The adventure begins

This is it. I'm heading off for my first taste of the Sahara Desert in preperation for the Marathon des Sables in April. I will arrive tomorrow for the start of a 4 day training camp which will involve running across different terrain in the desert, night running, testing equipment, food, nutrition and hydration. Learning about looking after your feet, compass reading and basic survival. I can feel the excitement building in my stomach. It's not the "full monty" as we are staying on an estate which provides half board - still I'll be sleeping in my sleeping bag to test it out as it's not luxury accommodation. But we do need to prepare our own lunch on the camp fire e.g. boil in the bag freeze dried food. But you know how fussy I am and my dislike of garlic so the food provided may be a bigger challenge! However getting calories in is essential in this environment and there are no shops to stop in for a quick snack so rule 5 will apply (MTFU). I'm going to miss the family while I'm away and am unlikely to have any way of getting in touch so I hope there are no problems back home. I haven't had my "shots" from the doc as he came back to me too late but I'll get these when I get back. I won't be sleeping in the middle of know where on this trip so think (hope) the hygene will be better. My task this morning is to pack my rucksack. Last night I weighed every item that is going in the rucksack and put it on a spreadsheet. This is so I know what I've taken and when I go next time, I'll know what to leave out. I'm experimenting with different types of energy bars and gels so I know what works best in those temperatures. The food accounts for 1/3rd of the weight but this will increase for the next trip as I'll need 3 meals a day. So my friends, this is the last blog until next Wednesday when I resurface in civilisation. I can't imagine what stories I will have to tell, but know there will be many. Let the adventure begin.