Bryon Powell’s 2024 Extremely Gobi 400k Gear – iRunFar

In early October 2024, I headed to China to run the Extremely Gobi 400k for the second time. This 250-mile (400-kilometer) run is a self-supported, self-navigated, continuous race by way of the Gobi Desert of north-central China’s Gansu province.

I’d have 142 hours to navigate to the 28 checkpoints (which provided ambient-temperature water solely) and 10 relaxation factors (providing ambient and scorching water, heated communal tents, and our drop containers). There have been no crews or pacers on the race. With enough coaching and plenty of logistical preparation, partly knowledgeable by an article I wrote very like this one after I ran the 2015 version of this occasion, I completed in just below 69 hours, successful the lads’s race and setting a males’s race file.

The next are my ideas on numerous logistical elements of the race, together with gear, vitamin, hydration, and sleep. To make sure, this can be a geeky, detail-oriented article. It’s not for everybody, but it surely’ll absolutely discover a couple of followers on the market amongst these contemplating their very own ultra-long race.

For a story have a look at my expertise at this occasion, you may learn my full race report, A Lifetime of Studying, Lived in Three Days: Bryon Powell’s 2024 Extremely Gobi 400k Report.

By the Numbers

• Complete distance – 245.2 miles
• Complete time – 68 hours, 59 minutes, 40 seconds
• Complete vertical achieve – 18,081 ft
• Excessive level – 10,850-plus ft
• First 100 miles – About 26:30 (estimated on Strava)
• Final 100 miles – About 24:50 (estimated on Strava)
• Complete sleep – Slightly below three hours
• Estimated energy burned – 35,518
• Estimated energy consumed – 14,729

The run on Strava.

On Why I Really feel Just like the 2024 Extremely Gobi Was the Race of My Life

So, in my full narrative on the 2024 Extremely Gobi, I believe I did an okay job of explaining a few of the inside the reason why I assumed I ran the most effective extremely of my life, however perhaps not a lot from taking a look at exterior measures. Plus I missed a couple of inside ones as properly. So, listed here are a pair extra specific the reason why I used to be so happy with that efficiency.

• Operating 245 miles in below three days – I may by no means have imagined operating 245 miles in lower than three days. That’s greater than 80 miles a day for 3 straight days. On diverse terrain at as much as 11,000 ft.
• Once more, 245 miles in below three days – I don’t know what number of of us have lined that a lot floor on foot in lower than three days. Ever. A pair thousand? Lots of?
• A sooner final 100 miles than first 100 miles – Whereas not a real unfavorable break up, I used to be fairly thrilled to find after the race that I’d run the ultimate 100 miles greater than an hour and a half sooner than the primary. Sure, I believe the ultimate 100 miles had been a bit simpler and I spent much less time in checkpoints and relaxation factors, however that’s all a part of the sport. It really feel fairly cool to have each successfully meted out my effort over 250 miles and to have ready properly sufficient to nonetheless be capable of transfer so properly over these last 100 miles.
• Thirty hours sooner than in 2015 – Whereas the course was completely different, it was comparable sufficient to make operating Extremely Gobi greater than 30 hours sooner than in 2015 significant.
• The age issue – I did this at age 46.
• The persistent damage issue – In January 2024, the ache and dysfunction in each Achilles tendons had been so unhealthy I assumed I used to be performed mountain operating perpetually. Lower than 9 months later, I’d rehabbed properly sufficient to not have any Achilles ache all through Extremely Gobi.
• Good particular preparation and execution – Whereas actually touched on in my prior article, I’m proud of my relaxed execution in coaching and logistical preparations within the months earlier than the race in addition to for the three days I used to be on the market. I minimized what may go fallacious and addressed what did.
• I ran and walked properly all race – Feeling like I may run properly within the final runnable sections and stroll properly within the final strolling sections was nice.
• Ending sturdy – I completed feeling like I may maintain going for an additional few days.

On Gear

On this part, I talk about all of the gear that I carried in the course of the race, whether or not or not I used it. Not like my 2015 Extremely Gobi race report, I received’t checklist the gear that was packed in drop containers, however that I didn’t use. All issues thought of, the gear I used at Extremely Gobi 2024 labored very well, and I’d use most of it once more if I went again!

