s commitment to raising awareness and supporting his daughter and others with the disorder.
Don’t miss this heart warming and motivational episode with Mark “Mavis” Reilly, and stay tuned for updates on his book launches in Kilmarnock and Motherwell. Let’s celebrate the power of positivity, resilience, and hope together.
Due for release on the 4th of May, follow Mark and Nameless Town Publishing on Twitter:
https://twitter.com/NamelessTownLit
https://twitter.com/ReillyMavis1
The post An Inspiring Journey: Mark “Mavis” Reilly on Overcoming Challenges and Raising Awareness for Rett Syndrome appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
In this episode of the MDS Podcast, we go back to 2017, the year that saw an unexpected third-place finish from a then-unknown British athlete, Tom Evans.
Tom only entered the race after a bet with a friend, which resulted in the best result a European had ever achieved in the race’s history. Now competing under the Red Bull banner, and has since won the 101km CCC race at the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc (UTMB). Along with course records – at the Coastal Challenge Costa Rica, the South Downs Way 50 and New Zealand’s Ultra Trail World Tour Tarawera.
Tom gives us his insight into racing the Marathon des Sables with some absolute nuggets for speed daemons and walkers alike.
https://www.redbull.com/gb-en/athlete/tom-evans
The post Red Bull’s Tom Evans Top Tips for the Marathon des Sables appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
After an extended break, we are back with a new episode.
For some people, just getting to the start line is a challenge. Sara Pearce signed up for MDS 2020 and things didn’t quite go to plan. What’s important is how you deal with the setbacks.
Sara handled them perfectly and is now raring to go in 2023. Listen in to find out more about Sara’s MDS journey.
Don’t forget you can follow Sara in the 2023 MDS, search for bib number 1178 when the race goes live in April at https://live.marathondessables.com/en/
The post For Sara Pearce Getting to the Start Line has been a Challenge appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
This episode is a little different, it’s a view from behind the scenes. If you ran in 2021 or 2022, you will have likely met photographer Jon Bromley. Or “Desert Dad”, as he was affectionately known by some. So what luxury awaits those non-runners working behind the scenes, four poster beds, 5-course meals, copious wine, […]
The post Behind the Scenes at the Marathon des Sables with the “Desert Dad” appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
Roraigh first completed the MDS in 1995. A lot has changed, and since then, he has completed it four more times. Including this year, 2022, when at the age of 62, he was Britain’s oldest finisher. No fancy running shoes or ultra-lightweight gear, just solid planning, preparation and a selective choice of kit has led […]
The post The Experiences of Roraigh Ainslie an MDS Veteran appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
On this weeks show we have Ben Gallagher another of our tent-mates from Marathon des Sables 2022. Ben is a Veteran, Athlete and Explorer. In 2019 whilst serving in the British Army, he was involved in an incident that has since changed his life. He was shot numerous times and received blast/fragmentation injuries to both […]
The post Ben Gallagher Veteran, Athlete, Explorer & MDS Finisher appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
Not Terry’s first Ultra. Actually his second attempt at the Marathon des Sables, but a very respectable 39th place overall and 9th Brit. Find out how Terry managed this incredible achievement and see if you fancy placing in the top 50 in 2023!
