When I committed to RacingThePlanet: Gobi March, I thought I was preparing for a race. I now realise I was preparing for a lesson. Considering I had been absent from the trails due to life commitments.

Looking back, the race itself was only one chapter. The real story began months before I boarded the plane to Mongolia.

The Training

Training wasn't always glamorous. There were mornings when getting out of bed felt harder than the run itself, days when work demanded attention, family needed me, and life simply refused to cooperate with the plan. Yet every run, every gym session, every hill repeat quietly added another brick to the foundation.

I once wrote a blog about laying a foundation. At the time, it was something I hoped would pay off one day. The Gobi proved that it did.

A foundation isn't meant to impress anyone. It's meant to hold you together when everything else begins to fall apart.

The Journey There

Getting to Mongolia felt like an expedition of its own. Long flights, airport dramas, and finally touching down in Ulaanbaatar with a mix of excitement and uncertainty — I didn't know exactly what awaited me.

Then came the gear checks, competitor briefings, and packing meals into ziplock bags. Suddenly, months of preparation became real.

Standing on the start line, there was no more planning. Only running, I silenced all the noise of negative elements.

The Gobi Experience

People hear "Gobi Desert" and imagine endless dunes. The Gobi had other plans — it surprised me every single day.

Rolling green hills stretched to the horizon. Beautiful valleys opened up between impossible climbs. Forests I now rank among the most beautiful I've ever seen. Rivers, open plains, livestock grazing peacefully — landscapes that made you forget, for a moment, that your legs were screaming.

The course designers deserve every bit of praise. Just when you thought you had the terrain figured out, they introduced something completely different. Every stage asked a different question, and every stage demanded a different answer.

The Stages

The first stage humbled me. I didn't run as well as I'd hoped. In previous years, that would have bothered me. This time, it didn't — I wasn't chasing one stage. I was chasing the finish line.

Each stage became an opportunity to learn. I learned that pride sometimes has to be swallowed: the running poles I had never trained with became one of my best decisions, after watching and learning from another athlete. I learned that changing strategy mid-race isn't a weakness. Its growth.

Then came the Long March. 80 kilometres.

Everyone talks about the distance. Ironically, the distance wasn't what occupied my mind — strategy did. After overthinking almost everything, the answer arrived at 4 in the morning:

"On difficult ground, keep steadily on the march."

Those words from The Art of War stayed with me for the rest of the race.

One flag. One checkpoint. One step. Forward.

That became my strategy.

The Rest Day

Sometimes endurance isn't about moving. Sometimes it's about stopping.

The rest day beside the stream reminded me that recovery is part of performance. Listening to the flowing water while passing showers cooled the camp, I had time to reflect — not just on the race, but on life. We spend so much time chasing the next goal that we forget to appreciate where we are.

The body recovered. The mind reset. The heart found gratitude.

The Finish

The final 7.3 kilometres into the ancient city of Karakorum felt different. No pressure — only celebration.

Crossing the small river and running through the town, every step was a reminder of what endurance really means. Not speed. Not rankings. Refusing to give up.

Watching athletes cry, laugh, hug, take endless photos, eat pizza, and enjoy a well-earned beer reminded me that we all arrive at the same finish line carrying different stories.

Receiving my third RacingThePlanet medal was emotional. Three deserts completed. One remains.

Antarctica now stands between me and becoming a 4 Deserts finisher. That dream suddenly feels very real.

What I Learned

The Gobi taught me that success isn't built on perfect days. It's built on ordinary days when you choose to keep going anyway.

It taught me that adapting can matter more than sticking to the original plan. It reminded me that comparison steals joy — every athlete out there was fighting a battle nobody else could fully understand.

Most importantly, it reminded me that positivity is a choice. Not because every situation is good, but because every situation has something to teach you.

To Anyone Chasing a Big Dream

Whether you're training for your first 5 km or your first marathon, starting a business, studying for an exam, or chasing a dream that scares you — don't wait until you feel ready. Start.

Lay the foundation. Accept that some days you'll feel strong and others will humble you. Celebrate the small wins. Learn from the difficult ones. Keep moving, even if it's one step at a time.

Because one day you'll look back and realise it wasn't one giant leap that got you there. It was thousands of small, consistent steps.

