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Gobi March Blogs 2011
8
PostsGobi March (2011) blog posts from Paul Bell
01 July 2011 03:24 am (GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
Sorry for the delay to the blog but did not get back until 11pm last night. So just over 15 hours, not sure if I could have done it a bit quicker but the important thing was not blowing up and finishing, so I am happy.
Three words describe the long day for me
HOT and BLISTERS and Endless
HOT-it got upto 50 degrees, which just coincided with us running along a 5km track of road. Thankfully training in Singapore helped and I managed to cope with the heat O.K. but some people really suffered.
It was surreal, one moment a guy was running with me, feeling great and chatting away and literaly 10 minutes later he was unconcious on a stretcher at the check point!
BLISTERS-I have some crackers, tahnk god for pain medication and second skin, I had to re-tape my feet mid race but it was a bit like standing on broken glass for most of the day (may be wearing flip flops-in clinic this week)
Endless- 81km of desert, scrub and track is a very long way!!! fortunately I buddied up and this really helped as the hours dragged on
I would not say I enjoyed stage 5, anyone who does is a blatent lier but its a great sense of achievement for getting through it after such a hard week and overall I am really happy, its been an amazing experience.
Still a little 13km uphill jog to the finish tomorrow but basically its job done :)
For those wo asked, the gaiters worked a treat!
There is no blog after tomorrow so Id like to thank you all for your sponsorship to a great cause for a wonderful girl who we all miss and for the tremendous support I have received prior and during the race. It is such a boost to get back after a gruelling day and be able to read the messages.
My thanks most of all to my fabulous wife for signing me up in the first place and supporting me all the way through
Cheers and plenty of beers
Paul
Three words describe the long day for me
HOT and BLISTERS and Endless
HOT-it got upto 50 degrees, which just coincided with us running along a 5km track of road. Thankfully training in Singapore helped and I managed to cope with the heat O.K. but some people really suffered.
It was surreal, one moment a guy was running with me, feeling great and chatting away and literaly 10 minutes later he was unconcious on a stretcher at the check point!
BLISTERS-I have some crackers, tahnk god for pain medication and second skin, I had to re-tape my feet mid race but it was a bit like standing on broken glass for most of the day (may be wearing flip flops-in clinic this week)
Endless- 81km of desert, scrub and track is a very long way!!! fortunately I buddied up and this really helped as the hours dragged on
I would not say I enjoyed stage 5, anyone who does is a blatent lier but its a great sense of achievement for getting through it after such a hard week and overall I am really happy, its been an amazing experience.
Still a little 13km uphill jog to the finish tomorrow but basically its job done :)
For those wo asked, the gaiters worked a treat!
There is no blog after tomorrow so Id like to thank you all for your sponsorship to a great cause for a wonderful girl who we all miss and for the tremendous support I have received prior and during the race. It is such a boost to get back after a gruelling day and be able to read the messages.
My thanks most of all to my fabulous wife for signing me up in the first place and supporting me all the way through
Cheers and plenty of beers
Paul
29 June 2011 05:59 am (GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
We started with 10km in the dunes today and it was amazing, some of them reached 400 metres in height with a mix of hard and liquid sand, so it was pain on the way up but great fun running down the other side. Truly fantastic scenery and my favourite part of the race so far.
After the dunes we worked our way down to the dunettes (racing the planets description not mine) basically these were just smaller dunes. Then it was onto the salt plane and scrubland for the last 20km, which was a killer. You could not run over it as the top crust would give with every step, so basically worse than being on sand and it went on forever. Plus the temp hit 45 degrees in the middle of the day so this place lived up to its nick name of "the oven", there are some rather more colorful names for the place, going around camp at the moment.
As I am writing this it is 6.41pm and there are still people who have not crossed the stage finishing line (we started the stage at 8am). That's 10 plus hours to finish 37km, which may give you a clearer idea of how hard a stage this was.
Some people just keep going, its very impressive as they are exposed to the full extent of the heat for the whole day
On a personal note, I felt nauseous this morning before the start but then during the stage felt the strongest I have so far. It was a bit like the old marine days out there, yomping and speed marching (walk+run), I suppose it suited me a little better.
Not feeling too bad at the moment, managed to borrow a tennis ball from one of the guys so have given the It's a good massage and the blisters are still numb so happy days.
So Stage 5 tomorrow (THE LONG DAY) 81km. Probably looking at 12 hours+ out there, what else is there to say!!
Still have not had chance to check the blog messages as they are having issues with the download but did check the emails.
The messages are great and I really appreciate the support.
Cheers
Paul
After the dunes we worked our way down to the dunettes (racing the planets description not mine) basically these were just smaller dunes. Then it was onto the salt plane and scrubland for the last 20km, which was a killer. You could not run over it as the top crust would give with every step, so basically worse than being on sand and it went on forever. Plus the temp hit 45 degrees in the middle of the day so this place lived up to its nick name of "the oven", there are some rather more colorful names for the place, going around camp at the moment.
As I am writing this it is 6.41pm and there are still people who have not crossed the stage finishing line (we started the stage at 8am). That's 10 plus hours to finish 37km, which may give you a clearer idea of how hard a stage this was.
Some people just keep going, its very impressive as they are exposed to the full extent of the heat for the whole day
On a personal note, I felt nauseous this morning before the start but then during the stage felt the strongest I have so far. It was a bit like the old marine days out there, yomping and speed marching (walk+run), I suppose it suited me a little better.
Not feeling too bad at the moment, managed to borrow a tennis ball from one of the guys so have given the It's a good massage and the blisters are still numb so happy days.
So Stage 5 tomorrow (THE LONG DAY) 81km. Probably looking at 12 hours+ out there, what else is there to say!!
Still have not had chance to check the blog messages as they are having issues with the download but did check the emails.
The messages are great and I really appreciate the support.
Cheers
Paul
Comments: Total (29) comments
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 01:52 pm
This is so exciting ! Loving reading Clare\'s updates. Superb photos ! Huge congratulations so far. Can\'t wait to read your next blog !
Good luck .... that ice cold beer is in sight !
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 01:19 pm
Paul seriously, this is nail biting... will be releasing some of the excitement cycling the cols tomorrow morning!... :-) Sending you plenty of good vibes for the last stage. Bises m.
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 10:14 am
Following your march up the rankings with great excitement and pride!
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 09:53 am
Hi Paul
Been reading through your blog and following Clare's facebook messages. Truly inspiring. Good luck with the final stages and make sure you have a large beer at the finish :-)
Enjoy (if that's possible!), Tim..
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 09:49 am
hi Paul, i dont know you, but have e-mailed you earlier in your epic journey, so dont know if you received. Mate, im an aussie sitting at home following this unbelivable journey, just in awe of every one of you competitors. you have obviously done an incredible job and all your family & friends are no doubt so jusifiably proud of you! Congratulations. Mate can you please give Dean Tulloch, one of my close friends, a big hug from myself and my family. Robo
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 08:02 am
Hi Paul. I can beleive what an awesome job you are making of this race/couple of days off from work.
Keep going mate.
Mike
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 07:45 am
Hi Paul. Now it's Friday morning in the UK and we can see your all your results to date and it's listing you as ranked 14 overall - amazing! What a jump forward. We can't work out from the website how you did it but I'm guessing you must have come in (or near) the top 10 in stages 4 and 5 which is an awesome effort. Hope the rest day is treating you well and you are enjoying putting your blistered feet up. Have a great last day and enjoy a beer tomorrow! T&L
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 06:37 am
Impressed as hell by what you're doing. The terrain looks picturesque but I'm sure it doesn't feel so pretty. Best of luck for the last leg...though you do realise that means a whole load of people will have to go find something else to talk about everyday once you finish
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 10:27 pm
You have inspired to walk the sand dunes at Mooloolaba beach at the weekend Dinger. Will probably take me a few hours with coffee stops on the way. Keep up the good work and try and enjoy stage 5. It sounds awful. Mad dogs and Englishmen and all that...................
Darrel
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 06:11 pm
simply a Legend! Keep going, the top 10 awaits!
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 05:22 pm
Well, its 1.20am and I am guessing that you have already done and dusted the longest day. So far we have not heard about any women coming in, so I am guessing that you just may have over-taken them. 23 have finished already so here's to hoping you are one of them.
Yep....Pammy was right, way too excited to sleep so figured as its end of month I might as well do the accounts so I am free tomorrow!
