Part 4/8:
They soon undergo a training simulation—a 17-kilometer run on the sandy terrain of the Belgian coastline. This initial run immediately exposes their physical inadequacies, as they struggle to cope with the weight of their backpacks and the challenges posed by the sandy landscape.
Pain, exhaustion, and mental fatigue set in early, prompting reflections on their readiness. The harsh reality of participating in the MdS hits home when they realize the intensity of their undertaking. Blisters form, muscles ache, and they share concerns about their ability to withstand such physical punishment over multiple days.