In early October 2024, I headed to China to run the Extremely Gobi 400k for the second time. This 250-mile (400-kilometer) run is a self-supported, self-navigated, continuous race by the Gobi Desert of north-central China’s Gansu province.
I might have 142 hours to navigate to the 28 checkpoints (which equipped ambient-temperature water solely) and 10 relaxation factors (providing ambient and sizzling water, heated communal tents, and our drop bins). There have been no crews or pacers on the race. With enough coaching and plenty of logistical preparation, partly knowledgeable by an article I wrote very like this one after I ran the 2015 version of this occasion, I completed in just below 69 hours, successful the boys’s race and setting a males’s race file.
The next are my ideas on numerous logistical points of the race, together with gear, vitamin, hydration, and sleep. To make certain, this can be a geeky, detail-oriented article. It’s not for everybody, however it’ll certainly discover just a few followers on the market amongst these contemplating their very own ultra-long race.
For a story have a look at my expertise at this occasion, you possibly can learn my full race report, A Lifetime of Studying, Lived in Three Days: Bryon Powell’s 2024 Extremely Gobi 400k Report.
By the Numbers
- Whole distance – 245.2 miles
- Whole time – 68 hours, 59 minutes, 40 seconds
- Whole vertical acquire – 18,081 toes
- Excessive level – 10,850-plus toes
- First 100 miles – About 26:30 (estimated on Strava)
- Final 100 miles – About 24:50 (estimated on Strava)
- Whole sleep – Just below three hours
- Estimated energy burned – 35,518
- Estimated energy consumed – 14,729
An attractive stretch of street excessive up on the second afternoon. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
On Why I Really feel Just like the 2024 Extremely Gobi Was the Race of My Life
So, in my full narrative on the 2024 Extremely Gobi, I feel I did an okay job of explaining a few of the inner explanation why I assumed I ran the most effective extremely of my life, however possibly not a lot from taking a look at exterior measures. Plus I missed just a few inner ones as properly. So, listed here are a pair extra express explanation why I used to be so pleased with that efficiency.
- Working 245 miles in beneath three days – I may by no means have imagined working 245 miles in lower than three days. That’s greater than 80 miles a day for 3 straight days. On diverse terrain at as much as 11,000 toes. All with a pack stuffed with obligatory gear.
- Once more, 245 miles in beneath three days – I don’t know what number of of us have lined that a lot floor on foot in lower than three days. Ever. A pair thousand? Lots of?
- A sooner final 100 miles than first 100 miles – Whereas not a real unfavorable cut up, I used to be fairly thrilled to find after the race that I’d run the ultimate 100 miles greater than an hour and a half sooner than the primary. Sure, I feel the ultimate 100 miles had been a bit simpler and I spent much less time in checkpoints and relaxation factors, however that’s all a part of the sport. It feels fairly cool to have each successfully meted out my effort over 250 miles and to have ready properly sufficient to nonetheless have the ability to transfer so properly over these remaining 100 miles.
- Thirty hours sooner than in 2015 – Whereas the course was completely different, it was comparable sufficient to make working Extremely Gobi greater than 30 hours sooner than in 2015 significant.
- A race file time, with out realizing – It wasn’t till someday after ending that I realized I’d set the race file. Actually, I had no clue what the quickest time run at Extremely Gobi was. On reflection, it feels fairly wonderful to have run sooner than some fairly strong athletes, and to have completed so just by working the race I wished to run fairly than chase a time on the clock.
- The age issue – I did this at age 46.
- The power harm issue – In January 2024, the ache and dysfunction in each Achilles tendons had been so unhealthy I assumed I used to be completed mountain working perpetually. Lower than 9 months later, I’d rehabbed properly sufficient to not have any Achilles ache all through Extremely Gobi.
- Good particular preparation and execution – Whereas actually touched on in my prior article, I’m pleased with my relaxed execution in coaching and logistical preparations within the months earlier than the race in addition to for the three days I used to be on the market. I minimized what may go mistaken and addressed what did.
- I ran and walked properly all race – Feeling like I may run properly within the final runnable sections and stroll properly within the final strolling sections was nice.
