Hi everyone! I’m starting a blog for RTP Greece. I am still surprised that I became a member of the 4 Deserts Club last year. After a hiccup at Atacama 2022 (I only made it to Stage 2, CP3), I completed Gobi 2023, Atacama 2023 (redemption), then Namibia 2024, and Antarctica 2024. It has been an incredible journey these previous 3 years, taking me to places I never dreamed of. That hiccup in Atacama led me to a big reassessment of how I trained and prepared for these races. Now I feel confident that I can complete a multi-stage ultra and enjoy the journey with exotic scenery and wonderful people from around the world. I’m excited about RTP Greece because so many of my friends from previous races will be competing or volunteering but also meeting new people. Plus, I have never been to Greece!

If you are new to these types of races, my biggest advice is to make your kit as light as possible. It makes a big difference especially during the first half of the race. Also, I strongly recommend that you train with your pack (weighted with bags of rice, beans, books, or whatever) with the shoes and socks that you will be wearing. It is a great opportunity to figure out what works and what needs improvement.

If you would like to chat about preparing for these races, see the Personal Trainers & Nutritionists page on the RTP website and you will find my email address. I’m very happy to answer any questions you might have. I do this on a voluntary basis to give back to the RTP community that supported me.

We are now less than 6 weeks until the start of the race. I hope that your training is going well. I’ve got a couple of long back-to-back training weekends coming soon. This gets you used to moving on tired legs. My challenge right now is that it is so hot and humid in Houston. Plus, it is flat as a pancake. I think the suffering in the heat will pay off during the race because I can’t imagine that Greece will be hotter and more humid that Houston in August!

Remember, check point to check point, pink flag to pink flag, one foot in front of the other, alone or with your new best friends, and before you know it you will hear the drum beats and be at camp. Then repeat!