Who's in?

CNN had a recent article about Racing the Planet (check out the website). There is (is? are? whatever, grammar police!) both the "4 Deserts" series and "Racing the Planet." The 4 Deserts are the Gobi (China), Atacama (Chile), Sahara (Egypt), and Antarctica. I believe that in order to do Antarctica (penguins, what what!), you first have to complete two of the other deserts. Racing the Planet looks like a similar event, except that the location changes each year (Vietnam, Namibia, Aussie Outback, etc.). They are 250-km, weeklong events, where you basically fend for yourself, carrying all your food with you, and somehow the event people get you rationed water, etc. It looks like everyone from true athletes to regular people do it, and the website notes that many participants have never done a marathon before doing one of these events. It just seems like a unique way to experience a country/culture/natural environment, and a great experience to share with other people doing the course with you (hint! hint!). Obviously, some participants go in with a very competitive mindset, but I think it would be cool to just go and do one for fun. Some people run the entire thing (the total distance is something like five marathons put together!), but the website notes that the time allotment is generous enough for walkers as well.

This definitely looks like a brutal challenge, but I also think that it would be an unparalleled experience. I'm adding this to my informal list of things to do before I die. I'm particularly eyeing the China one, thought it would be interesting to see what new locations Racing the Planet picks in the coming years (Vietnam would be awesome).

Will it actually happen? Who knows. But I am currently obsessed. Anyone else?! Camping? Hiking? No toilets? Rationed water? Carrying your food on your back? Unbearable heat? Creatures? Sand in your eyes (and everywhere else, for that matter)? YES!!