Looking forward to reading your blog from today...... do tell us if your home made gaiters have worked. Your nephew was very impressed with the idea of you sewing! LYL
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 05:14 pm
Stage 4 - 9th fastest time. Way to go Paul.xxxxx
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 04:24 pm
Hey Paul....you are a fair dinkum hero....the 4th stage sounded really nasty but you came out 16TH!! What a legend! The long day ahead seems like a hell of a victory lap but thats just what it will be for you. Dont worry about the blisters....feet heal!
So proud of your achievement....not our as previously posted from my airconned room after a lazy day in the tropics
J
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 04:22 pm
Hey Paul....you are a fair dinkum hero....the 4th stage sounded really nasty but you came out 16TH!! What a legend! The long day ahead seems like a hell of a victory lap but thats just what it will be for you. Dont worry about the blisters....feet heal!
So proud of our achievement
J
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 02:23 pm
Hey hey! Results form Stage 4 have only just been uploaded and yet you are likely to be heading towards the last couple of checkpoints in the ultra.....
So very very proud babe, can't believe you are 16th overall!
Pam Wilson and I have been discussing all four of us doing 2013 if you fancy doing it all over again! Love you Loads.
Rest well, and take care of the blisters for the last stage. xx
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 01:55 pm
Absolutely fantastic Paul! Patience is a virtue :) Stay safe, stay hydrated and remember to soak it all in. Such an experience and something that will make you so strong for years and years to come ..... Siw
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 01:35 pm
I just noticed you are in 16th place after stage 4 - that is just amazing Paul! Congratulations! Good luck for the next stages! Excited to see how you are doing today! We are all cheering you on here. Take care and enjoy
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 12:12 pm
Well done Paul the photos are fab told all the women about your epic journey today our 5kms on the treadmill was laughable keep fit and enjoy love the hillsx
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 10:21 am
Go on Dinger.
Sounds like the place to book for the next hol????
Wonder if my wife can sort it out for me? Is there many pubs??????
Keep it up bud, speak soon.
The Hunters.
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 10:05 am
Hey, great to see things going well, by the time you read this the long day will be over, what an achievement, no idea what you must be going through, hearing about the sand dunes reminds me of running up the dunes when we visited santa in the desert, and they were killer, at least 30m!!!!!!! Keep strong, there is a lot of support for you out ther, see you soon M&G
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 08:19 am
Stage 4 sounds great Paul. I hope the gaiters kept some of the sand out! I can't see your result yet, but I'm guessing you did well again. It's now 9am on Thursday in the UK so I guess you will be battling through the long stage right now and trying to finish before dark if possible. I really hope it went well - once you read this you'll have broken the back of the race and well into the home straight. Keep going and enjoy the rest day - you've deserved it!
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 06:57 am
Hey Polly Wolly , Am glad you havin a grand time pushing yourself to the limit !! Why am i not surprised that you are actually enjoying this =) U take care and be safe , cant wait to hear the stories upon your return !!!
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 04:04 am
Hey Fella,
Have been following the Blog. Good to see stage 4 went so well. Guess Ill be seeing you on the couch when you get back.
Bazza
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 02:32 am
Hey Paul congratulations on completing the 4 stages so far. Looking through some of the photos so far and the conclusion i'v come to is that your utterly mad but very well done look forward to seeing you when your back in singapore good luck.
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 01:24 am
Well done Paul, I can see the determination in your face, thankfully we can see some pictures from the race so we know the blogs are not written by a ghost writter and you're not in Thailand on Patong Beach having daily massages.
Stage 5 sounds magic, like open heart surgery with a rusty spoon.
We are all cheering you on and wishing you the best of luck. Keep hydrated my friend and enjoy.
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 12:58 am
Wow what a day, and an even bigger one today. So glad you are enjoying it, just think of all the stories you will have to bring back:) You are such a strong guy, physically and mentally and you will do great today. Keep safe. All the best
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 12:49 am
Hard to imagine what you are Going thru, but I am sure that it is completely worth it.
Congrats on stage 4, and best of luck on 5.
Stay hydrated.
