There are places in the world that make you feel small in the best possible way. The Namibian Desert is one of them. When I lined up for the Marathon Des Sables RAID Namibia, a multi‑day, self‑supported race across vast sandscapes and brutal climbs, I knew it would test every part of me. What I didn’t expect was how much I would learn about myself, my limits, and the fuel that carried me through it.

This is the story of running through the oldest desert on Earth, and how VOOM Pocket Rockets became an essential part of that journey.

What Is the MDS RAID Namibia Race Really Like?

The first thing that hits you is the scale. The desert stretches out in every direction, silent and endless. It’s beautiful, but it’s also unforgiving.

Stage 1 proved to be my hardest moment. My mind and body needed to adjust immediately to the heat, the dryness, the weight of the pack, and the reality that this was only the beginning. The adrenaline and excitement of the event pushed me into the age‑old mistake of going too hard on the soft sand early on – but I adapted quickly.

Across the race we climbed a total of 2,000 metres, often through terrain that felt like it was shifting beneath our feet. Some climbs were enormous, the kind that make you question your decision‑making. But every time we reached a summit, the endless, breathtaking views reminded me why I was there.

And through it all, the camaraderie was real. Running as a team of two meant every stage finished was something to be proud of – a shared achievement in a place that demands nothing but respect.

Why Did I Switch From Gels to VOOM Energy Bars?

Before Namibia, I’d always relied on gels. But over time they became something I tolerated rather than trusted. In heat, they turn unpleasant; in long races, they become a chore. And in the desert? I knew they wouldn’t cut it.

During my preparation for the race, I switched to VOOM and ordered the Pocket Rocket Taster Pack – Beta Blast, Caffeine Kick, and Electro Energy – because I wanted something lightweight, palatable, and simple. I didn’t expect them to become the thing I looked forward to eating as I made my way through the stages.

I planned for four Pocket Rockets per stage, paired with electrolyte powder in one bottle and water in the other. It was a straightforward strategy, but it worked better than anything I’d used before.

What Fuelling Strategy Worked Best in the Namibian Desert?

The desert is there to expose weaknesses – in gear, in mindset, and especially in nutrition. VOOM’s Pocket Rockets didn’t just hold up; they excelled.

• Heat resistance: Gels heat up and become unpleasant. The Pocket Rockets stayed cool, intact, and never crumbled in my pocket.

• Digestibility: They were unnoticeable on my stomach – a rare gift in multi‑day stage racing.

• Energy delivery: Every time I ate a block, I felt the difference. If I dipped physically, two or three blocks brought me back without any issues.

• Enjoyment: This surprised me most. I actively looked forward to eating them. In a race where everything is hard, that matters.

My only other fuel was electrolyte powder and a small “secret weapon” – 100g of lean biltong – but VOOM was the backbone of my strategy. Gels simply wouldn’t have given me what the bars gave me out there.

Very early in the race, I caught myself thinking: these are really working. And they kept working, day after day.

What were the mental challenges I faced?

In a race like this, your mind is as important as your legs. Knowing my fuel was reliable removed a huge layer of stress. I didn’t have to negotiate with myself, force anything down, or worry about stomach issues.

That confidence gave me space to focus on the desert, the rhythm of the run, and the quiet moments where you realise you’re pushing beyond your own expectations.

What Races Am I Targeting Next?

This year I’ve got three events already lined up:

• The Great North Run — my charity race and final tune‑up before Berlin.

• The Berlin Marathon — where I’m aiming for a strong, solid run with a good time.

• The Yorkshire Marathon — my home race, where the goal is pure enjoyment.

After experiencing what VOOM gave me in Namibia, the decision is simple: VOOM will be the only product in my marathon fuelling strategy. If it can carry me across the Namibian Desert, it can carry me anywhere.

My Final Thoughts

Running through the Namibian Desert was one of the most profound experiences of my life, vast, humbling, and unforgettable. It taught me that I’m capable of more than I thought, and that the right fuel can make a real difference when everything else is stacked against you.

VOOM didn’t just support my race; it contributed to my success.