Two ways to follow, track "real time" or send emails of support. Or both. Smiles.

Gary Guller: 25th Marathon des Sables Race Number #661

Sending Emails: Please feel free to send emails (from 3-9 April), which are distributed to my tent each evening at the bivouac. Following is the link (http://www.darbaroud.com/index_uk.php). There will be a link that provides a list of every competitor's name and number.  Please look for the ""écrire aux concurrents/write to competitors" link. (If you happen to pull up the site with French text, you can switch to the English version by clicking on the British/US flag on the top right side of the home page.) The messages are usually sent by clicking on my name and/or race number. When sending the message, I also suggest that you put my name and race number in the "SUBJECT" of the email, if it does not automatically appear when clicking on the provided link. And, please do NOT to send attachments or photos of any kind as those will go directly to a SPAM folder and I'll never see the note. So, spread the word about this...it will nice and so appreciated to receive positive messages each night!

Real Time and Online Tracking: 

Should be live, April 2 or April 3: Click here on the official Sultan Marathon des Sables website (http://www.darbaroud.com/index_uk.php)  and look for the link. My race number is #661

For the first time this year, competitors at the Sultan Marathon Des Sables will have access to the innovative technology RaceTracker. Based on the latest GPS technology, RaceTracker is a real-time, online tracking solution that provides:

- Live, online tracking that allows you to see my position and progress at the Sultan Marathon Des Sables in real time.

- RaceTracker technology runners only add to their gear a compact and light GPS device weighing 160 grams.

- A via-satellite GPS device (Spot) broadcasts your position, which immediately appears on an online web platform, so you can follow me in real time. and look for the link. My race number is #661. Thanks.

Gary Guller and RaceTracker: Follow me in "Real Time"

Should be live, April 2 or April 3: Click here on the official Sultan Marathon des Sables website, and look for the link. My race number is #661

For the first time this year, competitors at the Sultan Marathon Des Sables will have access to the innovative technology RaceTracker. Based on the latest GPS technology, RaceTracker is a real-time, online tracking solution that provides:

- Live, online tracking that allows you to see my position and progress at the Sultan Marathon Des Sables in real time.
- RaceTracker technology runners only add to their gear a compact and light GPS device weighing 160 grams.
- A via-satellite GPS device (Spot) broadcasts your position, which immediately appears on an online web platform, so you can follow me in real time.

Cool. More details to follow in next day or so. Thanks - G

Time to Enjoy the experience: Death Valley and The 25th Sultan Marathon des Sables

Easy training, light days - Death Valley this weekend.

Time to enjoy the experience. Thanks Oakley and Clif for the goods received, personally delivered yesterday - you guys rock.

More detailed update over the weekend.

Merci beaucoup. Gary

Clydesdale or Gazelle? Backpack change and simple realisation that...

...I am a Clydesdale. As much as I like the Nathan # 63 backpack I have been using whilst training, the chest strap has now come undone 3 times, arghhhh - and what a real pain in the arse it is to re attach this chest strap back onto the shoulder straps. Because of a previous injury, I have to really crank down on my left shoulder strap - and this is what caused the chest strap to undo - shame. After this happened 3 times - it was time to say gooodbye. My old friend is back - the Marmot Eiger, tried, tested, tried, retried, it has never, ever let me down, a pack from my mountaineering days. Solid Solid Solid.

I have come to the realisation that my body frame is that of a Clydesdale (as in Budweiser) than a Gazelle (as in Bud Light). The Nathan pack was really designed, in my opinion, for the smaller framed humans. You know, the humans that are never uncomfortable in 27b, near the very back of the airplane. I will always be uncomfortable in the ever shinking airplane seats of coach class.

My point is that I am so glad to find this out on a 35 mile training day, with full pack, close to home, as opposed to the middle of the freaking Sahara at 930 degrees. Another reason why I am training fully loaded, with everything, everything, as per my participation in the upcoming Marathon des Sables. Preparation. Testing. Preparation.Testing. I'd rather figure out what works and what doesn't whilst training than to be surprised 3 days into the race. I figure that there will be plenty of other surprises. There is no better preparation than solid old school, hands on, sweatin, gruntin, grinding and figuring it out what works best. This has been my experience in over 25 years - no shortcuts. And those pretty images in the magazines that inspired us. You tend to forget about those after about.... mile 3.

As always, Thank you to Newton Running (shoes), my friends at Multisports (advice, indspiration, gear), Clif (yummy), Oakley (glasses), K9 Coaching (love and support) and the advice of Roch Frey (class act). And for all the others that train from the old school. Merci beaucoup.

And much thanks of course to my corporate sponsors, that hire me, book me and fund me - without them, none of this would be possible. I thank you, and I'm glad to know that there are good folks out in the global corporate that try very hard to make positive contributions and create better opportunity for others. I will make you proud!

Mt. Everest Summiter and Mt. Cho Oyu Summiter, Gary Guller (USA-D661) with one arm is to run in the 25th Marathon des Sables to benefit the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Marriage and Birth: the 25th "Sultan Marathon des Sables"

If the MARATHON DES SABLES is the Queen of Saharan competitions, SULTAN is the King of tea.
Out of this marriage, the 25th "SULTAN MARATHON DES SABLES" has been born.
Nomads traverse the desert each day, going for many kilometres across the Sahara on only dates and tea.

