Big Steps, Long Strides: A Complete Guide to Running the Marathon des Sables

As a competitor in the 2017Marathon des Sables I have read many books and blogs about the event to prepare myself for the challenge. The best by far is Big Steps, Long Strides by Nisha Harish both for the account of the event and as a manual.I am an experienced ultra runner with 26 marathons and 9 ultra finishes to my name but this is going to be the hardest event I will have faced and, as such, I was looking for a good race guide with lots of proven tips on all things MdS. I've found that after reading this book I have a far greater knowledge about the harsh realities of this momentous event and I am in awe of the author as she describes how she tried the event in 2014 and got withdrawn but, in true ultra spirit, went back to the desert the following year to conquer it, a real achievement.I find that the authors' description of the extreme conditions in the desert to be the best I've read and she really brings home how difficult this event is, I suppose it's not called the toughest footrace on Earth for nothing!I am now approaching my training with a real purpose as the description of the event and it's conditions in this book has made me realise the enormity of the task ahead. There is a great progressive training programme in the book which is basic and easy to follow but productive as it has been proven in the authors successful 2015 race finish.The kit guide is very useful and includes many tips on what is actually needed, how mush to take, and how to reduce the pack weight and bulk of the items. I have already started to build and trial my race equipment based on the authors experience and advice.The nutrition is comprehensively discussed as it is an essential part of the race and, although myself and the author Nisha Harish are poles apart in our physique (she is 5'1 and I'm 6'3 and 15st) she has described in great detail the food taken and again has some great advice on reducing the weight and size of these items whilst keeping the calories needed to finish.The author has covered everything required to finish this event from the clothing, sleep system and equipment to the food and training and, even though I'm under no illusion as to the harshness of the task, I feel better equipped for the event having read the book.

I understand and appreciate that a significant chunk of the book is targeted to a runner and one who is specifically preparing for the MDS. A great and invaluable resource indeed for any runner. But having read it what stands out for me is an awe-inspiring life lesson that everyone can learn and gain from, not just runners. One can easily see that the devil is always in the preparation, regardless of how arduous a task. Ms Harish exemplies how a systematic approach can lend sanity to any preparation and ultimately the task itself by breaking it down into manageable chunks. The focus shifts from the goal to the preparation, reducing or rather shifting it from the enormity of the objective. Goes without saying that experience helps and was a significant contributor in the success the author herself achieved. The nuggets of wisdom that (the author) such an experience provides is something that we can all benefit from if we diligently apply it to anything (seemingly difficult or even impossible) that we set out to do. Thankyou Ms. Harish. Thoroughly enjoyed reading your book and vicariously running the MDS with you.

First I have to say I did not buy this book to prepare myself for the MdS, more because I love to read books about people who achieve things and this book was recommended a good read. Well it did not disappoint.The first part of the book took me on a journey on how Nisha went from a non runner to a running machine, but more importantly gave us a glimpse into how motivated and driven she is, as she aimed to complete the Mds. Nisha demonstrates in abundance that from adversity comes strength, as she prepares herself for the hardest running race in the world.The second part of the book provides an A...Z approach to what is needed in order to complete MdS, from fueling your body, training your body and training your mind.A great read and something anyone who is looking to run any major endurance race should read. Great work Nisha....

Ms. Harish has captured the soul of the runner, the would-be runner and the armchair runner! This competent young author immediately draws in the reader with her frank, open dialogue on how and why she felt the need to "achieve extraordinary things", and how she decided that the Marathon des Sables would fulfill that need. However, this book is so much more. It is a factual demonstration of profound determination, seeped in spiritual enlightenment. NIsha uses her experience to provide numerous training tips for runners in order to ensure success. This author has successfully accomplished what every author can only hope for.

What a great guide for running the Marathon Des Sables! Everything, I mean EVERYTHING you need to know is in here along with training plan examples, what to bring, what not to bring, etc!The fact that Nisha had 2 attempts at the race ( one non-completion) and one completion, shows everything you need to do ( along with things to avoid).This will be my GO TO guide for running MDS 2018!

