morocco travel

Meet a Rogue Expeditions Runner: Deirdre McAuliffe

What type of people go on Rogue Expeditions running trips? It seems that everyone worries that they'll either be too slow, or too fast. That the mileage will be too difficult, or not challenging enough. That they'll be too old, or too young. That the other people will be super serious running geeks who talk about nothing but training, or that the other people will all be there to take it reeeeeeally easy. That they'll be the only person who doesn't know anyone else.

In truth, there is no "type." The trips attract all sorts of backgrounds, all sorts of ability levels and all sorts of motivations for being there, and the beautiful thing is that it works for just about everyone! To prove it, we are highlighting a number of our runners using their own words. Read on to find out about the running background, pre-trip hesitations, favorite trip memories and most surprising realization of a Rogue Expeditions runner.

Deirdre McAuliffe is up next! Deirdre, who is Irish but currently living in Hampshire, UK, is one of the younger participants that we've had. Despite the fact that she is very new to running and to international travel, it turns out that she's a natural at both activities.

Toubkal snow.jpg

Which trip did you do and when?
Run Morocco: Mountains & Coast, March 2017

Describe your running background.
I ran a little in school at sports days and such. However, I fell out of the routine in teenage years and decided on a whim to enter a half marathon in 2014 - having done little to no training! On that very, very, very long and slow run, I decided that I quite liked the idea of running! I have since done a few half marathons in Ireland and UK and completed my first marathon in Dublin in 2016. 

How did you end up on that trip? What led you to the decision?
After that first half marathon in Dingle, I saw an advertisement for Rogue Expeditions on the race's Facebook page. I promised myself that if I kept this running madness up, I would treat myself once I'd finished university!

Any hesitations or uncertainties going into it?
Lots! Until this trip, I had never traveled outside of Europe. I had also never traveled on my own. Like many others, I was worried about the mileage and also the terrain as I had never run on trails. I knew this was going to be a whole new experience but Allison was very informative from the initial stages so I felt as comfortable as possible about the trip.

Did you know anyone else in the group beforehand? How was it traveling with a group of strangers?
I didn't know anyone in the group beforehand but I was blown away by the kindness of everyone I met. From the airport welcome with a bottle of water to the parting hugs, I couldn't have met a nicer bunch of people. The cooks and drivers were fantastic! Always prepared with water and snacks, and the most elaborate picnics you could imagine.

What was your favorite run and why?
My favourite run has to be the run and hike up to the base camp of Mount Toubkal. It was my first experience of many things - trails, running in the snow and higher altitudes. It was also the most challenging but I always felt that I could plod along at my own pace and enjoy it.

Food is a huge part of any travel experience. What was your favorite thing that you ate?
It's got to be the Beef Kefta tagine served up hot by our wonderful team of cooks after that very long hike up Mount Toubkal. The food across the entire trip was outstanding - always fresh, always varied and catered for a very diverse group of very hungry runners without an issue.

Both travel and running have their ups and downs. What was your most challenging moment or issue during the trip? How did you overcome it?
Apart from my highest mileage week to date, there wasn't one!

What surprised you the most about the experience?
The hospitality for sure. From the drivers and cooks who knew us by name by the second day. To the staff in the places we stayed who met us with warm handshakes. To the remote villages where people's livelihoods are their goats, crops and the occasional cow. Everyone I met on this trip had a warm smile. They call out "Bonjour!" as you pass and the children wave and giggle. I even had a group of children follow me for 1.5 miles through a tiny village and onto our picnic.

"Runcation" vs a race: what do you think are some of the key similarities and differences? Or are they even comparable?
The races I've been to have the same sense of excitement beforehand. However, there's so much pressure to perform "on the day", worrying about baggage, food and organising where to meet family and friends afterwards. Those pressures are removed during this trip. You just need to get yourself to the airport and you're looked after by a fantastic crew from the moment you land, to the farewell at the airport. They are so good at what they do - Allison, James and Hamid really do a wonderful job and make it look effortless. 

