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Gobi March Blogs 2014
7
PostsGobi March (2014) blog posts from Paul Taylor
06 June 2014 12:30 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hello all! I’ve just read all your messages, it is incredibly emotional. Thank you so much, you all make me proud to know you and to know that you are behind us.
Good news, stage 5 is done! Starting at 10am, we came in at 4am… in ice cold winds descending from the second 2800m peak. 72km apparently, and I hobbled every single using the poles as crutches. Lisa and Alex stuck with me every single step of the way, when I physically could not lift the right thigh to take another downward step. Their patience to wait for me until I was ready was the only thing that made me move again, I owe them so much now.
This stage has without doubt been the hardest, most gruelling thing I have ever done. The pains started at about 50m from the start, and carried on for the next 70 or 80 thousand steps. Going downwards was horrific. Upward surprisingly was easier (!). the first 40k were uphill, very in places, then down….. I couldn’t even accept the majestic beauty of what we were seeing. There was no elation at the end, lisa and i. we were both seeing things weren’t there! we were quite delirious. But was straight into a freezing tent and slept. Today is a rest day, we’re on the banks of lake saymar(? Or something) at 2000m. no people.no clouds, blue blue sky and turquoise icy water, with snow capped mountains on all sides. Its surreal and very moving, everyone is friends with everyone else, even if no communication. My Spanish buddies were so surprised and happy to see I had made it this morning.
Thank you,all, I’ll see or email you when I get back to hk. Tim is the only one who is not lame and looking for top25 finish. Tomorrow its 14km around the lake, ill complete it I know that now.
chigs
Good news, stage 5 is done! Starting at 10am, we came in at 4am… in ice cold winds descending from the second 2800m peak. 72km apparently, and I hobbled every single using the poles as crutches. Lisa and Alex stuck with me every single step of the way, when I physically could not lift the right thigh to take another downward step. Their patience to wait for me until I was ready was the only thing that made me move again, I owe them so much now.
This stage has without doubt been the hardest, most gruelling thing I have ever done. The pains started at about 50m from the start, and carried on for the next 70 or 80 thousand steps. Going downwards was horrific. Upward surprisingly was easier (!). the first 40k were uphill, very in places, then down….. I couldn’t even accept the majestic beauty of what we were seeing. There was no elation at the end, lisa and i. we were both seeing things weren’t there! we were quite delirious. But was straight into a freezing tent and slept. Today is a rest day, we’re on the banks of lake saymar(? Or something) at 2000m. no people.no clouds, blue blue sky and turquoise icy water, with snow capped mountains on all sides. Its surreal and very moving, everyone is friends with everyone else, even if no communication. My Spanish buddies were so surprised and happy to see I had made it this morning.
Thank you,all, I’ll see or email you when I get back to hk. Tim is the only one who is not lame and looking for top25 finish. Tomorrow its 14km around the lake, ill complete it I know that now.
chigs
04 June 2014 01:10 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hello! Thank you all for the blog replies, they are great to read….. today sadly has been not a good day. It started great, 35k in and the wheel fell off. I’ve potentially torn a quad, and could not walk downhill. I was in 25th place but ended 45th. Kobiashi did not seem to pass me curiously thoughJ
It was by far the hardest day, then hk crew are badly beaten. We’re facing 68k and a 2000m climb tomorrow. I am not sure if I can manage, I was close to stopping this afternoon, until 2 spanish dudes collected from despair, and forced me to continue to the end. We didn’t speak the entire time but they are my friends now.
I didn’t say but yesterday, I fell at the end on my pole. The photographer caught it… I think the knackered ankle has caused the quad tear. Nightmare.
Mum – many horses roaming the plains. I have photos.
Angie – in case you don’t hear, alex arrived safely just now and in fine spirits.
Thank you all again, today was the absolute opposite of yesterday. You can imagine what I might have been shouting when things started failing. Feeling better to read from you, just hoping now that a miraculous repair occurs when I sleep.
