When I joined the Gobi March in 2012 as a volunteer, I did not know what to expect. A year just flew by. In 30 days' time, I will be joining the race again, but this time as a competitor. The preparation feels familiar and yet are so different. During the course of one year, I have taken the time to research, looked around, asked around, testing everything myself. I have also trained hard, through rain or shine, day or night. Even though I have only trained for one year, the effort feels like a long long time and I am amazed and grateful that I have remained dedicated and determined still. Initially I thought joining the Gobi is an end goal, turns out it is just the beginning. What started as a travelling experience turns out to be a lifelong path of spiritual and physical discovery. I have learnt so much more about myself and my place in the world and I am so grateful to be shown this opportunity.
I look forward to start the race, even if it is tomorrow. Sure there will be physical exhaustion, pain, injuries and desperation. But at the same time, I also look forward to seeing the wonders of nature, personal breakthrough, lifelong friendships and a sense of achievement. No matter what condition I will be, I will try to take as many pictures as I can because I realize I will never get to walk the same trails ever again. This is the start of a different way of travelling and seeing the world, but then again, it will be the start of many in the days to come, hopefully.
I am so thankful to my parents for giving birth to me and for raising me to become the person I am today. Without them I would not have the strength and courage. I wish to dedicate the happiness and wonder out of taking part in adventure races to them. Even though they cannot travel anymore, I will take their spirit and inspirations with me as I run.
