Today I finally shared the main video on Instagram, and the response has been overwhelming. It is a humbling honour to receive positive comments and words of encouragement from some true legends within the trail running community. Their support means a lot, especially knowing the journeys and achievements they have behind them.

I also had the opportunity to meet up with a few members of the local Namib Race family—people who have witnessed this story unfold from the very beginning. They took time to wish me well as I prepare to take on the Gobi. Moments like these remind me how many people have played a part in this journey and how fortunate I am to have such incredible support.

As race day draws closer, much of my time is now spent tying up loose ends and making sure everything is in place before departure. Between the school commitments, final preparations, and endless errands, there is certainly plenty of running around. Surely all this running around while stitching everything together counts as a workout too, right? 

With 12 days remaining, the excitement continues to build. The dream that once felt distant is now almost within reach. #Gobi2026 #12DaysToGo #RoadToGobi #RacingThePlanet #TrailRunning #AdventureAwaits

With the schools reopening, I find myself juggling training, teaching, and school runs. Fortunately, I have managed to prepare all the work for the time I will be away and have communicated my absence to all the relevant stakeholders. Let’s just say I like to run free. 😀

It seems the video has made an impact on the locals, as I am slowly receiving messages filled with encouragement and good wishes. Every message reminds me that this journey is bigger than just me.

On the training front, the focus remains on walking, core work, and strength training—nothing that might invite unnecessary injuries at this stage. The hard work has already been done; now it’s about arriving at the start line healthy, strong, and ready for the adventure that awaits in Gobi. 

Today I found myself assessing my training and comparing my initial goals against where I am now. Considering all the factors along the way, I can honestly say I am happy. That sense of satisfaction is a positive I mentally needed as I head toward Gobi.

Before that, though, I found myself reflecting on the Namib Race. Back then it was all about mileage, and I certainly piled on the kilometres. During the COVID lockdown, running became my outlet. I remember being the only person brave enough to run the empty streets, and one of the police officers I met along the way eventually became a friend.

When I look back at my race performance and result, I am proud of what I achieved, although I was slightly disappointed that I never seemed to find that fifth gear. Looking back, I think it came down to aligning my training with pack running. Yes, I trained with a pack, but probably not enough.

Then came Atacama in 2022. That race was special. I literally ran under the stars while battling the effects of altitude. Somewhere there is a diary filled with my Atacama experiences, but one thing stands out: had I done justice to altitude training, I believe I could have performed better.

“What yardstick are you using, Mabasa?” someone might ask.

A fair question.

My answer is simple: when I look at the adjustments I made for Gobi, I see a much more mature training approach. I have deliberately tried to cover all the key areas—endurance, strength, pack training, terrain, recovery, and preparation.

Today I set my Gobi KPIs, and I am excited about what lies ahead. I believe this will be a great race.

By the way, if you’re interested in preparing for a multi-stage desert race, check out the training resources from RacingThePlanet:

https://www.racingtheplanet.com/expert-advice?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

#GobiMarch #14DaysToGo #RacingThePlanet #Ultrarunning #StageRace #RoadToGobi

Today was a mix of training, preparation, and excitement.

One of the highlights was receiving the video we have been working on over the past few weeks. Tonight, we will be watching it together as a family, and I am looking forward to reliving some of the moments from this journey and seeing their reactions.

Training consisted of a cycling session followed by a core and shoulders' workout. The cycling continues to play an important role in building endurance while giving my legs a break from the constant impact of running.I also spent some time packing my race bag and checking everything against the mandatory equipment checklist. Going through each item reminded me just how close the race is now. Every tick on the checklist makes the Gobi feel a little more real.

With only 15 days to go, the focus is slowly shifting from building fitness to finalizing the details.

The training is done. The gear is coming together. The excitement is growing.

And tonight, we watch the film.

 Today was a rest day, and perhaps one of the most important days in this entire build-up.

Following my coffee date with my eldest daughter a few days ago, today was my youngest daughter's turn. As expected, it was a completely different experience, full of energy, laughter, and moments that reminded me just how quickly children grow up.

