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Gobi March Blogs 2011

Rob O'Brien

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Gobi March (2011) blog posts from Rob O'Brien

01 July 2011 03:52 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi All,…quick ‘blog’ about the latest, on this ROLLERCOASTER gobi ride. Medical team, and meself,in agreement that I would re-enter race, having rested my bruised ,and battered body and ‘ego ’from stage 1. The following morning no great improvement,this stage was then shortened to just 11miles that day, due to overnight flooding – was ragin’ I rested then…Stage 3 got all clear to re-enter,if I wanted. I was at the starting line like a shot. Distance 44kms – including 6-8watercrossings, legs an’sore thigh, - holding up, felt good to cross stage finish, - food- bed – then Stage 4….We stayed with a local Chinese family, the night after stage3, - this was an amazin experience, got some great photos, so far this week…. Anyhoo stage 4, THE DUNES….I’ve run dunes in the Sahara and the Atacama, but nothin’ prepared me for the cauldron of thr Turpan Basin, that awaited. I was about 8kms into the energy sapping dunes, when my body started to crash..could’nt keep fluid or electrolites down.. muscles started to cramp, dizziness, nausea, - is this really really happennin’ to me.. 20mins later sent for help… Med team arrive, IV drip administered, walk with the medic some of the way back when the ‘camel medic’arrived and took me ,back to camp. Dr Susie, monitored me and declared me an OFFICIAL PULL-OUT from the race..SHATTERED to say the least, but I know I was in danger as well. Their job, is to protect the competitor… Still me and about another 10-15 racers will stay with the troupe, and help where we can. Some other injured racers, just went straight back to Urumqi –whats the point there, they are missing so much. Loads more to tell and show in photographs, - but that’s for another day. It’s been a fantastic, and sometimes painful experience, but I would’nt have swapped it for ALL THE TEA IN CHINA… Heading to bed shortly. Just wanna thank you all so much for your emails, these are brill, and funny too. I’VE REALLY GIVEN IT MY ALL, - BUT THE WHEELS CAME OFF, TO EARLY FOR ME… IT COULD HAPPEN TO ANY OF US, - AND I REALISE THIS TOO. Thanks a mil,to the BEAR,- a PROPER, BEST MATE… Mam an’Dad , all my love. Sophie an’Wes love yez loads, see yez soon. Liam an’ Ken, will debrief ye later..Avril an John BTS, I was interviewed by Beijing TV Network, why I  was in China doing this race, and for what charity, and what were the charitys aims. Gave them all the info, this short interview, will be broadcastin 1st week of July, and can also be downloaded from the internet then… YOU COULD’T BUY THAT EXPOSURE..HAPPY DAYS.. Goonight and Godbless…. ROB XXX

Comments: Total (9) comments

Posted On: 03 Jul 2011 08:02 pm

Good Man Rob!! WEll Done!! Looking forward to the pictures!!! See you in Cork soon!!! D.

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 08:16 pm

hey rob , delighted to hear your safe and sound and recovering well . cant wait to see the pics and hear all the stories ,we are all very proud of you and your charity work. Hope you enjoy the rest of your stay will keep you in my prayers xx p.s. safe journey home

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 05:35 pm

Hey Rob, just seen your blog (been Irish me self! Sligo) and sorry to see that you had to pull out. I did the race last year so I know what you're going threw. HUGE RESPECT on your decision to pull out as we all need to get back to family.When your IN THE ZONE only you'll know.Good for you to stay on and enjoy what China has to offer, it's never kind but none the less, it's a mighty country. If your ever in Shanghai call into The Irishmans Pub , say hi and I'll have a Guinness ready for ya! Feet up,,drink loads and I wish you a quick recovery. Declan.

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 10:49 am

hi rob just read your blogg you sound in good shape thank god and i am looking forward to chat with you next week i have a nice bit of that cake from gozo well done my son god bless pj

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 10:29 am

Not many can say they are related to their hero..... but I'm his brother! I talk a great story but you just do it! Im over the moon to know that you are safe. I can't even imagine how difficult this challange is. I can't wait to hear all the news- Face to Face. Have a rest and know that you gave it your all. We are all very proud of you! Ken & Co

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 09:04 am

Hi Rob ; Cometh the hour cometh the man ; what a journey what alife experience this week has been for you Rob. You were already so inspirational not only in your running but in your humanity to all those people that you come into daily contact with. Pretty certain that you have touched so many souls in the Gobi by your presence and inspiration both competitor, organiser and local alike. I repeat you are one in a million and Breaking the Silence should be so proud of the efforts that you have made on their behalf not only this week but since your fundraising journey commenced on their behalf. You have given 100% and more of yourself and no more than that can one give. So looking forward to your return and catching up. You take care of yourself for the remainder of the Gobi experience and safe flight home to Ireland. All the very best Madeleine, Aoife and Shane. Roll on Dingle !