Footwear

Nike Pegasus 41 – I used one pair of street sneakers for your complete 245 miles of the race. I had no less than six shoe modifications obtainable – one in every of the race’s six drop containers, a few of which may very well be accessed twice, however I selected to stay with the evil I knew versus the evil I didn’t. I began in these street sneakers that I’d barely ever used earlier than as there have been 9 miles or in order that I selected to run on asphalt out of the gate. On the first potential shoe change, they had been nonetheless working properly, so I went with them. Over time, I did get a few of the heel rim blisters that plague me in longer ultras, however I managed to deal with them as they got here up, and I trimmed the outer edges of each insoles about midway by way of the race. The balls of each ft did get a bit sore late within the race, however to not any stage that turned a difficulty. I’m intrigued to attempt the Nike Pegasus Plus that doesn’t have a separate air pod in the midst of the forefoot to see if these work even higher.

If I ran Extremely Gobi once more with out the course trying all that completely different when it comes to terrain, I’d doubtless put on one other pair of middle-of-the-road, on a regular basis street sneakers once more. I’d pre-trim the sides of the insoles and experiment with some low-friction Engo patches, however they’d be my go-to. I’d doubtless convey two recent pairs to probably swap into, with an equivalent pair at midway and a pair a half measurement up a bit later down the course. I’d additionally pack a lighter, quick-draining pair of street sneakers if I ran a future course with repeated river crossings throughout a comparatively discrete part.

Attire

Patagonia Strider Professional 5” Shorts – I’d virtually actually put on these once more. They’re my on a regular basis operating quick as it’s. The liner and outer material proceed to work properly and really feel comfy after days of steady use, and I each like and am used to the assorted pockets discovered on the shorts. I did change right into a clear pair later within the race. Subsequent time, I’d plan to swap shorts twice, as a recent, clear pair does really feel wonderful, and is not any knock towards the shorts themselves.

Mountain Hardwear Way2Cool Brief Sleeve Shirt – I wore the identical shirt from round 2012 for your complete race. I wore the identical shirt at Extremely Gobi 2015. I’d put on it once more. As I did this time, I packed an additional for a late race change and would contemplate doing so once more. How is that this nonetheless the most effective operating shirt I’ve ever worn almost a decade and a half later?!

Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Hooded Jacket – From the identical period because the shirt above, it stays my favourite jacket of all time. Why? It’s ultralight and but not clammy or crinkly as another ultralight wind jackets are usually.

iRunFar Headsweats Hat – A easy, it-just-works hat that’s older than the 2 objects listed above. Newer isn’t at all times higher, however I’ve at all times acquired my eyes open for an ultralight, ethereal hat in a lightweight shade with a full brim.

Drymax Scorching Climate Operating 1/4 Crew – I’m unsure what number of pairs I introduced, however greater than a dozen. I believe I modified my socks at 9 of the ten relaxation factors, with the lone exception being the ultimate relaxation level. These socks launch perspiration, dry rapidly, and usually aren’t a blister-causer for me. They’re light-weight and maintain up simply high quality below these circumstances. I’d 100% do the identical factor if the course was comparable sooner or later. My solely change could be to pre-wear each pair, as I used principally brand-new socks. One new pair had just a little additional materials within the toe of 1 sock, and that led to blisters on the top of two toes. Had I observed and minimize out the additional materials on an earlier run, it will have been no drawback in any respect.

Montbell Tachyon Pants – Whereas pants aren’t necessary gear, I threw these ultralight wind pants on each night time throughout Extremely Gobi. I wore their predecessor within the 2015 version, too. You received’t win any style awards in these pants, however they’re wonderful.

The North Face FlashDry Liner Gloves and Montbell U.L. Shell Gloves – On reflection, I believe I may get away with simply the Montbell gloves all through.

Montbell Plasma 1000 Down Jacket – An 800-fill or larger down jacket was a part of the necessary package. I wore it on the excessive elevations on Night time 2 when temperatures dipped under 20 levels Fahrenheit (-5 Celsius) and within the later hours of the final night time. This puffy was greater than succesful and, because it’s ridiculously mild, I can’t think about bringing some other puffy.

Smartwool Beanie – A cut-down-to-single-layer Smartwool beanie handed gear examine. I actually used it together with my common hat on Night time 2. I don’t suppose I used it the opposite two nights, when only a common hat or that plus a single-layer hood had been sufficient to maintain me heat.

Columbia/Montrail Titan Extremely Half Zip – This light-weight half-zip has been on many adventures with me going again to no less than 2016. I picked it up on the final night time, perhaps on the last relaxation level. It carried out properly, and I’ve but to discover a lighter lengthy sleeve, half-zip shirt.