One thing that made me happy was knowing that she understands Daddy will be travelling soon to run in the Gobi. While she may not fully grasp the distances, the deserts, or the challenge ahead, she knows that Dad is going on an adventure and that makes all the difference. Spending this time with her before I leave was important to me. These moments become memories, and memories become the fuel we carry with us when things get difficult.

Later in the day, I decided to gather the family and head out for pizza. There was no training session, no race planning, and no checklist to complete. Just food, conversation, laughter, and enjoying each other's company.

As the countdown continues, I am realizing that preparation is not only physical. There is also a mental side to it. Spending quality time with family is helping me recharge and settle my mind before I gradually switch into travel mode. Soon enough there will be flights, airports, race briefings, gear checks, and all the excitement that comes with being on the road again.

For now, I am grateful for these simple moments.

Sixteen days from now, I will be standing at the start line of the Gobi. Today, however, my focus was exactly where it needed to be — at home with the people who make every finish line worthwhile.

Tomorrow, I should receive the link to the film we have been working on. I am genuinely excited to see how it all comes together. The filming journey has been almost as rewarding as the training itself, and I can't wait to share it.

The countdown continues.

16 days to go.

HOZALAAA!!!!!

Being a father of daughters has taught me many things, but one lesson that stands out is the importance of spending time with each child individually. With the Gobi drawing closer, I thought it would be a good idea to take each of my girls out separately and talk to them about the race, what I will be doing, and why I am doing it.

I hope that when they catch glimpses of the race videos or follow updates on the website, they will have a better understanding of what their dad is up to somewhere in the deserts of Mongolia.

I started with my eldest.

We went out for coffee and had one of those conversations that catches you by surprise. As parents, we often think we are the ones doing the teaching, but now and then our children remind us how much they have been listening all along.

I was amazed by the contributions she was making to the conversation. We spoke about packing, recovery, race strategy, and somehow she managed to bring in the biology of running and the mental fortitude required to keep going when things get tough. It was one of those moments where I sat back and thought, "When did you grow up?"

Then came the words that every parent treasures.

She simply looked at me and said,

*"I'm your biggest fan."*

I cannot lie — that boosted my spirits.

More than any training run, gym session, or gear test could have done.

We ended up doing some shopping for the remaining race items, but the highlight of the day was not the shopping. It was the conversation. It was seeing her interest, her support, and her belief in what I am trying to achieve.

If you ever read this one day, my daughter, just know that your dad is incredibly proud of you. Proud of the young lady you are becoming, proud of your curiosity, your kindness, and the way you see the world.

Tomorrow, it is the youngest one's turn.

And knowing her, that will be a completely different ball game altogether.

I can already feel an adventure brewing.

The countdown continues.

17 days to Gobi. And while the race is getting closer, these moments at home remind me of what truly matters and who I am carrying with me every step of the way. ❤️.

It was a fairly ordinary day, with school runs being the order of the day. Not that I'm using it as an excuse, but trying to balance everything at once is something that I am realising adulthood is all about. Between family responsibilities, work, training, and preparing for a race halfway across the world, there is always something competing for attention.

The weather in Swakopmund was heavily overcast for most of the day, which placed our Day 3 filming schedule in doubt. Sunlight plays a major role in getting the colour grading right, especially in a location as unique as the Moon Landscape. We spent much of the day watching the sky and hoping for a break in the clouds.

Thankfully, the heavens eventually gave us some light.

With a window of opportunity opening up, we headed out to the Moon Landscape and managed to complete the shoot. The setting was every bit as dramatic as I had hoped. There is something surreal about that place. It feels less like Namibia and more like another planet entirely. Seeing the raw footage come together against such a remarkable backdrop made the wait worthwhile. 

The successful shoot was a reminder that patience often pays off. Sometimes the conditions are not right when we want them to be, but if we stay the course, things have a way of falling into place.

To round off the day, I headed into the garage gym for a session of weights and core work. It wasn't glamorous, but it was another brick laid in the foundation. These sessions have become a major part of this Gobi build-up, and I can feel the difference they are making.