(ps. Looking for ultramarathon girl….when do I not!)
Laith- he is indeed a direct descendant of Saubers second driver, tommy nakajima.
Fingers crossed
It was by far the hardest day, then hk crew are badly beaten. We’re facing 68k and a 2000m climb tomorrow. I am not sure if I can manage, I was close to stopping this afternoon, until 2 spanish dudes collected from despair, and forced me to continue to the end. We didn’t speak the entire time but they are my friends now.
I didn’t say but yesterday, I fell at the end on my pole. The photographer caught it… I think the knackered ankle has caused the quad tear. Nightmare.
Mum – many horses roaming the plains. I have photos.
Angie – in case you don’t hear, alex arrived safely just now and in fine spirits.
Thank you all again, today was the absolute opposite of yesterday. You can imagine what I might have been shouting when things started failing. Feeling better to read from you, just hoping now that a miraculous repair occurs when I sleep.
(ps. Looking for ultramarathon girl….when do I not!)
Laith- he is indeed a direct descendant of Saubers second driver, tommy nakajima.
Fingers crossed
Comments: Total (20) comments
SF Lam
Posted On: 06 Jun 2014 11:45 pm
Just get up and first thing to check your updates and the results. I can not image how hard it was for your stage 5 but you managed it. It should be couple hours left but you can handle it.
Looking forward to you updates on Monday
Dave Bradley
Posted On: 06 Jun 2014 11:25 am
Looking forward to your feedback on Stage 5.
Still awaiting the results, but the updates on the website seemed promising...
Not long to go now. Good luck for the last push. Beers are imminent...
Liz Richardson
Posted On: 06 Jun 2014 05:38 am
Hang in there PT. There must be someone about with a magic sponge and some of that bright tape that all the athletes were sporting at the olympics. Hopefully a good nights rest and a few yoga stretches will see you fit to move out in the morning. Look after yourself.
fergal WHYTE
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 08:56 pm
Respect! Words defy me....
Emma Dryden
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 07:34 pm
Hey Paul! Am following the Gobi March with such admiration for you and Lisa. You guys kind of write about it as if it's a breeze with your positivity. (It makes me feel like suggesting to Kerri N to meet me there and do it together). Then there are times which are clearly brutal. (That really hits home maybe it's not sthg for K and I to try!) Really hope this hugely long day has gone ok for you. It's incredible how far you've got. Take care for the rest of it. Hope your injury holds out. E
P.s. For a giggle: Just found some seriously cheesy school ski Hol snaps with Charlie S, Sean, Rich W, Meg etc. Let's hope your mountain attire now is a lot less 90s and neon than us lot ;-)
Angie McIntosh
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 04:06 pm
Awww, cheers for the name check Chigs...why did that boy not do a blog like everyone else?! Loving reading about all your efforts & much kudos to the HK massive for representing & keeping it together despite the tough times. You & Alex made the 'breaking news' spot at 10:30PM tonight between checkpoints 6 & 7 of Stage 5 so I know you're still pushing through...a spectacular effort and only 1 more day left....YOU CAN DO IT!!! Good luck for the last stage . Angie :-)
Fiona Cumming
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 04:04 pm
Hi Chigs- I am just amazed by how well you guys have done and I guess the thing with these "races" is that you have good and bad days. By the time you would have read this the long march would be over and you will all be recuperating in your sleeping bags. Dig deep, you have it in you. I was in the bar and grill tonight and look forward to celebrating your victory with a cold beverage and mate a scotch egg (I saw someone eating them tonight and they looked quite good). Go man go! Fiona
Katy Chandler
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 02:03 pm
Sounds like yesterday was a toughie - you did so well. Having done the Green Power with you though I know what you are mentally capable of - an amazing ability to push through the physical pain. I hope you've been able to dig deep today again on the long march. Am sure its not been easy. Hopefully as you read this you'll just have the small matter of 10km ahead of you and if I know you well enough, you'll sprint through that tape taking out a handful of competitors at the end. Hope the jar of peanuts have served you well. Did you ditch the scratchings in the end? Am not quite sure what the locals are going to quite make of you lot in post race celebration mode but am sure it will be nothing more bizzare to them than seeing 100 sweaty guillos in stretch lycra passing through their countryside. Best of luck with the final stint. Go get em! ..
David Pegg
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 12:46 pm
After the Long March myth has it that the Pijiu Conference was held....suggest you follow tradition and down some beers.....hope you made it through Day 5 without too much incident....
Zillah Taylor
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 12:43 pm
Paul, so sad to hear the latest news, but perhaps with rest and tight strapping you will carry on, if not I'll get one of those horses to help!!😢 whatever happens we are very proud of your achievement! Njema safari,bwana!! Xx love Mum.
Ol i Read
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 06:15 am
Keep going mate, hope the body holds up and you can continue.
Sounds BRUTAL!!
You going to join me, Chandler and Cairno for next years...???
Rich Legallez
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 05:55 am
Chigs Chigs Chigs Chigs Chigs Chigs , thats what we are all chanting to keep you going fella . You can do it!!!
Claire Cairns
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 05:54 am
Yesterday sounded tough but you are through that and when reading this you would have alreday done the long march so the end is in sight. Keep going and what an amazing effort - very impressive.
See you on Sunday xx
Michelle Shun
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 05:29 am
Paul, hope you're feeling better today. We are all very proud of you!
All the best and looking forward to your next updates.
SF Lam
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 05:19 am
Hi Paul,
this might come a bit late. hope this find you well and fit.
just read through your blog and can not image how hard it was to come to this stage.
Try your best and keep safe.
Lam
Ed Stonehill
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 02:09 am
I hope you brought Tiger Balm. I believe "torn quad" is second on the list of things cured by the miraculous menthol. And of course, impressive effort so far! If the Spaniards aren't around to assist, try to hop onto Kobiashi.
PS - second the dung option if balm not on hand
Dave Bradley
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 02:03 am
Top performance Paul!
Stage 4 sounded horrific, fantastic achievement to make it through. Hats off to the Spaniards, friends for life.
Hope that the medical staff have worked wonders overnight.
Good luck with today's stage. Hopefully you'll pick up a couple of planks on route for skiing the downhill section from 2800m elevation! Although our structural review suggest that friction coefficient may be a touch high, hope for some snow! Preferred option may be to roll downhill!
Give it your best shot but keep safe.
Mat Brown
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 01:58 am
I may be repeating myself here, but you should rub some camel dung into the quad.... It will sort your leg out, and the pungent aroma will distract you from any residual pain!
ben chandler
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 01:53 am
dude - you can not do 250k without ups and downs - you are nearly done - hopefully when you read this u will have finished the long march and about to embark on your rest day - chin up and stay strong
Bob O'Neill
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 01:36 am
Hi Paul,
Congratulations on finishing stage four! I doubt any of us here could do 50k in those conditions, let alone do it in 8 hours! We are all really proud of what you have achieved so far, best of luck with the fifth and essentially final stage - you can do it mate!
The PBF/SRGF/OGB/WRT/PCT Dream Team have been following your progress reading your blog every morning... apologies if this affects out submission dates!!! ;)
All the best
Bob
03 June 2014 01:00 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 3 done, no worries! Feeling very fresh, even did running and still no problems. Today was cut short due to fairly awful rain, sleet, an a very biting wind. Brrrr, now that is cold, at 2000m, in shorts and running vest, walking uphill into the gale and sleet!
Coming down off the mountain was the most pleasurable yet, long green meadows, slight downhill, alpine type mountains as a backdrop, and running freely. It was a special day, most rewarding of all and on arriving at the camp, it was 28 degrees and blue skies. Have some great photos but cannot upload till im back… which I will be. Today has given me something that I was hoping for; free and elated in a great and wild place.