Different Gear

Raidlight Revolutiv 24 pack – It was a straightforward option to convey it to Extremely Gobi 2024. There’s greater than ample rear storage capability with all of the pockets I want up entrance for easy-access objects. The pack rides extremely properly with the light-to-moderate masses one would have for Extremely Gobi and it’s fairly breathable and never too scorching. I did pare a little bit of weight off earlier than the race and rigged up a pole system on the underside, as I by no means meant to make use of the necessary poles.

iPhone 16 Professional – I upgraded my telephone forward of this journey. My iPhone is my navigation system, audio leisure system, voice notice taker, and, importantly, my digital camera … as I took 1,300 images in the course of the occasion. The telephone labored nice and took fantastic images. Half a yr in, I’m nonetheless unsure I favor the 5x digital camera over the previous 3x one. I had a pair of wired Apple sport headphones with me and a few low cost backups in my drop containers.

Coros Vertix 2 – I’ve had this look ahead to a bunch of years, but it surely retains on ticking. I’d have preemptively changed the battery by now, however batteries simply aren’t replaceable in most trendy smartwatches and I used to be reassured that the utmost battery life could be simply high quality for even a full-time restrict (142 hours) Extremely Gobi. I did swap to single-band GPS-only satellites, made different battery-saving strikes, and did put a charger or two in drop containers, I ended Extremely Gobi with a full 50% left on the watch battery and it was nonetheless at 43% a full 3.5 days and three quick runs after the race. Scorching rattling!

I didn’t know … or no less than recall realizing that I may reconfigure the Vertix screens till not too long ago. I’m positive glad I did! I used to be joyful to not have complete time or distance on my watch, and to usually have the watch screens arrange as I like. Talking of which, I ought to take images of the screens in case I ever should rebuild the settings.

Anyway, I by no means doubted the accuracy of the GPS or phase distances and I usually know when the optical coronary heart charge is close to sufficient to be correct or out-there sufficient to disregard it. That’s adequate for me.

Raidlight Easyflask Tube 600mL and Platypus Platy 1.5L Bladder – Solely within the few weeks earlier than the race did I ever actually give a water container with a straw an actual take a look at. I cherished it within the situation that I wouldn’t must filter water. I ran with the Raidlight straw bottle with the insulation faraway from the straw, and it was good, because the 600-milliliter container was simply what I wanted between checkpoints. I carried a lightweight 1.5-liter Platypus bladder to account for the extra required 2L hydration capability.

Nitecore NU45 Headlamp and Nitecore Carbon 6k Battery – I’ll admit to spending an inordinate period of time determining my lighting and energy system earlier than the occasion, as I attempted to think about the whole lot from my headlamp and to battery packs, from iPhone to headphones as one full system.

The Nitecore Carbon 6k Battery has the most effective power density of any small charger I’ve ever discovered, it will possibly cost numerous in-use Nitecore headlamps, and affords comparatively fast USB charging. This setup did prod me to improve to an iPhone 16, so all my in-race electronics apart from my watch had been chargeable through USB-C to USB-C cables.

In coaching, the Nitecore NU45 Headlamp felt a bit on the heavy facet and I used to be afraid it would give me a crick within the neck, however I by no means observed the load in the course of the race. All in all, it was greater than enough for low complexity navigation and most footing conditions. It wasn’t my absolute favourite on some dusty doubletrack, as I discovered the sunshine just a little flat and it was onerous to have depth notion. Nonetheless, as a part of a system, it labored splendidly and I’d haven’t any drawback selecting the sunshine once more … though I dream of any mild being lighter and brighter!

Julbo Aerolite Reactiv photochromic sun shades – For Extremely Gobi, I needed a pair of 0-3 transition lenses that I by no means needed to put away or stow in my pack. I wore these for the entire darn race and by no means gave them a second thought. Having by no means worn them for three-straight days, I used to be a bit fearful that they may ultimately get uncomfortable. Nevertheless, they match nice all through.

Mountain Hardwear Phantom 15F Down sleeping bag – Simply two days forward of journey, I noticed I wanted a hotter sleeping bag than the one I meant on bringing. This one match the invoice! It was an incredible bag … for the three hours in the course of the race that I’ve used it to date.

Garmin Foretrex 801 – A bit of necessary gear that I had no intention of utilizing, such that I eliminated its wristband to avoid wasting weight. I did copy the complete GPX file of the prompt route onto the unit as a 3rd navigational backup, even when I had no concept the best way to use it. Whereas I by no means did pull up the course on the Foretrex, I did use it as a compass. On a 16-mile straight-westward bearing on a moonless night time, I wanted a bearing as there was no horizon level seen to fixate on. Whereas the navigation app I used on my telephone gave compass bearings, it was too sluggish to reply. A mile or two into this stretch, I pulled out the Foretrex and inside a minute I had a really responsive compass. Increase!