The countdown continues.

Eighteen days remain until I find myself standing on the start line of the Gobi. The training is coming together, the filming is complete, and the excitement is steadily growing.

I am excited.

Very excited.

With only 19 days to go until the Gobi, every day seems to carry a little more significance.  I can feel the excitement building with each passing day.

Today was not one of the big mileage days, but it was still an important part of the preparation. I started the day with a power workout in the gym. One of the biggest changes in this training cycle has been the emphasis on strength training. In previous race preparations, I focused heavily on running, but this time I have spent more time building strength, stability, and resilience. After all, in a self-supported race, carrying the pack is just as important as the running itself.

We had also planned to complete the final filming session in the Moon Landscape. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans, and we decided to move the shoot to tomorrow. It was a reminder that no matter how much we prepare, some things remain outside our control. Learning to adapt is part of the process.

With the filming postponed, I shifted gears and focused on administration. I spent time rechecking various race-related details, making sure everything is in order before departure. I also set up automatic email replies and worked through some of the behind-the-scenes tasks that tend to pile up when you're preparing to be away for an extended period.

The closer I get to Gobi, the more I appreciate that success is built on these small actions. The race itself may last only a few days, but the foundation is laid over months through consistency, planning, and attention to detail.

Hopefully, tomorrow the weather will cooperate, and we'll finally complete the Moon Landscape shoot. It's a location I've been looking forward to sharing, and it feels fitting to capture part of this journey in one of Namibia's most unique landscapes before heading off to another remarkable desert.

For now, the focus remains simple: keep preparing, keep refining, and keep moving forward.

Nineteen days to go.

The smile is getting bigger. The dream is getting closer. And soon enough, it will be time to stand on that start line once again.

With 20 days to go, I found myself celebrating the arrival of June. It’s slowly starting to feel real. Every day that passes brings me closer to the Gobi start line, and this is the closest I’ve ever been to standing on it. I honestly can’t wait.

Schools reopened today, which meant training took a bit of a back seat. Not every day in a race build-up is about mileage, and today was one of those days. Instead, I headed out for Day 2 of filming.

This evening we found ourselves in the dunes as the sun was setting. The contrasts, colours, and shadows were simply magical. Namib desert has a way of putting on a show when you least expect it. The footage is coming together nicely, and the final scene will be filmed in the Moon Landscape. I’m hoping it does the story justice. With a bit of polishing and editing, we should have everything ready by the end of the week.

I’m sure all the walking, climbing dunes, carrying gear, and chasing the perfect shot qualifies as a workout somehow. 🙈

Tomorrow is physio day at Physioflex, followed by the start of a gradual taper. The goal now is to arrive at the start line with fresh legs and a healthy body. That doesn’t mean I won’t run—it simply means being smarter with the work and trusting the training that has already been done.

20 days. The countdown continues.

Sunday is family day, and I made sure to spend it with the people who matter most. We took some time to do a bit of back-to-school shopping, ticking off the essentials before the new term begins. Moments like these are a reminder that while races and training are important, family remains the foundation that keeps everything else in balance.

Later in the day, I headed out to Rössing Mountain with two objectives in mind: a quick elevation training session and some filming. The climb wasn’t long, but it was enough to get the legs working and to remind me that every bit of elevation training counts with Gobi now only 21 days away.

The second mission was something a little different—filming. I decided it would be worthwhile to start creating some pre-race content to document and share the journey to Gobi. There is so much that happens behind the scenes before standing on a start line: the training runs, the preparation, the doubts, the excitement, and all the little moments in between. Capturing these experiences feels like a great way to bring others along on the adventure.

As race day draws closer, I’m becoming increasingly aware that this journey is about more than just crossing a finish line. It’s about the people who support us, the lessons learned along the way, and the memories created before the race even begins.

With 21 days to go, the focus remains steady, the excitement is building, and the camera is now rolling. The road to Gobi continues. #GoMarchGoFinish

I started the day with every intention of heading out for a half marathon. The gear was on, the mindset was ready, and the legs were eager to get moving. Then, just as I was about to leave, a good friend from Windhoek called to say he was in town.

