Review of Running the Sahara
Posted: 04 Sep 2021, 09:46
[Following is a volunteer review of "Running the Sahara" by Marcel Nickler.]
Running the Sahara is the narration of the unforgettable journey experienced by Marcel Nickler. The Marathon des Sables which first took place in 1986 is organized for the duration of one week in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. The adventure takes us in the year 2017 and Marcel Nickler gives us a colorful rendition of this unique experience.
As he tells the story, various descriptive scenarios almost carry along with them the images, smells, music ambiences, the suggestive and surreal imagery of the desert dunes and horizons and the current weather. He provides a substantive amount of information about the physical preparation and equipment he has undergone before the marathon, the nutrition considered, the best attire and footwear whilst keeping in mind the extreme conditions that the ultrarunners will be subjected to. Other important factors brought forward are the importance of water during the race which carry time penalties, the weight measurement, which is to be carried throughout all the Marathon and tips on how to organize it. What food intake is suitable for energy purposes and the unexpected situations in the desert climate conditions and temperatures. This goes hand in hand with the sharing of experience and knowledge with the other athletes and internet research and a considerable amount of resilience.
It was very interesting to read along the way the personal stories and mindsets, knowledge, experiences, and achievements of previous big marathons he competed in like the Eiger Ultra Trail World Tour or the Swissalpine Marathon. And along with them the accomplishments of other competing athletes. It shows that a great level of preparation and thought is needed for such an upcoming challenge. One of the best things I enjoyed in this book is the descriptive environment of the scenes and nature which provided a most vibrant picture of Morocco. To name a few are light, flickers and blurs created by the different temperatures, the oasis and hallucinations, the Berber tents and of course the wild camels! Last and not least the colorful streets of Morocco, from the spices to the food and the teas, and all the imaginable artisan’s crafts in their busy cultural streets.
I found nothing to dislike in this book. Starting from the artistic presentation to the precision and accuracy of professional editing, the rating is a clear 4 out of 4 stars . A non-fiction book suitable for all ages, and a great acquisition to all the athletes out there who are interested in gaining more insights with great hints and information. As the author’s first book, I must congratulate him for the professional rendition and artistical portrayal of such a great endeavor!
******
Running the Sahara
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Running the Sahara is the narration of the unforgettable journey experienced by Marcel Nickler. The Marathon des Sables which first took place in 1986 is organized for the duration of one week in the Sahara Desert in Morocco. The adventure takes us in the year 2017 and Marcel Nickler gives us a colorful rendition of this unique experience.
As he tells the story, various descriptive scenarios almost carry along with them the images, smells, music ambiences, the suggestive and surreal imagery of the desert dunes and horizons and the current weather. He provides a substantive amount of information about the physical preparation and equipment he has undergone before the marathon, the nutrition considered, the best attire and footwear whilst keeping in mind the extreme conditions that the ultrarunners will be subjected to. Other important factors brought forward are the importance of water during the race which carry time penalties, the weight measurement, which is to be carried throughout all the Marathon and tips on how to organize it. What food intake is suitable for energy purposes and the unexpected situations in the desert climate conditions and temperatures. This goes hand in hand with the sharing of experience and knowledge with the other athletes and internet research and a considerable amount of resilience.
It was very interesting to read along the way the personal stories and mindsets, knowledge, experiences, and achievements of previous big marathons he competed in like the Eiger Ultra Trail World Tour or the Swissalpine Marathon. And along with them the accomplishments of other competing athletes. It shows that a great level of preparation and thought is needed for such an upcoming challenge. One of the best things I enjoyed in this book is the descriptive environment of the scenes and nature which provided a most vibrant picture of Morocco. To name a few are light, flickers and blurs created by the different temperatures, the oasis and hallucinations, the Berber tents and of course the wild camels! Last and not least the colorful streets of Morocco, from the spices to the food and the teas, and all the imaginable artisan’s crafts in their busy cultural streets.
I found nothing to dislike in this book. Starting from the artistic presentation to the precision and accuracy of professional editing, the rating is a clear 4 out of 4 stars . A non-fiction book suitable for all ages, and a great acquisition to all the athletes out there who are interested in gaining more insights with great hints and information. As the author’s first book, I must congratulate him for the professional rendition and artistical portrayal of such a great endeavor!
******
Running the Sahara
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon