In October, I’m off to South Africa to participate in the sixth annual South African Kalahari Augrabies Extreme Marathon; a six-stage, 150-mile foot race across the Kalahari Desert as an assignment for Runner’s World magazine. I will run between 16 to 51 miles per day over rocky trails, active vineyards, rutted outcrops and no surprise, sand. The mercury will soar to 105-degrees during the day and plummet into the 40s at night. Competitors must carry all their provisions – including food, clothing and safety equipment needed for the journey, meaning my pack will weigh about 20-pounds at the beginning of the race. It will get lighter each day as I chomp down PowerBars, Ramen Noodles and Macadamia nuts – perhaps the most efficient calorie-to-weight food ever.
There will, of course be wine tasting book-ending my trip. It would be a sin to miss exploring South Africa’s fledging wine country and fascinating culture.
à Runner’s World magazine article in January 2006 issue
