Running the Marathon des Sables in Wadi Rum: Benefits of Solitude

In November, Waytrails co-founders set off for an endurance challenge like no other. We went to the Wadi Rum in Jordan to take part in the Half Marathon des Sables. For those unfamiliar with these races, they are designed to run 120km over three days in a desert while being entirely self-sufficient. This isn't a blog about endurance running!

Hiking and Mental Clarity: How Physical Challenges Benefit the Mind 

Running or walking through the vast, red desert of Wadi Rum, with not much but the endless sand and rock faces, I discovered something about myself that I hadn’t anticipated. As the hours ticked by and I aimed for the next 10km checkpoint, my mind started to clear, and my body began to embrace the challenge in a way I hadn't thought I would. This wasn't a race—it was a transformative experience, one that reshaped my approach to solitude, physical and mental capability, and life. 

Benefits I found in solitude and the outdoors include:

Stress Gives Way to Freedom
The day to day stress of work had no place here. I focused on one foot in front of the other and the cup of sugary tea reward at the end of the day. It's partly why we make Waytrails. Walking any distance in nature increases relaxation or creative thinking and we need that. 

Improved Mental Clarity and Focus
At points, we would walk together. We found that being away from our normal lives and thinking creatively, enhanced focus. The quiet, distraction-free environment allowed us time to reset, led to clearer thinking, problem-solving, and more ideas for Waytrails and our customers.

Boosts Mood and Emotional Resilience
Finishing each day definitely came with a whollop of "feel-good" chemicals. Even in training, regular walks outdoors improved mood and built emotional resilience. A sense of accomplishment and space for self-reflection is enough to feel better.

Being alone for long periods of time is rare these days. It wasn't until we got back, two days after the Trump/Harris election, that we knew who had won! I felt wonderful to be given that time away from the world.

Personal Transformation

At times, it felt like the silence was deafening. But in that silence, I found clarity. The mental noise I carried with me for months began to fade, replaced by an overwhelming sense of peace. Yes it was hard, but not harder than putting one foot after the other and saying 'keep going'. By the end of the race, I wasn’t just physically stronger—I was mentally clearer to step back into the world.

External Support & Mental Health

Long distance walking can't be done without help. Whether it's a training schedule with an instructor, YouTube videos on how to use poles, or supportive friends. 

Me running through the Wadi Rum wasn’t just about pushing my body to its limits; it was about training my mind to stay calm and focused despite the exhaustion, knowing I had trained and I had supportive people around me, even strangers in a race.

What long distance hiking taught me?

Some people use pilgrimages for self-discovery. I found the benefits of an ultra marathon taught me the true meaning of resilience, especially when the only motivation I had was my own inner strength to finish. The Marathon des Sables was 'only' 120km. The Western Front Way is 1000km. The Camino Frances is 790km. These are pilgrimages that hundreds of thousands do annually. Why not try one.

Have you ever experienced the transformative power of solitude during a long hike or run? If you’re ready to challenge yourself both physically and mentally, consider setting out on your own adventure—whether it’s a self-guided long-distance hike, or a marathon des sables.

The journey to better mental health starts with a single step.