Review by Etienneza -- Running the Sahara by Marcel Nickler
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Review by Etienneza -- Running the Sahara by Marcel Nickler
Marcel Nickler offers his debut with Running The Sahara: A Diary Of The Desert And Beyond. The Marathon Des Sables is a metaphor for a way of life. The book describes how the writer prepares for and runs a marathon over 247 km in Marocco. The exertion of mind and body solidify thoughts and feelings drawn from the author's psyche. Marcel refers to those in his inner circle and events that shaped the course of his life. The text transports you almost immediately. Disconnected from the present, you accompany the author in the Marathon Des Sables as an entrant yourself. I was completely unaware of my heart rate escalating in unison with the accompanying descriptive text, as I thoroughly enjoyed being marathon runner 1201. Marcel includes unexpected logistical detail as an addendum that would prove invaluable to any prospective marathon runner. Is it possible to remain a spectator, even if you are not a marathon runner yourself?
The ephemeral and rudimentary text blends to delight the senses. Inspiration to complete the race stems from a memorable conversation with Sir Ralph Fiennes and invaluable advice from wife Monika and mentor Scott Solano. Marcel relish the challenge but has less experience running a 247 km race of 7 days in the middle of the Sahara. Minimal space and weight expenditure call for functional packing arrangements. Training intensifies and gathers momentum as the deadline for departure moves closer. As Marocco beckons, how will an experienced septuagenarian athlete attempt what would be the most unforgiving of races?
No distractions or lazy editing is present. It well deserves a star rating of four out of four stars. Only the bare essentials of descriptive text appear. Marcel's narration of strict daily routine catapults you into the Bivouac, the customary tented camp. Anticipation mounts after breakfast, with last preparations for a grueling day being completed. Valuable information about the nomadic Berber tribe is revealed. I’ll allow the reader to make their own discovery.
Athletes, marathon runners, and coaches will gain valuable insight into the requirements for completion of an ultra marathon. Besides the race itself and all the positive inferences gleaned from it, it serves as a journey of inspiration to readers faced with any particularly challenging situation. The author mentions that whenever longer training interruptions occur, he knows that something is off-kilter. The culture of training and preparation has influenced the quality of life more than exponentially. Sound planning and innumerable sacrifices bring their own reward. The text is faultless. I thoroughly enjoyed the journey!
My current long-distance walking schedule is migrating to a more intensive routine. Short and medium-term goal adjustments will stretch possibilities to just outside a comfort zone. How about you?
******
Running the Sahara
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