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 12:16 am
Hey Paul well done on stage 4, always a tough stage and mentally a hill to get over. glad to hear the legs are holding up and someone had a tennis ball....a racket too? big day for stage 5 and as you mentioned, just grid it out...along with a few pain killers!
all the best
john
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 11:06 pm
Hey babe,
All seems to be going really well. Stage 4 sounded quite tough so very impressed that you enjoyed it so much.
I know it's the big day today, so please stay safe, don't put yourself in any danger and make sure you drink loads.
Missing you but really enjoying following the rave. Have even had message from other wives who are in the same boat which is quite cool. LYL
28 June 2011 05:48 am (GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
Hi guys thank you all for your messages of support, it really does help.
There is obviously a bit of a delay between my sending of the blog and receiving your messages, it is terrain dependent so nothing we can do about it Im afraid.
So stage 3 today, 44.5km.
Started with 7km run along a river bed, knee deep river crossings x5 and running on rocks and stones all the way, not very pleasant. Then we had about a 5 to 6km uphill (Damon the leader ran it all, which is very impressive).
This was follwed by 20km of downhill, more rocks and shingle and gravel. Downhill may sound easy but there was a lot of pounding on the old joints and it has taken its toll on a lot of peoples feet, including mine.
So I am now sporting the latest fasion in foot tape for my blisters, courtesy of the medic. They are not too bad, once you start running they go numb anyway :). Otherwise everything is sore but the old bod seems to be holding together OK (decided to ignore hamstrings and ITBs completely from now on)
Last stage was a bit of up and down and it was starting to get hot, reached 40 degrees today!, thankfully there was a small stream at the end so we got to have a quick soak, looovely!
Overall it was a pretty hard day, just have to ensure to re-hydrate well this evening.
Tonight we are staying in a local village 7 to a room but a pleasant change from the tent. Its a very early start (4pm on a bus), as they will move us to the start line for stage 4, 37km and into the sand dunes, so I get to do my impression of Laurence of Arabia, minus the camel. They are expecting around 42 degrees tomorrow so its going to be fun!!!!
Hope everyone is well and will update tomorrow evening after the stage.
Cheers
Paul
There is obviously a bit of a delay between my sending of the blog and receiving your messages, it is terrain dependent so nothing we can do about it Im afraid.
So stage 3 today, 44.5km.
Started with 7km run along a river bed, knee deep river crossings x5 and running on rocks and stones all the way, not very pleasant. Then we had about a 5 to 6km uphill (Damon the leader ran it all, which is very impressive).
This was follwed by 20km of downhill, more rocks and shingle and gravel. Downhill may sound easy but there was a lot of pounding on the old joints and it has taken its toll on a lot of peoples feet, including mine.
So I am now sporting the latest fasion in foot tape for my blisters, courtesy of the medic. They are not too bad, once you start running they go numb anyway :). Otherwise everything is sore but the old bod seems to be holding together OK (decided to ignore hamstrings and ITBs completely from now on)
Last stage was a bit of up and down and it was starting to get hot, reached 40 degrees today!, thankfully there was a small stream at the end so we got to have a quick soak, looovely!
Overall it was a pretty hard day, just have to ensure to re-hydrate well this evening.
Tonight we are staying in a local village 7 to a room but a pleasant change from the tent. Its a very early start (4pm on a bus), as they will move us to the start line for stage 4, 37km and into the sand dunes, so I get to do my impression of Laurence of Arabia, minus the camel. They are expecting around 42 degrees tomorrow so its going to be fun!!!!
Hope everyone is well and will update tomorrow evening after the stage.
Cheers
Paul
Comments: Total (17) comments
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 06:00 pm
Well done Paul and all the best for the next stages. Sending lots of love from Spello (stayed there last night for Clare!!) and Italy x x x x
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 03:47 pm
Paul, you are my hero! Keep up the good work mate.
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 03:16 pm
Great to see things are progressing nicely and that your body is holding up well. As a word of encouragement, my ironman swim took 1hr 55min on Sunday so I know for sure youre enjoying your Gobi run more than you would have my swim!
Keep it up and enjoy the experience!
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:45 pm
Hey Paul - Peach village is a treat eh? Day 4 was the really hot one last year so I hope you made it through ok - I am sure you did as you are a tough bastard...in a good way
So, on to the big one....the long day. I wish you all the best and hope you get the fantastic outcome you deserve. the mantra after 60ks in JKG....just keep going...repeat after me...JKG JKG
good luck..those celebratory beers are getting closer by the minute.
