The mystical shifting sands of the Sahara beckoned and lured me back for a 2nd time to compete in ‘The Toughest Footrace on Earth’ Marathon Des Sables (MdS). A 257km, the longest MdS distance in the 31 year history of the race, gruelling multi-stage, self sufficient race in one of the most inhospitable climates on … Continue reading The answer lies in the journey – Marathon Des Sables 2016
“Never again! Never EVER again!” Those were the words uttered by my husband Dion and I back in 2014 after our first Marathon Des Sables as we trundled back to the bus, mentally battered and physically exhausted after running 250km through the Sahara desert. (read my blog on the experience here) Fast forward to 2015 … Continue reading Never again….or maybe just once more
Mongolia is a rugged, land locked country nestled between China and Russia made up of vast eco regions and deserts and is truly one of the world's last undiscovered travel destinations. When the opportunity presented itself to join in on an expedition to Outer Mongolia to experience not only the culture of a vastly different country … Continue reading Pioneering the Wilderness of Outer Mongolia
Cold & I don't really see eye to eye, so when David Scott (Sandbaggers) and Doc Andrew Murray approached me mentioning the two magical words; adventure & challenge; with an invitation to join them on the inaugural Genghis Khan Ice Marathon in Mongolia I jumped at the chance to run in -40 degrees! Why? Because … Continue reading Training for the unknown – Genghis Khan Ice Marathon
Animo (Spanish) for spirit & courage Courage and spirit are most certainly what's needed for this race that is a true test of strength and true grit by all that venture to even the start line. Transvulcania is a 73.3km single stage race set on the volcanic island of La Palma, with 8,525m of climbing, … Continue reading Animo Transvulcania
When our friend, Peter (Princess) Joergensen, suggested we join him on a trip to America to run the Mohican 100 we didn’t really take into account how soon it was after running Marathon Des Sables but wanted to give it a go. And let’s face it, any excuse that results in ending up in New York & … Continue reading Mystique of the Mohican
I am a Marathon Des Sables finisher! I successfully completed the gruelling challenge and after months of meticulous planning, it's now time to understand what worked for me and what didn't. If you are planning to do this event or something similar, I hope this information may be of use to you. Se my original … Continue reading MdS – What worked well & not so well
Running Dutchie 