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 means of the Gobi Desert of north-central China’s Gansu province.
I might have 142 hours to navigate to the 28 checkpoints (which provided ambient-temperature water solely) and 10 relaxation factors (providing ambient and scorching water, heated communal tents, and our drop containers). There have been no crews or pacers on the race. With adequate coaching and many logistical preparation, partly knowledgeable by an article I wrote very similar to this one after I ran the 2015 version of this occasion, I completed in slightly below 69 hours, successful the lads’s race and setting a males’s race report.
The next are my ideas on varied logistical elements of the race, together with gear, vitamin, hydration, and sleep. To make certain, it is a geeky, detail-oriented article. It’s not for everybody, however it’ll absolutely discover a couple of 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.
Me and my pack. Picture: Daniel Keppler
By the Numbers
Complete distance – 245.2 miles
Complete time – 68 hours, 59 minutes, 40 seconds
Complete 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)
Complete sleep – Slightly below three hours
Estimated energy burned – 35,518
Estimated energy consumed – 14,729
The run on Strava.
A wonderful stretch of highway excessive up on the second afternoon. Picture: 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 the reason why I assumed I ran one of the best extremely of my life, however perhaps not a lot from taking a look at exterior measures. Plus I missed a couple of inner ones as nicely. So, listed here are a pair extra express the reason why I used to be so happy with that efficiency.
Working 245 miles in below three days – I might 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 below three days – I don’t know what number of people have coated that a lot floor on foot in lower than three days. Ever. A pair thousand? A whole lot?
A quicker final 100 miles than first 100 miles – Whereas not a real destructive break 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 quicker than the primary. Sure, I feel the ultimate 100 miles have 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 nicely sufficient to nonetheless have the ability to transfer so nicely over these remaining 100 miles.
Thirty hours quicker than in 2015 – Whereas the course was completely different, it was comparable sufficient to make working Extremely Gobi greater than 30 hours quicker than in 2015 significant.
A race report time, with out understanding – It wasn’t till someday after ending that I discovered I’d set the race report. Truthfully, I had no clue what the quickest time run at Extremely Gobi was. On reflection, it feels fairly superb to have run quicker than some fairly strong athletes, and to have finished so just by working the race I wished to run somewhat than chase a time on the clock.
The age issue – I did this at age 46.
The power damage issue – In January 2024, the ache and dysfunction in each Achilles tendons have been so dangerous I assumed I used to be finished mountain working eternally. Lower than 9 months later, I’d rehabbed nicely 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 proud of 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 might go improper and addressed what did.
I ran and walked nicely all race – Feeling like I might run nicely within the final runnable sections and stroll nicely within the final strolling sections was nice.
Ending sturdy – I completed feeling like I might maintain going for one more few days.
Prayer flags amidst a excessive valley and even increased mountains on the second afternoon. Picture: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
On Gear
On this part, I focus on all of the gear that I carried in the course of the race, whether or not or not I used it. In contrast to my 2015 Extremely Gobi race report, I received’t record the gear that was packed in drop containers, 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 tools information at check-in. Picture: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Footwear
Nike Pegasus 41 – I used one pair of highway footwear for your complete 245 miles of the race. I had at the least six shoe modifications out there – one in every of the race’s six drop containers, 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 highway 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 attainable shoe change, they have been nonetheless working nicely, 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 means of the race. The balls of each toes did get a bit sore late within the race, however to not any stage that turned a problem. I’m intrigued to strive 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 by way of terrain, I’d seemingly put on one other pair of middle-of-the-road, on a regular basis highway 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 seemingly deliver two recent pairs to presumably swap into, with an an identical pair at midway and a pair a half dimension up a bit later down the course. I’d additionally pack a lighter, quick-draining pair of highway 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. Picture: 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 brief as it’s. The liner and outer cloth proceed to work nicely and really feel comfy after days of steady use, and I each like and am used to the assorted 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 superb, and isn’t any knock in opposition to the shorts themselves.
Heading off the beginning line in Paragonia Strider Professional shorts amidst a sea of tights. Picture: Daniel Keppler
Mountain Hardwear Way2Cool Quick Sleeve Shirt – I wore the identical shirt from round 2012 for your 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 one of the best working shirt I’ve ever worn almost 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 at all times higher, however I’ve at all times bought my eyes open for an ultralight, ethereal hat in a lightweight shade with a full brim.