- Ending sturdy – I completed feeling like I may hold going for one more few days.
Prayer flags amidst a excessive valley and even increased mountains on the second afternoon. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
On Gear
On this part, I talk about all of the gear that I carried through the race, whether or not or not I used it. Not like my 2015 Extremely Gobi race report, I received’t listing the gear that was packed in drop bins, however that I didn’t use. All issues thought of, the gear I used at Extremely Gobi 2024 labored rather well, and I’d use most of it once more if I went again!
I appreciated this easy-to-follow obligatory gear information at check-in. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Sneakers
Nike Pegasus 41 – I used one pair of street footwear for the complete 245 miles of the race. I had at the very least six shoe modifications out there – one in every of the race’s six drop bins, a few of which might be accessed twice, however I selected to stay with the evil I knew versus the evil I didn’t. I began in these street footwear that I’d barely ever used earlier than as there have been 9 miles or in order that I selected to run on asphalt out of the gate. On the first potential shoe change, they had been nonetheless working properly, so I went with them. Over time, I did get a few of the heel rim blisters that plague me in longer ultras, however I managed to deal with them as they got here up, and I trimmed the outer edges of each insoles about midway by the race. The balls of each toes did get a bit sore late within the race, however to not any stage that grew to become a difficulty. I’m intrigued to attempt the Nike Pegasus Plus that doesn’t have a separate air pod in the midst of the forefoot to see if these work even higher.
If I ran Extremely Gobi once more with out the course trying all that completely different when it comes to terrain, I’d possible put on one other pair of middle-of-the-road, on a regular basis street footwear once more. I might pre-trim the sides of the insoles and experiment with some low-friction Engo patches, however they’d be my go-to. I’d possible convey two recent pairs to probably swap into, with an an identical pair at midway and a pair a half measurement up a bit later down the course. I’d additionally pack a lighter, quick-draining pair of street footwear if I ran a future course with repeated river crossings throughout a comparatively discrete part.
My Nike Pegasus 41s and Drymax Scorching Climate Run socks after the race. I’m nonetheless working in that pair of Peg 41s 5 months later. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Attire
Patagonia Strider Professional 5” Shorts – I’d virtually actually put on these once more. They’re my on a regular basis working quick as it’s. The liner and outer cloth proceed to work properly and really feel snug after days of steady use, and I each like and am used to the varied pockets discovered on the shorts. I did change right into a clear pair later within the race. Subsequent time, I’d plan to swap shorts twice, as a recent, clear pair does really feel wonderful, and is not any knock in opposition to the shorts themselves.
Heading off the beginning line in Paragonia Strider Professional shorts amidst a sea of tights. Photograph: Daniel Keppler
Mountain Hardwear Way2Cool Quick Sleeve Shirt – I wore the identical shirt from round 2012 for the complete race. I wore the identical shirt at Extremely Gobi 2015. I’d put on it once more. As I did this time, I packed an additional for a late race change and would think about doing so once more. How is that this nonetheless the most effective working shirt I’ve ever worn practically a decade and a half later?!
Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Jacket – From the identical period because the shirt above, it stays my favourite jacket of all time. Why? It’s ultralight and but not clammy or crinkly as another ultralight wind jackets are usually.
iRunFar Headsweats Hat – A easy, it-just-works hat that’s older than the 2 gadgets listed above. Newer isn’t all the time higher, however I’ve all the time obtained my eyes open for an ultralight, ethereal hat in a light-weight colour with a full brim.
That iRunFar Headsweats hat has seen some issues over the previous decade and a half! Photograph courtesy of race.
Drymax Scorching Climate Working 1/4 Crew – I’m undecided what number of pairs I introduced, however greater than a dozen. I feel I modified my socks at 9 of the ten relaxation factors, with the lone exception being the ultimate relaxation level. These socks launch perspiration, dry shortly, and customarily aren’t a blister-causer for me. They’re light-weight and maintain up simply advantageous beneath these circumstances. I’d 100% do the identical factor if the course was comparable sooner or later. My solely change can be to pre-wear each pair, as I used principally brand-new socks. One new pair had a bit further materials within the toe of 1 sock, and that led to blisters on the tip of two toes. Had I seen and lower out the additional materials on an earlier run, it will have been no downside in any respect.
