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 :)