Keep On Running – Sun, Sand And Desert Marathons
Manchester fireman, Martin Cain has set himself a new challenge – the Marathon des Sable – a gruelling event in which participants run 151 miles (234km) across the Moroccan Sahara Desert in only 6 days. Billed as the toughest foot-race on earth, the equivalent to five and a half regular marathons, competitors also have to carry all their provisions on their back.
To make sure he gets to the finishing line Martin has turned to CNP Professional and its founder Kerry Kayes for advice. CNP is a leading supplier of high quality sports nutrition supplements: its low-temperature processed protein is the best on the market, used by athletes as varied as powerlifters, cyclists, footballers and skiers.
Dehydration is a major danger during the race. If any competitors become severely dehydrated and require two IV drips then they are withdrawn from the race. And to make matters that bit harder they have just 24 hours to complete a mid-race, punishing 50 mile section through the barren terrain.
“What Martin is doing on this marathon is pushing his body to its absolute limits, both physically and mentally,” says Kerry Kayes. “Without adequate nutritional preparation during the training period his body just won’t stand up to the strain.
“For the race itself a hypotonic drink like our Pro Hydrate is absolutely essential to maintain his body’s hydration balance. It gives the body energy as well as keeping it hydrated. In these extreme conditions I’ve advised him to use three scoops instead of the usual two. He’s also taking along our Pro Flapjack bars. These provide timed release energy and are high in protein. Martin plans to eat about four of them a day.”
Martin is already an experienced marathon and triathlon competitor. In 2009 he competed in at least 18 events – ranging from the Blackpool Marathon in April, to the Lanzarote Ironman in May, through to the Rippon Olympic Tri in September.
“Endurance sports are notoriously bad for injuries,” he says. “And I especially need to keep fit since I set my sights on the 2010 Marathon des Sable. Throughout the last season I took supplements like CNP’s Pro Vital, Pro Omega, Pro MR, and Pro Recover regularly. They don’t just keep me healthy, they also give my body valuable proteins for repair. So although 2009 was my busiest season, it was the first time I’ve been injury-free for years."
As soon as the 2009 race season was finished Martin started training for the desert marathon. He has now built up to running about 80 miles a week. He also practices with the pack on his back. Even with paring down the basics he will still have a start weight of about 14kg to carry through the desert heat.
“I’ve planned to do a desert marathon for a long time,” says Martin. “But I wanted to be able to finance the race myself, so all the money I raise can go to The Fire Fighters Charity. I was lucky that CNP Professional have helped meet the cost as well as supplying supplements to keep me going.
“One problem is I can’t train for the heat,” he adds. “The Lanzarote Ironman was a taster of what’s to come. I’m physically strong now and ready to cope with the inevitable blisters, loss of toenails and baking sun. I’m absolutely determined to make it to the finish line.”
And, what after the Marathon des Sable?
“A rest,” says Martin. “Then I’d really like to swim The Channel!”
Martin Cain’s Just Giving Page can be found at http://www.justgiving.com/martincain . For more information about The Fire Fighters Charity visit http://www.firefighterscharity.org.uk .
CNP Professional is one of the UK’s leading sports nutrition specialist companies. For more information visit www.cnpprofessional.co.uk, or call +44 (0) 161 320 1212 for sports nutrition advice and +44 (0) 161 320 8145 for sales.
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Martin Cain’s Supplements
- Pro Recover – a blend of high glycemic (fast-acting carbohydrates) and fast-acting proteins providing a high concentration of Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs). Taken immediately after training to restore energy and aid recovery.
- Pro Omega – healthy fats (Omega 3,6 and 9) plus cholesterol-lowering ingredients.
- Pro Vital – high strength multi vitamin and mineral formula with anti oxidants.
- Pro MR – a high protein, low fat meal replacement formula combining fast and slow proteins for optimum anabolic (muscle growth) and anti-catabolic (muscle sparing) effect. Probiotic organisms help maintain and promote a healthier digestive system. Glutamine in its more bio-available peptide bonded form rounds off the ideal protein formula. Complex carbohydrates and a balanced vitamin and mineral profile ensure a healthy and effective approach to dietary adjustment. Taken for nighttime protein.
- Pro Flapjack – high protein oat bar. 18gm of high quality protein per bar with sustained release of amino acids and energy.
- Pro Hydrate – hypotonic drink for hydration and energy. Optimal electrolyte ratios for sustained hydration to improve performance and focus. Taurine for super hydration and increased blood flow.
Notes for editors
CNP Professional is a leading supplier of sports nutrition supplements including protein shakes, protein bars, creatine supplements, meal replacements, mass gainers, weight loss supplements and post work out shakes, all designed for the ultimate in sports nutrition.
Kerry Kayes, the founder of CNP Professional, is a former national bodybuilding champion. He has been involved in sports nutrition for many years and his dietary expertise has established him as ‘the man in the know’ to a wide variety of sportspeople worldwide such as the Ericsson Round the World Yacht Team, boxer Ricky Hatton, darts champion Phil ‘The Power’ Taylor, international strongman Glen Ross and Sean Long of Hull FC.
CNP Professional supplements are carefully formulated to ensure that the body is able to make best use of the nutrients. Unlike many nutritional supplements, CNP Professional’s products are easy to drink.
There are several articles explaining protein nutrition supplements on the CNP website – go to the home page and click on ‘nutrition’ under the articles section.