The Gobi gave me another medal. More importantly, it gave me perspective — a prize I'll carry long after the sand has been shaken from my shoes.

A Word of Thanks

None of this happens alone.

To everyone who supported me — family, friends, training partners, and all of you who sent messages of encouragement from home — thank you. Every message read at camp, every word of belief before I left, carried me further than you know. You were with me on every climb, at every checkpoint, and across every finish line.

And this race carried a deeper meaning. I am proud to have dedicated it to Dr Rob. Every step through the Gobi was for him, and crossing that finish line with his name in my heart made the medal mean so much more.

Until Antarctica...

Take care, stay positive, and keep steadily on the march.

MabasaFinish

Today was the final chapter of this incredible adventure—a 7.3 km Victory Run into the ancient city of Karakorum, once the capital of the great Mongol Empire.

The distance was short, but every step carried the weight of the journey that had brought us here.

We crossed a small river before making our way through the quiet streets of the town. With every stride, I wasn't just running towards a finish line—I was celebrating endurance, resilience, and the countless hours of hard work that made this moment possible. Every hill climbed, every blister endured, every doubt overcome had led to these final kilometres.

Crossing the finish line was an emotional moment.

Around me, every athlete celebrated in their own unique way. Some shed tears of joy, others screamed in triumph. There were hugs, high-fives, endless photographs, pizzas being devoured, and well-earned beers being raised in celebration. It was a beautiful reminder that while we all ran the same race, each of us had our own story of perseverance.

For me, the moment became even more special as I received my third RacingThePlanet medal.

Three deserts completed.

Just one more remains before I can proudly call myself a 4 Deserts finisher. That thought alone fills me with excitement and gratitude. The dream is now closer than ever.

Like all great moments, this one was over far too quickly. Before long, it was time to gather our bags, board the buses, and begin the long journey back to Ulaanbaatar.

As I looked back one last time, I realised that although we were leaving the Gobi behind, the memories, the lessons, and the friendships forged here would travel home with us.

The Gobi tested me, humbled me, and rewarded me.

And for that, I will always be grateful.

Until the next desert... Train Hard. #MabasaFinish

Today is a rest day, and I must admit, the body needed it.

After completing the Long March, this pause couldn't have come at a better time. Our camp is beautifully set up beside a flowing stream, whose gentle sound has become the soundtrack of the day. It's peaceful, calming, and exactly what the body and mind needed.

I've spent most of today simply sitting, reflecting, and pondering many things about life. Endurance racing has a way of stripping away the noise and leaving you alone with your thoughts. Out here, surrounded by nature, you begin to appreciate the little things and gain a fresh perspective on the bigger picture.

We've also had a few passing showers throughout the day. Rather than being an inconvenience, they've added to the peaceful atmosphere, cooling everything down and reminding us that nature has its own rhythm.

Recovery is often overlooked, but today reminds me that it is just as important as the running itself. The muscles are recovering, the mind is resetting, and the spirit is preparing for what lies ahead.

Tomorrow, we return to the course for another marathon stage. Today, however, I'm embracing the stillness, grateful for the opportunity to rest before taking on the next challenge.

Take care and stay positive.

From experience, I know that the day before a race is the busiest for everyone — management, volunteers, the local team, and competitors alike.

I went to bed a little late after packing my meals into Ziplock bags, so waking up this morning was a challenge. After a quick breakfast and getting myself ready, it was time for the competitor briefing followed by gear check.

Gear check is where all mandatory equipment is inspected, while the medical team reviews health-related requirements and goes through each athlete’s meal plan to ensure we have enough calories for the race.

I can’t speak for every race, but one of the standout features of the 4 Deserts series is its dedicated and highly professional medical team. Their attention to detail and athlete welfare is second to none.

Thankfully, my gear passed without any issues. After that, I headed to reception to check out of the hotel.

Now I’m sitting in the lobby, watching the buses line up, ready to take us deep into the Gobi Desert and on to Camp 1.

The next time I post, the adventure will truly have begun.

The long journey from Turkey to Ulaanbaatar was a smooth and safe one. I spent most of the flight watching movies and trying to get some rest.

I arrived early this morning, and I must say — this place is absolutely beautiful. It feels like a blend of the lush greenery of Zimbabwe and the vast open spaces and low population density of Namibia.