Tomorrow will be extended to 50km, and im ready. Will try running I think, tim is worriedJ I need to catch him. Today I was 25th I think, and should improve on that. People are starting to drop out. So fingers crossed.
Thank you mia! And thank you sophie! See you two very soon, and I’ll be collecting my paper toy!
HI MUM! Thanks for the note. All well, don’t worry please, im doing ok.
paul
Coming down off the mountain was the most pleasurable yet, long green meadows, slight downhill, alpine type mountains as a backdrop, and running freely. It was a special day, most rewarding of all and on arriving at the camp, it was 28 degrees and blue skies. Have some great photos but cannot upload till im back… which I will be. Today has given me something that I was hoping for; free and elated in a great and wild place.
Tomorrow will be extended to 50km, and im ready. Will try running I think, tim is worriedJ I need to catch him. Today I was 25th I think, and should improve on that. People are starting to drop out. So fingers crossed.
Thank you mia! And thank you sophie! See you two very soon, and I’ll be collecting my paper toy!
HI MUM! Thanks for the note. All well, don’t worry please, im doing ok.
paul
Comments: Total (9) comments
Liz Richardson
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 12:55 am
Nice work PT. You are making it sound easy.
Keep some in store for the sprint finish on the home stretch.
Look after yourself.
Zillah Taylor
Posted On: 04 Jun 2014 03:18 pm
Great to hear of the latest day!Sounds as if you should have taken skis at times!! and some gluhwein!!Still you are half way almost, and I only have half as much time to worry.😰 Everyone here is fixated on your "Ripping Yarns" , including a toast from the S. H. I. T. S!! 😀love Mum and Dad😯xx86
Kitty Lee
Posted On: 04 Jun 2014 02:58 pm
I really enjoy reading this blog. sounds like you are having unlimited energy and getting higher place every day. Keep it up Paul!
Katy Chandler
Posted On: 04 Jun 2014 08:33 am
Reading your blog just spurred me on in the bank queue at HSBC. Boy, wish I was out there with you guys! Sounds like you are all having an amazing time and doing so well. Glad to hear you've traded the pork pies for peanuts. Keep up the brilliant effort and best of luck for the long ones . X
Claire Cairns
Posted On: 04 Jun 2014 07:22 am
Keep going Chigsey - doing great. Is the jar of peanuts still going?
David Pegg
Posted On: 04 Jun 2014 04:48 am
You got a special mention in the group briefing yesterday and everyone wishes you well....Day 3 seemed barely worthy of the label Ultra (25k !!!)...although the Long March is coming so reserve that energy (Wikifact: The Long March was actually 9000km in 370 days) .....Overall Top 30 finish in sight....keep safe.
ben chandler
Posted On: 04 Jun 2014 02:21 am
go on chigsy! 2 long days coming - so dont go tooooo nuts - listen to your body dude! its amazing what u can do at 40!
Devere Bryan
Posted On: 04 Jun 2014 02:08 am
Looking solid Chigs! Are there any fit sheep out there? Tidy!
Dave Bradley
Posted On: 04 Jun 2014 01:26 am
Just wanted to say that all the Structural Team here are thrilled with your progress!
Fully expecting to see Kobayashi-san reeled in over the next couple of stages...
Nice upward progression in the Stage placings. How are reserves, food etc. looking?
02 June 2014 01:47 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Evening all, quick update as there are lots of comments from you guys. Thank you all for sending, they are definitely working, which was sort of needed today at one point. But no fear, I dug deep and came through, finishing the 39k in 6hrs12, placed 28 I think. Pretty ok with that as I walked only again. Except the last 100m when it was England versus japan, this chap had been using me as his spur to run whenever I caught him. Over the last 20k… so I showed him a bit of Chigs on the move, 100m dash…it was poetry, I could almost hear chariots of fire playing, and yes, it was in slow motion. Feeling slightly guilty for him now… how many seconds did I beat him by?
Knee is good, still no pain so that’s encouraging me. Shoulders ache but the pack it getting lighter. Same two blisters are back, 3 times larger…they talk to me as we travel, sometimes saying im alright, sometimes just screaming. They are my friends.
Am sitting next to the photographer, hopefully you can see us in what they upload each night? Im numbero. 99, tim 12 and john 100.
Thanks again, jim, Claire, iola &sophie (course they love uncle chigs) ben, Fiona, laith samar? (ian taylor.. I know that is you!). tomorrow is hills, going up is where we should be good. Hope the fatigue stays away.
chigs
chigs
Knee is good, still no pain so that’s encouraging me. Shoulders ache but the pack it getting lighter. Same two blisters are back, 3 times larger…they talk to me as we travel, sometimes saying im alright, sometimes just screaming. They are my friends.
Am sitting next to the photographer, hopefully you can see us in what they upload each night? Im numbero. 99, tim 12 and john 100.
Thanks again, jim, Claire, iola &sophie (course they love uncle chigs) ben, Fiona, laith samar? (ian taylor.. I know that is you!). tomorrow is hills, going up is where we should be good. Hope the fatigue stays away.
chigs
chigs
Comments: Total (8) comments
Laith Samar
Posted On: 03 Jun 2014 09:24 pm
As-salam alaykum Paulo T - keep it going brother and stay clear of those camels.
Feeling bad but sort of rooting for Kobayashi too as you keep beating him by seconds - isn't he the second driver at Sauber?
Heather Kikkert
Posted On: 03 Jun 2014 01:44 pm
Keep it up, Paul! Only mad dogs and Englishmen carry peanuts in the original jar. Still, when you finish you can say that you didn't even bother to repack your food, you just toughed it out with British grit & determination. 😊 praying 4u
Zillah Taylor
Posted On: 03 Jun 2014 01:02 pm
Hi Paul,you and your blisters are going well! As a military nurse I'm an expert on them,so check into the medical tent. 😕 Hope the hills are not too arduous,but you are going great so far,and we think of you every day 😀 love, Mum xx
Eleanor Cairns
Posted On: 03 Jun 2014 09:22 am
Glad you are keeping up Paul, you may well meet Mrs Chigs, just pick the one that smells most like you and it could be a match made in heaven (or Gobi). Eleanor
Roger TAYLOR
Posted On: 03 Jun 2014 09:20 am
YOU CAN TELL A PERSON BY THE FRIENDS HE KEEPS!!
YOU SEEM TO BE GOING WELL - ARE YOU ENJOYING THE EXPERIENCE?
HAVEN'T SEEN ANY PICTURES OF YOU YET. I'LL GET MUM TO POST A BLOG; SHE SHOULD BE ABLE TO CHEER YOU UP IF YOU NEED IT. DAD
Claire Cairns
Posted On: 03 Jun 2014 08:03 am
I hope the HK training paid off with all the hills today. You are doing amazingly well and keep going.
Have you met Mrs Chigs yet - you could be the first match made ultramarathon couple.
Take care and hope the tent doesn't smell too bad.
xxx
ben chandler
Posted On: 03 Jun 2014 06:37 am
go on son ! go big or go home - u are halfway now - kill that second half - journey home is always shorter than the journey out ..... beers are not far away.
blisters - if they are playing up on the walk - treat them at a stop - u will not regret the time u take to mend them.
have u met isis yet?
Fiona Cumming
Posted On: 03 Jun 2014 05:54 am
Hope you guys killed the hills today! Am sure all that going up and down twin peaks has paid off. John mentioned that you had a bottle of Issey Miyake in your rucksack- am impressed together with your jar of peanuts!Keep up the good work- terrific times and not even running!
