Among the most apt lyrics ever written that describe the runner's high for me is in a song called Dreamline by Rush. It goes like this:
"They travel in the time of the prophets,
On a desert highway straight to the heart of the sun,
Like lovers and heroes, and the restless part of everyone
We're only at home when we're on the run"
So, except for the final simulation run later this week - where I plan to run about 40km with a 15kg backpack) , I believe I am ready to leave for the Gobi March 2012.
Its been a hectic 12-15 weeks of preparation. I averaged about 70-80 km per week and on a good week, hit about 90km. Most of this was completed with a 11-12kg backpack.
Briefly, I - burnt a net 4,500-5,000 calories per week - consumed about 7-8 litres of water per day - lived off a 2,400-3,000 calorie per day diet, and - lost about 3 kilos, net.
To what end? To be able to run the Gobi March, a 250km footrace over six days. The race starts 10 June in Gazi Village and ends in Kashgar, the host city on 17 June. Briefly, we run 40km every day for 4 days and 80km on Day 5, followed by a brief 10km run to close on Day 7. Peak temperatures are expected to be 45-47 degrees C.
Wish me luck. More on this great adventure when I get back.
Best
S
