Stepping into the Sahara is like stepping into another world, a place where heat, silence, and endless sand quickly expose any weaknesses in your planning, fitness, or mindset. As I prepared for my latest adventure, I realised just how much my previous expeditions, particularly Iceland, shaped the way I handled the desert.
Training That Paid Off
Physically, the Sahara is unforgiving. Long miles across soft sand interspersed with hard, rocky mudflats, relentless heat, and carrying everything you need for the day pushes endurance, strength, and mental resilience to the limit. My training, which focused on endurance, weight-carrying, and conditioning for prolonged effort, gave me the stamina to keep moving even when fatigue set in.
But physical training alone isn’t enough. It’s the combination of mental readiness and practical preparation that truly allows you to thrive in an extreme environment.
The Most Organised I’ve Ever Been on Expedition
One of the biggest differences this time was just how organised I felt. It was, without a doubt, the most prepared I’ve ever been going into an expedition. Every piece of kit had a purpose, a place, and a label. I split everything into clearly marked dry bags: sleep system, clothing layers, food, medical supplies, camp essentials.
I even packed the bags in the order I’d need them: what I’d reach for during the day, what I’d need as soon as we stopped, and what could stay buried until camp was fully set up. This meant zero faffing, no hunting for lost items, and no wasted energy at the end of long, hot days when patience can run thin.
This organisation wasn’t just about efficiency. It gave me space in my head. Knowing where everything was allowed me to focus on the experience itself; the heat, the horizon, and the challenge of moving through such an extreme place while supporting those around me.
How Iceland Prepared Me Without Me Realising It
The lessons from Iceland were invaluable. My time there, and the training in the lead up to it, taught me the value of preparation in unpredictable conditions:
- Efficiently setting up and breaking down camp
- Managing energy over long days
- Testing and refining kit to see what genuinely worked
- Staying rested, fed, and comfortable in extreme weather
While the landscapes couldn’t be more different, the mindset was identical. The systems I built in Iceland, both physical and mental, translated directly into confidence and calm in the Sahara.
Headspace Built Through Preparation
Ultimately, the combination of physical training, careful preparation, and meticulous organisation shaped the way I experienced the Sahara. My body was ready, my kit was ready, and my mind was ready.
It’s amazing how much calmer and more present you feel when everything is in its place, every decision simplified, and every potential stressor accounted for. This headspace allowed me to truly enjoy the expedition, focus on the moment, and embrace the challenge rather than be consumed by it.
Every expedition adds to your toolbox for the next one. Iceland taught me resilience in the cold; the Sahara tested it in the heat. And throughout it all, preparation, both physical and mental, proved to be the ultimate advantage.
