MANY people’s New Year resolutions involve doing more exercise.
Some choose running because it is therapeutic and their local area becomes their own personal racetrack.
But one Southsider has taken that concept a few feet further and entered the Marathon des Sables – the world’s toughest race – in the Sahara desert.
Eoin Ryan, a life coach from Ballyfermot, is currently training for this epic annual race in the Moroccan Sahara where temperatures can reach as high as 50 degrees.
The race demands that competitors run 150 miles over six days.
The terrain is a mix of arid gravel plains, dried salt lakes and sand dunes higher than the Empire State building.
All of which must be traversed carrying a 10-kilo bag, making each competitor self sufficient for the entire run.
Water is the only supplement provided on the course.
Mandatory kit includes carrying a flare, an anti venom pump in case they get bitten by snakes or scorpions and a map and compass in case they get lost. It certainly does deserve the reputation as the world’s toughest race.
“The training is very intense and a huge challenge to stay fit, motivated and healthy,
? Eoin explained.
Training is starting to peak for him now as he lines up to run three back to back marathons and one more double marathon for preparation.
“I’m going over to enjoy it and as a life coach prove to people that if you really want something, you can achieve it.
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Training hasn’t been a smooth journey for Eoin. While taking part in the Connemara Ultra race in April he damaged his Achilles tendon.
He couldn’t train due to the pain for months until he eventually opted for a cortisone injection into the tendon.
“The rehabilitation was slow,
? he admitted.
“I had to learn how to run again with a different technique to take pressure off the tendon.
?
Just as he was starting to regain stamina the opposite Achilles gave way.
“There I was back in Markievicz Park hobbling around again for a few more weeks. It was tough to stay focused and positive.
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Despite the two setbacks and being a long way behind with training he never had any doubts his body would heal and he would catch up.
He is no stranger to endurance events.
In 2008 he ran seven marathons in six days along the canals of Ireland for Crumlin Children’s Hospital.
He is also a two time Ironman finisher.
“I put a lot of it down to will power,
? he revealed.
“I really wanted this and even when I was down I never lost sight of the goal.
“Self belief will drive you to the finish in an event like this when the going gets tough.
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Fatigue, blisters, dehydration and sun stroke are just some of the obstacles that Eoin will have to overcome in the desert. Fatalities are not unknown in this gruelling race. British Olympic rower and well known Adventurer James Cracknell struggled to finish the race in 2010.
The race starts on April 6 with over 1,000 competitors at the start line.
It is normal for 25 per cent not to finish this intense and scorching hot race.
Eoin is doing the race to help raise funds for Pieta House. If you would like to donate go to the link below.