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 01:32 pm
great work mate! I had a similar week to you, had to run to the pub yesterday, and it was 25 degrees!
keep it up! enjoying looking at the daily photos.
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 01:26 pm
Just a quick note to let you know that the donations are rolling in. Today at 9pm it hit£13,348 with some very generous donations coming in. An enormous contribution towards getting that school built for Mr W and baby g. Love you. xx
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 11:31 am
Nice scenery :)
Keep going and enjoy the views, so that will take your mind off the feet.
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 10:03 am
Great work Paul - you are doing fantastic. Keep going!
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 09:32 am
Stage 3 - wicked!!!
I am addicted to the blog and the race so keep going!! I never knew it could be so exciting. I can't wait for you to do Atacama ;)
Clare has found some pictures of you on the race website so they're posted on your FB for you.
Can't wait to hear about stage 4 - sounds like the roughest one yet!!
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 09:05 am
Great effort Paul - keeping very consistent in the mid 20's. You're only about 26 minutes off a top 20 place so keep pushing hard mate. Ignore the blisters and the pain and just think about the scenery if you can! Not long till the big day so keep something in the tank for that. Keep going and enjoy every minute. I'm feeling very jealous, but not of the blisters or taped feet! Keep going - make the Mrs proud! T&L. (p.s. nice to have a roof over your head - lucky man!)
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 08:34 am
Dinger,
7 to a room sounds like a normal Royal Marine night out !! At least you only did half a day yesterday. You should be a fireman !!
Dig in mate. The blisters will be a good reminder of a tough workout
Darrel
ps New South Wales might need you to be their No-6 for the final State of Origin a week today ? Can you make it ?
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 04:50 am
Well done !! the landscape looks amazing and you guys are made of steel !!!
Looking forward the next photos and blog. Keep going !
Paul & Stella
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 12:39 am
It is hard to imagine how difficult this all is....You are doing an amazing job to keep going through it all. Good luck on the dunes today.
Hey those Aussies must be pretty tough hey :)))
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 10:28 pm
I'm increasingly impressed. What a s - i - l ! True Yorkshire grit. Tabitha'll be pleased.
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 09:51 pm
Well done babe! Stage 3 sounded very interesting. I too am up early, 5.30 just to go to track (must be mad!). Anyway enjoy what stage 4 has to offer, I hope the gaiters work as you enter the dunes! LYL
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 05:58 pm
I reckon by the time the pigeon delivers this comment you will be well past the half way point bud.
keep up the good work and the really \'interesting\' blogs, because it is curing my insomnia !!!!
Speak soon pal
dean,claire,harvey and hayden.
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 05:57 pm
I reckon by the time the pigeon delivers this comment you will be well past the half way point bud.
keep up the good work and the really 'interesting' blogs, because it is curing my insomnia !!!!
Speak soon pal
dean,claire,harvey and hayden.
27 June 2011 10:20 am (GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
We awoke to thick fog (you could see about 25m), The stage was meant to start with a climb for 5km but due to the bad weather making it impossible to follow the route, the start was delayed and then delayed a bit more, we didnt start until 12 noon.
Due to the late start the stage was shortened from 44km to 22km, so ended up being a very fast stage (not sure if I should be happy or sad :)
On arrival at camp it starting to rain and the temp was down to around 10 degrees with the windchill.
So with the fog, rain (it was a bit like running in the Brecon Beacons today) and relatively easy stage, today was a very un-Gobi like experience!
The talk now at camp is where are they going to make up the milage lost today? Rumor control has started but we wont find out until briefing tomorrow.
Talking of tomorrow, stage 3 involves more up and down and there are a few small river crossings (no deeper than the knees we are assured!) but it may be a bit more interesting with the recent rain.
Have a few small blisters but nothing too bad so far and feeling generally good (I do have a few days left to get some whining in though).
I have not checked messages from yesterday before writing the blog today (they cant get a satellite link)
so you will wait until later for comment.