Leki Ultralite Fx.One Superlite trekking poles – Trekking poles had been required tools for this occasion. I’m merely not a pole man, particularly on such a comparatively flat course, so these had been the lightest purposeful trekking poles I had at dwelling. I had no intention of utilizing them, and by no means did. I advocated towards this requirement earlier than the race and would achieve this once more.

Huawei Mate 60 – We wanted a satellite tv for pc telephone that may work in China as a part of our necessary tools, so we rented these smartphones that have already got satellite tv for pc telephone calling, a functionality coming to some U.S. telephones and providers within the close to future. I did handle to obtain the Strava app and add the Extremely Gobi race recordsdata to it, as my fourth redundant backup navigation system. I by no means turned on the telephone in the course of the race.

Different necessary gear: medical package, whistle, knife, blinking mild – I carried a really fundamental medical package, knife, whistle, and small blinking mild that met race rules for necessary gear. I did devour a pair ibuprofen.

Drop field extras: rags, slippers, plug-in chargers, cost cords – I had a clear store rag to scrub my ft and a pair of lodge slippers in every drop field. I used the rags and a few of the slippers. I virtually at all times took my sneakers and socks off instantly upon getting into a relaxation level and it was good to have one thing to put on if I needed to stroll to the restroom or the like. I did carry one USB-C to USB-C cable the entire means, however had numerous charging necessities unfold out throughout a few of the drop containers.

On Meals

To start out, I guestimated what tenting meals I ate. Packing up after the race was a bit frantic, and I didn’t snap a photograph of what meals I had left over, however I assume I ate round 5.

At first blush, it seems to be like I did far worse in caloric consumption when in comparison with that of my run in 2015, at 14,729 energy in 2024 versus 19,244 in 2015. Nevertheless, grossly adjusted based mostly on time (69 hours versus 99 hours), that’s a median of 213 energy per hour in 2024 versus 194 energy per hour in 2015. I’ll take it — even when I didn’t eat the final eight hours in 2024!

• Peanut M&Ms – They’ve develop into my go-to gas on lengthy adventures and that was once more the case throughout Extremely Gobi, offering greater than 20% of my energy!
• Coke – I drank no less than eight of the ten Cokes I packed.
• Untapped gels (common) – These had been simply the celebrities of endurance vitamin merchandise.
• Skratch Train Hydration Combine – My go-to hydration combine for the race even when I didn’t have sufficient lemon taste … similar to in the course of the 2015 race!
• Upside surprises – Not like 2015, I didn’t actually have any shock stars right here, though enjoyable measurement Snickers labored properly. Oh, I assume French burnt peanuts(!) of which I had a pair 100-gram baggage.
• Caffeine – If there have been fails, it was round caffeine. I by chance over-caffeinated on the second afternoon, partly with a caffeinated drink combine with out non-caffeinated alternate options helpful. Sooner or later, I’d scale back the quantity of caffeine in my main vitamin choices and complement with extra direct types of caffeine to handle sleepiness.
• Tenting meals … and their alternate options – Tenting meals labored very well for me in Extremely Gobi in 2015, however not as properly in 2024. I’ll be on the lookout for choices for the best way to satisfyingly soak up 500-plus energy rapidly or instantly after a relaxation level with out the necessity to watch for meals to rehydrate.

On Hydration

As greatest as I can recall, I drank roughly a 600-milliliter flask of sports activities drink between each checkpoint (roughly each 10k) all through the race together with a 500-milliliter Coca Cola each 40k and perhaps a bit of additional water at some checkpoints. With the 2024 Extremely Gobi being comparatively cool, this was greater than sufficient to maintain me hydrated. Certainly, I used to be a bit overhydrated if something, as I will need to have peed 35 occasions within the first two days.

When you can’t actually “financial institution” a lot efficient hydration on the market, staying topped up on hydration meant that I didn’t fear once I didn’t drink at throughout greater than 50k and eight hours by way of the night time on the finish of the occasion.

As with my go at Extremely Gobi 2015, I by no means supplemented with electrolyte capsules and by no means skilled any common or leg cramping. I did usually drink electrolyte drinks between checkpoints and had a pair tenting meals. With enough coaching, that was greater than sufficient to maintain my electrolytes inside an efficient vary.