I’m already loving it here. And can you believe it’s snowing? It’s amazing to experience and a proper welcome of an African prince ?.

For now, I’m spending time making sure all the final details are in place before the race briefing tomorrow. 

I hardly slept last night — I guess the anxiety of the long journey to Mongolia finally kicked in. I just want everything to flow smoothly.

The bags are packed, and I’m ready to take on the long trip to the start line.

After dropping my girls off at school, it was time to head out. I arrived at OR Tambo with a few delays and ended up enduring a little marathon around the airport — but that’s a story for another day!

Thankfully, I made my connection to Istanbul, and the journey so far has been smooth. The FIFA World Cup kept me entertained along the way. Now im relaxed and stepping in Istanbul away the next leg to ulaanbartaar.

Next update when I touch down in Ulaanbaatar. The adventure continues.

#GobiMarch #4DaysToGo #RoadToGobi #AdventureAwaits #Ultrarunning #StageRace #RaceToTheStartLine

As I get ready to travel tomorrow, I find myself sitting in the office, pondering life—something that seems to have become my default setting as I slowly get older.

Every now and then, my thoughts were interrupted by calls from clients. Wanting a moment to disconnect, I placed my phone on the dock. At first, I thought I heard the charging tone, but when I glanced over, it was a message from the airline reminding me that tomorrow is the big day—the day I take the first steps towards the Gobi start line.

My mind immediately drifted to one question:

Why do I run?

Revisiting this question from time to time helps me understand the mission. Once I reconnect with my purpose, all that remains is to align my actions with it.

The easy answer would be to say I run for fitness, adventure, or the challenge. While all of those are true, the real answer goes much deeper.

I run because running has taught me resilience. It has shown me that limits are often self-imposed and that growth happens when we choose to keep moving forward despite discomfort.

I run because every finish line carries a story of sacrifice, discipline, and purpose.

I run because somewhere along the journey, running became more than a sport—it became a way of life.

As I prepare for the Gobi, this particular race carries an even deeper meaning.

I am running in memory of a legend, Dr Rob Ripley.

During the Namib Race, Dr Rob's encouragement before and after the Long March left a lasting impression on me. His kindness, wisdom, and genuine support touched so many athletes across the RacingThePlanet community.

He understood that these races are about more than distances and rankings. They are about human connection, perseverance, and bringing out the best in one another.

As I take each step across the Gobi Desert, I will carry his memory with me.

There will be moments of pain, moments of doubt, and moments when the easiest option would be to stop. In those moments, I will remember the encouragement he shared so freely and the example he set for all of us.

This journey is bigger than me.

It is about honouring those who have inspired us, supported us, and left footprints that continue to guide our path long after they are gone.

So why do I run?

I run for the challenge.

I run for the adventure.

I run for my family.

I run for the people who believe in me.

And this time, I run in memory of Dr Rob.?️.

#Gobi2026 #RacingThePlanet #5DaysToGo #RunForPurpose #InMemoryOfDrRob #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #WhyIRun

The countdown is getting real now.

In just two days, I will board a plane and begin the journey to Mongolia for the Gobi race. Months of preparation, early mornings, late nights, long runs, sacrifices, and countless kilometres have all led to this moment.

It's a strange feeling. Excitement and nerves seem to walk hand in hand.

The training is done. The miles are in the legs. The gear is packed. Now it's about trusting the process and believing in the work that has been put in. Thank you for every message, every word of encouragement, and every bit of support along the way.

Over the next few days, my focus shifts from preparation to execution.

The goal remains simple: stay patient, run my own race, embrace the challenge, and create memories that will last a lifetime.

The Gobi Desert is waiting.

#Gobi2026 #RacingThePlanet #6DaysToGo #RoadToGobi #UltraRunning #RunYourOwnRace #AdventureAwaits #TrustTheProcess

With just seven days remaining until the Gobi, and it being a Sunday, I found myself awake at 3:00 a.m. to catch up on the Club World Cup matches, which are starting early because of the time difference.

From football, I switched over to the Comrades Marathon at 4:30 a.m., drawing inspiration from one of the greatest ultramarathons in the world. Watching the pace, tactics, and race strategies unfold reminded me of something I have always valued:

Compete, but run your own race.