Thanks to everybody for messages of support so far
Cheers
Paul
Due to the late start the stage was shortened from 44km to 22km, so ended up being a very fast stage (not sure if I should be happy or sad :)
On arrival at camp it starting to rain and the temp was down to around 10 degrees with the windchill.
So with the fog, rain (it was a bit like running in the Brecon Beacons today) and relatively easy stage, today was a very un-Gobi like experience!
The talk now at camp is where are they going to make up the milage lost today? Rumor control has started but we wont find out until briefing tomorrow.
Talking of tomorrow, stage 3 involves more up and down and there are a few small river crossings (no deeper than the knees we are assured!) but it may be a bit more interesting with the recent rain.
Have a few small blisters but nothing too bad so far and feeling generally good (I do have a few days left to get some whining in though).
I have not checked messages from yesterday before writing the blog today (they cant get a satellite link)
so you will wait until later for comment.
Thanks to everybody for messages of support so far
Cheers
Paul
Comments: Total (3) comments
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 01:03 pm
Wow 24th after stage 2 - you are doing great!
Hope the river crossings today weren't too deep after the rain:)
Can't wait to hear how you went, we are all wishing nothing but the best for you. Keep up the amazing job you are doing. We are enjoying following your progress. Looking forward to seeing how you went after stage 3!
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 01:00 pm
Well stage 3 has already finished so we are a dy behind reading your blog, but really pleased to here you are feeling good. I think the last person for stage 3 is still out there somewhere so hopefully they will finish soon so we can get to see the results.
Great effort in stage 2, hope you had a good stage 3. Stage 4 may be a little longer then eh? Rather that than extending the ultra! Keep it up babe. I bet you are the only competitor with a tennis ball in your rucksack, hope it's working!! LYL
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 12:49 pm
I can't believe the weather - hope the sleeping bag is holding up ok and not too cold! Really good luck with tomorrow and I hope the weather improves. Tom
26 June 2011 07:26 am (GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
Well first leg done and what fun!!!!!!
I expected to come in around 4hrs 30 mins but actually ended up around 5hrs 30 mins.
Much harder than I (and everyone else) expected for only a 34km leg
The first 10km was a slight uphill all the way, then the next 5km was sharp up and down (the down being so steep that I got to practice my off-piste jump turns on the shingle) then the next 19km was up+ down, up+ down. Much hillier than expected!
The plus point being the views for most of the way were spectacular, running along (up) valleys and over rolling hills surrounded by even higher hills.
Another plus point was my rather dodgy right hamstring seemed fine, although the left ITB tightened up a bit for the last few hills but seems O.K at the moment (fingers crossed).
I can’t check messages at the moment, they are having trouble with the connection but should be able to check them this evening. So thanks in advance for any abuse or support.
Last but not least, I have to thank my wonderful wife for signing me up because this week is going to be fantastic (although a bit painful J)
I can’t think of anything else at the moment, so Dinger signing out
Cheers
Paul
I expected to come in around 4hrs 30 mins but actually ended up around 5hrs 30 mins.
Much harder than I (and everyone else) expected for only a 34km leg
The first 10km was a slight uphill all the way, then the next 5km was sharp up and down (the down being so steep that I got to practice my off-piste jump turns on the shingle) then the next 19km was up+ down, up+ down. Much hillier than expected!
The plus point being the views for most of the way were spectacular, running along (up) valleys and over rolling hills surrounded by even higher hills.
Another plus point was my rather dodgy right hamstring seemed fine, although the left ITB tightened up a bit for the last few hills but seems O.K at the moment (fingers crossed).
I can’t check messages at the moment, they are having trouble with the connection but should be able to check them this evening. So thanks in advance for any abuse or support.
Last but not least, I have to thank my wonderful wife for signing me up because this week is going to be fantastic (although a bit painful J)
I can’t think of anything else at the moment, so Dinger signing out
Cheers
Paul
Comments: Total (24) comments
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 01:21 am
Hi Paul,
Pek, Hak Bin told me you had entered, so wrapped for you. Glad to hear you got through the 1st stage ok. Watch the ITB and importantly the blisters..keep them in check, and ensure the pain killers are on hand...
Will watch daily your progress.
Best regards
John
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 10:31 pm
Since when have you jump turned?
