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The pair began corresponding through the Racing the Planet platform and developed a close friendship over the following year.<\/p>\n
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\u201cAs our friendship grew, he wanted me to experience what he had – the kindness and generosity of those who race.\u201d<\/p>\n
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She said he became one of her strongest supporters, helping her overcome concerns about the cost of competing, and eventually offering to sponsor the US$4000 entry fee.<\/p>\n
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\u201cHe helped me understand that by looking at an obstacle through a different lens, an array of possibilities comes into view,\u201d Neubrandt said.<\/p>\n
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\u201cHis was the voice of reason, convincing me that I am stronger than I can imagine.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Zach died suddenly from a glioblastoma, an aggressive brain tumour, last year.<\/p>\n
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Determined to honour both her commitment and his belief in her, Neubrandt decided to still pursue the challenge.<\/p>\n
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\u201cHe opened my mind and eyes to the fact that there are so many possibilities, but I was so heavily invested that I either had to commit or give it all up – and I didn\u2019t want to back out.\u201d<\/p>\n
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While she had the option of competing in the Gobi Desert, Neubrandt said Namibia was her preferred choice because of the strong personal connection she had to the country.<\/p>\n
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\u201cNamibia holds a truly special place in my heart.\u201d<\/p>\n
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Having grown up in South Africa, before moving to New Zealand 20 years ago, Neubrandt said she had memories of annual family road trips to the desert.<\/p>\n
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\u201cIt would be about 2000 kilometres from Johannesburg to Windhoek where we\u2019d go tiki touring in the desert going on little adventures.<\/p>\n
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Karen Neubrandt has spent months under the guidance of a coach, following a strict training programme.<\/p>\n
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\u201cI\u2018m just so grateful that I can get there to do it, and let\u2019s just see what happens.\u201d<\/p>\n
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On May 5, 2023, Neubrandt experienced a \u201cspectacular misadventure that very nearly cost me my life\u201d while crossing the Namib in a small plane piloted by her sister.<\/p>\n
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\u201cShe was coming in for landing on a gravel airstrip and a strong side wind blew her Cessna off course and over the game fence.<\/p>\n
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\u201cThe plane hit about three short, stumpy trees in succession. We were incredibly lucky to climb out alive. I fractured my sternum though.\u201d<\/p>\n
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On August 16, she will be back in Namibia for her \u201csecond chance\u201d, starting the week-long 250km powerhike\/jog across the desert.<\/p>\n
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Before the race begins, athletes must pass mandatory gear checks and prove they are carrying all the required equipment.<\/p>\n
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They are then transported into the desert, where they spend a night camping before the race officially starts.<\/p>\n
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Each day covers roughly 40km, the equivalent of \u201calmost a marathon a day\u201d, Neubrandt said, with runners and walkers navigating between checkpoints spaced about 10km apart.<\/p>\n
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At each checkpoint, competitors can refill their water supplies, but they must leave carrying a minimum amount of water in addition to the food, clothing and camping gear already packed into their backpacks.<\/p>\n
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The self-supported\u00a0ultramarathon<\/a>\u00a0requires Neubrandt to carry all of her own supplies, including clothing, sleeping gear, food and electrolytes, for the duration of the race.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou have to pack really carefully and thoughtfully, making sure everything\u2019s the lightest thing you can find. It becomes a bit of a geek fest,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019ll chop your toothbrush in half if you think it could save you a few grams.\u201d<\/p>\n
Neubrandt has spent months training under the guidance of a coach, following a strict training programme tailored to fit around her work commitments and daily life.<\/p>\n
\u201cHaving a programme has kept me accountable and I know how much I want to do this race in honour of Zach.\u201d<\/p>\n
Before setting off in the Namib Desert, Neubrandt said she would be thinking of the support from her family, friends, and Zach, whose encouragement helped lead her to the race.<\/p>\n
\u201cI don\u2019t know exactly what I\u2019ll be thinking on that start line, but I do know I\u2019ll constantly be thinking of what my story will be when I finish.<\/p>\n
\u201cI think my main message is that we should never let age define us. And if we face obstacles, just chip away at them methodically.\u201d<\/p>\n
Neubrandt is seeking donations at\u00a0her Givealittle page<\/a>\u00a0to help cover the event costs, and says she will give any extra funds to a charity which supports glioblastoma patients.<\/p>\n
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