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Tobias talks to the school

Tobias Mews (1990-1995; Orchards), who was the highest-placed Brit in this year’s 151-mile Marathon des Sables, returned to the school recently to give a talk to sixth form pupils.

Tobias, who regularly competes in ultra-endurance competitions, spoke about the events he enters, the impact they have on his body and the many different careers he balances, which includes work as a journalist, filmmaker and motivational speaker.

He said: “It’s really difficult to balance everything. “At the moment I enjoy the writing the most. I’ve been writing a lot of sports features. They have paid for events I would normally pay for myself.”
The talk was arranged after Millfield biology teacher Graham Baily met Mews during this year’s Marathon des Sables.

During the talk, Tobias discussed the importance of self-belief and encouraged pupils to run a marathon when they leave school.
“I train in my head by believing I can do it. I fit training around my life. It’s taken me 30 years to realise that I’m biologically designed to do this,” he added.

He also touched upon his time in Somerset: “Millfield gave me the confidence to be able to do lots of things. I did every sport. The school also allows you to mix with a whole range of people.
“Pupils should take every opportunity they get while they’re here. This is the Aladdin’s Cave of schools. There is everything to choose from and pupils should make the most of it.”

Later that evening Tobias was the guest at Millfield’s Captains’ Table, an event where school sports captains enjoy a meal and learn more about leadership.

The school also welcomed educational technologist Professor Steve Molyneux, who gave a lecture to the Academic Society about e-learning , innovation in education and virtual learning environments.

Millfield are currently in the process of introducing a virtual learning environment where pupils can access worksheets, assignments and discussion forums.
Head of the Upper Sixth Lecture Programme and Academic Society Neil Whiskerd said: “Both speakers had so much to offer and pupils were intrigued and amazed by what they heard.
“Pupils are always inspired by speakers who are high-achievers and these talks form an important part of their Millfield education.”
 

Tobias' 21st position out of 900 runners in the 26th Marathon des Sables makes him one of the highest ranked British competitors to have completed the race.

Marketed as ‘the toughest footrace on earth’, the MdS is a 6 day / 251km self-supported endurance race across the Sahara Desert and the equivalent of running 6 regular marathons back to back! Competitors have to carry everything they need for the duration of the race – food, clothes, medical kit, sleeping bag – with water being rationed out at check points.

Added to all this are mid-day temperatures reaching 52 degree heat and kilometres of energy-sapping sand dunes plus a 52 mile stage on the 4th day.

Having already completed numerous sub 3hr marathons, multi-stage ultra marathons, Ironman triathlons and even the 125 mile Devizes to Westminster Canoe Race, Tobias was earmarked as a Top 50 finisher, so to finish with the Top 20 Elite runners exceeded even his expectations.

 Tobias has launching a new website for amateur triathletes and runners: www.theweekendwarrior.tv