About to get my Drymax Scorching Climate Run socks moist in a river crossing. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Montbell Tachyon Pants – Whereas pants aren’t obligatory gear, I threw these ultralight wind pants on each evening throughout Extremely Gobi. I wore their predecessor within the 2015 version, too. You received’t win any style awards in these pants, however they’re wonderful.
The North Face FlashDry Liner Gloves and Montbell U.L. Shell Gloves – On reflection, I feel I may get away with simply the Montbell gloves all through.
Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Jacket – An 800-fill or increased down jacket was a part of the obligatory equipment. I wore it on the excessive elevations on Evening 2 when temperatures dipped under 20 levels Fahrenheit (-5 Celsius) and within the later hours of the final evening. This puffy was greater than succesful and, because it’s ridiculously gentle, I can’t think about bringing every other puffy.
Smartwool Beanie – A cut-down-to-single-layer Smartwool beanie handed gear verify. I actually used it together with my common hat on Evening 2. I don’t suppose I used it the opposite two nights, when only a common hat or that plus a single-layer hood had been sufficient to maintain me heat.
Columbia/Montrail Titan Extremely Half Zip – This light-weight half-zip has been on many adventures with me going again to at the very least 2016. I picked it up on the final evening, possibly on the remaining relaxation level. It carried out properly, and I’ve but to discover a lighter lengthy sleeve, half-zip shirt.
The highest half of my equipment through the second afternoon of Extremely Gobi 2024. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Different Gear
Raidlight Revolutiv 24 pack – It was a straightforward option to convey it to Extremely Gobi 2024. There’s greater than ample rear storage capability with all of the pockets I want up entrance for easy-access gadgets. The pack rides extremely properly with the light-to-moderate masses one would have for Extremely Gobi and it’s moderately breathable and never too sizzling. I did pare a little bit of weight off earlier than the race and rigged up a pole system on the underside, as I by no means meant to make use of the obligatory poles.
I had tons of house leftover in my Raidlight Revolutiv 24 pack, however the massive measurement of the sleeping bag prevented utilizing a smaller pack. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
iPhone 16 Professional – I upgraded my cellphone forward of this journey. My iPhone is my navigation machine, audio leisure machine, voice observe taker, and, importantly, my digicam … as I took 1,300 images through the occasion. The cellphone labored nice and took great images. Half a yr in, I’m nonetheless undecided I favor the 5x digicam over the outdated 3x one. I had a pair of wired Apple sport headphones with me and a few low cost backups in my drop bins.
Coros Vertix 2 – I’ve had this look ahead to a bunch of years, however it retains on ticking. I’d have preemptively changed the battery by now, however batteries simply aren’t replaceable in most fashionable smartwatches and I used to be reassured that the utmost battery life can be simply advantageous for even a full-time restrict (142 hours) Extremely Gobi. I did swap to single-band GPS-only satellites, made different battery-saving strikes, and did put a charger or two in drop bins, I ended Extremely Gobi with a full 50% left on the watch battery and it was nonetheless at 43% a full 3.5 days and three quick runs after the race. Scorching rattling!
I didn’t know … or at the very least recall realizing that I may reconfigure the Vertix screens till lately. I’m positive glad I did! I used to be completely satisfied to not have complete time or distance on my watch, and to typically have the watch screens arrange as I like. Talking of which, I ought to take images of the screens in case I ever need to rebuild the settings.
Anyway, I by no means doubted the accuracy of the GPS or section distances and I typically know when the optical coronary heart charge is close to sufficient to be correct or out-there sufficient to disregard it. That’s ok for me.
The Coros Vertix 2 nonetheless with a 43% cost a full 3.5 days after ending Extremely Gobi. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Raidlight Easyflask Tube 600mL and Platypus Platy 1.5L Bladder – Solely within the few weeks earlier than the race did I ever actually give a water container with a straw an actual take a look at. I beloved it within the state of affairs that I wouldn’t must filter water. I ran with the Raidlight straw bottle with the insulation faraway from the straw, and it was good, because the 600-milliliter container was simply what I wanted between checkpoints. I carried a light-weight 1.5-liter Platypus bladder to account for the extra required 2L hydration capability.
