13/03/2026
Gwen, by being your real authentic self I don't think you realise how many lives you are impacting with your creating of awareness of Mental Health! By running this desert marathon you are taking on something bigger than ourselves. It is an honour to be on Team Gwen xx
It's now just over 2 weeks until I leave to start my amazing adventure - can't believe how time has flown! Very grateful to my team of amazing people who have helped me to prepare - my family, Anine van der Westhuizen, Colleen Browne, Sonje Steyn, Katelyn Mullon and the countless other people that have helped me get to this point.
Yesterday, I did the longest of my long training runs and the weather was absolutely perfect for the occasion - 36 deg C, very little breeze and baking sun! Unfortunately, I had to leave Asterix at home as he would have been at extremely high risk for heat stroke under these conditions (although he was very unimpressed!)
And I was absolutely stoked that I could complete 50km in these challenging conditions, with a heavy pack (8kg) and still feel strong enough to do "Mom Duties" in the afternoon.
I do believe that I am as ready as I can be. Let's Do It!