The runner in me wanted to stick to the plan, but the host in me won that battle. The half marathon was postponed and replaced with a coffee date. ☕️

Looking back, it was absolutely worth it.

Sometimes in the pursuit of big goals, we underestimate the value of people. Sitting over a cup of coffee and sharing stories reminded me how important it is to surround yourself with people who celebrate your journey, no matter how small the victories may seem. Those conversations become morale boosters. They refill the emotional tank in ways that training miles cannot.

As the day unfolded, I made a stop at the tailor to collect my running tops. They had just finished stitching on the race patches and flags for the Gobi Race. Holding those shirts in my hands brought a sense of pride that is difficult to explain.

There they were—the Zimbabwean flag and the Namibian flag.

One represents the country where I was born and raised. The other represents the country that forged me into the person and runner I am today, right here in the heart of the Namib Desert. Seeing both flags side by side was a reminder that our journeys are shaped by many places, many people, and many experiences.

The afternoon was equally rewarding. I spent some time in the sandbox with my youngest child before heading out to the river plots to collect fresh vegetable supplies. These simple moments of family and everyday life often get overshadowed by race preparations, but they are the very things that give purpose to the journey.

On the drive back, I was reminded about the big football match everyone seemed to be talking about—PSG versus Arsenal. For a moment, I thought about all the little distractions that had filled the day. Coffee with a friend. Collecting race shirts. Family time. Vegetable runs. Soccer updates.

Yet none of them took me away from the bigger picture.

As evening approached, I finally laced up my shoes and headed out for the long-overdue half marathon. The football match came along with me in my pocket, and I occasionally checked the score on my phone. But the real focus remained on the road ahead.

That run reminded me of an important lesson: not every distraction is a bad thing. Some distractions enrich us, strengthen relationships, and recharge our spirits. The challenge is knowing when to enjoy them and when to return our attention to the mission.

Right now, the mission is clear.

The Gobi Race is only 22 days away.

Every run, every meal, every recovery session, every choice matters. There will always be football matches to watch, coffee dates to enjoy, errands to run, and countless things competing for our attention. The key is making sure that when the moment comes, we can switch our focus back to what matters most.

For me, that mission lies somewhere beyond the starting line in the vast landscapes of the Gobi Desert.

And with 22 days to go, the focus remains exactly where it needs to be.

#GoMarchGoFinish
#GobiRace2026
#22DaysToGobi
#MissionFocus
#BornInZimbabweForgedInNamibiam

With 23 days left until I stand on the starting line of the Gobi Race, my focus is slowly shifting from building fitness to refining the finer details that can make or break an expedition. One of those details, often overlooked by many runners, is nutrition.

People love talking about mileage, pace, elevation gain, and gear. Yet when you are running across some of the harshest environments on earth, what you put into your body becomes just as important as the training itself. You cannot out-train poor nutrition.

This training cycle has been slightly different from previous races. While there has certainly been running involved, a significant portion of my preparation has gravitated towards strength training rather than pure speed work. The desert demands more than fast legs. It demands resilience. Carrying a loaded pack for long hours, climbing dunes, managing fatigue, and maintaining good posture over multiple stages requires strength that goes beyond pace charts and split times.

As a result, I have had to adapt my eating habits to support that shift. Recovery has become more important than ever. I am paying closer attention to getting enough quality calories, maintaining a good balance of carbohydrates and protein, and ensuring that my body has the fuel needed not only to perform but also to rebuild after every demanding session.

Hydration has also become a major focus. I have leaned heavily on electrolytes during training, especially on longer runs and strength sessions. Sweat doesn’t only take away water; it takes away vital minerals that the body needs to function efficiently. Replacing those electrolytes has helped me maintain energy levels, improve recovery, and stay ahead of the fatigue that often creeps in during heavy training blocks.

When it comes to race nutrition, one name continues to stand out for me: Expedition Foods.