Nitecore NU45 Headlamp and Nitecore Carbon 6k Battery – I’ll admit to spending an inordinate period of time determining my lighting and energy system earlier than the occasion, as I attempted to think about every part from my headlamp and to battery packs, from iPhone to headphones as one full system.
The Nitecore Carbon 6k Battery has the most effective vitality density of any small charger I’ve ever discovered, it could actually cost numerous in-use Nitecore headlamps, and provides comparatively fast USB charging. This setup did prod me to improve to an iPhone 16, so all my in-race electronics aside from my watch had been chargeable through USB-C to USB-C cables.
In coaching, the Nitecore NU45 Headlamp felt a bit on the heavy facet and I used to be afraid it’d give me a crick within the neck, however I by no means seen the load through the race. All in all, it was greater than enough for low complexity navigation and most footing conditions. It wasn’t my absolute favourite on some dusty doubletrack, as I discovered the sunshine a bit flat and it was laborious to have depth notion. Nonetheless, as a part of a system, it labored splendidly and I’d don’t have any downside selecting the sunshine once more … though I dream of any gentle being lighter and brighter!
Julbo Aerolite Reactiv photochromic sun shades – For Extremely Gobi, I wished a pair of 0-3 transition lenses that I by no means needed to put away or stow in my pack. I wore these for the entire darn race and by no means gave them a second thought. Having by no means worn them for three-straight days, I used to be a bit apprehensive that they could finally get uncomfortable. Nevertheless, they match nice all through.
Liking what I’m seeing the photographers taking pictures by my Julbo Aerolites. Photograph courtesy of race.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15F Down sleeping bag – Simply two days forward of journey, I spotted I wanted a hotter sleeping bag than the one I meant on bringing. This one match the invoice! It was a terrific bag … for the three hours through the race that I’ve used it to this point.
Garmin Foretrex 801 – A bit of obligatory gear that I had no intention of utilizing, such that I eliminated its wristband to avoid wasting weight. I did copy the total GPX file of the prompt route onto the unit as a 3rd navigational backup, even when I had no concept find out how to use it. Whereas I by no means did pull up the course on the Foretrex, I did use it as a compass. On a 16-mile straight-westward bearing on a moonless evening, I wanted a bearing as there was no horizon level seen to fixate on. Whereas the navigation app I used on my cellphone gave compass bearings, it was too sluggish to reply. A mile or two into this stretch, I pulled out the Foretrex and inside a minute I had a really responsive compass. Growth!
My normal observe was to completely “yard sale” my drop bins at relaxation factors. As soon as I made up my mind I didn’t want or was completed with an merchandise, it went again within the field. The system labored properly, as I needed to contact each object from the field earlier than shifting on, so nothing was forgotten. Photograph courtesy of race volunteer.
Leki Ultralite Fx.One Superlite trekking poles – Trekking poles had been required gear for this occasion. I’m merely not a pole man, particularly on such a comparatively flat course, so these had been the lightest practical trekking poles I had at dwelling. I had no intention of utilizing them, and by no means did. I advocated in opposition to this requirement earlier than the race and would achieve this once more.
Huawei Mate 60 – We would have liked a satellite tv for pc cellphone that might work in China as a part of our obligatory gear, so we rented these smartphones that have already got satellite tv for pc cellphone calling, a functionality coming to some U.S. telephones and companies within the close to future. I did handle to obtain the Strava app and add the Extremely Gobi race information to it, as my fourth redundant backup navigation system. I by no means turned on the cellphone through the race.
Different obligatory gear: medical equipment, whistle, knife, blinking gentle – I carried a really primary medical equipment, knife, whistle, and small blinking gentle that met race laws for obligatory gear. I did devour a pair ibuprofen.
