Yay, 92 days to go!

Last month went fast, I managed to stay uninjured (in the northen part of sweden where I was born, we just add the swedish "un" to any word, not sure how it works in english or even in the other parts of sweden :)! For example, you can be un-eaten, un-tired and even un-runned for the day meaning you have not done your planned running yet :). Or just un-injured!

Anyhow,I have managed to:

1. Gradually increase the volumes of weekly km, this week it sums up to 70. I think I will stay here for 2weeks, back down to 50km and then up again? We will see. I try to adhere to the training plan by RTP: Training Plans - Features | Namib Race 2026. But sometimes I just do what I feel for, again any km is better than none.

2. Run with what I guess (hope!) is near my backpack weight (without water) 7kg for 2,5hrs. Decided to run 25min in a slow pace and then walk 5min and so on.

3.Understand that not only weight but also the shape of the backpack affect where hot spots might show up.

4. Attach velcro to my shoes, the nicest shoemaker ever in the local mall did it for me. Will try it out on next weeks long-run. I bought the gaiters from RTP: Race Equipment - Gaiters – RacingThePlanet Limited

5. Make a food plan. Currenly +15 000cals on 3.700g. Will add some more sweets/crisps in the end. Great template at the RTP webpage: racingtheplanet-food-plan-template-excel.xlsx

6. Get hold of most mandatory equipment, just 1-2 things left, such as which multitool to add. 

7. Run with tejp on my heels, worked ok. Tried toe socks by Injinji, wonderful! No blisters at all on runs lasting 2-3 hrs.

8. Upload all mandatory documents, signed up for this insuranse: ITRA Insurance About

To do upcoming weeks:

1. Stitch RTP + SWE flags to all tops

2. Try to run 2,5hrs with full backpack two days in a row

3. Keep reading up on things. I have discovered that I need to read a lot about the race, it makes me stay motivated and curious but also helps prepare the mental part of the race. Beeing a researcher, I found very interesting and amazing studies about RTP:  RacingThePlanet - Medical Research

Soon 91 days to go, longing for the sand! 

/Tessa

At times, life simply doesn’t allow me to follow a training plan. So what do I do then?

I focus on the long run—literally and figuratively—and remind myself that a kilometre done is better than none. Keeping my running shoes packed creates opportunities: a quick 20-minute run before breakfast, or a short session before dinner at a conference.

Perhaps these unplanned breaks even help heal micro-injuries. At the very least, they clear my mind, sharpen my appetite before breakfast, and make me feel ready for whatever the day brings.

Increasing My Chances of Finishing the Namib Run

Despite less-than-perfect adherence to training, here’s my plan:

• At least one week with a 3-hour run on two consecutive days
• Reach at least 50 km in a single long run
• Bring my backpack regularly
• Gradually increase weekly volume (currently 35–50 km—every kilometre counts :)

And Then There Are the “Ghosts”

1. Blisters—my biggest brain ghost

I’ve been to Namibia many times. You have to be sandlover -it’s everywhere, and it’s magical. I love running downhill on the dunes. Walking up them, in 30-degree heat, is another story entirely. But the sand… it gets everywhere. Lubricants? I’m sceptical in sandy conditions. Gaiters—definitely. Tape—probably early on, and perhaps in unexpected places. A small brush to clear sand from between the toes?Advice from previous finishers would be gold here!

2. Dehydration and electrolytes

On runs shorter than 2–2.5 hours, I usually don’t eat or drink. The Namib will not allow that approach.

Training plan at home:
On runs longer than 2 hours, alternate 25 minutes of running with 5 minutes of walking and drinking.

Race strategy:

• 2 Resorb tablets before the start
• 1 tablet per hour during the race
• 2 tablets at camp

Fluids:
Around 5 dl per hour as a baseline—likely more in the heat, especially in dunes and on climbs. Roughly 3–4 dl at each checkpoint, depending on what’s allowed. And if possible, pouring some water over my head or cap to manage the heat.

Ghosts I’m Less Worried About

• Hunger: I can handle it—it fades. I’m good if I get sweets (salt licorice!) and morning-coffee is non-negotiable.
• Runner’s stomach: Expected. Deal with it and move on.
• Freezing nights – no, I’m a warm person. I will have a sleeping bag and liner + add non-mandatory sleeping pad that I have used in freezing conditions in the Namib Desert before. Will change into dry, loose clothes closest to the body.
• Injuries: Old ones may resurface. I’ll listen to my body, adjust when needed, but won’t overreact unless pain escalates.
• Being the slowest: Someone has to be—and that’s perfectly fine.

Things to Figure Out

• Will flip-flops feel like a foot spa at camp—or just add unnecessary weight?
• Sunglasses: I’ve never run with them. How do you even choose the right pair in an overwhelming market?

Piece of ”Evidence-Based running”

Running shoes: in summary—pick the ones you like.

https://www.cochranelibrary.com/cdsr/doi/10.1002/14651858.CD013368.pub2/information#CD013368-cr-0004

I will use ASICS Trabuco terra 3 without goretex

Dear all,

What on earth have I signed up for? And why?

The latter part seems to be important for finishers, at least if you read previous blogs and reports. When times get tough, not if.. only when.. past participants says that only your inner motivation will guide you. I know my reasons but will they be sufficient?

I know others have done a much harder thing than I will do. My passion in life is to do whatever I can to support survivorship after cardiac arrest. Those few who survive globally have all done something much harder than a volontary race and one of the things I will do is try to gather funding for a physical meeting for survivors in Sweden. Every step towards the finish line counts https://gofund.me/27c5168c9

While the days run by, I will keep running according to the training plan provided by racingtheplanet, works well so far- but is it enough? I have repacked my backpack several times, with half of the mandatory stuff it is quite full and feels heavier than the kilos... where will my blisters appear? 

Many questions... if you read this, add your best advice :)