Review of Running the Sahara

[Ellylion]

[Following is a volunteer review of "Running the Sahara" by Marcel Nickler.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Running the Sahara by Marcel Nickler tells about the author's participation in the event of paramount significance for ultrarunners, the 32nd Marathon des Sables, in the Moroccan Sahara. The author describes every stage of this ultramarathon in great detail. He adds vivid and colorful descriptions of the desert scenery and offers many interesting observations of the country. He also reflected on the other races he had participated in that led him to the Moroccan desert. He remembers friends and mentors inspiring him to make this adventurous step. The author's recommendations cover not only running a marathon but also decision making, right choices, and achieving success in life.

The book has many original illustrations and photos that help us to look deeply into the author's outstanding experience. It is a quick read only 172 pages long, and every page is strictly focused on the main subject of the book. I highly appreciated this aspect of the book so as its logical and straightforward narrative. In this book, the author himself is the main character, and I would love to say that he is reliable, credible, and deserves the deepest respect in light of all his magnificent achievements. He advises on better planning, inner confidence, or even packing a backpack without unnecessary affectation or any air of superiority but in a friendly tone and with a touch of humor. For example, he tells about hallucinations he experienced after two sleepless nights during the Ultra-Trail du Mont-Blanc in 2009 in a humorous manner. I would say that it was my most favorite aspect of this book. It is worth mentioning that the author ran the Marathon des Sables being 57 years old, which is very inspiring, in my opinion.

I disliked too many abbreviations and names the author brought in the book, but I understood that he wanted to express his gratitude toward all those who helped him on his way to the Marathon des Sables. Also, the book lacks the outline of the course of the marathon on the map. The author only provides us with the map of Morocco in the form of an illustration. It was my less favorite aspect of the book.

The book was professionally edited since I found just one minor typo. So, considering all the positive and important aspects of this book, it was my great pleasure to award it with 4 out of 4 stars. My dislikes were insignificant enough to take away a star.

I would recommend this book to all interested in running ultramarathons, marathons, or running in general. The author shares thorough information about equipment and nourishment for ultrarunners, so the book is a solid guide, at least for beginners. Even the audience not interested in running can benefit from reading this book. It is also suitable for memoir lovers, as the author speaks about his early life and accomplishments. And, of course, readers of self-help books would find this one very inspirational.

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Running the Sahara
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[Raluca_Mihaila]

The mental preparations and the logistic details of such an event teaches you important things that can be replicated in business or in your personal life. Thank you for this amazing review!

[Muna Chizzy]

I'm a sports lover especially in racing. Seems like a book with interesting themes that will help readers. Thanks for the review.

[AvidBibliophile]

I am admittedly not a runner, but the desert scenery, memorable mentors, and marathon accomplishments in this one would interest me fully! Thank you for such an engaging review!

[kandscreeley]

It would be interesting to run a marathon in the desert. I'm not, however, a runner. Glad you enjoyed this one.

[Ellylion]

The mental preparations and the logistic details of such an event teaches you important things that can be replicated in business or in your personal life. Thank you for this amazing review!

Thank you so much!

[Ellylion]

It would be interesting to run a marathon in the desert. I'm not, however, a runner. Glad you enjoyed this one.

You are very brave, I wouldn't dare Thank you very much for your comments

[Ellylion]

I am admittedly not a runner, but the desert scenery, memorable mentors, and marathon accomplishments in this one would interest me fully! Thank you for such an engaging review!

Thank you very much for your kind words It's a great book indeed.

[Ellylion]

I'm a sports lover especially in racing. Seems like a book with interesting themes that will help readers. Thanks for the review.

Thank you very much for your comments!

[Mtibza eM]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful review, I enjoyed reading it.

[Ellylion]

Thank you for sharing such a beautiful review, I enjoyed reading it.

Thank you very much for your kind comments!

[jomana_3]

I enjoyed reading this book, and I liked how the author narrated his story. Thanks for the great review; well done!

[Authentic Voice]

The mental preparations and the logistic details of such an event teaches you important things that can be replicated in business or in your personal life. Thank you for this amazing review!