Changing your strategy simply to react to what others are doing often leads to negative outcomes. As I prepare for the Gobi, I have reflected on my past experiences, made the necessary adjustments, and put together a race plan that I believe in.

This time, I promise myself that I will stick to it, no matter what.

Later in the day, the girls asked if we could go for a drive and enjoy a peaceful Sunday together before I leave. We often underestimate moments like these, but they are truly priceless.

To make the day extra special, I treated them to a Daddy Special BBQ. Afterwards, I headed into my office where all my gear was laid out and began packing everything into my travel bags.

It's starting to feel real now.

Many of the other competitors are already making their way to the Gobi, and I can't wait to join them so we can create memories that will last a lifetime.

The countdown continues.

7 days to go. 

#Gobi2026 #RacingThePlanet #7DaysToGo #RunYourOwnRace #UltraRunning #TrailRunning #AdventureAwaits #FamilyFirst

With just 8 days to go, I found myself spending quality time with my youngest daughter, mainly because I have managed to shelve most of the work and last-minute responsibilities. We headed to the jungle gym and later spent some time at the trampoline park. Moments like these are priceless, especially knowing that soon I will be thousands of kilometres away in the vastness of the Gobi Desert.

I also made a stop to pick up some coffee packets that I will be taking with me. The selection includes different coffee variations sourced from various regions, something I look forward to enjoying in the mornings. In a race where routine and small comforts can make a big difference, a good cup of coffee at the start of the day is one of those little things that helps set the tone.

Later in the day, I put on my race vest and headed out for an easy 5 km run in the soft sand along the beach. At this stage, the goal is simple: stay healthy. The hard work has already been done. There is no fitness to gain now that will significantly change my race outcome, but there is plenty to lose through an unnecessary injury.

My focus during this final phase is tohigh-impact activities and avoid anything that invites unwanted setbacks. Every step, every decision, and every session is guided by one objective—to arrive at the start line healthy, strong, and ready to embrace the adventure ahead.

I don’t want to arrive in the Gobi chasing fitness. I want to arrive ready to enjoy the experience, absorb every moment, and test myself against one of the world’s great deserts. The countdown continues. The excitement grows. And with each passing day, the dream becomes a little more real. 

Today’s main objective was my physiotherapy visit. I headed to Physioflex for a maintenance session, including some dry needling in my feet to help release any lingering tightness and ensure everything is functioning as well as possible before race week.

I decided to get this done a little earlier because I know the upcoming week of travel will be a busy one. At this stage, preparation is no longer about building fitness—it’s about arriving at the start line in the best possible condition and addressing any small issues before they have a chance to become bigger ones.

During the session, I also received some guidance on strapping a few key muscle groups should the need arise during the race. It’s reassuring to have those extra tools available, especially when heading into an event as demanding and unpredictable as the Gobi Desert.

The countdown is now firmly in single digits. The training has been done, the preparation is coming together, and the focus is shifting towards execution. Every small detail matters, and today was another step towards giving myself the best possible chance of enjoying the challenge ahead.

Gobi, here I come.

#Gobi2026 #RacePreparation #RoadToGobi #Physioflex #DryNeedling #AdventureAwaits

Today, besides running around handling administration and making the final preparations, I had one highlight: watching a documentary about Rafael Nadal.

Having come from a tennis background myself, I understand how much of an individual sport it is and how important the mental side of performance can be. In those defining moments of a match, you have to learn to shut out everything around you and focus entirely on the next point. The documentary highlighted one of Nadal’s greatest strengths: his ability to silence the noise. The foot injuries, the negative thoughts, the criticism, and even personal challenges that could have affected his performances all had to be pushed aside so he could focus on the task at hand. For me, that lesson was introduced at a young age through tennis. It taught me the value of zoning in on the mission and not allowing distractions to steal energy from what truly matters.

As I look ahead to the Gobi, now just days away, I took some time to identify the things that will fall into the category of “noise”—the thoughts, doubts, discomforts, and distractions that I will need to shut out during the race. The desert has a way of exposing everything, and success often comes down to what you choose to focus on when things get difficult.

I am incredibly excited about the adventure that awaits. Above all, I know I have set goals that many people would consider crazy. But I also know what those goals require of me. The work has been done, the lessons have been learned, and the belief is there.

Now it is about staying focused, embracing the journey, and taking it one step at a time.

