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.

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: Nadia Bettac

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 Mother's Day, today we are featuring Nadia, who lives in Austin and received some BIG news just days before her Patagonia trip began...

Which trip did you do and when?
Run Patagonia 2017

Describe your running background:
I have previously run three half marathons. I started running back in 2014 when I met my husband. Prior to that I never enjoyed running much. Most of my running was in preparation for the half marathons.

How did you end up on that trip? What led you to the decision?
My pain in the ass husband wanted to go. He had been on the Kenya trip with Rogue and enjoyed it so much. He thought Patagonia would be a once in a lifetime experience. This time, he was right.

Any hesitations or uncertainties going into it?
A lot! Finding out that I was pregnant the week before I was supposed to go on the trip was quite unexpected. Also, I knew I would be going with a group of people who were experienced way beyond me and enjoyed running more than I did.

Did you know anyone else in the group beforehand? How was it traveling with a group of strangers?
I would like to think that I know my husband. Haha! I had met one of the group's members from a happy hour that my husband went to for the Kenya trip. However, by the end of the trip, it's like you knew everyone before you started. That's how tight-knit the trip is.

What was your favorite run and why?
Patagonia is much more than running, which makes the trip unique. Actually, there wasn't a favorite run, more like a favorite hike for me. That hike was in Torres del Paine to see the towers. Being pregnant made the trip a little more difficult for me, but Allison, Gabe, and Pedro were so accommodating. I got to go horseback riding for part of the hike and then pushed my limits through ever changing scenery to the base of the towers. We then had lunch with a red fox! How many people can say they had that experience?

Food is a huge part of any travel experience. What was your favorite thing that you ate? Merken. Just go to Patagonia and put Merken on everything. You won't regret it.

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?
The day we did the ice trekking was very challenging for me. We hiked into the park the day before. The night before we had camped in a tent. It was my first time ever sleeping in a tent and while I am appreciative of that experience, it didn't make for the best night's sleep. We hiked that morning before getting to the ice. Then we hiked on the ice. It was very physical because you had to stab your crampons into the ice, but the ice was so beautiful. Who knew water would have so many shades of blue! We were supposed to take a boat out of the park that day after ice trekking, but due to wind conditions the boat was not going to come. So we were told that we would have to hike out of the park.  I was already spent after the ice. There were moments on the hike out that I wanted to just lay down and camp out and say "see you later." My husband was very encouraging. I am glad I had him as part of my buddy system to tell me to keep going, or else I might have just become a Chilean living in the park. I also had to refocus my mental thinking. I had previously been told that if you take life ten seconds at a time, you can calm your breathing and ease your stress. So, I started counting my steps, ten at time. Some three and half hours later, I miraculously made it out. 

What surprised you the most about the experience?
I learned a lot about my physical ability. When you run a half marathon you do your 13.1 and that's it. You nap and grab a beer. But this experience requires you to be able to wake up with the mindset that everyday is an adventure. For the week you need wake up like it's Sunday race day. I probably did some things that my OBGYN would have discouraged, but you know what, I took a risk and I am fine and better for it. I don't think you know how physically capable you are until you actually push yourself to do it. If you think you can't, or you face that crazy ever changing Patagonia weather, just start counting one, two...

Runcation vs a race: what do you think are some of the key similarities and differences? Or are they even comparable?
Both a runcation and a race require you to be physical. If you get hurt or aren't in top shape, that's okay too, as Allison and Gabe will accommodate you. Mentally I think a runaction offers different things. You are not only doing the physical aspect, but you are getting to experience culture, landscape, and people that a race doesn't offer, or even a regular vacation.

Sum up your Rogue Expeditions experience in one sentence:
Never again.
Just kidding!
It is an experience like no other which requires you to push yourself, believe in yourself, and have fun.

Meet a Rogue Expeditions Runner: Paul Broadway

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, over the coming weeks we will be interviewing a number of our runners about their running background, pre-trip hesitations, favorite trip memories and most surprising revelations.

Here is the take from Paul Broadway, who lives in London and is one of the quickest and toughest runners we know (seriously - he just finished 47th place at Marathon des Sables, his first stage race ever).

Which trips have you done and when?
Run Kenya (October 2016) and Endurance Adventure Morocco with Fuego y Agua (March 2017)

Describe your running background.
I started running at university in 2013. Mostly cross country and did a few marathons here and there. I was a mid-pack runner but loved the social element at Uni.

How did you end up on your first Rogue Expeditions trip? What led you to the decision?
In December 2015 I signed up for the Marathon Des Sables (April 2017). I'd always wanted to give it a go and it was the first time I could afford such a big race. Since July 2016 I trained for that race and on all my holidays I wanted to be able to continue to train whilst also relaxing and seeing new parts of the world. I typed 'Running holidays' into Google and hit search...  The rest is history!

Any hesitations or uncertainties going into it?
Before Kenya I actually picked up a pretty serious calf injury and was unable to run for virtually the whole trip. I was initially gutted and thought that I shouldn't go, but in terms of enjoyment it made no difference. I still had the most amazing time with safaris, the company, the food and was able to hike all of the running routes.

Did you know anyone else in the group beforehand? How was it traveling with a group of strangers?
I knew no one for either trip and what is more, was the only person not from the Americas on both. It was ace, everyone comes from different backgrounds with different levels of experience and ages. Particularly on the Morocco trip, we all had adventure in our blood and the love of running (and a bit of friendly competition!) in common too. Meeting new people is one of the best part of the Rogue experience.

What was your favorite run in each destination and why?
Kenya - It wasnt actually a run but due to injury I walked just 1 lap of the famous dirt track at Iten and it was just one of the greatest feelings to tread where so many world famous athletes learnt to ply their trade.

In Morocco, Day 3 running 30km up to a remote camp in the hills was awesome. The route is a partial goat trail, unmarked on any map and not viewable on Google Earth. I felt like a real trailblazer running into the unknown, at my own pace, with a tough last 10km of steep incline to top it off.

Food is a huge part of any travel experience. What was your favorite thing that you ate in during each trip?

The food generally is absolutely 5 stars. In Kenya the breakfast spreads were just exquisite, and in Morocco the beef tagine was a true thing of beauty. In Morocco I enjoyed the food so much that I received the 'Bottomless' award at the end of the week for my ability to eat copious amounts of food at every single meal.

Both travel and running have their ups and downs. What has been your most challenging moment or issue during a running trip? How did you overcome it?
Being injured in Kenya. I dealt with it by relaxing, hiking the trails and taking in the amazing surroundings instead of thinking just about running. There was so much more on offer than just running.

In Morocco it was managing a knee problem. This is probably not the right answer, but I dealt with it by popping some painkillers and going out and tackling it head on. It hurt, but it felt incredible to come through successful on some tough and technical terrain!

Pick one trip. What surprised you the most about the experience?
Kenya - you don't have to be a good runner to enjoy a running vacation - you don't even have to run at all!

Runcation vs a race: what do you think are some of the key similarities and differences? Or are they even comparable?
They aren't comparable really at all. On the Morocco Endurance Adventure there were some tough parts where you had to dig a little deeper than on a light run but it's still nothing like a race.

In a race you'll be happy if you smash it, in a runcation you'll be happy regardless. It's pretty much as simple as that.

Sum up your Rogue Expeditions experience in one sentence:
The best conceivable way to meet similar people, keep up good training, see the world and eat until your stomach is about to burst!