Review of Running the Sahara
Posted: 13 Sep 2021, 08:05
[Following is a volunteer review of "Running the Sahara" by Marcel Nickler.]
Want to know what it feels like to run 250 km under the blazing sun in the Sahara desert? Think it's crazy? Who would ever attempt this? Is it even possible? Well, Marcel Nickler’s ‘Running the Sahara’ is a perfect guide for enthusiastic racers. This is a nonfiction book recounting the events and preparation leading up to the author's race in the Marathon des Sables (2017), held in the Moroccan desert. The novel explains Nickler’s personal journey, highlighting the highs and lows of his marathon adventure. Throughout this book, the author communicates details of his personal life, aspirations, deepest inner thoughts, ambitions, explains why he chooses to run in ultramarathons and how he mentally and physically prepares for the seven-day race.
This novel explores themes of passion, commitment, endurance and perseverance of running under extreme conditions. Readers are given an insight into the strict training routine of a dedicated professional marathon runner. The gripping adventure enables the audience to envision they are running along with Nickler himself! It is a uniquely captivating story that emphasises the importance of positivity, hard work, moving on and never succumbing to pain or giving up.
Nickler is a passionate runner who has participated in numerous marathons across the globe. He recounts his exhausting training in the Bivouac and discusses how he strengthens himself to run in the desert marathon. The author explains how he creates a well-balanced training schedule and sticks to it. He intricately details the exact amount of time he has spent on every aspect of his training. His schedule ensures he has adequate preparation, nutrients as well as appropriate and comfortable equipment. This allows him to physically vitalise himself for the desert voyage. The author's wife Monika, provides guidance and his daughters, Manuela and Simone, are all pillars of emotional support. Nickler explains how he utilises the advice from his family, mentor, friends and past competitors of the Marathon des Sables to mentally prepare himself for the Sahara marathon. However, the author also weighs up the possibility of surprises. This is because thorough preparations can nevertheless bring forth unexpected events. So, will Nickler be able to successfully complete Marathon des Sables? Was all the preparation he did before the scorching ultramarathon worth it?
There are many things I love about this book. The description of Jebel El Otfal’s breathtaking panorama, to the pleasures of reading about Moroccan culture and its people. I particularly love Nickler’s ability to bring to life events through his stunning use of imagery and descriptive language. He exquisitely paints a magical desert setting of North-West Africa. Readers are also able to personally experience tribal Berber culture and connect with his journey. The author's writing creates a sensation where the audience feels compelled to visit this wondrous kingdom. Overall, the book enables readers to enjoy a gruelling and exciting journey through the desert plain, dunes and plateaus. From sweat dripping in anticipation to the mystical scenery passing as they race with the author. A great read for all ages!
Furthermore, the book has been excellently edited, with zero idle grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. This prevents readers from being distracted from the enjoyment of the story. Overall, there was nothing I disliked about ‘Running the Sahara’. It was so good that I could not find anything to say that would hold anyone back from reaching out and giving this masterpiece a go. Therefore, I would rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars . It is complete with explicit information on intense training, dedication and zeal. I would recommend this knockout novel to primarily athletes, coaches and marathon runners. People wondering how sports stars become the best in their field are also encouraged to try Nickler's book.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” is an American English proverb that perfectly exemplifies Marcel Nickler. Want to be like one of the best ultramarathons runners? Here's what it takes.
******
Running the Sahara
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Want to know what it feels like to run 250 km under the blazing sun in the Sahara desert? Think it's crazy? Who would ever attempt this? Is it even possible? Well, Marcel Nickler’s ‘Running the Sahara’ is a perfect guide for enthusiastic racers. This is a nonfiction book recounting the events and preparation leading up to the author's race in the Marathon des Sables (2017), held in the Moroccan desert. The novel explains Nickler’s personal journey, highlighting the highs and lows of his marathon adventure. Throughout this book, the author communicates details of his personal life, aspirations, deepest inner thoughts, ambitions, explains why he chooses to run in ultramarathons and how he mentally and physically prepares for the seven-day race.
This novel explores themes of passion, commitment, endurance and perseverance of running under extreme conditions. Readers are given an insight into the strict training routine of a dedicated professional marathon runner. The gripping adventure enables the audience to envision they are running along with Nickler himself! It is a uniquely captivating story that emphasises the importance of positivity, hard work, moving on and never succumbing to pain or giving up.
Nickler is a passionate runner who has participated in numerous marathons across the globe. He recounts his exhausting training in the Bivouac and discusses how he strengthens himself to run in the desert marathon. The author explains how he creates a well-balanced training schedule and sticks to it. He intricately details the exact amount of time he has spent on every aspect of his training. His schedule ensures he has adequate preparation, nutrients as well as appropriate and comfortable equipment. This allows him to physically vitalise himself for the desert voyage. The author's wife Monika, provides guidance and his daughters, Manuela and Simone, are all pillars of emotional support. Nickler explains how he utilises the advice from his family, mentor, friends and past competitors of the Marathon des Sables to mentally prepare himself for the Sahara marathon. However, the author also weighs up the possibility of surprises. This is because thorough preparations can nevertheless bring forth unexpected events. So, will Nickler be able to successfully complete Marathon des Sables? Was all the preparation he did before the scorching ultramarathon worth it?
There are many things I love about this book. The description of Jebel El Otfal’s breathtaking panorama, to the pleasures of reading about Moroccan culture and its people. I particularly love Nickler’s ability to bring to life events through his stunning use of imagery and descriptive language. He exquisitely paints a magical desert setting of North-West Africa. Readers are also able to personally experience tribal Berber culture and connect with his journey. The author's writing creates a sensation where the audience feels compelled to visit this wondrous kingdom. Overall, the book enables readers to enjoy a gruelling and exciting journey through the desert plain, dunes and plateaus. From sweat dripping in anticipation to the mystical scenery passing as they race with the author. A great read for all ages!
Furthermore, the book has been excellently edited, with zero idle grammatical errors or spelling mistakes. This prevents readers from being distracted from the enjoyment of the story. Overall, there was nothing I disliked about ‘Running the Sahara’. It was so good that I could not find anything to say that would hold anyone back from reaching out and giving this masterpiece a go. Therefore, I would rate this book a 4 out of 4 stars . It is complete with explicit information on intense training, dedication and zeal. I would recommend this knockout novel to primarily athletes, coaches and marathon runners. People wondering how sports stars become the best in their field are also encouraged to try Nickler's book.
“When the going gets tough, the tough get going,” is an American English proverb that perfectly exemplifies Marcel Nickler. Want to be like one of the best ultramarathons runners? Here's what it takes.
******
Running the Sahara
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon