Every single day, at least once, my mind drifts to the daunting yet thrilling challenge ahead: running 250 kilometers across the desert and grasslands of Mongolia. It's not just any race; it's the Gobi March, a test of endurance, grit, and spirit. For six days straight in June 2025, I’ll be pushing my body and mind to their absolute limits—running 40 to 80 kilometers daily through the vast, untamed beauty of my homeland.

As a Mongolian, the idea of running through my country’s breathtaking landscapes fills me with pride. My heart is deeply connected to the countryside, where the breeze carries the whispers of our rich culture and the vast expanses of land remind me of freedom. This isn’t just a race for me—it’s a journey that feels like coming home.

But as much as I dream about the adventure, the preparation is relentless. Every run, every strength session, every moment of focus is a small step toward the starting line. Still, life has a way of throwing its own challenges. Over the past two weeks, personal issues have slowed me down. I’ve missed training sessions, gained a little weight, and felt my peak fitness begin to slip away. At first, I was frustrated. I could feel the doubts creeping in, whispering that I was falling behind.

Then I remembered: this is a marathon, not a sprint.

In ultra-endurance, as in life, it’s not about perfection. It’s about persistence. Preparation isn’t just about the miles you log on your best days—it’s about getting back up after the days you fall. I’ve accepted that there will be setbacks, but I’ve also made peace with the fact that the race isn’t won or lost in a single training session. It’s the mindset that matters. And I am determined to keep mine strong.

The Gobi March isn’t just about crossing the finish line. It’s also about the people I’ll meet along the way. I often find myself wondering who these runners from all over the world will be. Strangers at first, but soon, bonded by the shared experience of pain, triumph, and the shared beauty of this incredible journey. Making new friends during the race is something I look forward to almost as much as the run itself.

To those who are preparing for their first or fiftieth ultramarathon: I see you. I know the long hours, the blisters, the aching muscles, and the mental battles. But I also know the thrill of dreaming big and chasing something extraordinary. Stay focused, stay committed, and above all, stay within the winner’s mindset.

The Gobi March is a challenge of the body, but even more so of the spirit. And come June 2025, I’ll be ready—not just to run 250 kilometers, but to embrace every step, every friendship, and every moment under Mongolia’s vast sky.

To my fellow runners: see you on the start line.

The decision to take on the Gobi March – a grueling, multi-stage ultra marathon across one of the world’s most iconic deserts – was a bold one, and preparing for it has become a transformative experience. As I’ve committed myself to this challenge, I’ve found that it’s not just about logging miles or perfecting technique, but rather about testing my limits, embracing the joy of running, and finding balance among work, family, and my personal goals. Here’s a glimpse into my journey so far.

A couple months ago, I dove headfirst into a systematic training program. This wasn’t just casual weekend jogs but a structured regimen designed to build strength, endurance, and mental resilience. Week by week, the mileage has increased, and I’ve been tackling different terrains to simulate the unpredictability of the desert. Long runs have become more than just part of the plan; they’ve become meditative, an opportunity to reset and push myself further than I thought possible.

Through this process, I’ve realized something essential: to truly become good at this, I need to push my limits but also remember to enjoy the journey. Some days are hard – especially when I’m facing an endless trail on a blazing hot afternoon – but I’ve found that if I focus on the present moment, running becomes a source of joy, not just a path to the finish line.

One of the most tangible milestones has been my physical transformation. I’ve shed about 8kg since I began training, a change that has improved my endurance, agility, and confidence. It’s a small victory, but one that reminds me how much I’ve invested in this journey and how every step is getting me closer to the Gobi.

With a full-time job, family responsibilities, and a training schedule, life is busy – but it’s also full. Work is progressing well, and I’m fortunate that my family is happy and thriving. My seven-year-old son, especially, has been a wonderful support, even though he’s a little young to join me out on the trails. Every time I head out for a run, he asks, “Can I come with you, Dad?” And every time, I tell him, “When you’re bigger, we’ll tackle the Gobi together.” So, even before I cross the finish line of my first ultra marathon, I’m already dreaming of the day he can join me in this adventure.

Taking on an ultra marathon like the Gobi March has required more than just physical preparation; it’s a mental commitment as well. I’m pushing beyond what I thought were my limits and building endurance not only in my body but in my mindset. And now, as I look ahead, I’ve found myself already considering a second Gobi March, even before I’ve tackled the first! This journey has shown me the power of commitment and the thrill of testing myself in new ways, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me.

For anyone thinking of taking on an ultra marathon, I can say this: the journey is as meaningful as the race itself. The preparation, the small victories, and the balancing act with life’s other priorities have all been part of this incredible experience. I’m still a few months away from the starting line, but I’m already feeling the rewards of this journey, and I look forward to crossing that finish line – with my family’s support and my son’s cheering voice in my mind, knowing he’ll be with me out there someday.