31.03.2006
The university is fast becoming the place to train for extreme marathons. First Kate Charles trained in the university's environmental chamber at temperatures of -10°C to prepare for the North Pole Marathon, now Rosie Lewis is using the chamber, this time training at temperatures of over 35°C to prepare for the Marathon des Sables.
The Marathon of the Sands, which begins on 9 April is one of the most gruelling foot races on earth. It takes place over six days, across 150 miles of the Sahara Desert, in baking heat.
For the past seven months Rosie has been working with a team of students and academics at the university to work on her fitness, as well as a developing a strategy for water and calorie intake.
As the race approaches Rosie is undertaking ten sessions in the environmental chamber to help her begin to acclimatise to the desert heat.
Dehydration, exhaustion and blisters are just some of the hazards that Rosie will face. She must also carry all her own food and kit - with the organisers providing only water, medical care and open-sided Berber tents, which get whisked away at sunrise.
Rosie said: "This will be a real endurance test for me. I have completed cross country marathons but I'm doing this as a personal challenge. The team at the university have really assisted me on improving on my fitness and stamina."
The race will not only be a fitness test but a test of mental endurance and students are also developing psychological exercises to keep Rosie calm and focused throughout the event.
Dr Neil Maxwell, programme leader for sport and exercise is also overseeing her training schedule. He said: "The team has helped to assess Rosie's level of fitness and to prepare for the unpredictability of her gruelling challenge."
Money raised by participants goes to the charity Facing Africa.
Contact: Marketing and Communications, University of Brighton, 01273 643022