Drop field extras: rags, slippers, plug-in chargers, cost cords – I had a clear store rag to wash my toes and a pair of lodge slippers in every drop field. I used the rags and a few of the slippers. I virtually all the time took my footwear and socks off instantly upon coming into a relaxation level and it was good to have one thing to put on if I needed to stroll to the restroom or the like. I did carry one USB-C to USB-C cable the entire means, however had numerous charging necessities unfold out throughout a few of the drop bins.
My full beginning equipment for the 2024 Extremely Gobi. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
On Meals
To begin, I guestimated what tenting meals I ate. Packing up after the race was a bit frantic, and I didn’t snap a photograph of what meals I had left over, however I assume I ate round 5.
At first blush, it appears like I did far worse in caloric consumption when in comparison with that of my run in 2015, at 14,729 energy in 2024 versus 19,244 in 2015. Nevertheless, grossly adjusted primarily based on time (69 hours versus 99 hours), that’s a mean of 213 energy per hour in 2024 versus 194 energy per hour in 2015. I’ll take it — even when I didn’t eat the final eight hours in 2024!
Pre-race feasting (together with my favourite, laziji!) in Beijing, China, with two long-time extremely pals who had been randomly staying in the identical lodge as me. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
- Peanut M&Ms – They’ve turn into my go-to gasoline on lengthy adventures and that was once more the case throughout Extremely Gobi, offering greater than 20% of my energy!
- Coke – I drank at the very least eight of the ten Cokes I packed.
- Untapped gels (common) – These had been simply the celebrities of endurance vitamin merchandise.
- Skratch Train Hydration Combine – My go-to hydration combine for the race even when I didn’t have sufficient lemon taste … identical to through the 2015 race!
- Upside surprises – Not like 2015, I didn’t actually have any shock stars right here, though enjoyable measurement Snickers labored properly. Oh, I assume French burnt peanuts(!) of which I had a pair 100-gram baggage.
- Caffeine – If there have been fails, it was round caffeine. I unintentionally over-caffeinated on the second afternoon, partly with a caffeinated drink combine with out non-caffeinated options useful. Sooner or later, I’d cut back the quantity of caffeine in my major vitamin choices and complement with extra direct types of caffeine to deal with sleepiness.
- Tenting meals … and their options – Tenting meals labored rather well for me in Extremely Gobi in 2015, however not as properly in 2024. I’ll be on the lookout for choices for find out how to satisfyingly absorb 500-plus energy shortly or instantly after a relaxation level with out the necessity to await meals to rehydrate.
All of the meals that I took to Extremely Gobi 2024 and what I ate.
On Hydration
As finest as I can recall, I drank roughly a 600-milliliter flask of sports activities drink between each checkpoint (roughly each 10k) all through the race together with a 500-milliliter Coca Cola each 40k and possibly a bit of additional water at some checkpoints. With the 2024 Extremely Gobi being comparatively cool, this was greater than sufficient to maintain me hydrated. Certainly, I used to be a bit overhydrated if something, as I should have peed 35 instances within the first two days.
When you can’t actually “financial institution” a lot efficient hydration on the market, staying topped up on hydration meant that I didn’t fear after I didn’t drink at throughout greater than 50k and eight hours by the evening on the finish of the occasion.
As with my go at Extremely Gobi 2015, I by no means supplemented with electrolyte tablets and by no means skilled any common or leg cramping. I did typically drink electrolyte drinks between checkpoints and had a pair tenting meals. With sufficient coaching, that was greater than sufficient to maintain my electrolytes inside an efficient vary.
Group Rehydration exterior my tent post-race. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
On Sleep
In my first go at Extremely Gobi in 2015, I prioritized getting full nights of sleep as I wished to maximise the enjoyable on an enormous journey and I’d witnessed Meghan endure from sleep monsters through the Tor des Géants a yr earlier. Ultimately, that resulted in me sleeping the primary two nights with solely a brief nap on the finish of Evening 3 by the tip of the race early on Day 5.
In returning to Extremely Gobi, I knew I may theoretically save time by reducing down on my deliberate sleep and time that I took in the remaining factors by which I slept. Effectively, mission completed! I went from 24 hours spent within the three relaxation factors by which I slept in 2015 to 5 hours complete — sleeping or in any other case — spent within the one relaxation level I slept in throughout Extremely Gobi 2024. Certainly, I slept for less than three hours, multi function go in the midst of Evening 2.
