A rookie in the Marathon des Sables
“The important thing is to finish as sane as possible to, at each stage,
have enough oxygen reaching my brain to send back a few
sensations and experiences”.
Pere Mongay combines his professional work as a trip planner at Viajes Tuareg with his enthusiasm for outdoor activities. He feels a need to explore the mountains, on foot in summer or on skis in winter. He has competed in disciplines as diverse as orienteering raids, ski touring and mountain running. He is now preparing to take part for the first time in one of the world’s toughest long-distance races, the Marathon des Sables. As he talks, his passion for his work and outdoor sports shines through.
Let's start at the beginning: how did you get the idea of entering an endurance race as tough as the Marathon des Sables?
It all began in the middle of high season, our summer, over a meal where we discussed an email from a pioneering foreign company in our sector whose staff took part in the desert marathon. We were struck by the newsletter’s claim that 10% of the company was competing. That 10% meant five people out of a workforce of 50, and we thought: “Why don’t we do the same?” In our company, 10% is about 1.5 people… so we eventually decided to send one person: me.
It was not simply about taking inspiration from this pioneering company. What really struck us was seeing in a newsletter that travel industry workers could compete in an elite event such as the Marathon des Sables. We could see them as sporting experts as well as expert travel advisers. For a trip involving physical activity, who better to advise you than someone who has completed the Sables?
What experience do you have of events like this?
I would call myself an amateur, in the sense that by 40 I have run three marathons and several half-marathons. I am better at ski touring, which I have done all my life, and mountain biking. In general I have tried many things without specialising deeply, but I love any outdoor activity: that is where I enjoy myself most.
And in the desert?
My experience of the desert comes from working in this sector and spending some time there. I have travelled in Libya, Algeria, Tunisia, Morocco... across North Africa. I did not run marathons there, or run at all, but I know about the big temperature swings. I know that on the first day, sand irritates you everywhere, but by the second or third day you accept it as part of your body and learn to speak with sand between your teeth. Nothing special, but I know that walking on sand is like walking on snow: damp ground is firmer, while in the sun your foot sinks deeper. Walking on sand takes some reading of the terrain. I don't know how much that will help, but it is something.
You have the experience...
Yes, I have some experience of the desert.
So how are you preparing for the event’s physical challenge?
I know the theory well and put as much of it into practice as I can. The theory is clear: you have to train a lot. But with family life, work and everything else, I do what I can. I try to go out at least three times a week, cover a minimum of 60 or 70 kilometres and run with a weighted backpack to get used to carrying equipment.
I don’t have time to run on sand, but I avoid asphalt. I always look for uneven ground to help my feet adapt and toughen up, because that is basically what you need: tough feet.
I imagine you need specific equipment too… Do you train with the same kit, or something similar to what you will use in the marathon, besides the weight you carry on your back?
The equipment comes down to the backpacks. Out there the sun is intense, so you need plenty of sunscreen and a cap with a neck flap. I feel awkward admitting it, but I’m embarrassed (laughs) to train around here wearing the neck flap, front water bottles and backpack waist pouch. I train with the backpack, which already helps distribute the weight across my body and toughen up my back. Another basic requirement is well-worn footwear. Thankfully, running is so simple that a T-shirt and shorts are enough to start covering miles.
How do you train to carry the weight? You started with stones, but that did not work well, so then you used water…
With stones, I didn’t know exactly how much weight I was carrying, and I had eight-litre water containers… By filling one halfway, I knew I was carrying at least four kilos on my back: four litres. The problem was that the containers were very big. Water moves anyway, but with a half-empty container on your back, you sway from side to side as you run. Terrible! (laughs) Eventually I realised sandbags were the most stable option: they don’t wreck your back or backpack, and you can choose how many to carry – five, six, seven, two, four. If necessary, halfway up a hill or through a training session, you can empty a couple onto the mountain without leaving litter, then take the plastic bags home.
Personally, what's the sporting challenge you're facing?
My goal is to finish. Given how demanding it is, that is already a big achievement. I don’t know whether I will walk all day or mix running and walking. Probably a mixture, but I cannot aim for a particular placing: some people are extremely well prepared, some are semi-professional and others are professionals. Given the conditions, finishing in the best shape possible would be hugely satisfying. (Laughter)
Yes, to finish in one piece.
Well, in one piece… Hardly anyone finishes unscathed. Everyone ends up with battered feet, sores, infections and so on. The important thing is to stay as clear-headed as possible, with enough oxygen reaching my brain at each stage to share some of the sensations and experiences from there. In this case, we have centred the adventure on me: I will be the one carrying the load and sweating through it. But it is a company project, so I need to share and communicate everything I can, and encourage everyone else to get involved too.
I was just going to ask you that. What is the purpose of Viatges Tuareg’s participation in the Sables? How does it relate to the Tuareg-ACTIVE programme?
Yes, after that meal last summer, when we saw the newsletter and came up with the idea of taking part in the Marathon des Sables, ACTIVE! emerged too… We define ACTIVE as trips where the destination is as important as the sporting activity: walking routes, by bicycle, in kayak or on skis. Motorized transport moves into the background and the main engine is us with our will and effort
What is your role at Viajes Tuareg?
I'm in the area of programming and operations. I take care of Southeast Asia and the programmes of trekking and hiking.
From the company’s perspective, what challenge do you think Viajes Tuareg is setting itself? Why would an adventure travel agency like Tuareg send you, as a team member, to this marathon?
The first aim is to convey the excitement we felt when we first had the idea. We want anyone reading this blog or seeing an image to understand that, by participating in the marathon, Viatges Tuareg aims to develop deeper expertise in active travel, going beyond selling trips to offer a higher level of personal advice on these experiences.
It would mean taking the agency’s specialisation a step further…
Exactly.
Thank you very much. We will follow your adventure with interest. Good luck!
Thank you.
Interview: Xavier Nerín / Photographs: Quim Sevilla