Since I'm at home and can't work or train have finally got around to doing a post Gobi March Race wrap up. Firstly I would like to thank all the races that donated gear, food, clothes, first aid supplies etc, you guys are awesome and just goes to prove how Ultra-running is more of a community than a race without you guys I wouldn't have been allowed to start. Drama started before the race even started with Air China losing my race kit in Beijing (or was it a secret plan by the Aussies in Sydney?). Arriving in Bole scared I wasn't going to be allowed to start, or that I would be racing the entire race in my icebreaker boxers, awesome. Competitors to the rescue made for some interesting meals, or pot luck, lost in translation eating. No sleeping mat mean't cardboard boxes on a brick floor for the first nights sleep. On the upside the lack of equipment made for a lighter than expected pack around 9kg Stage 1 -49.2K in 6.51 some bad chafing but feeling pretty good, terrain was very run-able, big surprise to come in around 20th Stage 2 -39k in 5.37 everything turned to custard, was running really well, then got a bad case of the trots, not sure if it was infective or due to all the unexpected food I had to eat, but I watched a lot of people pass from the bushes due to frequent toilet stops and spent some time in the medical tent. End of day was fairly rough and close to pulling the pin, no dinner that night or breakfast the next day Stage 3 -Shortened 25k in 3.39, thank god they shortened the stage as I had no fuel in the tank due to lack of food intake. Plenty of rain, hail and feeling the cold but awesome sleeping in a yurt Stage 4 -Extended 48.8k in 6.56 actually felt awesome after a shorter day and being able to keep food in, probably the best I felt all race and pushed hard over some fairly rough terrain Stage 5 (the long march) -68.1k in 11.10 felt good at the start which quickly changed with the altitude and the first big climb and was well down the pack until the downhill. Good mid-section with a great downhill till I ended up running alone for the rest of the stage. Horrible second climb (I think everyone found it hard), return of food problems couldn't eat or drink for about last 20k continued to push hard and suffered the consequences. Somehow managed to finish and ended up back under the watch of the medics Rob Trepa and Brett Foote whom without which I probably would have been pulled from the race, you guys did an awesome job just remember what happens in Gobi, stays in Gobi Stage 6 -14k in 1.23 felt surprisingly crap but didn't care as it was all over and I had a couple beers at the end Big ups to all of Tent 10 Rob Trepa, Brett Foote, Atul Patki, Paul Taylor, Tim Cairns, Archish Tajpuriya, John Tibury, Alex Moran and the rogue spy for keeping me going and all your help. Full credit to the tent as they all finished, hope to see you all Atacama

Totally batshit crazy mate. But awesome nonetheless. Homestretch now, enjoy the last leg and get home safely. Chur. Mark.

Kia ora Inia. Glad to hear of your success in spite of missing gear and food.15th wow that is really great. I guess that you are bound to have one race that the planning goes out the window. It will just make you stronger for the next time. All Blacks play England tonight not such a big mountain to climb knowing that you are doing with 14 other guys. You are out there alone. Hearing about these hills is fightening the life out of me. I suppose we will see an even thinner version of you than last time. Cheers Eddie.

great stuff.great photo stage 5 love from us all mum xx

Looks like you have done the stage 5 We are absolutely proud of you. Take care,hope your feet are lasting out. Love mum and dad xxx

Well done give it heaps , you don't know me , but just giving you some support Kia Kaha , Hamish is right don't stop someone will give you food trade something .Good luck fellow Kiwi Lizzy Palmer-Smithx

Awesome work there Inia !! Megan is right, sounds like you have your legs sorted now, don't worry about the kit, you've made it this far. The long day is likely to be in low country and will be hot as after lunch, try and make good time in the morning and work a run / walk strategy in the arvo, big day stage 5 in the Gobi, good luck.

You are doing awesum mate, so proud, especially with the hassles you have had, by the time you read this you will be on the home straight, would love to catch up sometime before Antarctica, but you have the atacama first, my favorite. Go hard, you have made it now and all the crap you have had along the way will only make you stronger, Kia kaha my friend, you rock!!!

I know you will be able to do it. You have done the Blue Mountains. One step at a time.Love mum xx

you are doing so very well considering you have not got your gear.Hope someone has some spare food.to share. I am upset at it, as you know I will be. Good photos, mum is saving. Stay strong. You will be fine.arohanui Dad

Just read the breaking news. Well done!love mum and dad and Elvis

Hang in there ! You'll come right, just finishing is awesome, Gobi is tough as. Cheers Hamish

nothing worse than gastro enteritis I know after watching mum and her campylobacter. Its a good job you are made of good strong stuff titanium, just try to keep going anf think of good things when you run, The little boys were great to help you. I am with you, Don't ever forget that arohanui dad

I thought you did not look well on stage 3 photos, but dad said you were fine. Mum's just know. I could see it in your face, but your legs looked good.Hope ypu are getting the e mails. Just aim at finishing. Lovely to hear from you. You need arrowroot biscuits and I don't suppose you have any,love mum

Maybe something to look forward to, in 2012 although on a different course in the Gobi, the volunteers brought the racers local fresh bread and fruit for the day after the long march. I think it was the best bread I ever had in my whole life. looks like you're finishing strong every day. Cheers!

Well they say it is one of the hardest challenges and you have certainly had lots of obstacles already. Hope the gear makes it for you. You are one kiwi warrior. Stay strong.

Hi Inia, keep going with your known determination....steady, focused...and with the positive attitude. Wishing you, Rob and Atul another great adventure and achievement

lovely photos glad to see you are smiling love dad

will try again as it came up in a foreign language. Lovely photos of you so glad you are still smiling hope you get your gear soon. love mum

Lovely photos of you. So glad you are still smiling. Hope you get your shorts and bedding soon Take care Love mum

Hey there dude, hard to believe I was doing this a year ago.......hoping all goes well for you, it is sooo much easier 2nd time around, watching with interest mate, go hard and go strong.....also give the race organisers a big hug from me!

My poor son. Piss you off. I would be screaming. Keep cool til after school With you all the way. Arohanui Dad

Dad is so pissed off for you. I am so proud of you for hanging in there. What wonderful people the other runners are. Keep cheerful Love mum

hope you got the tent package you wanted and all is well thinking of you love mum

Wish I was able to run with you.Proud of you ;Love dad

Still can't believe you are set to do all four this year. Hopefully some more kiwi participants in this one. All the best and enjoy yet another great experience. Will be following. This one is on next years agenda. Rest well.

Great stuff Inia. Must have missed you. I am running again but feeling sore most of the time. However I intend to take time with my base training and see how I go from there. See you when you get back. Cheers Eddie.