Issues labored out fairly completely this time round, as I used to be so sleepy within the remaining hour earlier than reaching that relaxation level. About an hour after arriving at that relaxation level, I fell asleep with each my watch and an help station volunteer on alert to wake me in 5 hours, after a deliberate three full sleep cycles. I did wake after one cycle and ate a pair hundred energy earlier than returning to sleep. I woke once more after the second sleep cycle and once more began consuming a pair hundred further energy whereas absolutely intending to return to sleep … however by some means I sensed that I wasn’t sleepy anymore and after only a few minutes determined it was go time. I wouldn’t consider sleeping for the remaining 25-plus hours of the race nor would I be in the slightest degree sleepy once more.
That’s 69 hours of the race, plus one other 5 hours awake earlier than the race with solely three hours of sleep. Ought to the necessity have arisen, I used to be prepared to take an influence nap on the course that third day or, if wanted, cease for just a few full sleep cycles, however researching adventure-racing sleep plans paid off.
Now, I dare say, realizing {that a} sub-three-day end is feasible, I’d be prepared to experiment with even much less sleep. Is that one full sleep cycle in the midst of Evening 2? Do I skip pulling out the sleeping bag and in any other case lower the time in a relaxation level for that sleep down by an extra hour such that it’s 2.5 hours as a substitute of 5? Do I solely take a pair trail-side naps as wanted late within the race? I plan to poke round and see what I can study how folks plan sleep in a roughly three-day race.
Extra stats:
- 38 hours, quarter-hour – In regards to the elapsed race time I obtained to relaxation level 6, the place I’d cease to sleep.
- 43:15 – With a 4:45 a.m. get up on race morning, how lengthy I estimate I used to be repeatedly awake till my three-hour sleep break.
- 76:15 (3 days, 4 hours, quarter-hour) – An estimate of the span throughout which I slept solely three hours.
The one spot I’d sleep throughout Extremely Gobi 2024. The excess Folks’s Liberation Military winter jackets made nice pillows! Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
What I Would Do In a different way
Throughout all scales, issues went unimaginably properly for me at Extremely Gobi 2024. This listing feels prefer it accommodates lighter lifts than my comparable listing after Extremely Gobi 2015. These are simply particulars.
- Even higher Achilles/calf rehabilitation – I managed to get my Achilles to pain-free throughout Extremely Gobi. I’d intention for extra calf power in addition to extra confidence to make use of them.
- Goal for higher health – I used to be actually sturdy sufficient for Extremely Gobi, however I may have been a lot fitter. No complaints there, however excessive quantity and extra intense coaching over the half yr forward of Extremely Gobi would repay.
- Go in a bit trimmer – I trimmed up a bunch for Extremely Gobi and had no vitality points. Entering into two or three kilos even lighter can be welcome.
- Contemplate sleeping much less, if on the same course – Rumor is the 2025 Extremely Gobi course will likely be slower, but when it was the identical or just like the 2024 course, I’d be tempted to attempt sleeping even much less, if in any respect. I’m undecided what’s the longest time interval athletic efficiency isn’t majorly lessened by lack of sleep. I’d need to discuss to some Barkley Marathons finishers and a few of the 60- to 65-hour finishers from different 200- to 250-mile races.
- Deliver much less gear and meals in drop bins – I introduced an excessive amount of stuff. I took numerous notes on what I wouldn’t convey if I ran Extremely Gobi once more. At least, it’d positive make touring simpler!
- Turn into snug climbing barbwire fences – Some sections of the Gobi had barbwire fences strung between T-posts. I might need to observe being protected, environment friendly, and assured in getting over them.
Stunning dunes apart a checkpoint on the primary afternoon. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Name for Feedback
- If you happen to’ve obtained any questions on my gear selections or logistics, ask away!
- Did I miss overlaying something, on this or my narrative report? Once more, ask away!
The fantastic thing about the golden hour within the Gobi. Photograph: iRunFar/Bryon Powell