On Sleep

In my first go at Extremely Gobi in 2015, I prioritized getting full nights of sleep as I needed to maximise the enjoyable on an enormous journey and I’d witnessed Meghan undergo from sleep monsters in the course of the Tor des Géants a yr earlier. Ultimately, that resulted in me sleeping the primary two nights with solely a brief nap on the finish of Night time 3 by way of the top of the race early on Day 5.

In returning to Extremely Gobi, I knew I may theoretically save time by reducing down on my deliberate sleep and time that I took in the remainder factors through which I slept. Nicely, mission completed! I went from 24 hours spent within the three relaxation factors through which I slept in 2015 to 5 hours complete — sleeping or in any other case — spent within the one relaxation level I slept in throughout Extremely Gobi 2024. Certainly, I slept for under three hours, multi function go in the midst of Night time 2.

Issues labored out fairly completely this time round, as I used to be so sleepy within the last hour earlier than reaching that relaxation level. About an hour after arriving at that relaxation level, I fell asleep with each my watch and an support station volunteer on alert to wake me in 5 hours, after a deliberate three full sleep cycles. I did wake after one cycle and ate a pair hundred energy earlier than returning to sleep. I woke once more after the second sleep cycle and once more began consuming a pair hundred extra energy whereas totally intending to return to sleep … however in some way I sensed that I wasn’t sleepy anymore and after only a few minutes determined it was go time. I wouldn’t consider sleeping for the remaining 25-plus hours of the race nor would I be in the least sleepy once more.

That’s 69 hours of the race, plus one other 5 hours awake earlier than the race with solely three hours of sleep. Ought to the necessity have arisen, I used to be keen to take an influence nap on the course that third day or, if wanted, cease for a couple of full sleep cycles, however researching adventure-racing sleep plans paid off.

Now, I dare say, realizing {that a} sub-three-day end is feasible, I’d be keen to experiment with even much less sleep. Is that one full sleep cycle in the midst of Night time 2? Do I skip pulling out the sleeping bag and in any other case minimize the time in a relaxation level for that sleep down by a further hour such that it’s 2.5 hours as an alternative of 5? Do I solely take a pair trail-side naps as wanted late within the race? I plan to poke round and see what I can study how individuals plan sleep in a roughly three-day race.

Further stats:

• 38 hours, quarter-hour – In regards to the elapsed race time I acquired to relaxation level 6, the place I’d cease to sleep.
• 43:15 – With a 4:45 a.m. get up on race morning, how lengthy I estimate I used to be repeatedly awake till my three-hour sleep break.
• 76:15 (3 days, 4 hours, quarter-hour) – An estimate of the span throughout which I slept solely three hours.

What I Would Do In a different way

Throughout all scales, issues went unimaginably properly for me at Extremely Gobi 2024. This checklist feels prefer it comprises lighter lifts than my comparable checklist after Extremely Gobi 2015. These are simply particulars.

• Even higher Achilles/calf rehabilitation – I managed to get my Achilles to pain-free throughout Extremely Gobi. I’d goal for extra calf energy in addition to extra confidence to make use of them.
• Purpose for higher health – I used to be actually sturdy sufficient for Extremely Gobi, however I may have been a lot fitter. No complaints there, however excessive quantity and extra intense coaching over the half yr forward of Extremely Gobi would repay.
• Go in a bit trimmer – I trimmed up a bunch for Extremely Gobi and had no power points. Moving into two or three kilos even lighter could be welcome.
• Take into account sleeping much less, if on an identical course – Rumor is the 2025 Extremely Gobi course shall be slower, but when it was the identical or just like the 2024 course, I’d be tempted to attempt sleeping even much less, if in any respect. I’m unsure what’s the longest time interval athletic efficiency isn’t majorly lessened by lack of sleep. I’d need to speak to some Barkley Marathons finishers and a few of the 60- to 65-hour finishers from different 200- to 250-mile races.
• Convey much less gear and meals in drop containers – I introduced an excessive amount of stuff. I took plenty of notes on what I wouldn’t convey if I ran Extremely Gobi once more. In any case, it’d positive make touring simpler!
• Change into comfy climbing barbwire fences – Some sections of the Gobi had barbwire fences strung between T-posts. I’d need to observe being secure, environment friendly, and assured in getting over them.

Name for Feedback

• If you happen to’ve acquired any questions on my gear decisions or logistics, ask away!
• Did I miss protecting something, on this or my narrative report? Once more, ask away!