Sum up your Rogue Expeditions experience in one sentence:
Several times during the trip, I found myself standing somewhere utterly beautiful with my mouth half open in amazement, coming to terms with how lucky I am to have had a place on this trip.

Meet a Rogue Expeditions Runner: Albert (Moose) Marino

What type of people go on Rogue Expeditions running trips? It seems that everyone worries that they'll either be too slow, or too fast. That the mileage will be too difficult, or not challenging enough. That they'll be too old, or too young. That the other people will be super serious running geeks who talk about nothing but training, or that the other people will all be there to take it reeeeeeally easy. That they'll be the only person who doesn't know anyone else.

In truth, there is no "type." The trips attract all sorts of backgrounds, all sorts of ability levels and all sorts of motivations for being there, and the beautiful thing is that it works for just about everyone! To prove it, we are highlighting a number of our runners using their own words. Read on to find out about the running background, pre-trip hesitations, favorite trip memories and most surprising realization of a Rogue Expeditions runner.

Our trips draw a mix of the less-traveled and the very-traveled, and our style is flexible enough to work for all of them. Today we're talking with Albert Marino (better known as Moose in some circles) who had been just about everywhere prior to joining us last spring - in fact, he landed in Marrakech right off the back of several months spent cycling through India, wandering through Vietnam and visiting family in his native Romania. Despite admittedly little running during that time, he knocked out his first-ever 100 mile week in Morocco!

Morning run in the Todra Gorge.

Morning run in the Todra Gorge.

Which trip did you do and when?
Morocco: Gorges & Sahara, April 2016

Describe your running background.
Marathon group training for last two years, running about 60 miles a week. Before that I was running 30-40 miles per week of easy running.

How did you end up on that trip? What led you to the decision?
I've wanted to go from the moment I heard about it. I was already in the neighborhood (Romania, a $100 flight away) and was on an extended trip so it didn't interfere with work. 

Any hesitations or uncertainties going into it?
Zero, zilch, nada, rien, niet.

Did you know anyone else in the group beforehand? How was it traveling with a group of strangers?
I knew a few people somewhat but no one really closely. It was exciting to get to know them better and meet some awesome strangers. 

What was your favorite run and why?
The Todra gorge. It was actually a poopy run in the sense of I was low energy trying to get through 20 miles, but aside from that, it was so beautiful, hard to believe really.

Food is a huge part of any travel experience. What was your favorite thing that you ate?
The tajine was fun although it did get old by the end. It was nice to know we were eating authentic, not western tailored fluff.

Both travel and running have their ups and downs. What was your most challenging moment or issue during the trip? How did you overcome it?
This is true usually, but I really didn't have any downs. I thought about it, searched for it, but it didn't happen. This trip was perfect from beginning to end.

What surprised you the most about the experience?
How close we got with our local guides. Unlike some trips were the relationship can be awkward and almost 'servant' like, Hamid and his family became our friends and companions, and that made for a very comfortable experience as a visitor in a country where the culture is very different, 

"Runcation" vs a race: what do you think are some of the key similarities and differences? Or are they even comparable?
Racing is serious. It's fun but there are nerves, there are things you can and cannot do. I enjoy racing, but it's a process. A runcation is strictly fun. It is what you want it to be. Some people drank a lot of wine, some people spent a lot of time taking photos or playing cards, some people caught up on their reading. It's beautiful to be able to do what you want, spend your time how you prefer. That's what a vacation should be. You just happen to be surrounded by awesome people who also enjoy running, and you happen to be in one of the more majestic places on earth. 

Sum up your Rogue Expeditions experience in one sentence:
If running is a part of your life, no matter how large or small, an RE trip will be one of the best weeks of your life (for goddamn sure).

Meet a Rogue Expeditions Runner: Troy Carter

What type of people go on Rogue Expeditions running trips? It seems that everyone worries that they'll either be too slow, or too fast. That the mileage will be too difficult, or not challenging enough. That they'll be too old, or too young. That the other people will be super serious running geeks who talk about nothing but training, or that the other people will all be there to take it reeeeeeally easy. That they'll be the only person who doesn't know anyone else.

