The Mongols are taking back the Mongol Derby
Hey Athletes!
Well another edition of the Mongol Derby is done and dusted. Something very exciting this time around was that there were two Mongolian riders competing… a first! I don’t think anyone was all that surprised when one of them won the race entirely.
I made the joke the other day… have you ever seen the meme that is something along the lines of “We should send one normal person into the Olympics for reference so we can truly appreciate the talents of these world class athletes”? I like to think of the Mongolian rider being the opposite of that. It gives us a solid reality check.
When I finished the Marcha, I had a dramatic change in my perspective of these races. Competing alongside the locals with the best of THEIR best was satisfying beyond all belief. It made these “adventure” races seem like a big ego driven tourist escapade. A bunch of foreigners descending on an exotic land, prepared to conquer the landscapes and horses, while the locals looked on in amusement as our narcissistic attempts swiftly humbled us into the dirt of the steppe.
It’s what I loved about the Marcha. I didn’t speak the language, I couldn’t bring ego there if I wanted to… I could never tell them how wonderful I am and all the things I did in the past or to prepare (cue air quote and eye rolls). I had to prove myself worthy of being there by riding with skill, kindness, and a willingness to learn and adapt to the local style.
So going back to the Mongol Derby, after having that experience at the Marcha, it had zero appeal to me anymore. I don’t have any FOMO from my attempt at it, but it kind of sealed the deal with me because I had a taste of riding shoulder to shoulder with the locals and I loved it. It was such a relief to give up any ego still clinging to life after many wins and defeats and just RIDE.
I still love the people that I work with for rides like MD, and I love the “genie in a bottle” effect that the MD has on your life. It gives you what you need/want but not necessarily in the way that you asked for and you may not be happy about it. I absolutely encourage others to enter and take a crack at it. However, I knew it wasn’t the experience I was looking for… my genie gave me that.
Having the locals compete in the Mongol Derby, now THAT changes the game! That is an amazing gift to both the locals and the riders who get to compete. Sure, it can add to the intimidation factor (which is already so high during these races), but it will pay dividends to the riders who are ready give up the ego and fully submit to the experience. Those are my people, and I am overjoyed for them. I do love and appreciate that the Adventurists are committed to improving the race every year, perhaps they heard inside my head through the Marcha and wanted to get ahead while the gettin’s good and try to dominate on all fronts.
Good job to everyone in both derbies, riders and staff alike. Whether you finished or not, may your personal growth continue as you reflect on your experiences.
Watch the world around you change, its the same as it always was but your view is a little different - life will never quite be the same.
Take some time to look inside of you, this is the perfect opportunity for self honesty. You can get everything you want if you are willing to dig through to find and open to receiving it.
-Sarah
New Service Alert!
Group coaching is now available to book - sessions start November and space is limited, so sign up now!
Starting in November 2022, we will be offering group coaching for various levels. These will be held online biweekly and limited to groups of 5 to ensure everyone receives the personal experience they need. Each will be 6 month sessions and complete near to ride season (northern hemisphere) or close to the event date in the case of ultra ride.
Group coaching offers athletes access to a coach at a lower cost, and the added benefit of the group’s questions - sometimes you don’t know what you don’t know! It also gives you a community of riders working through similar struggles, working as a group builds confidence faster than working alone.
Ultra-ride: Riders preparing for the Mongol Derby, Race the Wild Coast, Marcha di Resistencia. We will cover a wide range of topics from endurance riding rules, gear, fitness preparation, time management in your training program, coping with emotions surrounding your race and getting the most out of your adventure.
Endurance ride: Riders who are interested in trying their first distance ride (20km+) or upgrading to the next level (40, 80, 160kms). We will largely be working on rider fitness to prepare you and be an open forum for discussing horsemanship, time management, organization for your ride, horse training plans, gear and camping with your horse.
Fit Ride: Riders of other disciplines who would like to improve their personal fitness levels. We will be focusing on balance, recovery strategies, core strength, riding stamina and the prevention of injury.
After your purchase, your coach will contact you to confirm your admittance. Once we have a full group or are nearing the start, days and times will be selected based on what is most convenient for the group.
Please note, NONE OF THESE are weight loss coaching. We don’t believe in that here so don’t ask for that. We believe in creating a a healthy relationship with exercise and movement to bring joy into our lives and appreciation for the amazing things our bodies can do… not what they look like!