That iRunFar Headsweats hat has seen some issues over the previous decade and a half! Picture 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 usually aren’t a blister-causer for me. They’re light-weight and maintain up simply high-quality below these situations. I’d 100% do the identical factor if the course was comparable sooner or later. My solely change could be to pre-wear each pair, as I used largely brand-new socks. One new pair had a bit additional materials within the toe of 1 sock, and that led to blisters on the top of two toes. Had I seen and reduce out the additional materials on an earlier run, it will have been no drawback in any respect.
About to get my Drymax Scorching Climate Run socks moist in a river crossing. Picture: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Montbell Tachyon Pants – Whereas pants aren’t obligatory gear, I threw these ultralight wind pants on each night time throughout Extremely Gobi. I wore their predecessor within the 2015 version, too. You received’t win any vogue awards in these pants, however they’re superb.
The North Face FlashDry Liner Gloves and Montbell U.L. Shell Gloves – On reflection, I feel I might 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 night time. This puffy was greater than succesful and, because it’s ridiculously gentle, I can’t think about bringing another 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 have 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 least 2016. I picked it up on the final night time, perhaps on the remaining relaxation level. It carried out nicely, and I’ve but to discover a lighter lengthy sleeve, half-zip shirt.
The highest half of my equipment in the course of the second afternoon of Extremely Gobi 2024. Picture: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Different Gear
Raidlight Revolutiv 24 pack – It was a simple option to deliver 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 nicely with the light-to-moderate hundreds one would have for Extremely Gobi and it’s fairly breathable and never too scorching. 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 dimension of the sleeping bag prevented utilizing a smaller pack. Picture: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
iPhone 16 Professional – I upgraded my telephone forward of this journey. My iPhone is my navigation system, audio leisure system, voice observe taker, and, importantly, my digicam … as I took 1,300 pictures in the course of the occasion. The telephone labored nice and took fantastic pictures. Half a 12 months in, I’m nonetheless undecided I favor the 5x digicam over the previous 3x one. I had a pair of wired Apple sport headphones with me and a few low-cost backups in my drop containers.
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 could be simply high-quality for even a full-time restrict (142 hours) Extremely Gobi. I did change to single-band GPS-only satellites, made different battery-saving strikes, and did put a charger or two in drop containers, 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 brief runs after the race. Scorching rattling!
I didn’t know … or at the least recall understanding that I might reconfigure the Vertix screens till just lately. I’m positive glad I did! I used to be glad to not have complete time or distance on my watch, and to usually have the watch screens arrange as I like. Talking of which, I ought to take pictures of the screens in case I ever should rebuild the settings.
Anyway, I by no means doubted the accuracy of the GPS or section distances and I usually know when the optical coronary heart fee 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. Picture: 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 liked it within the situation that I wouldn’t have to filter water. I ran with the Raidlight straw bottle with the insulation faraway from the straw, and it was excellent, because the 600-milliliter container was simply what I wanted between checkpoints. I carried a lightweight 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 consider every thing from my headlamp and to battery packs, from iPhone to headphones as one full system.
The Nitecore Carbon 6k Battery has one of the best vitality density of any small charger I’ve ever discovered, it might probably cost quite a few in-use Nitecore headlamps, and presents 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 have been chargeable by way of USB-C to USB-C cables.
In coaching, the Nitecore NU45 Headlamp felt a bit on the heavy aspect and I used to be afraid it would give me a crick within the neck, however I by no means seen the load in the course of the race. All in all, it was greater than adequate 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 arduous to have depth notion. Nonetheless, as a part of a system, it labored splendidly and I’d don’t have any drawback 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 nervous that they could finally get uncomfortable. Nonetheless, they match nice all through.
Liking what I’m seeing the photographers capturing by means of my Julbo Aerolites. Picture courtesy of race.
Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15F Down sleeping bag – Simply two days forward of journey, I noticed I wanted a hotter sleeping bag than the one I meant on bringing. This one match the invoice! It was an awesome bag … for the three hours in the course of the race that I’ve used it thus far.
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 instructed 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 night time, I wanted a bearing as there was no horizon level seen to fixate on. Whereas the navigation app I used on my telephone gave compass bearings, it was too gradual to reply. A mile or two into this stretch, I pulled out the Foretrex and inside a minute I had a really responsive compass. Increase!
My normal apply was to completely “yard sale” my drop containers at relaxation factors. As soon as I decided I didn’t want or was finished with an merchandise, it went again within the field. The system labored nicely, as I needed to contact each object from the field earlier than transferring on, so nothing was forgotten. Picture courtesy of race volunteer.
