MOVING MOUNTAINS
▶ Kathleen Leguin and Toni Metcalfe are part of a rare group of athletes preparing for what seems like the impossible – epic mountain and desert races. Jason von Berg finds out how
Those of us who like to maintain a healthy routine tend to eat well, sleep at least six hours a night, drink a lot of water (especially in the summer), try to log those steps, or exercise for at least 30 minutes a day. Then you have those who are slightly more serious about fitness: pumping weights or running longer distances than most. And then there is that rare group of athletes who attempt what often seems like the impossible – whether it’s doing 220 kilometres in a multi-sports race in one day, or traversing steep peaks on a mountain bike trail.
The desert trails in this region make for some exciting adventures, and two UAE residents who are looking to capitalise on these natural surroundings are Kathleen Leguin and Toni Metcalfe. Last year, Metcalfe participated in the 7Emirates Run, an event that covers 498km across all seven emirates over the course of seven days. Her race was going according to plan, but on the sixth day, a severe strain on her Achilles tendon forced her to pull out. Metcalfe remained on the course, though, to help cheer on the other athletes as they made their way to the finish line. She has been reflecting on that experience as she’s been prepping for her next challenge.
“My next big race will be Oman by UTMB. It’s a 138km race in the mountains of Oman, with a climb of almost 8,000 metres,” she tells us while on holiday in the Yorkshire Dales. “I love mountain-running, so currently I’m enjoying getting some hill training in.”
During the heat of summer, running can be “very tough”, according to Metcalfe, but with the upcoming race, it cannot be avoided. “It is important to not focus on pace too much, but rather more on effort levels.”
Metcalfe says another way to stay motivated is to have a goal to work towards. “Race season starts in October, so some training in the summer will be required in the build-up for races in the cooler months. Enter a race to help you keep focus through the tough training runs.” The Oman by UTMB race takes place at the end of November, so it isn’t too far off. This means Metcalfe is already kneedeep in training.
“I think consistency is very important, and just getting out of the door can sometimes be the hardest part. My biggest piece of advice is train specifically for the race you are doing. A lot of flatroad running is not going to set you up to successfully run a hilly trail race. I also believe that recovery and rest are a very important part of training.”
Leguin is another runner braving the scorching temperatures. The athlete, who has lived in Dubai for the last eight years, is working her way towards the 165km associated with the Oman Desert Marathon, also in November.
She has been into desert trail running for just under two years. A former Muay Thai fighter, Leguin says she is a competitive person by nature, and it’s this trait that led her to enter this race. “I was looking for something different, a race where I could use my strength, but also challenge myself. The fact that the race takes places in the desert would tick the challenging box, as running in the heat on soft sand is mentally and physically tough, and will definitely push my body to its limits.”
So how do you get ready for a run such as this? You start your training programme about 20 weeks before the race. “The training is going as planned. Even though I’m still getting used to the heat, I am able to increase my mileage every week,” says Leguin.
Acclimatising to these conditions will bode well for both Leguin and Metcalfe when the temperatures do eventually drop and race season kicks off, but another aspect that plays a significant role is related to comfort.
“When doing long distances [50km to 60km], I’ll be out running for approximately six or seven hours. You can imagine that comfort is very important. Everyone is different, and what I may do or use to keep comfortable may not work for someone else,” says Leguin. “Personally, I prefer to use a hydration vest to carry fluids and store my running fuel, than to wear a running belt or [carry] a handheld water bottle. Concerning clothing, I prefer tight-fitting clothes such as compression gear – Runder-wear socks, shorts and tops.”
Metcalfe also relies on carefully selected shoes and chafe-free apparel to enhance her running experience. “Your shoes should be supportive and comfortable. I also wear Hoka One One for long runs and Reebok Floatrides for shorter, faster stuff,” says the Abu Dhabi resident.
“In this climate especially, you sweat a lot when running outside, and chaffing can be an issue, so I think finding chafe-free products and materials is very important.”
Metcalfe says a few years ago the thought of doing such races probably wouldn’t have occurred to her. “I wasn’t naturally good at it, but eventually I fell in love with it and loved how good it made me feel. I realised passion, belief and a bit of dedication is all you need.” Both Metcalfe and Leguin are also complimentary of the growing community of runners in the UAE.
“It is very social if you want it to be or it’s a great way to have time to yourself,” says Metcalfe. There will no doubt be time for both when the duo head to the start line for their races.