Having trusted them through two previous desert races—the Namib and the Atacama—I have absolutely no hesitation in choosing them again for the Gobi. There is something reassuring about lining up for a race knowing that one aspect of your preparation is already tested and proven.

Founded in 1995 by adventurers for adventurers, Expedition Foods has built a reputation around producing lightweight freeze-dried meals designed specifically for endurance athletes, explorers, mountaineers, sailors, and expedition teams. Their meals are designed to provide balanced nutrition while keeping pack weight to a minimum, something every stage-race competitor appreciates. (Expedition Foods)

What I particularly appreciate is the variety and practicality of their range. Whether it’s breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert, they offer meals in different calorie sizes, including 450 kcal, 800 kcal, and 1000 kcal options. The meals are simple to prepare, requiring only water and a few minutes of patience before you have a hot meal ready to eat. (Expedition Foods)

For an event like the Gobi, every gram matters. Freeze-dried meals offer a tremendous calorie-to-weight advantage while still delivering the energy required for prolonged efforts. Expedition Foods has spent decades refining that balance between taste, nutrition, convenience, and performance. Their meals are cooked before being freeze-dried, helping them retain both flavor and nutritional value once rehydrated. (Expedition Foods)

Most importantly, I trust the brand because it has already carried me through two deserts. During the Namib Race and later the Atacama Crossing, their meals became something I genuinely looked forward to at the end of a long stage. When you’ve spent hours battling heat, sand, fatigue, and your own thoughts, a warm meal becomes more than nutrition—it becomes morale.

My mornings still begin with one of my favourite rituals: a good cup of coffee. Before the world fully wakes up and before the miles start rolling underneath my feet, that first cup sets the tone for the day.

During training runs, I have discovered that I am much more of a bars person than a gels person. I’ve been experimenting with different flavours and options to find what works best for my stomach and energy levels. Gels certainly have their place, but I find bars provide a steadier and more satisfying source of fuel during long efforts. They feel more like real food, and psychologically that makes a difference when hours start adding up.

As race day draws closer, nutrition continues to move higher up my priority list. The training has largely been done. The strength has been built. The fitness is there. Now it is about ensuring the engine has the right fuel.

Because in a race like the Gobi, success is not only determined by how hard you train. It is also determined by how well you eat, drink, recover, and sustain yourself when the body begins asking difficult questions.

Twenty-three days to go.

The countdown continues, the excitement grows, and one meal at a time, the journey to the Gobi moves forward.#GoMarchGoFinish #MabasaFinish

Building from the previous blog about my good friend and legend Rob, I have always been in awe of his pace. Considering that I’m now slowly stepping into the speed and pace territory myself, I took on a short but quick run this morning under the foggy weather.

My goal is not to have a Kipchoge pace, but rather a good and decent pace that allows me to keep moving consistently and efficiently. Every run teaches me that progress is not always about being the fastest, but about finding a rhythm that works for your body and your purpose.

Later in the day, I took up an installation project for a good friend. It involved climbing onto the roof, lifting equipment, and moving around constantly. Honestly, it turned into an unexpected strength session on its own — to the point where doing additional gym strength exercises would have been unnecessary.

Days like these remind me that training is not always confined to a structured workout. Sometimes life itself provides the perfect session. From the foggy miles in the morning to the rooftop labour later in the day, today was one of those wholesome training days that leave both the body and mind satisfied.

I would gladly give today a solid 10/10 😀

With 25 days to go before the Gobi Race, today I find myself reflecting on the special people this running journey has brought into my life. Without any particular order, today’s post is dedicated to one man — Dr. Rob Ripley. May his dear soul continue to rest in peace.

I first met Dr. Rob years ago in the Namib Desert when the race was still being held in Torra Bay. At the time, I was just a volunteer — a fat guy trying to do what volunteers do best — help wherever I could. Somewhere in the middle of all that, I met one of the kindest and most welcoming gentlemen I have ever come across.

We immediately connected over our shared love for Nikon photography. Back then, I knew absolutely nothing about running. Yet Dr. Rob took the time to show me that ordinary people could achieve extraordinary things, including running 250km races across deserts. He believed in me long before I believed in myself.