01 June 2014 02:20 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Stage 1 complete!! 48.5km, 8hrs15.. 37th place. Very happy, I stuck to the game plan, walk only, so it was a fast walk. The excitement of the start meant that my ‘team’ members dropped the game plan! They finished more than an hour ahead. But I feel fresh now, 2 small blisters, and no knee inflammation at all. Pretty satisfied with that outcome. Especially after the no-sleep the night before, some very significant snoring and rustling of bags.
It’s sunny, hot, desert-like, windy; goats, scorpions (!), camels. Good fun in the camp, plenty of lost in translation, and everyones looking good now today is over; 20% of gobi march 2014. Check.
Tomorrow looks hilly, 40km, but hk hill training is definitely paying dividends.
No one can believe I am carrying 500g of dry roasted peanuts in the original jar. They are a life saver, and seem to be enjoyed by everyone.
Time for dinner, fingers crossed for tomorrow.
Mum – don’t worry!
Dad – that’s not helpful! The pint next Saturday will taste exceptional.
Claire – tim is alright, achey, but he promises to travel with chigs tomorrow (to see how to really do it). Plus I had too many selfies today!
cheers
It’s sunny, hot, desert-like, windy; goats, scorpions (!), camels. Good fun in the camp, plenty of lost in translation, and everyones looking good now today is over; 20% of gobi march 2014. Check.
Tomorrow looks hilly, 40km, but hk hill training is definitely paying dividends.
No one can believe I am carrying 500g of dry roasted peanuts in the original jar. They are a life saver, and seem to be enjoyed by everyone.
Time for dinner, fingers crossed for tomorrow.
Mum – don’t worry!
Dad – that’s not helpful! The pint next Saturday will taste exceptional.
Claire – tim is alright, achey, but he promises to travel with chigs tomorrow (to see how to really do it). Plus I had too many selfies today!
cheers
Comments: Total (9) comments
Oli Read
Posted On: 02 Jun 2014 02:33 pm
Awesome start mate. Would love to be there with you guys. Stay strong ! Good luck
David Pegg
Posted On: 02 Jun 2014 12:57 pm
Fantastic first stage. Keep to the plan and get your feet sorted ..zinc tape does the trick ..trade for some of those peanuts!! Good luck for day 2
Dave Bradley
Posted On: 02 Jun 2014 12:29 pm
Hi Paul,
Great start on Stage 1, keep up the good work! Looking forward to Stage 2 update.
Any more surprise foods up your sleeve apart from the peanuts...?
Dave
Kitty Lee
Posted On: 02 Jun 2014 10:37 am
Hi Paul!that's awesome 20% completed. 48km a day--unbelievable. i cant even walk for 10km. i hope u find something to relieve your feet. will encourage colleagues at team briefing to post msg on your blog.good luck. stay strong!
claire cairns
Posted On: 02 Jun 2014 09:36 am
Great first day Chigley and I hope the second was just as good. Did you walk with Tim today?
Sophie says 'Uncle Chigs, I hope you made it to the end of the race and when you come back I will make a toy for you out of paper'.
I hope you didn't see any scorpions today...
Eat your peanuts and keep going.
xx
Zillah Taylor
Posted On: 02 Jun 2014 08:53 am
Well done! What a good start. Would love to see the desert with you, but easy on the scorpions!We're with you every step,look after yourself,and your feet!! Give the camels a wave,you may need a lift from one later. Love, Mum and Dad xx
Fiona Cumming
Posted On: 02 Jun 2014 05:59 am
Way to go! I would not be too generous with those roasted peanuts though. Keep it up! Mia wishes Uncle Chigs good luck (she remembers you as the guy who showed her the rat!). Hope day 2 goes OK.
James Oliver
Posted On: 02 Jun 2014 04:52 am
We'll done on Day 1 mate, sounds like staying to the walk on policy will reap dividends come the latter stages. Emma, Henry and I all want to see Chigs with a selfie of a camel... Best of luck for Day 2, hope you got some kip last night. Will keep posting as long as you keep walking.
Think of those lovely little cafe creme treats you can have after certain stages of achievement!
