"The unknown is where the real stories begin." When I heard about the Hood to Coast event happening in the Dubai desert this month, I just knew I wanted to take part. It reminded me of the Wadi Bih run I did a couple of times in the Hatta mountains several years ago, and the idea of a team relay in a new environment sounded so exciting! Of course, I needed to find some teammates. For this event though, I really put myself out there and joined a team where I didn’t know anyone. I’ve been making an effort to meet new people through run clubs and fitness events, and this sounded like a great opportunity. So, when the founder of Original Culprit ( a fitness wear brand ) decided to put some teams together, I went for it. I had a busy work week and a terrible night’s sleep prior to the event, but I’d committed, and there was no way I was backing out. I arrived at the venue ( in the middle of the desert ) around 4:30am , and it was dark and cold outside. I met my four teamm...