Think your next 41km will be a warm up for Princes ave night out?I\\\'ll put money on you winning it now bud??? At least it\\\'s not swimming mate!! Take care and I will blog you later on. Hunter
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 10:29 pm
Since when have you jump turned?
Think your next 41km will be a warm up for Princes ave night out?I\'ll put money on you winning it now bud??? At least it\'s not swimming mate!! Take care and I will blog you later on. Hunter
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 01:56 pm
Crikey! Looking at the videos on the website make me exhausted. Have made an offering to the hamstring gods! Should be fine now.
Keep it up!
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 11:33 am
Hi paul,
well done for raising so much money. We know a good osteopath that might be able to sort that ITB out for you!! Best of luck for the next stage
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 11:13 am
Glad to hear you have passed the first stage, looking forward to reading your adventures, you should have packed my snow blades by the sound of things, keep fit and stay safe, lots of love the hills xxxx
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 11:09 am
Fabulous going, sounds exhausting!! All the best for next stage. Take Care. Dean, Claire, Harvey & Hayden
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 08:26 am
Hi Paul,
Well done for the 1st stage... Don't push it too hard though... It is still a long way to go !!! Enjoy every minute of it... Cheers, Cyrille
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 08:21 am
Hi Paul,
What a fantastic thing to do! Looking forward to reading more updates on your blog! Go Paul Go!!! Lots of love from the Porters in South Africa!
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 07:25 am
Great job Paul... Cant wait to give you abuse when you get back but think for now you deserve the upmost of respect and encouragement ! Stay Safe..
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 06:56 am
A great effort Paul, well donw. The event sounds like fun, if you like pain that is! Hows the nutrition going? Look after those muscles!
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 03:25 am
Nicely done. Keep it up Mate!
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 03:20 am
5hrs and 30 mins sounds amazing Paul! Proud of you, keep it up. I am following your blog closely and sending lots of positive thoughts. Take care of the ITB and hamstring. Shri
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 02:43 am
You're an absolute mad man Paul but the 3 of us are backing you 250%; we love a good mad man!
Henning, Giulia & Alessandro
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 01:40 am
Sounds stunning! Hope you managed to get some photos along the way :)
Hope the hamstring continues to behave for you. Sounds like you are doing an amazing job.
Enjoy today, hopefully it is not as hilly for you.
We are all enjoying your updates and wishing you all the best
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 01:14 am
Wow!!! Impressive!! You must be super excited!! I know you can't answer individually but wondering how hot it was??
Now we have to go look up 'off-piste jump turns on the shingle'.....
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 09:54 pm
Well Done! Keep it up. Thinking of you.
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 07:21 pm
well done mate! we have been enjoying the photos on the website, found you in one of them. very inspiring! enjoy day 2!
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 07:10 pm
Nice one mate. Keep up the good work.
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 06:24 pm
Amazing!
We wish you all the very best. Good luck tomorrow. With love, the Scotts xxxxx
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 04:14 pm
Hi Paul, what a fab thing to do.
Best wishes.xxx
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 03:06 pm
Hi Wally Paul, all the Bells and the couple of Blacks are very very proud of what you are doing and looking forward to more of your up dates. Take care and good luck with the 2nd stage.
Dan
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 02:58 pm
Hiya Paul. This is the first time I've blogged anyone (not even sure that's the right verb!) What you're doing is amazing and
we're all rooting for you. Keep safe.
The Burgesses xx
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 02:57 pm
At last....! I am sure you wrote your blog this afternoon but it's now just before 11pm and it has only just appeared! Anyway, enjoy stage 2, slightly longer at 41.1k but I am sure it will be a walk in the park!
Sleep well tonight. LYL
24 June 2011 08:15 am (GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
Hi
Thanks again for all the support.
Arrived yesterday after flying over snowcapped peaks (not the ones we are running over thankfully). Urumqi is a little (in China terms- 3 million people) fortress of industry, surrounded by agricultural fields that are fighting their way into the surrounding wilderness.
Just had the kit check and weigh-in, my pack is 8.5 kg so plus water it will be 10kg for the first day.
Thankfully I will eat my way through half of this load as the race progresses.
The team looking after us are all very experienced, the medics work in ERs in the USA so I presume they have seen just
about everything by now.
Leaving in an hour, so next blog will be tomorrow- post the first stage!
