No one sees the preparation. The kilometers logged on tired feet, the gear testing, the strength training when the body is already exhausted and life feels overwhelming. 

But I know that on race day, all of it will show. Because when you fail to prepare, you prepare to fail.

The desert will reveal everything. My fitness, my mindset, my preparation.

I know the mandatory gear list almost by heart, yet I still find myself rewatching old RTP videos, analyzing backpacks and equipment, just in case I missed something that could make a difference.

I debate over the smallest details. Do I take the compass with the mirror, or carry two separate items? Will it matter? Do I choose a sleeping pad or a self-inflating mattress? One is bulky, the other requires effort to blow up after a long day. Do I cut 30 cm off the sleeping pad since I don’t need the full 1.8 meters? After all, I’m only 1.55.

And then there’s the food. Beef Stroganoff, Beef Stew, Chicken à la King, Butter Chicken, Honey Soy Stir Fry, Chicken Alfredo, Thai Chicken Curry… freeze-dried or dehydrated? Back Country or Forever Fresh SA? These are the choices available to us Namibians, and each one feels like a small but important decision.

Even the multi-tool sparks debate: bigger with more functions, or smaller and lighter with fewer? Every gram counts and every decision feels like a step toward success.... or failure.

This is the struggle of preparation. Am I overthinking this??? Maybe.

I’ve already managed to tick off 20 out of 35 items on the mandatory equipment list. I refuse to set myself up for failure.  Progress is progress! 

And through it all, I’m grateful for Sam’s patience with my endless questions. Thank you, Samaaaaaaantha!! :) :)

160 days to go! Let's puuuuuuuuuuuuuuush!!!!

My name is Elke Slinger, born and bred in Walvis Bay, now living in Windhoek, the capital city of Namibia. I grew up with the dunes in my backyard, never realizing at the time what a privilege it was to have the world’s oldest desert as my playground.

In 2017, I decided to make better choices for my health and fitness. That’s when I met my friend Paulina, who in 2018 introduced me to RacingThePlanet, where she was volunteering.

I was instantly curious and wanted to know everything about the organization. So, when applications opened for volunteers in 2019, I didn’t hesitate for a second, I signed up immediately!

Oh my, a whole new world opened up for me, and I was beyond excited.

Then Covid happened, and the world stood still.  

But in 2022, the Namib Race resumed, and I finally had my first opportunity at volunteering.

I laughed, cried, and cheered (the loudest, of course Hililili Hililili Hililili 🥁🥁🥁🥁) with strangers from all over the world. Many of whom I’m still close with today!

The experience was so incredible that I returned to volunteer again in 2024. 

As many know too well, once you’re connected with RacingThePlanet, you just can’t stay away.

2024 was also a year of challenge for me. I lost my job and had to navigate a journey that was unfamiliar and difficult. In the process of healing and making peace with my circumstances, I realized I needed to sign up for something big in 2026, just as I’ve done every year since making fitness my lifestyle almost nine years ago.  

In May 2025, I asked myself: “What would happen if you really try?” That’s when I decided: LET’S DO THIS!

When I received the registration confirmation email from Sam, I knew there was no turning back.  

Now, I’m preparing my gear and mandatory equipment.

As an avid hiker, I know what it takes to prepare for a race this huge, but Namibia has limited access to specialized gear, which makes this my biggest challenge. Still, I’m determined to get everything sorted within the next month or two.  

Knowing how things work behind the scenes and being familiar with the terrain, gives me some peace of mind.

But the truth is, there’s always anxiety, you never know how your body and mind will react to the treacherous terrain of 40 km per day.

On Sunday, 01 February, I’ll begin the 24-week intermediate training plan provided by RacingThePlanet.

I’ve been keeping fit with my CrossFit community, but now it’s time to put in the kilometers on my feet each week.

For the next six months, my mantra will be: Consistency. Discipline. Showing up for myself daily. Eat, sleep, repeat.  

197 days to go! Let’s puuuuuuuuuuuuuuush!!!!