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 08:41 am

Hey Lad just delighted to hear your ok & recovering. We are all dead proud of you & remember what you have achieved in the last few years has been amazing & inspirational to everyone who knows you. You are the man & what a brother to have to look up to & admire. Mam Dad nd their love & can\'t wait for you to get home safely. Enjoy the rest of the week, stay safe & stay away form the camels! Ha, ha!!! Look forward to seeing you Monday night. If you need anything just let us know. Take care & talk soon. Lee

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 08:09 am

Hey Lad just delighted to hear your ok & recovering. We are all dead proud of you & remember what you have achieved in the last few years has been amazing & inspirational to everyone who knows you. You are the man & what a brother to have to look up to & admire. Mam Dad nd their love & can't wait for you to get home safely. Enjoy the rest of the week, stay safe & stay away form the camels! Ha, ha!!! Look forward to seeing you Monday night. If you need anything just let us know. Take care & talk soon. Lee

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 08:05 am

You should be very proud of yourself Rob. You gave it your all and you are amazing. The deciding factors were beyond your control. Cannot wait to hear all the stories and see your photos. Enjoy the rest of your trip and the experience. Take care.

27 June 2011 07:42 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi ALL. … The medical team at RTP, have said that as I’m, feelin eager and ready to rejoin the race they see no reason why not. So from tomorrow Tues, its game on again. These things happen in Ultra Racing, I hope never to have another experience, like in stage 1. Will rock on and do what I always try to do…each stage at a time. Sending my love and best wishes MAM AND DAD. Sophie and Wes, love yez and thikin of ye LOADS. To all who sent emails, THANK YOU SO MUCH, they are a gift. Will sign off now, it’s early to bed , tend the feet, drink LOADS, and look forward to the challenge tomorrow will bring.Goodnite and Godbless.        ROB  XXXX

Comments: Total (17) comments

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 08:58 pm

Rob, I feel like an emotional rollercoaster from just READING your blog, what a journey to say the very least! Oh my God on TV in China and everything, we wouldn't doubt you for a second!!!! Thats class! I am just really happy you are okay and safe and its a big bonus that you have enjoyed the experience tho! we will be talking about this for years to come! You have no idea the amount of awareness you are generating Rob, have lots of very positive stories for you when you come home and they are all linked to the awareness you have created! You have help us save lives, its as simple as that! Rob = legend, see ya soon nutter!!!!!!! Av

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 10:47 pm

Hi Rob ; we are all thinking of you and praying for you here in Wexford ; hope you are in good spirits and health. From all the various blogs that Madeleine was reading earlier tonight the course sounds a right beast. This course definitely seems to have it all in spades and is testing the spirits and determination of all the competitors. Yet it seems to be a very spiritual opportunity ; a once in a lifetime experience ; one that you and your fellow athletes will never forget and will be all the richer for having shared. We are all so very proud of you. Love Madeleine, Aoife and Shane

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 09:41 pm

Hi Rob ; thrilled to read your name amongst the stage 3 finishers. Onwards and Upwards. Happy safe running for the remaining Gobi desert stages Rob. Your truly in the zone now doing what you do best ; inspiring all those around you by your bravery and commitment to Breaking the Silence. Hope you get lots of good nutrition and rest between the stages. The other competitors seem to be a lovely buch judging from their blogs so I can only imagine the wonderful experiences that you are all sharing. Lots of love Madeleine, Aoife and Shane

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 09:10 pm

Hi Rob. Our Lord fell 3 times at least this is what we are told. Glad to hear you are up and running again, its hard to keep a good man down. Best of luck and take care of yourself, Will check back soon. Richard

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 05:44 pm

Rob, Hope all is going well, we are all thinking of you back here and looking forward to catching up when your back