Cheers
Paul
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 10:14 pm
Great Royal Marine timekeeping skills still honed to perfection Dinger !! Just an hour later than expected !! Sounds tough but keep up the good work.
Daz
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 01:53 pm
Well done, what a great start! Good luck for the next stage, thinking of you and wishing you all the best.
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 12:41 pm
CRUMBS......how nerve racking is this having to wait and see if you made the stage! Anyway, fantastic result for stage 1, 25th place is awesome. Looks like I picked the right partner to be my pace maker in September.
Keep it up but don't get injured.
LYL
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 12:05 pm
Hi Paul, Looks like you've made a brilliant start to the race! Fantastic to get your pack that light - I'll need some tips for next time...Keep going - we'll be following you every step of the way and looking forward to meeting for a cold beer in Singers. T & L
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 12:00 pm
Go Paul!! Am following your progress, and thinking of you. Remember Ellen, remember to breathe, and take care of yourself. Will keep the team at M&C posted too as we all are with you in spirit (though I'm all out of breath just THINKING of what you're going through...lol)
Hang in there, tough guy!!
Jx
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 10:27 am
Go Belly Go! Best of luck in the Gobi. Remember look after your feet, and your body will do what your brain tells it. Luv Rick, Jannie and Medi.
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 05:12 am
Paul, your strength, focus and passion are only outshone by your gentle regard for those around you - you are a credit to the race...not the Gobi March, the human race.
Dont be put off by todays hills....they were the worst of it (wasnt that first one a bitch?)- a bit more tomorrow then its down to the desert for you. Enjoy the cool weather and know that the Wilsons, and especially fastuncle, are thinking of you constantly.
Per ardua ad astra my friend
Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 09:59 am
my excess back fat weighs 8.5kgs. Looking forward to the updates......oh, I'm having a beer in Bali right now with members of Team OC.
Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 05:12 am
Sounds amazing! Good luck, hope the first day goes really well. Liking the updates! Keep them coming:)
Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 04:43 am
Sounds like it's all running smoothly so far. I am not surprised they have a good team on board to organise and support you all.
You should be leaving anytime now to head to day one campsite. It's been a few years since you have had to rough it, so no cuddling up to the bloke next to you for warmth this time..... honestly he really Won't appreciate it! LYL xx
22 June 2011 05:14 am (GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
Thank you to everyone for your great messages of support it really is very motivating.
With your generosity we have raised nearly 25,000 SGD, that's only 7.5k short of being able to build the school in Cambodia!
Heading off today to Guangzhou and then onto Urumqi on Friday, not too nervous yet but then I always was a bit slow!
Will update further when I get a chance.
Cheers
Paul
Comments: Total (6) comments
Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 03:18 pm
Great job.
Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 01:35 pm
Hey babe,
Hope you had a good night in Urumqi. You will probably be leaving early in the morn for the drive into the desert so I won't get to text chat before my ride.
I hope day one goes well. Tell us all about it as soon as you have treated your body, eaten your dinner (apple and mango custard?) set up your bed and taken lots of photos! Love ya xx
Posted On: 23 Jun 2011 06:09 pm
I've made your blog my homepage so I will be following your progress every day! oxH
Posted On: 23 Jun 2011 12:39 pm
Glad you got into China with all those little bags of white powder! I can now breath normally again without expecting a call from a prison cell.
TIP for those foolish enough to either participate or register their other half: Perpetuim and Recoverite should definitely stay in their original packaging until you arrive in China!!
Hope it is everything you are expecting and more. Lots of photos please. Sleep well tonight babe.
Posted On: 23 Jun 2011 07:19 am
Paul, I was hoping to catch you for a drink before you left, but missed the chance. Am so looking forward to hearing all about it. Hope you have a fabulous time racing!
Posted On: 23 Jun 2011 05:40 am
Good luck Paul, the start of your amazing adventure has finally begun! Enjoy all it has to offer you. Can't wait to hear the updates!
19 June 2011 11:36 am (GMT+08:00) Kuala Lumpur, Singapore
Training done and hopefully ready to go
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 22 Jun 2011 03:39 am
Hi Paull, all the best to you and see you soon ! cheers
Posted On: 21 Jun 2011 10:04 am
good to see your training involves drinking 3 beers at a time!
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