Hi Everyone- So last time I updated, we were one stage, 14k away from finishing. There was (of course) another challenge that came between us and the finish line as there was a gigantic wind and sand storm that swept through the area that night. Tents almost blew over, we were covered in sand and as you may guess we got barely any sleep again. Regardless, we were able to finish the stage through the flaming mountains in smooth fashion and are now back home in Shanghai enjoying the finer things in life- beds, running water and electricity :) The last stage was more of a glory walk for the competitors of the Gobi March. The whole stage was beautiful, and was filled with reminiscing from the past week that was somewhat of a blur for everyone involved. The last 2 kilometers was a downhill stretch where you could see the finish line, so it was an amazing finish. The crowd was so supportive, and it was so fun to finish. We were even accompanied by a camel through the finish line! As much as it felt incredible to finish the race, it was also kind of sad that it was all over. The Gobi March was such an achievement for everyone involved- I can't even begin to explain. It was probably the most challenging thing I have ever been a part of--both mentally and physically. The entire time there we were concerned with staying hydrated, energetic, on time, cool, warm, healthy, sane and having fun. I have no regrets throughout the trip, and am so thankful for all the amazing people I met along the way (particularly in tent 3). Thank you everyone for your support through this, and know that my mom and I are home safe and doing well!!!! Ben

Hi guys, thanks for all the awesome comments and support.  Sorry it has been a little difficult to update the blog that often, however so much has happened in the last 30 hours this update is going to be pretty awesome.
 
About 5 hours ago, we finished one of the most greuling things I have ever done.  It took 29 hours to finish an 80km (50mile) trek in some of the roughest areas I have ever seen! We woke up at the normal time of 7 am, and got started with the trekking at 8.  Even though we were very sore, and extremely tired we tried to take it one stage at a time, and complete the hardest part of the Gobi March.  The long march started through the desert, and lasted for the most part in the Turpan Basin salt flats (ie the second lowest point in the world/an unbelievably hot and barren stove)
 
The weather was so hot today/yesterday (averaging well above 115 Degrees) in the day time.  For that reason, we took our time with the first 4 stages.  Both Mom and I (particularly ma) were very sore starting the day off, and were really pushing the whole time.  To give you an idea about the salt flats, they are long expanses of flat rock-virtually nothing changes as far as the eye can see.  It was tough to go through them because there was simply nothing to look at.  All there is is heat and sun..  We arrived at stage 4 (about half way) at 11pm, it was so nice to get out of the salt flats and into the night because the temperatures actualy become barable at night.    After 11pm, we got our head lamps on and trekked 4 hours to camp 5 through brush/dunes at night.  The stars were absolutely amazing, but hard to appreciate due to the exhaustion and push for time. It was also neat to see all kinds of desert animals at night (ie spiders,lizards,snakes,beatles)  We arrived at camp 5, the Gao Chang Ruins, just before 4 am.  It was great to finally get there, as two people in our group has already collapsed from heat exhaustion and we had to essentially carry them to the checkpoint. Needless to say it was a struggle to get this far.
 
At this point, we were about 35 miles in and had roughly a half marathon to complete by 2pm.  At the ruins, we had a few bites to eat, an hour nap, and had to get up to go right back out into the desert.  Cant even explain how hard that was to do!! We completed the first stage by 7:30 am, and had officially been trekking for 24 hours.  By then the sun was back up, and the heat was back in full force.  On the positive side, all that was left was two stages through the "Flaming Mountains".  Again, this area is incredibly barren, hot, tiring and took forEVER.  We complated stage 7 at 11am, and had only one more to go! We got through the last stage, hungry, tired and soooo ready to finish.  We crossed the finish line 29 hours later at 1pm.  We are now one simple atage away from completing the gobi March! Tomorrow we hike just 8 miles down to a village, for the official finish of the race.
 