When I later told him that I was considering racing myself, he became genuinely excited and promised to guide and support me with advice throughout the journey.

Then COVID happened, and the plans had to wait.

A year or so later, when I finally got the opportunity to attempt the Namib Race, the event had moved from Torra Bay. To my surprise and joy, Dr. Rob was also competing. Before the race started, we shared stories around the fire, and he proudly spoke about how hard I had worked to prepare myself.

Dr. Rob eventually went on to win the overall race — something that made me incredibly proud. Yet despite being such an elite athlete, every morning he would still take time to encourage me. Remember, it was my first race and I had no point of comparison, but he constantly reassured me that I was doing well. Every stage finish came with his cheers at the line.

When I eventually finished 8th overall, he came to congratulate me and quietly whispered, “Now you do the next one,” knowing well that my dream was to complete all four desert races.

We were supposed to race Gobi together after that, but circumstances beyond my control prevented me from going that year. Dr. Rob went on to race there — a race that would sadly become his final one before he passed away.

He became more than just a fellow competitor to me. He became my desert brother.

His passing hit me heavily and reminded me how important it is to cherish the moments and memories we share with the people around us. Life moves fast, but memories remain.

Today, as I realize that in just 25 days I will stand on the very same grounds where you last raced and now rest, my heart is filled with honour.

Dr. Rob, I want you to know that I never stopped running.

I may never be as fast as you were, but I will carry your encouragement with me every step of the way. This Gobi Race is dedicated to you.

Rest in peace, my legend.

Hi everyone. With 26 days to go, I find myself getting excited as the starting line looms closer. All the training and hard work will soon be put to the test.

Today gave me another day of rest after the 75km run, and I must say it was a wise choice. I was fit enough to go out, but I realised I need to listen to my Garmin (silly excuse 😁🤭).

Instead, I focused on the things that happen behind the scenes. I followed up with my doctor on the mandatory forms, cleaned my running shoes and pack to get them squeaky clean and ready for the long trip to the start line. I also took my running shirt and jacket to the tailor to get the patches sewn on.

I stocked up on my favourite spice and snacks too — last time I found myself craving them mid-race, so this time I’m wiser. I also tried to automate some of my work to help things flow smoothly while I’m away.

I topped the day off chatting with my girls about the race, imagining what it’s going to be like and the stories I’ll bring back home. Then my younger one smiled and said, “Daddy, you are always number one 😀.” You have no idea how motivated I felt hearing that.

All in all, it was an easy day, but an important one. Sometimes preparation is not only about the miles — it’s also about taking care of all the little things that quietly support the bigger dream.

Part of my long run yesterday was dedicated to testing my gear, and I must say, this time around, I am really happy with what I have.

My 30L pack and I have bonded so well that I can switch the strings, pockets, and zippers almost with my eyes closed. I love how spacious the compartments are, while still allowing me to tighten everything snug when I want to move faster. It’s becoming an extension of me rather than just something I carry.

The socks and shoes are also holding up nicely so far, which is always a relief during this stage of preparation. Comfort over long distances is everything.

As for my top, I think this week I will make a change before putting on the race patches. I have also decided to switch the jacket I used in my previous two races. After testing options, I found the Hi-Tec jacket to be both warmer and lighter, which could make a huge difference during the cold evenings and early mornings.

So let’s say this week is all about finalizing the finer details. Once everything is properly set, I will share the specific brands and gear that I will be taking with me — although, as any runner knows, these things can still change at the very last minute.

Looking forward to another week of training, preparation, and slowly bringing this whole Gobi adventure together.

What is a Mabasa blog without a dedication to the importance of pink flags?

Yesterday’s navigation escapades reminded me just how critical those little pink markers are in guiding competitors safely home. Having served on a course team before, I understand the responsibility that comes with marking a route correctly — placing flags close enough to reassure runners, yet spaced wisely enough to make them think and stay alert.

As a sweeper, I also carried the duty of collecting every pink flag afterwards for safekeeping. Funny how you only fully appreciate them when you suddenly can’t see one.