In truth, there is no "type." The trips attract all sorts of backgrounds, all sorts of ability levels and all sorts of motivations for being there, and the beautiful thing is that it works for just about everyone! To prove it, we are highlighting a number of our runners using their own words. Read on to find out about the running background, pre-trip hesitations, favorite trip memories and most surprising realization of a Rogue Expeditions runner.

In honor of opening our 2018 trips this week, today we're featuring Troy who embarked on his first-ever international trip with us at age 58, and who just last month became the first person to hit the SIX trip mark. This guy has proved over and over and over again that it's NEVER too late.

paine grande.jpg

 

Which trips did you do and when?

Describe your running background:
I started running age 55 with Rogue Running in 2009 to get in shape for backpacking trips, and was lucky enough to have Allison as one of my coaches.

How did you end up on that first trip? What led you to the decision?
When Allison described the Morocco trip she and Gabe were planning, I decided, "What the hell, always wanted to see the Sahara." I trusted Allison, knew about half the people going, and she did all the planning. All I needed was a plane ticket, what could go wrong?

Did you know anyone else in the group beforehand? How was it traveling with a group of strangers?
For the Endurance Adventure Morocco trip I knew none of the other runners, but that changed pretty quickly. It was a very diverse group, a lot of fun and pushed me beyond what I thought were my limits.

What was your favorite run of each trip?

  • Morocco 2013: the10k run in Sahara with Gabe, Stacy, and Stephanie {if I remember correctly}
  • Patagonia 2015: I ran very little on this trip, mostly hiked. The 11 mile hike with the wind howling, and no one around for miles was my favorite. So raw, so immense, on a scale I'd never experienced before. This day was the best day of all my adventures and if I ever top it, surely the Rapture will be upon us.
  • Tahoe 2015: Flume Trail run
  • Bend 2016: I tweaked my knee at the end of the 2nd day, but was still able to hike, explore, and enjoy the diverse landscapes while the others ran. With the help of a knee brace I recovered enough to complete a 6 day, 57 mile hike around the 3 Sisters Wilderness near Bend after the trip!
  • Morocco 2017: Just being with Hamid again was the best.
  • Endurance Adventure Morocco 2017: The last part of the last run I shared with Sean, on some of the sketchiest, almost nonexistent trails I'd ever seen or tried to see. Sheer bliss, superb scenery, perfect ending. The summit of Toubakl was the scariest, most rewarding part of that trip.

Food is a huge part of any travel experience. What was your favorite thing that you ate?
Besides Katie's cookies, the best food is the kefta tagine in Morocco by far. Pisco Sour in Patagonia is the best drink.

Both travel and running have their ups and downs. What was your most challenging moment or issue during the trip? How did you overcome it?
My most challenging experience was the first Morocco trip. This was the first international trip of my life and I went 2 days early only to find my airline on strike, airport information desks empty, and myself unable to speak the language {I was in Madrid}. I arrived 3 hours late to Marrakech, couldn't find my checked bag {later found on the floor, nowhere close to where it was supposed to be}, and then saw Hamid with my name on a piece of white paper as I walked out. One of the happiest moments of my life. 

What surprised you the most about the experience?
Morocco was a cultural experience for me, love the people, the food, and the country. But, Patagonia is Mother Nature on display, she can play nice, or she can be a trouble maker. Sometimes all in the same day or few hours, that place was heaven to me. On the hike days, I would just stop, sit, and breath it all in, not needing to worry about being the last one to camp, or slowing the group down. I will be going again, Inshallah.

Runcation vs a race: what do you think are some of the key similarities and differences? Or are they even comparable?
These trips are what YOU want them to be. Have an open mind, be flexible, and enjoy where you are. 