I am now recovering from the long stretch, and ready to finish the whole race tomorrow morning.  My mom is doing well too! We have been sleeeping all afternoon, and feeling much better.  At the end of the race tomorrow we get beer and kepabs-which to us sound amazing haha.  I have hundreds of amazing pictures of the Gobi Desert and cant wait to show everyone!  This trip has really been something special. 
 
Ben

I just got back from a 12 hour march across sand dunes/dunnetes and rolling hills of sand at an insane temperature of 54 degrees celcius, with 3 hours of sleep, and literally 1 minute to spare at the end of the cut off time. Needless to say I am a bit tired.  The Gobi March has really been an insane adventure so far.
 
My new favorite hobby is running down sand dunes- its like running on the moon! You hop/glide down 200 foot dunes while  barely using any energy, so neat.
 
I missed yesterday because of a time crunch, but yesterday we hiked 27 miles through a riverbead, up a mountain and then down into a village.  It was a good stage, and was probably the most successful one so far. We are now finished with 4 stages, and my feet look like hell. Regardless though, ive been havign a great time and cant wait to see more of this awesome landscape.  We have been all over the place, and have changed elevations and areas daily. 
 
Tomorrow morning is the toughest part of the race (if it can get any harder).  Tomorrow we go through "the oven", for a brisk 82km trek (or 50 sum miles).  It will likely go overnight, and will be the last big stage of the race.  If we can finish then the Gobi will be all but officially conquered...who knows what will happen though.  Pray for us!!!!
 
Oh, and I would kill for a Chipotle Burrito.  Holy f**k.
 
Ben

Hey Everyone-
We have just finished the second stage! Today there was rain and fog all morning so the start was delayed 4 hours.  As hard as it is to believe that there is excessive rain in the desert, but it can definitely happen- it feels like Tacoma…..The trekking itself today, as a result was not so bad as the mountain stage of today had to be cancelled due to the fog.  The total distance today was only about 20k, which feels like nothing after the tough first stage.   Camp today is located on a cliff looking over a river in the mountains- so awesome!

The first day (Sunday) was 22 miles of some of the most difficult terrain I have ever seen.  Being in the mountains the elevation also can really get to you— it is hard to explain how difficult it was to trek at such a high altitude, with such intense heat.  Regardless of the conditions the first day, we made it home fine!

The desert is absolutely stunning—there are mountains everywhere, sand dunes, rivers, villages and grazing animals.  I hope the pictures turn out looking as pretty as it is here.

We still have over 100 miles to go so there still is so much to see! So far everything has been fine, except for the fact that there are no hotels out here and no pizza delivery services.  I can’t understand why.  Anyways, talk to y’all later!

Ben

So we are finally here at camp #1! It is very prretty, hot and increasingly exciting as the time gets closer.  (Tomorrow at 8am is the start time) Luckily, day one is the shortest day, just 21 miles, so hopefully it will be a nice warm up:)
 
The locals here are very nice and seem fascinated with us.  It is quite fun to interact with them and get a feel of the way life works around here.  
 
 I apologise for the short post, but other than a smooth check in and bus ride not too much has happened yet.  Stay tuned!!
 
Ben

Hi All!
   It is officially just 5 days from the start of the race! It has been such long ride getting ready for this, its so hard to believe it is already here.  This week has been particularly nice since it is the taper week.  I have been eating healthy, biking a little and just keeping strong for this weekend. 
  My backpack is essentially packed- there always seems to be one or two small things left to get but everything is pretty much ready.  I just want to get out there! I am so excited to meet all of the competitors that we will be running/walking with.  Everyone seems so interesting and adventerous.  Secondly, I cant wait to just see the Gobi Dessert and experience all the beautiful terrain!!
  For all reading, for the next week (Sunday to Sunday) I will be updating this blog almost every day after each stage of the race.  We will have internet access at camp so I am so lucky to be able to access an internet connection everyday.  Feel free to comment, ask questions or anything!

Ben