This book was recommended to me by one of my mentors. It changed the trajectory of my life. I was in the “Is this It” part of my life? A six figure salary, fortune 10 job, a house in a good zip code and I was still lost.The blisters and learning how to spike them have been metaphors I have carried with me through all the tough endeavors.I recommend this book to anyone who feels they are not capable of going after their biggest dreams. I can’t wait to read what the author writes next.

As a rule I do not usually leave reviews, however Big Steps, Long Strides has moved me to put finger to keyboard . This is a book of two halves, the first part is pure autobiography, the story of what brought Nisha to the MdS and what makes her a credible authority with regards to writing the book, the second part is the handbook of how to succeed in the MDS.I should at this stage declare my hand, I have been involved with the Marathon des Sables for around 11 years in different functions and as such I have seen many try and try and fail in meeting their expectations on the event. It is those who do not make the finish line on the first attempt who interest me the most, because they almost all know why they did not succeed and invariably come back and blitz the course with relative ease. Here is the spoiler alert - Nisha in her first attempt was one of those who in spite of gritted determination, did not make it to the end - and realised that a lot of this was down to planning, understanding the task, preparation and training allowing her to go back and comfortably succeed the second time round.The second (larger) half of the book is a pure "How to succeed in the MdS" It outlines every kit, nutrition, training, hydration, clothing and navigational challenge with top tips and recommendations to suit all ambitions. What really comes out in this book is the benefit of preparation - from trialling all your food and kit properly before your feet touch the sand to the mental and physical preparation that make the "toughest footrace in the world" achievable for anybody. Even the checklist for "Testing your readiness" which should be compulsory for anyone signing up for this is pure genius as it lays out in really simple language what is ahead of you on the journey to the start line and beyond.This book doesn't pull any punches, it is as honest as it is simple, providing nicely packaged "how to's" on every feature of long distance multi-day running, it isn't prescriptive or dogmatic - it just challenges you to consider and plan all aspects of the event systematically - even down to giving you check lists for preparation, planning and packing. Now having read it, I cannot believe that this book hasn't been written before.My favourite quote from the book is "Don't wait for the perfect time, because it doesn't exist, your time is now" ..... the quote should also apply to you reading this book. Best of luck with the Marathon Des Sables , it is the most extraordinary event that will redefine you as a person.

I bought Nisha's guide this week after agreeing to run MdS in my 50th year. I have found it extremely helpful inside the first week and my first training run is tomorrow using equipment researched through applying her kit advice.It's a handy guide with the correct amount of info for me and plenty of additional references to get you started. Lots of great pointers from her & other successful finishers. All in all a fantastic find pitched at my level (neither beginner nor professional).I bought an extra copy for my oppo who I'm training with...thanks lass you're inspiring.

This is a great book for anyone entering the MdS for the first time. This book tells you how to train for the event, what to take with you and the dos and don'ts of the event itself. Nisha describes what went wrong in her first unsuccessful attempt at the MdS and the lessons she learned for the 2nd and ultimately successful 2016 attempt. This book takes you through all aspects of the race and its one that I have picked up many times to check key aspects of my preparation.

The Marathon des Sables seems to me like an impossible feat. In this book, Nisha manages to make the impossible seem possible, breaking down the steps needed to prepare and complete the race to the point that they sound manageable.Having returned a second time to complete the race, Nisha is the ideal person to learn from to understand the preparations needed to be truly race-ready and the pitfalls to avoid. Her personal story and anecdotes inspire, and reading about her pure determination and "Sisu" serves as a point to reflect and check on your own mental preparedness before embarking upon the challenge.If I were to consider running the MdS, this book is where I’d start.

A brilliant read. Everything you need to know about taking part in the MDS (Marathon De Stupid, My wifes name for it not mine) from what to expect, Kit, food, training and even what the toilet facilities are like, (Don't forget your rock). This is not a book written for elities by elities, this is written by a true have a go athlete living the dream. A book i have by the bed that i turn to most evenings in my lead up to MDS 2018, it beats Mills & Boons hands down.