Yesterday turned into a battle between navigating through thick fog and simply forging forward on instinct. At one point I caught myself shouting internally, “If only there was a pink flag here.”

For those unfamiliar, pink flags are square water- and weather-resistant markers fitted with reflective material that becomes invaluable during night running or in foggy conditions. Simple pieces of fabric, yet capable of bringing massive relief in the middle of uncertainty.

The experience also deepened my appreciation for why a compass and flashlight sit on the mandatory equipment list. Sometimes rules are written from lessons learned the hard way.

Now I’m seriously considering putting together a simple “Navigation 101” guide for worst-case scenarios. Nothing complicated — just practical basics that could help someone stay calm, think clearly, and find their way when conditions turn difficult.

Mmmmm… just me thinking.

The plan was simple — leave early, make good time, and reach the base of the Rossing Mountain before the desert heat settled in. But Swakopmund had other plans. A thick blanket of fog swallowed the town and delayed the start of the mission. By the time I finally hit the trail, it was around 7:30am, and for the first 45 minutes it felt less like running and more like navigating through another world.

The visibility was so poor that my compass became my best friend. Looking back now, that challenge actually fitted perfectly into the day’s objective. This wasn’t just another long run. Today was about testing everything — the 10.9kg pack, the gear setup, fueling strategy, navigation and overall race readiness ahead of the Gobi.

And yes… I can officially confirm that both the red flash light and headlamp work perfectly well. In broad daylight too, apparently.

I kept pushing through the fog until I reached the base of Rossing Mountain. If you remember from my previous post, I had three possible routes in mind: loop the mountain, swing toward Goanikontes if the legs allowed, or head back home depending on how the day unfolded. The legs actually felt surprisingly good, but time was no longer on my side. The fog had already slowed things down, so I made the call to turn back toward Swakopmund.

That return journey turned into a full navigation exercise. The fog refused to lift and at some point my phone battery finally gave up on me. Luckily, the Garmin map page stepped in and honestly saved the day. It worked like magic out there in the middle of nowhere. Although I must say — Garmin still needs to add a feature that estimates remaining distance directly on the map page. Maybe I should reach out to them myself.

Overall, the day ended with 75km on the legs — not bad at all — and officially marked my 14th Swakopmund to Rossing Mountain run. The mountain loop remains unfinished business, but some missions are simply postponed, not cancelled.

Most importantly, this run marks the end of the long-run phase in preparation for the Gobi. From here, the focus shifts toward altitude adaptation, shorter efforts, sharpening the legs and arriving healthy at the start line.

The work has been done. Now comes the final phase.

More articles to come.

Preparing for the Gobi March after a three-year break from racing has been a very different journey from my previous adventures. To be honest, when the idea of Gobi first came into play, I was deep in another kind of challenge altogether — building.

And strangely enough, building taught me how to prepare for this race.

Over the past months, I learned a lot about patience, about trusting a process, and about understanding that meaningful things are created brick by brick. Construction has its own rhythm. You cannot rush the foundation and expect the structure to stand strong. Every layer matters. Every small detail contributes to the final product.

As the project slowly came to fruition, I realised I needed to approach Gobi in the same way.

Instead of jumping straight into high mileage and exhausting myself, I decided to reflect on my previous races — the Namib Race and the Atacama Crossing — and ask myself an important question:

What can I change to produce different results?

One of the biggest changes has been strength training.

In my previous races, strength work was almost nonexistent. This time, I introduced weekly strength sessions, core workouts, and even bought a weighted vest. For the first time, I truly began to understand that in the RacingThePlanet format, carrying your pack is just as important as the running itself.

That realisation changed everything.

Ironically, if you look at my Strava, you would probably think I am running less than before — and you would be right. The mileage has decreased compared to previous build-ups, but the focus on strength and conditioning has steadily increased. I am learning that endurance is not only built through running endless kilometres. Sometimes it is built in the gym, through controlled suffering, through consistency, and through preparing the body to carry a load efficiently over long distances.