The post Terry Maddison Finishing 39th in the Marathon des Sables 2022 appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
This week Rob and I had a cracking time talking to tent mate Glen Watts about his MDS experience. Glen suffered severely with his feet during our journey through the Sahara. Having to use all his mental capacity and his “Why” to get through the pain. Whilst we have a great laugh in this episode, […]
The post Glen Watts Uses His “Why” To Finish The Marathon Des Sables! appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
You don’t need to be an ultra runner or even have years of running experience to take part in the Marathon des Sables. With the right attitude, attention to detail and planning, you can complete the MDS whatever your background. This week we speak to Karen Alford, who did just this. With little running experience. […]
The post Karen Alford from Half Marathon to MDS in under 12 months! appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
This week we are lucky to have Lauren Gregory on the show. Lauren not only completed the infamous 35th edition of the Marathon des Sables in 2021 she was also the first British Female. Whilst Lauren didn’t suffer from the stomach bug that rampaged through camp in 2021 her race was far from straightforward. She […]
The post Lauren Gregory 1st British Female Marathon des Sables 2021 appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
This is a fantastic story of a Father and Son adventure on the Marathon des Sables. As if the MDS was not tough enough mentally. Could you leave your son behind to finish? Ian and George tell of the agreement they made and their plans in place should the worst thing happen. When it does, […]
The post Ian & George Moore on the MDS: A Father Leaves His Son in the Desert! appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
As if the Marathon des Sables was not enough of a challenge. You’ll always find someone that wants to do it slightly different to the other participants. Jonny Hendry is one of those people. He served in The Parachute Regiment, in all 3 Battalions and deployed on multiple tours of Afghanistan. Over those tours, he […]
The post Jonny Hendry Does The Marathon Des Sables in Body Armour! appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
In this edition of the MDS Podcast Sean & Rob invite fellow Walking with the Wounded teammate Andrew “The Colonel” Smallbone on the show to talk through his experience of the Marathon des Sables 2022. Andrew completed the 36th Edition of the MDS and for the large part was a walker. Although a very fast […]
The post Andrew “The Colonel” Smallbone on How to Complete the Marathon des Sables 2022 appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
We did it! Finally, after many years of training and postponements, plus a second attempt for me, we managed to complete the “Toughest Footrace on Earth”! In this episode, we go through the poignant moments of the race for us. Covering everything from food to pacing. We also try to answer the question that gets […]
The post Rob & Sean’s Debrief on Completing the Marathon des Sables 2022 appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
Welcome back to another episode of the MDS Podcast. This will be the last episode before I venture out for Marathon des Sables 2022. On this show we have another of my tent mates from tent 55 in 2021, Katie Hislop. This was Katie’s second MDS and she did us proud by bringing it home […]
The post Marathon des Sables Once is Never Enough with Katie Hislop appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
On this week’s show I talk to another of tent mates from Tent 55 at the 35th edition of the Marathon des Sables in October 2021. Lucy gives us an insight in how she coped with the extraordinary conditions of the 35th edition and still managed to finish whilst walking the whole 250km. Lucy has […]
The post How to Walk the Marathon des Sables and Finish by Lucy Pond appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
In this episode I speak with Jack Fleckney, ex-marine, entrepreneur and adventurer. Jack was one of my tents mates, Tent 55, at the 35th edition of the Marathon Des Sables in October 2021. Through careful planning, pure determination and a will to succeed Jack managed to do what nearly 50% of us didn’t in the […]
The post Jack “The Sock” Fleckney Finisher 35th Marathon Des Sables appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
We’re back! After a long lay off the MDS Podcast is back. Since our last episode, Sean finally got to do the Marathon des Sables in 2021. He talks to Rob about what he discovered and provides some valuable insight for those looking to take on the challenge. You can also find out why Sean […]
The post Sean & Rob Discuss MDS 2021 & the upcoming MDS 2022 appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
April is fast approaching, which means the Marathon des Sables 2020 is just around the corner. In the run up to the big event, Sean Clark chats with some of this year’s Walking with the Wounded team members. Looking into each member’s reason for embarking on this incredible challenge and how they’re preparing for April, […]
The post Robert Gibbs – Coping with the heat & packing tips for the MDS appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
This episode was recorded live at the MDS Expo in October 2019. Elisabet Barnes talks on ‘How to Prepare for your Perfect Race’ as she gives advice to new and old hands on running the Marathon des Sables. Elisabet Barnes is a Swedish athlete specialised in ultrarunning. Her major claim to fame is winning the […]
The post Elisabet Barnes on How to Prepare for your Perfect Race appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
This episode was recorded live at the MDS Expo in October 2019. Steve Diederich introduces this years Expo. He is the head of RunUltra and he has been organising the British contingent at the Marathon des Sables for many years.