This ancestral tea ritual practised...
 
Loads of great info on the official website, competitor information, sponsors, rules, contact info etc. http://www.darbaroud.com/index_uk.php

Bonkers Bonkers Bonkers Bonkers Bonkers

I'm afraid so. You're entirely bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are. What a great quote...

Maybe this race should be called "Marathon des Mad" - hope so! GG

Mt. Everest Summiter, Gary Guller (USA-D661) with one arm is to run in the 25th Marathon des Sables to benefit the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

And much thanks of course to my corporate sponsors, that hire me, book me and fund me - without them, none of this would be possible. I thank you, the foundation thanks you - and I'm glad to know that there are good folks out in the global corporate arena that try very hard to make positive contributions and create better opportunity for others. I will make you proud!

Wizard of the Sahara - Tap your heels three times Guller.

may come in real handy on the long day...

I wonder if it will work? Testing my gear. All systems go - there is no place like home. :) Could not resist a little silliness after training days. Just plain silly - I know.

I look forward to meeting every person in the upcoming 25th Marathon des Sables. That is one of my main goals!

More over the weekend - Gary

Preparation. Discipline. Belief.

It is very simple. There are no shortcuts. I have not succeeded before...and I have had great excuses. But we know, within ourselves, when we do not prepare adequately. I am taking this race very seriously. I am under no illusion. Today I have another long day with full gear. This weekend - headed to the dunes.

As always, Thank you to Anne at Newton Running, my friends at Multisports, Clif, Oakley, K9 Coaching and the advice of Roch Frey. And for all the others that train from the old school. Merci beaucoup.

And much thanks of course to my corporate sponsors, that hire me, book me and fund me - without them, none of this would be possible. I thank you, and I'm glad to know that there are good folks out in the global corporate that try very hard to make positive contributions and create better opportunity for others. I will make you proud!

Mt. Everest Summiter and Mt. Cho Oyu Summiter, Gary Guller (USA-D661) with one arm is to run in the 25th Marathon des Sables to benefit the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation.

Gary Guller Gone Wild - what is up with that hair? The New Zoolander - not.

Okay okay - folks are asking asking asking??? Guller, what is up with the hair...first of all its been a really long time since my hair has been long. Second, I decided to commit to the plan of growing it. Obviously, I am succeeding. Then, I wanted to see if there was any "modern" day invention for an olde school one arm dude with thick, curly (naturally) nappy hair. See the problem is tying a darn bandana around such thick near yak wool human hair, with one hand. But low and behold (literally) I was introduced to the "BUFF" - and where the bleep (expletive) I have been? It rocks!

I simply need to get out more.

I'll send "BUFF" pics in next post...not trying to be a tease, but I need you spporting folks to keep checking in with me. Thanks for all the support. GG

Thanks again to Newton "Sir Isaacs" courtesy of Multisports and hearing that more are on the way. And my sweet, sunglasses, of course, thanks Oakley. And thanks to Clif - enjoying daily on my longer runs.

And of course - Dedicated to the Cure for Spinal Cord Injuries

Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation for Gary Guller (D661): Mt. Everest Summiter, Gary Guller (USA-D661) with one arm is to run in the 25th Marathon des Sables to benefit the Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation. Check out the coverage. Thanks MdS!

Mission: The Christopher & Dana Reeve Foundation is dedicated to curing spinal cord injury by funding innovative research, and improving the quality of life for people living with paralysis through grants, information and advocacy. To Donate

  

Vinculo con Caballo (The Horse's Bond): Inspiration from Costa Rica

You know - "At its most basic level, dana in the Buddhist tradition means giving freely without expecting anything in return. The act of giving is purely out of compassion or good will, or the desire for someone else’s well- being. Perhaps dana is more about how we are than what we do. Through generosity, we cultivate a generous spirit. Generosity of spirit will usually lead to generosity of action, but being a generous person is more important than any particular act of giving. After all, it is possible to give without it being a generous act." Insight Meditation (The Issue at Hand - Chapter 8: Generosity)

My friends at Vinculo con Caballo understand his very well - thank you, and we'll see you after the Marathon des Sables.

Come to Monterrey for our First Annual Calbagata for Vinculo con Caballo.

A calbagata is a group horseback ride. Participants pay a entry fee that supports the organization. The fee includes lunch, drinks and a chance to win prizes in the drawing at the end of the ride.

Throughout the world horseback riding is considered a uniquely beneficial form of therapy. A special relationship between horse and rider begins with the seed of introduction, growing and flourishing over time. The Spanish word that describes unexplainable bonds is VINCULO. Some people believe horses have a uniquely developed instinctual center in their brain that allows them to sense a person's individual needs. This mysterious sense facilitates the bond (vinculo) between horses and humans. Formation of this special bond during Therapeutic horseback riding promotes wellness in individuals that have special needs.

Therapy on horseback inspires self confidence, improves balance, poise, flexibility, reflexes, strength and coordination. Riders learn basic grooming and care of their horse promoting a sense of responsibility and teamwork. Additionally, cognitive, emotional and behavioral goals can be set and accomplished during equine oriented activities.