Another major addition to this training block has been cross-training.

I dusted off a bicycle that had been sitting in my garage for far too long, and it has unexpectedly become one of the best tools in this preparation. Ever since introducing cycling into my routine, I have noticed significant improvement in my climbing ability and overall endurance. The bike has strengthened muscles that running alone neglected, and it has allowed me to train hard while reducing impact on the body.

But perhaps the most defining sessions of this build-up have been my long dune runs.

Twice now, I have run from Walvis Bay to Swakopmund through the dunes while carrying my full pack. It is not easy. The sand constantly fights against you. Every step demands patience and effort. There are moments when the body wants to stop, and the mind begins negotiating shortcuts.

But when the run is done, there is a deep sense of satisfaction that cannot easily be explained.

I truly believe those sessions are laying the foundation for a stronger level of endurance — not just physically, but mentally as well.

Now, with 29 days to go, the focus is beginning to shift once again.

I have one final major long run ahead of me before slowly tapering into shorter sessions and introducing altitude-focused training. Since the Gobi race will take place at an altitude, and we do not exactly have high mountains here, I have decided to improvise a little. I plan to use the closest mountains around Swakopmund to expose myself to at least some climbing and elevation.

Will it make a massive difference?

Maybe. Maybe not.

But it is certainly better than staying at sea level and doing nothing at all.

Tomorrow is the big one.

The plan is to run from Swakopmund to the base of the Rössing Mountains, hopefully loop around if the legs allow, and then head back. Alternatively, I may swing toward Goanikontes and return through the riverbed back into town.

Either way, it promises to be an adventure.

More on that in the next one.

There was a time when simply getting through the day felt like a victory. The on-and-offs of Covid tested me in ways I never imagined, but somehow, step by step, I found myself standing at the start line of the Namib Race. At the time, I did not fully understand it, but that race became more than just a physical challenge — it became proof that hope can survive difficult seasons.

Then came 2022 and the unforgettable Atacama Crossing, still my favourite race thus far. There was something magical about that experience. The landscapes, the suffering, the silence, the camaraderie — it all came together in a way that changed me deeply. Somewhere between the endless miles and the beauty of the desert, I realised I was no longer simply participating in races. I was discovering who I was becoming.

Now, in just 31 days, I will stand at the start line of the Gobi March.

From the images I have seen, it looks breathtaking. Having grown up in the green savanna climate and now being so accustomed to the Namib Desert, I almost anticipate a reunion with the greens. Maybe some childhood memories hidden deep within me will help propel me forward when the journey gets difficult.

As I reflect on all these moments I have scribbled down, I realise they are connected by one common tributary: Hope.

Hope In Motion.

There was a night when I fought for my life because of sleep apnea. Had that night ended differently, perhaps all this hope would have disappeared with me. But I guess we will never know. Years later, a race I once thought only crazy people would do became the very thing that transformed my life. Running helped me overcome unhealthy eating habits. It introduced me to fitness, discipline, and purpose. Funny enough, it created a man who now finds joy in suffering through deserts and who is preparing for his third RacingThePlanet adventure.

Funny how life works.

But this story is not only about me.

At the centre of it all is a running family — a family that sees the best in you even when you struggle to see it yourself. A family that believes in those who keep trying. Through every high and low, every blister and breakthrough, there has always been encouragement waiting somewhere on the course.

And maybe that is what these races really teach us.

Life is a lot like the terrain we are preparing to face: unpredictable, harsh, beautiful, and constantly changing. There will always be ups and downs. But we must choose to stay positive, to look on the bright side, and to keep trying even when things get uncomfortable.

That is what RacingThePlanet does so well. The format pushes ordinary people toward extraordinary discoveries about themselves. It strips away comfort and excuses, leaving behind resilience, gratitude, and growth.

After a three-year absence, I am excited to return to the start line and continue chasing the dream of completing the 4 Deserts series. I will share more about my training soon, but for now, I simply want to say this:

I cannot wait to see my running family in Gobi.

And as I write this, I have the biggest smile on my face.