Sum up your Rogue Expeditions experience in one sentence:
Being only 62, I plan on traveling with Rogue Expeditions many more times. Its' a great big world out there :)

As Rogue Expeditions grows, I know fewer {or none} of the runners who sign up for the journey. So many new friends with experiences, ideas and personalities that I'd have never met, but for these people. Rogue Expeditions opened the world to me at age 58. It's never too late.

I do suggest you arrive a day{or two} early, if possible, for the international trips to recover, explore, and for the unexpected.

Meet a Rogue Expeditions Runner: Liz Sponagle

What type of people go on Rogue Expeditions running trips? It seems that everyone worries that they'll either be too slow, or too fast. That the mileage will be too difficult, or not challenging enough. That they'll be too old, or too young. That the other people will be super serious running geeks who talk about nothing but training, or that the other people will all be there to take it reeeeeeally easy. That they'll be the only person who doesn't know anyone else.

In truth, there is no "type." The trips attract all sorts of backgrounds, all sorts of ability levels and all sorts of motivations for being there, and the beautiful thing is that it works for just about everyone! To prove it, we are highlighting a number of our runners using their own words. Read on to find out about the running background, pre-trip hesitations, favorite trip memories and most surprising realization of a Rogue Expeditions runner.

Next up is Liz Sponagle, manager of A Snail's Pace Running Shop in southern California and one half of our first mother-daughter duo!

Liz closes out the last few (sandy!) miles to our camp in the Sahara.

Liz closes out the last few (sandy!) miles to our camp in the Sahara.

Which trip did you do and when?
Run Morocco: Gorges and Sahara (Spring 2016)

Describe your running background:
30+ years running and racing 5k-ultra, 10+ years triathlon/duathlon
(editor's note: she's a legitimate badass)

How did you end up on that trip? What led you to the decision?
A friend in Austin told me about Rogue Expeditions. One look at the website and I knew I wanted to go! The dates matched up nicely with my daughter's college graduation. We're both passionate about travel and running, so it was a perfect fit.

Any hesitations or uncertainties going into it?
None about the trip itself. Sadly, I was coming back from an illness and my daughter from an injury, so we were not in the run shape we're usually in. It was not a huge factor, but I was hoping to be able to run more than I did.

Did you know anyone else in the group beforehand? How was it traveling with a group of strangers?
I did not know anyone going in, but came out with a treasured group of friends.

What was your favorite run and why?
I truly enjoyed all of them for different reasons. Funny enough, I really liked the challenge of the the short steep switchbacks of Dades Gorge. The run through the sand into the camp in the Sahara was tough but so satisfying when I finished and the Todra Gorge was stunning.

Food is a huge part of any travel experience. What was your favorite thing that you ate?
Tagine, of course! Lemon Chicken and Beef with Prunes were outstanding.

Both travel and running have their ups and downs. What was your most challenging moment or issue during the trip? How did you overcome it?
As I said, I wasn't in the shape I'm normally in and wanted to be able to run more than I did, so it was hard at first to let that go and just enjoy where I was. There were some stellar runners on our trip, but I never felt judged by anyone. I normally run first thing in the morning, so the late morning or afternoon runs were hard for me to adapt to, especially getting nutrition in without upsetting my stomach. The upside is, that I have since taught my body to run with food in my stomach. I'll have to go on another Rogue trip to see how I do!

What surprised you the most about the experience?
The entire trip exceeded my expectations, from the lovely places we stayed, to the mind blowing scenery, topped off by the friendly and generous people we met along the way.

"Runcation" vs a race: what do you think are some of the key similarities and differences? Or are they even comparable?
It was like a destination race without the pressure. You want to be in the best shape possible to make the most of the experience, though even if you're not in top condition, the journey is an absolute pleasure. When people ask about my trip, they sometimes can't quite get the concept of traveling somewhere to just run...without a finish line.

Sum up your Rogue Expeditions experience in one sentence:
My trip with Rogue Expeditions was the difficult to attain, perfect combination of adventure, physical challenge, cultural immersion and indulgence with a warm group of fun people in one of the most beautiful places on the planet.