RACINGTHEPLANET

We mourn the loss of Erik de Haart, a past competitor in four RacingThePlanet / 4 Deserts Ultramarathons and a volunteer in multiple races. Erik was a much loved figure in our community, most recently he was hoping to compete in RacingThePlanet: The 20-Year Race in Jordan. We will miss Erik so much and extend our heartfelt sympathy to his friends and family and to the many lives he touched over his 67 years. Here's an article about Erik from the ABC news channel in Australia. https://lnkd.in/eQ4VaVf4

Great job team at Oceanwide Expeditions. We are so proud of all the great work you to do to preserve Antarctica.

Dejan Kovač, who completed the Gobi March in 2023 and the Atacama Crossing in 2022, has just published his e-book, “From Wartime to Harvard: War, Sports and Science” on Amazon. Dejan writes about his years surviving war in his native Croatia to winning prestigious researcher positions at Princeton University and Harvard University. He also details his experiences with RacingThePlanet, in Mongolia and the Atacama Desert in Chile.   “The book is full of strong emotions as Dejan narrates his experiences and struggles: being a refugee, helping refugee families, surviving poverty, everyday bombardments, losing loved ones, and coping through his losses by conquering the world`s toughest ultramarathons from Atacama to the Gobi Desert. In recounting his memories, Dejan narrates a crucial set of moments in his life after the war: his soccer career, transition from sports to science, his presidential campaign and through his political experience unravels the hidden mechanisms that undermine democracy in Croatia…. This is not only a book about the war, losing loved ones, rebuilding a postwar society, competing at the highest levels in sports and science, presidential campaign experience or surviving the world`s toughest ultramarathons. This is a book about reaching success no matter what curveballs life throws at you. It is about having faith in your own abilities when no one else does. It is about having hope when all hope is gone.”   “From Wartime to Harvard: War, Sports and Science” is now available on Amazon. https://lnkd.in/epAzExNR

Very good reflections Andge.

Tips & Advice from Alumni. We had a great Zoom Call this month full of tips and insights from three experienced competitors: > Tania Carmona - who will complete the 4 Deserts Grand Slam Plus at the Atacama Crossing >Mabasa - who went from zero base, lost 30kg and finished 8th in his first race by following the RacingThePlanet generic training plans. > Richard Behringer - who didn't finish his first, but came back to complete all 4 Deserts. SOME IMPORTANT POINTS: We will put together a full summary of all the points made in an expert article, but some key suggestions include: > Regardless of your athletic background, age or situation, you can do a race. > Mindset is key in getting through the races and there are ways you can prepare your mind to adapt to any situation. > Strength training is as important as walking / running. > Being at one with your pack is important - training with your backpack early was suggested. > When it comes to gear and nutrition, everyone is different and the choices are very personal, but sample everything before you arrive at the race > 3-6 months is an ideal time to sign up for a race - but if you are coming from a very low base, one year is better. You can listen to the full recording: https://lnkd.in/esSX4KZN

Wonderful story in National Geographic Traveler in Poland.

You are invited to join a Zoom session that will give you an opportunity to understand what it takes to participate in a RacingThePlanet Ultramarathon and will give you an opportunity to ask any questions you may have!   Topic: Tips and Advice from RacingThePlanet Alumni Date: 19 January 2025 Time: 2PM Eastern Time (US and Canada) / 7PM London / 6AM Sydney Ideal for first-timers, but also useful for anyone doing a multi-day race. Register Here: https://lnkd.in/esmuW7BT If you are not able to join us, still register if you would like us to send you a link to the recording which will be on YouTube. This Zoom Information Session will feature three guest speakers who have completed RacingThePlanet Ultramarathons. They will share their experience and in particular: · What inspired them to take part in their first race  · What they wish they had known before their first race  · Top 3 tips they would give to someone preparing for a race  · Gear and nutrition tips  · Most valuable lesson learned at a race  · Which race is their favourite and why - of the ones they have completed We hope to see you there!

Wishing you a HAPPY NEW YEAR and great 2025. Why not start with a new adventure. https://lnkd.in/ePkS2i_X

Please join us Sunday, 15 December for an informational call about the Gobi March in Mongolia! 8AM New York (EST) | 5AM Los Angeles | 1PM London | 9PM Hong Kong | 12AM Sydney (16 Dec) Whether you are set to join the Gobi March or still considering taking part, this information session will be inspiring and useful. It will cover all the key details about the race: > Inside information to ensure are fully ready > Motivation to keep up the training and preparation > Training tips > The highlights and challenges > An overview of the course in detail by the Course Director, Carlos Garcia > Equipment - key items and common questions > Itinerary & logistics > Must see places in Mongolia, the land of Genghis Khan (as detailed by a Mongolian) A link to join the call is below! See you there! https://lnkd.in/gBfUGQN4

Well done, Ritta!