The noise can wait. The mission cannot.

#Gobi2026 #11DaysToGo #RoadToGobi #TrustTheProcess #RacingThePlanet #GoMarchGoFinish

Today I finally shared the main video on Instagram, and the response has been overwhelming. It is a humbling honour to receive positive comments and words of encouragement from some true legends within the trail running community. Their support means a lot, especially knowing the journeys and achievements they have behind them.

I also had the opportunity to meet up with a few members of the local Namib Race family—people who have witnessed this story unfold from the very beginning. They took time to wish me well as I prepare to take on the Gobi. Moments like these remind me how many people have played a part in this journey and how fortunate I am to have such incredible support.

As race day draws closer, much of my time is now spent tying up loose ends and making sure everything is in place before departure. Between the school commitments, final preparations, and endless errands, there is certainly plenty of running around. Surely all this running around while stitching everything together counts as a workout too, right? 

With 12 days remaining, the excitement continues to build. The dream that once felt distant is now almost within reach. #Gobi2026 #12DaysToGo #RoadToGobi #RacingThePlanet #TrailRunning #AdventureAwaits

With the schools reopening, I find myself juggling training, teaching, and school runs. Fortunately, I have managed to prepare all the work for the time I will be away and have communicated my absence to all the relevant stakeholders. Let’s just say I like to run free. ?

It seems the video has made an impact on the locals, as I am slowly receiving messages filled with encouragement and good wishes. Every message reminds me that this journey is bigger than just me.

On the training front, the focus remains on walking, core work, and strength training—nothing that might invite unnecessary injuries at this stage. The hard work has already been done; now it’s about arriving at the start line healthy, strong, and ready for the adventure that awaits in Gobi. 

Today I found myself assessing my training and comparing my initial goals against where I am now. Considering all the factors along the way, I can honestly say I am happy. That sense of satisfaction is a positive I mentally needed as I head toward Gobi.

Before that, though, I found myself reflecting on the Namib Race. Back then it was all about mileage, and I certainly piled on the kilometres. During the COVID lockdown, running became my outlet. I remember being the only person brave enough to run the empty streets, and one of the police officers I met along the way eventually became a friend.

When I look back at my race performance and result, I am proud of what I achieved, although I was slightly disappointed that I never seemed to find that fifth gear. Looking back, I think it came down to aligning my training with pack running. Yes, I trained with a pack, but probably not enough.

Then came Atacama in 2022. That race was special. I literally ran under the stars while battling the effects of altitude. Somewhere there is a diary filled with my Atacama experiences, but one thing stands out: had I done justice to altitude training, I believe I could have performed better.

“What yardstick are you using, Mabasa?” someone might ask.

A fair question.

My answer is simple: when I look at the adjustments I made for Gobi, I see a much more mature training approach. I have deliberately tried to cover all the key areas—endurance, strength, pack training, terrain, recovery, and preparation.

Today I set my Gobi KPIs, and I am excited about what lies ahead. I believe this will be a great race.

By the way, if you’re interested in preparing for a multi-stage desert race, check out the training resources from RacingThePlanet:

https://www.racingtheplanet.com/expert-advice?utm_source=chatgpt.com 

#GobiMarch #14DaysToGo #RacingThePlanet #Ultrarunning #StageRace #RoadToGobi

Today was a mix of training, preparation, and excitement.

One of the highlights was receiving the video we have been working on over the past few weeks. Tonight, we will be watching it together as a family, and I am looking forward to reliving some of the moments from this journey and seeing their reactions.

Training consisted of a cycling session followed by a core and shoulders' workout. The cycling continues to play an important role in building endurance while giving my legs a break from the constant impact of running.I also spent some time packing my race bag and checking everything against the mandatory equipment checklist. Going through each item reminded me just how close the race is now. Every tick on the checklist makes the Gobi feel a little more real.

With only 15 days to go, the focus is slowly shifting from building fitness to finalizing the details.

The training is done. The gear is coming together. The excitement is growing.

And tonight, we watch the film.

 Today was a rest day, and perhaps one of the most important days in this entire build-up.

Following my coffee date with my eldest daughter a few days ago, today was my youngest daughter's turn. As expected, it was a completely different experience, full of energy, laughter, and moments that reminded me just how quickly children grow up.

