Tips for the Marathon des Sables

Tips and gear advice for the MdS. When I was preparing for the race in 2016 I was disappointed to find so little info about preparation on the Internet, so I've made a few videos to help first-time runners.

[@FreddieCoxJr]

Thank you for this video. Planning the MDS in 2024. I’ll have to look for your book as well.

[@PhoenixGenesis]

Holly, thanks for all the tips! I can’t wait to read your book! The DIY shower bottle cap is amazing - pure genius. Have you tried some cellophane wrap on the sunglasses? You could cut a few UL pieces and replace as needed. I found that rubbing lip balm on my feet prevents blisters. The Sea-to-Summit sleeping bag is half as warm as the Western Mountaineering Slinglite Underquilt and weighs 13 oz. you can also order 950 goose down and make your own quilt and cut more weight down. I have found that the insulation under the body is more important oftentimes than the insulation on top. For 8 oz., I use the Thermarest Neo-Air X-Lite short as you can put your pack under your legs. For 1 more ounce, I have a very soft silver reflective car window shade that I use under my air pad to reflect body heat back to me and to prevent the air pad from puncturing. The car window shade can also be used in conjunction with the separator piece in the WAA pack as you mentioned in your other video. Congrats on finishing the MDS. That is an amazing accomplishment!!!

[@joelbutton]

Love your honest and transparent advice

[@MrWimvd]

Thanks for the gear insight and simple but usefull tips!

[@armandosilva6150]

thanks for sharing! I love your video!

[@HollyZimmermann]

@armando silva ...The Inov8 X-Talon 212's. Great shoes for any off-road terrain. I also wore them for the Polar Circle Marathon :)

[@tahirhanif9669]

Thanks

[@ciananmacreamoinn9253]

Thanks Holly!

[@armandosilva6150]

Could you told me the brand of your shoes, thanks

[@ddbe3932]

My WAA guetters were awful ! Apparently the raidlight brand is so much better ! Sand got inside my shoes and it has been a terrible ordeal to run with sore feet.

[@HollyZimmermann]

Sorry to hear that! That's frustrating. Hope your feet are ok now!

[@ddbe3932]

Holly Zimmermann My feet are quite all right. Thanks for asking. Anyway I’m taking part in the 2020 edition of the marathon des sables ! Hopefully this time my are going to be ok :-)!