Leki Ultralite Fx.One Superlite trekking poles – Trekking poles have been required tools for this occasion. I’m merely not a pole man, particularly on such a comparatively flat course, so these have been the lightest purposeful 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 telephone that may work in China as a part of our obligatory tools, so we rented these smartphones that have already got satellite tv for pc telephone calling, a functionality coming to some U.S. telephones and providers 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 telephone in the course of the race.
Different obligatory gear: medical equipment, whistle, knife, blinking gentle – I carried a really fundamental medical equipment, knife, whistle, and small blinking gentle that met race rules for obligatory gear. I did eat a pair ibuprofen.
Drop field extras: rags, slippers, plug-in chargers, cost cords – I had a clear store rag to scrub my toes and a pair of lodge slippers in every drop field. I used the rags and a few of the slippers. I virtually at all times 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 approach, however had varied charging necessities unfold out throughout a few of the drop containers.
My full beginning equipment for the 2024 Extremely Gobi. Picture: 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 suppose I ate round 5.
At first blush, it appears to be like 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. Nonetheless, 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 associates who have been randomly staying in the identical lodge as me. Picture: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Peanut M&Ms – They’ve change 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 least eight of the ten Cokes I packed.
Untapped gels (common) – These have been simply the celebs 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 in the course of the 2015 race!
Upside surprises – In contrast to 2015, I didn’t actually have any shock stars right here, though enjoyable dimension Snickers labored nicely. Oh, I suppose French burnt peanuts(!) of which I had a pair 100-gram baggage.
Caffeine – If there have been fails, it was round caffeine. I by chance over-caffeinated on the second afternoon, partially with a caffeinated drink combine with out non-caffeinated alternate options helpful. Sooner or later, I’d scale back the quantity of caffeine in my main vitamin choices and complement with extra direct types of caffeine to deal with sleepiness.
Tenting meals … and their alternate options – Tenting meals labored rather well for me in Extremely Gobi in 2015, however not as nicely in 2024. I’ll be on the lookout for choices for find out how to satisfyingly soak up 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 greatest 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 perhaps 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 will need to have peed 35 instances within the first two days.
Whilst 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 means of the night time on the finish of the occasion.
As with my go at Extremely Gobi 2015, I by no means supplemented with electrolyte capsules and by no means skilled any common or leg cramping. I did usually drink electrolyte drinks between checkpoints and had a pair tenting meals. With satisfactory coaching, that was greater than sufficient to maintain my electrolytes inside an efficient vary.
Workforce Rehydration exterior my tent post-race. Picture: 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 in the course of the Tor des Géants a 12 months earlier. In the long run, that resulted in me sleeping the primary two nights with solely a brief nap on the finish of Evening 3 by means of the top of the race early on Day 5.
In returning to Extremely Gobi, I knew I might theoretically save time by reducing down on my deliberate sleep and time that I took in the remainder factors wherein I slept. Effectively, mission completed! I went from 24 hours spent within the three relaxation factors wherein 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 functional 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 assist 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 just some 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 least 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 a couple of full sleep cycles, however researching adventure-racing sleep plans paid off.
Now, I dare say, understanding {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 reduce the time in a relaxation level for that sleep down by a further hour such that it’s 2.5 hours as an alternative 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 find out about how folks plan sleep in a roughly three-day race.
Further stats:
38 hours, quarter-hour – In regards to the elapsed race time I bought 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 constantly 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! Picture: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
What I Would Do Otherwise
Throughout all scales, issues went unimaginably nicely for me at Extremely Gobi 2024. This record feels prefer it comprises lighter lifts than my comparable record 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 purpose for extra calf energy in addition to extra confidence to make use of them.
Purpose for higher health – I used to be actually sturdy sufficient for Extremely Gobi, however I might have been a lot fitter. No complaints there, however excessive quantity and extra intense coaching over the half 12 months forward of Extremely Gobi would repay.
Go in a bit trimmer – I trimmed up a bunch for Extremely Gobi and had no vitality points. Moving into two or three kilos even lighter could 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 strive 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 wish 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 containers – I introduced an excessive amount of stuff. I took numerous notes on what I wouldn’t deliver if I ran Extremely Gobi once more. In any case, it’d positive make touring simpler!
Grow to be comfy climbing barbwire fences – Some sections of the Gobi had barbwire fences strung between T-posts. I might wish to apply being secure, environment friendly, and assured in getting over them.
Stunning dunes apart a checkpoint on the primary afternoon. Picture: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
Name for Feedback
When you’ve bought any questions on my gear selections or logistics, ask away!
Did I miss masking something, on this or my narrative report? Once more, ask away!
The great thing about the golden hour within the Gobi. Picture: iRunFar/Bryon Powell