One thing that made me happy was knowing that she understands Daddy will be travelling soon to run in the Gobi. While she may not fully grasp the distances, the deserts, or the challenge ahead, she knows that Dad is going on an adventure and that makes all the difference. Spending this time with her before I leave was important to me. These moments become memories, and memories become the fuel we carry with us when things get difficult.

Later in the day, I decided to gather the family and head out for pizza. There was no training session, no race planning, and no checklist to complete. Just food, conversation, laughter, and enjoying each other's company.

As the countdown continues, I am realizing that preparation is not only physical. There is also a mental side to it. Spending quality time with family is helping me recharge and settle my mind before I gradually switch into travel mode. Soon enough there will be flights, airports, race briefings, gear checks, and all the excitement that comes with being on the road again.

For now, I am grateful for these simple moments.

Sixteen days from now, I will be standing at the start line of the Gobi. Today, however, my focus was exactly where it needed to be — at home with the people who make every finish line worthwhile.

Tomorrow, I should receive the link to the film we have been working on. I am genuinely excited to see how it all comes together. The filming journey has been almost as rewarding as the training itself, and I can't wait to share it.

The countdown continues.

16 days to go.

HOZALAAA!!!!!

Being a father of daughters has taught me many things, but one lesson that stands out is the importance of spending time with each child individually. With the Gobi drawing closer, I thought it would be a good idea to take each of my girls out separately and talk to them about the race, what I will be doing, and why I am doing it.

I hope that when they catch glimpses of the race videos or follow updates on the website, they will have a better understanding of what their dad is up to somewhere in the deserts of Mongolia.

I started with my eldest.

We went out for coffee and had one of those conversations that catches you by surprise. As parents, we often think we are the ones doing the teaching, but now and then our children remind us how much they have been listening all along.

I was amazed by the contributions she was making to the conversation. We spoke about packing, recovery, race strategy, and somehow she managed to bring in the biology of running and the mental fortitude required to keep going when things get tough. It was one of those moments where I sat back and thought, "When did you grow up?"

Then came the words that every parent treasures.

She simply looked at me and said,

*"I'm your biggest fan."*

I cannot lie — that boosted my spirits.

More than any training run, gym session, or gear test could have done.

We ended up doing some shopping for the remaining race items, but the highlight of the day was not the shopping. It was the conversation. It was seeing her interest, her support, and her belief in what I am trying to achieve.

If you ever read this one day, my daughter, just know that your dad is incredibly proud of you. Proud of the young lady you are becoming, proud of your curiosity, your kindness, and the way you see the world.

Tomorrow, it is the youngest one's turn.

And knowing her, that will be a completely different ball game altogether.

I can already feel an adventure brewing.

The countdown continues.

17 days to Gobi. And while the race is getting closer, these moments at home remind me of what truly matters and who I am carrying with me every step of the way. ❤️.

It was a fairly ordinary day, with school runs being the order of the day. Not that I'm using it as an excuse, but trying to balance everything at once is something that I am realising adulthood is all about. Between family responsibilities, work, training, and preparing for a race halfway across the world, there is always something competing for attention.

The weather in Swakopmund was heavily overcast for most of the day, which placed our Day 3 filming schedule in doubt. Sunlight plays a major role in getting the colour grading right, especially in a location as unique as the Moon Landscape. We spent much of the day watching the sky and hoping for a break in the clouds.

Thankfully, the heavens eventually gave us some light.

With a window of opportunity opening up, we headed out to the Moon Landscape and managed to complete the shoot. The setting was every bit as dramatic as I had hoped. There is something surreal about that place. It feels less like Namibia and more like another planet entirely. Seeing the raw footage come together against such a remarkable backdrop made the wait worthwhile. 

The successful shoot was a reminder that patience often pays off. Sometimes the conditions are not right when we want them to be, but if we stay the course, things have a way of falling into place.

To round off the day, I headed into the garage gym for a session of weights and core work. It wasn't glamorous, but it was another brick laid in the foundation. These sessions have become a major part of this Gobi build-up, and I can feel the difference they are making.

The countdown continues.

Eighteen days remain until I find myself standing on the start line of the Gobi. The training is coming together, the filming is complete, and the excitement is steadily growing.

I am excited.

Very excited.