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 03:52 pm

Hi dad, Hope you are doing well. I was talking to Grandad on the phone today. Trabolgan is really good, have you in my prayers all the time. Hope you are recovering from the falls in stage 1. Just enjoy yourself and keep healthy. We know you do your best no matter what. Best of luck dad. Love you x

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:55 pm

thinking of you keep positive

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 11:03 am

Hi Rob, What a performance. Day three done and dusted. Hope you are getting my blogs okay ? You are back on track and kicking ass. Why am I not one bit surprised. Great result. How are you feeling after today? How are the feet? Plenty of rest, lots of water and lash in the Juice Plus+ caps (4 of each fruit veg and berries) and complete. It is so weird sitting here in the comfort of my home, looking out on a beautiful sunny day typing to you Rob. You will be in the media tent balancing on an excuse of a seat that is sinking in to the sand, drinking warm water, typing before making your way back to your 5 star tent with stony ground, sand everywhere trying to grab a few hours to repair. And yet I am so envious. I would trade places with anyone there in a heartbeat. I am thinking of you many times during the day as you once again push out the boundries. I will be on your shoulder through all of it. Remember, bite size pieces. Have a great day 4 and stay safe. God bless you. Dave

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 10:37 am

GO FOR IT ROB!!!!! Take care of yourself along the way! Best wishes, Kelly

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 09:43 am

Hey lad well done on stage 3 hope the body is ok, keep it going, enjoy the whole experience you've worked hard for it. Mam & Dad are fine a& send their best wishes & as usual they said be careful (u know them)! Take care & let us know how your doing when you get a chance. Talk soon Liam Theresa & all the gang.

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 08:46 am

well done rob , i'm delighted for you best wishes be careful outdere ... and we will be thinking of you xx

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 10:00 pm

Excellent! Great news! Enjoy, enjoy enjoy! Keep Safe! And remember - ''If you're going through hell why would you want to stop? Keep going!'' he he!! Take care! Denise & gang!

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 09:10 pm

Great news Rob...take it handy till the finish...be safe.

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 05:49 pm

Hi Rob Glad to see you have rejoined the Race Rock On!! Be Safe Pressure is For Tyers.

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 03:55 pm

LEGEND!! If you're happy, I'm happy..... Stay safe Rob. Thinking of you. Ken

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 01:29 pm

Good afternoon Rob ; just received your latest blog. I am fully with you on your decision if your feeling 100% and have received the all clear from the medics .. JUST GO FOR IT... LIVE YOUR DREAMS ROB. Although I am not out there with you Rob I feel very much as though I am running it with you. You are in my constant thoughts and prayers. Take good care of yourself and the very best of luck on stage 3. Madeleine, Aoife and Shane

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 08:14 am

Great to hear you want to rejoin the race, be careful enjoy it & everyone at home send their best wishes. Take care & will keep in touch. I always said you were "MAD" but you always did keep life interesting. Lee

26 June 2011 07:43 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

It's with SHOCK and DISSAPOINTMENT that  I made the decision to withackdraw from the race, today SUNDAY on stage 1...I had a couple of falls, whlie climbing vetical and these knocked me back . Racing the PLANET were on the spot and got me back to camp for rehydration and medical.  They left the final decision with me. With this in mind, and the present state of me body, the next few days could be serious, for health apects,as the course becomes tricky. This has never happend to me, at these events before - ALWAYS A FIRST TIME.. i will stay on for the week, with the RTP team and help out where I can. To my family, friends, BTS , Avril and J ohn, I know you will all understand this decision. NOBODY IS MORE GUTTED THAN ME. More details will follow, when I return. LIFE wil STILL go on.. and so will the fundraising for BREAKING THE SILENCE.

Comments: Total (16) comments

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 08:33 pm

Hey rob , hope you're doin ok fella thinking of you , you really are an inspiration, well done your a star xx

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 06:00 pm

whey hey good on ya boy fantastic news hope that you are o.k... I think that you just wanted to give all the other compettitors a head start so now they better watch out as `THE ROBBIE IS ABOUT AND READY TO ROCK'.Only bad thing left now is stop following chelsea and you will be perfect best of luck bud wille therese and spaghetti bolognaise group

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 12:38 am

hey Rob I saw your blog on Alex Basile's ,and then saw in the updates that both of you will be starting to run again today hopefully. Hope all is good,and you have a good run.:)

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 11:17 pm

Hi Rob, I am so gutted for you but its a massive achievement being there to begin with... Im sure you will be a great help to the other competitors and the main thing is that you are safe and sound. All the best, take care John, Eimear and family

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 10:04 pm

Aw Rob I am gutted for you!! But so glad to hear that you are well and safe! We all know you do not give up easy in anyway, so you made the correct difficult decision! No better man to help others out over the rest of the week - they are lucky to have you there!! Enjoy your time! We are proud of you!! Hope to meet up in July!! Love Denise, Mark, Enda & Bump!! xxx

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 09:35 pm

hey bud keep your chin up even to get this far is a great achievement.See you soon,thinking of you ........WILLIE,THERESE,LIAM,GRACE (AND SPAGHETTI BOLOGNAISE AWAITS)

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 06:19 pm

Rob all our thoughts and prayers are with i came across the following blessing and i thought of you. May the Seeder of Quests direct your Steps! May the Holy Ones protect your passage ! May helping hands be extended to you on every side [caitlin matthews] We are here for you Rob lots of hugs ;> Madeleine and Aoife

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 04:28 pm

Hi Rob ; hope you are not feeling too disappointed today. The most important thing Rob is that you are safe in one piece and that you gave it your best shot as YOU ALWAYS DO. Very proud of you Rob ; as I have said before you are one in a million and a great ambassador for your family, your hometown of Cobh and Breaking the Silence. Very much looking forward to your safe return and catching up. Will keep you centremost in our prayers. All the very best your friend Shane.

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 01:13 pm

Hi Rob, the achievement was taking on the challenge and all the training you've done and prep in itself was gruelling work. Don't be disappointed you've done yourself, your family, Cobh and Breaking the Silence proud. Look forward to seeing you on your return. Kelly

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 10:43 am

hi rob hope you are ok today and try to relax before you return to us your a great man god bless pj

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 08:04 am

Hey Lad you must be gutted & were all thinking of you, Mam & Dad were just delighted to hear that you are ok. You made the right decision as you know your body only too well after all you've been through. Your such an inspiration in our lives & what you have achieved in such a short time in your running career is fantastic & remember some people will never achieve even 1% of what you have. Take care & just get home safely. Thinking of you & give me a call when you get the chance. Liam, Theresa, Ronan, Kerri & Mam nd Dad

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 07:28 pm

Rob, you are still the most inspirational person we have ever met and the very brave decision you had to make today just proves that even more. Your health comes first what would we do if anything happened to you? You are part of our family! Love you to bits Rob enjoy the week out there and we will go on is super right! Ur a star Rob!!!!!!!!!!!!! Avril, John & Ethan xxxxxxxxxxxx

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 07:14 pm

Im sorry to hear that you had to pull out Rob, If anyone knows how committed to this you were, its me, returning safely is the main thing. Talk soon, take care. Denis

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 06:17 pm

Rob, I know you must be gutted right now but the priority is to return to us safely. You made the right tough decision. Well done. All the O'Bs are thinking of you and are relieved to hear that you are OK! Take care. Ken & co

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 03:32 pm

Hi Rob ; just read your blog so so sorry for you Rob. Can only imagine how gutted you may feel at this moment of time. But on this occasion you have made the correct decision.Between intense heat, elevation and the sharp ascents and descents this was always going to be one major hurdle to surmount. I fully appreciate how up for this challenge you were ; please try not to be too hard on yourself over the coming days. The decision you made was perhaps the most courageous of all that you have had to make ; your safety is paramount. No goal or charity is worth risking your health to this degree. Your heart Rob is always in the right place. You take extra good care of yourself this week and give your support to the other competitors ; by all accounts they are going to need every bit of reassurance they can muster up. All the very best Madeleine, Aoife and Shane.

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 03:29 pm

my thoughts are with you as i know how much time you put in to this but your health comes first well done rob

10 June 2011 03:36 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

WOW! only 2 weeks to the 'off'! Hard to believe how quickly the time has flown! 
Training has 'tapered off' for me , at this stage, no serious injury to report, thankfully! :)) 
Usual organised 'chaos' , - what to bring- what not to bring??. Backpack weight is a tricky issue alright. What I must never forget , is that these events are as much a 'mental' challenge as much as a 'physical' one!
Will begin to try and sharpen my 'focus' as the days to the race start, draw in. On the physical side of things, I had a good chat with Dave O'Brien, last years Irish 4 desert 'grandslammer' - his advice to me was : 
Hydrate well - regularly and often. 
Mind them 'FEETS' (footcare is so vital, - on a daily basis definitely, -  hourly if ya have to!!)
Get those calories in to ya!!
and finally ENJOY what will be a surreal event, for sure!
All sound advice, and what I need to hear!! - Thank you so much, to my family, friends, running bud,and the local Cobh Community for all your support and words of encouragement!

I will be doing my best to cross the finish line, without serious injury - and hoping to raise Awareness and Funding for a wonderful community charity - BREAKING THE SILENCE

Looking forward to meeting up with competitors/volunteers, in Urumqi, safe journey to all - and good luck with the normal, last minute chaos! All will be well! :))

Slan agus beanneacht!


Rob.

Comments: Total (5) comments

Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 02:42 pm

Good luck Rob in the Gobi. Wishing you a safe journey to China and happy safe running for the week. We are all so proud of you Rob. You are truly one in a million and Breaking the Silence could not have a better ambassador to represent them. Keep the focus and enjoy your running this week. Look forward to catching up on your return. all the very best from Madeleine, Aoife and Shane. Jim and John also send their regards.

Posted On: 23 Jun 2011 06:16 pm

Best of luck Rob, looking foward to hearing about your journey, Carol (BTS)

Posted On: 22 Jun 2011 08:32 pm

I don't know you but you came up on my page because Breaking The Silence is a friend of mine on facebook. I was born in Cobh. I want to wish you the best of luck in your adventure and I think you are a wonderful person to do what you are doing. God bless you. Julie

Posted On: 21 Jun 2011 10:51 pm

Best of luck Rob. From Denis and Catherine Kiely

Posted On: 21 Jun 2011 08:22 pm

good luck rob carmel &sean power

19 May 2011 04:19 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Greetings from Ireland!!                                                                                                                              This is my first 'blog' so 'fingers crossed'!! :))  Gobi desert on the horizon shortly, so it's check and double check, admin forms and equipment etc..
Still, it's all part of the journey as well, - training is constant and going well, - injury free thank God. Will start to 'taper off' early/mid June!
These races are such a unique experience, I feel excited and daunted at the same time.
But ya know what,.. would'nt miss it for the world!
Best of good luck , to all competitors with training and travel. Will mebbe blog again before the event!!

Slan go foill!!

Rob.

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 05:49 pm

Hi Rob, "RESPECT", For me and for so many others, you empitomize the very spirit of that special group of people that take on these challenges. "A fall" is always going to be a danger, yet knowing that you drove on. We all know that things can change in these events in a heart beat, no matter who you are, or how strong, mentally & physically your are. Regardless of training or health. All I can say, is that I am so proud of you. To say you have the guts, determination, focus, heart and spirit, is an understatement. Great to see you back in the race. Remember Rob, no heroics. Stay safe. I am with you all the way. God speed. Your Desert buddy. Dave :-)

Posted On: 23 Jun 2011 10:50 am

Safe travel Rob, thoughts will be with you all the way, looking forward to hearing your progress, Kelly

Posted On: 22 Jun 2011 10:16 am

Best of luck lad we know you can do this & remember were all very proud of you. Always said you were MAD but here you go again, Drive on & stay focused & positive at all times no "Negatives". Will be thinking of ya!! Liam Theresa, Ronan & Kerri

Posted On: 21 Jun 2011 04:15 pm

Hi Rob, Best of luck with the lead up to the run. All O'Reillys and extended families with you in spirit. Kieran

Posted On: 23 May 2011 09:46 am

Best of luck Rob, delighted to hear all's going well. You're enthusiasm and positivity is truly inspiring! Looking forward to the updates! Kelly

Posted On: 21 May 2011 01:12 pm

Best wishes in the Gobi Marathon Challenge Rob ; we are all 100% behind you down here in the Sunny South East. All your friends in the Whitford send their best wishes. Your a National Treasure Rob with a heart of Gold. Hopefully will catch up before September Dingle Marathon. The very best of luck with the training and Friday\'s Civic Reception ; thanks for the invitation ; so sorry that we will not be able to attend due to Aoife\'s First Holy Communion. Shane.

Posted On: 20 May 2011 07:42 pm

Well done Rob, so proud of you doing this for Breaking The Silence, Suicide Intervention, Prevention & Awareness Training

Posted On: 19 May 2011 11:55 pm

So looking forward to seeing you back at another event and having you jig across the finish line.