The post Steve Diederich MDS Expo 2019 Introduction appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
As the countdown for the Marathon des Sables 2020 is on, Sean Clark chats with some of this year’s Walking With The Wounded Team Members. Looking into each member’s reason for embarking on this incredible challenge and how they’re preparing for April, Sean dives deep into what running the Marathon des Sables as part of […]
The post Duncan Slater Shares His Previous MDS Experiences & Much More appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
As the countdown for the Marathon des Sables 2020 is on, Sean Clark chats with some of this year’s Walking With The Wounded Team Members. Looking into each member’s reason for embarking on this incredible challenge and how they’re preparing for April, Sean dives deep into what running the Marathon des Sables as part of the WWTW team means to everyone.
In this episode, Sean interviews Tom Wilkinson, a coaching psychologist who is also running the Marathon des Sables in April. Tom’s passion for running started in 2008 when he ran his first marathon, using it as a fundraiser for an alzheimer’s charity in honour of his grandfather.
Tom explains how he trains for marathons at altitude in his preparation for the Jungfrau Mountain Marathon, and how the terrain of a marathon can really affect its difficulty. He shares a past experience that demonstrates the importance of testing your food before embarking on an ultra marathon challenge.
Tom shares his main reasons for running the MdS 2020 with Walking With the Wounded, which include his grandfather, wanting to give back to the military and setting himself a personal challenge. In fact, Tom clearly loves a personal challenge- he’s even jumped out a few planes in his time!
Sean and Tom discuss what they’re most looking forward to in this ultra marathon, with enjoying the present moment at the top of the list. However, Tom also gives an insight into his main concerns for the event, including navigation and how to navigate. A thin mattress, a pillow and recordings of his son are on his list of luxuries for the event, getting him through the challenge.
“Do it” is Tom’s advice for anyone who wants to embark on a challenge like this, and explains how a combination of quality training and yoga for both the mind and body is the perfect place to start.
If you want to know support the team and this brilliant cause, you can donate at www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/. You’ll find information about how the charity supports ex service people, as well as preparation for MDS 2020 and other events.
Subscribe on iTunes.
The post Tom Wilkinson a member of the Walking With The Wounded MDS2020 team appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.
As the countdown for the Marathon des Sables 2020 is on, Sean Clark chats with some of this year’s Walking With The Wounded Team Members. Looking into each member’s reason for embarking on this incredible challenge and how they’re preparing for April, Sean dives deep into what running the Marathon des Sables as part of the WWTW team means to everyone.
For the first podcast, Sean interviews Ed Parker, CEO of Walking With The Wounded, a UK charity that helps injured former British Armed Forces service people transition from their military career to civilian life.
Having served in the Biritsh Army himself, Ed worked in the City when he returned to civilian life. In 2009, when Ed’s nephew was seriously injured during his service, he was inspired to set up Walking with The Wounded.
In the podcast, Ed and Sean chat about the various events in which the charity partakes each year, with particular focus on the 2020 Marathon des Sables. It’ll be Walking With The Wounded’s 35th year, and it’s entering with the biggest of all teams in the event- the perfect way to celebrate its 10th anniversary.
Having ran the MDS in 2016, the 2020 event is Ed’s second time running. He gives an insight into what the ultra marathon involves, including some of the problems he encountered the first time around. Despite the intense challenges the first time around, Ed remains entirely positive about the upcoming race. He tells Sean about his luxury items for the race, and about the importance of sleep and hydration in completing the race.
While Ed’s training and preparation isn’t typical of most ultra-marathon runners, he shared valuable advice about eating and drinking over the duration of the race. Content with the achievement of simply completing the race, Ed offers one piece of vital advice to all participants: just don’t panic.
If you want to know support the team and this brilliant cause, you can donate at www.walkingwiththewounded.org.uk/. You’ll find information about how the charity supports ex service people, as well as preparation for MDS 2020 and other events.
Track Sean’s own MDS 2020 training journey on Strava and donate to WWTW here.
The post Ed Parker CEO of Walking With The Wounded appeared first on Marathon des Sables Podcast.