Ben Chandler
Posted On: 02 Jun 2014 03:28 am
Stay strong dude - use the medics to help with the feet - it's why they are there - enjoy.
31 May 2014 01:27 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Greetings from far northwest China. We’ve successfully made it to camp, injury free… which is good as the racing starts tomorrow.
We seem to be in the foothills of some rather barren and windswept rocks, sunny but cold. Ready to go in the morning, though living out a pack is apparently more complex than imagined.
A pint of guinesss would indeed be well received david, however as a finely tuned athlete, that will have to wait a week!
So fingers crossed for a good nights sleep; we’re in a miners’ campsite tonight after the planned camp was washed out in a storm last night. its tight, 10 blokes and no window.
Tomorrow’s stage 1 will be 50km, lengthened due to the new camp location. That will be a good test, with a full pack (11kg)… so, so long for now, will write tomorrow evening.
Pt
Comments: Total (5) comments
Nick Garrett
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 10:38 am
Hey Chigs, well done. Looks like you lot are setting a cracking pace. Got to notch up one more gear to overtake the annoying Cairns whippet though, otherwise you will never hear the end of this for the next 50 years! Really impressed by the work you guys are doin. Well earned beer on me when you are back.
Claire Cairns
Posted On: 01 Jun 2014 11:13 pm
Well done for your first day, great time. Hope the second day is going well. Sophie and Iola say good luck uncle Chigs.... for some reason they seem to really like you! Keep going xxx
Fiona Cumming
Posted On: 01 Jun 2014 10:51 pm
Hi Chigs- Well done on your time yesterday!!! Hope the "conditions" in Camp 1 are more "comfortable" than base camp! Good luck for Stage 2- look forward to the blogs!
Ben Chandler
Posted On: 01 Jun 2014 11:51 am
Nice way to start ! 50k with full pack ..... Looking forward to hearing about your first day - keep your head up and admire the complete randomness of where u are! You will love it dude.
Laith Samar
Posted On: 01 Jun 2014 08:14 am
Ha ha - hope your pillow last night really was a pillow......
Good luck Paulo - we're all wishing you good weather and flat ground!
26 May 2014 03:19 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hello?
Less than a week to go. Weather reports are looking desert-like, high 30s in the day, chilly at night. That piece of news has added the extra dimension 250km walking around the Gobi wasn't already missing.
Currently feeling a nice balance of excitement and adventure with uncertainty and doubts. Did I do enough training is a common one, especially with the current tapering. But am feeling fresher than in a while, energetic, and the knee seems painless after a quick 10k on Saturday.
Strategy thoughts are tending towards the tortoise. But who knows? Will certainly try to hold back until the fifth day, the long day, by which time I expect I will have nothing more to give than to continue holding back...
Looking forward to it!
Comments: Total (6) comments
Claire Cairns
Posted On: 01 Jun 2014 12:28 am
Hi Chigs, I hope your first day went well and I hope your tent buddy is OK. Love from us all xxx
ROGER TAYLOR
Posted On: 31 May 2014 05:29 pm
I SHALL CHEER YOU ON FROM THE SAFETY OF THE 'OLD BREWERY' IN STAMFORD. QUITE WHY ANY SON OF MINE SHOULD WISH TO DO ANYTHING OTHER THAN THIS IS BEYOND ME. NONETHELESS, WE WISH YOU EVERY SUCCESS AND THAT YOU KEEP SAFE. M n D
David Pickles
Posted On: 29 May 2014 12:21 pm
If you can carry a smart phone, charger and generator you can certainly carry the recommended carbohydrate intake of 3 pints of Guinness a day.
Good luck mate.
DP
Heather Kikkert
Posted On: 29 May 2014 12:46 am
Good luck Paul! May you soar on wings like an eagle, run and not be weary, walk and not feel faint. Looking forward to hearing updates
Heather
Paul Taylor
Posted On: 27 May 2014 03:37 pm
Indeed, see you there Friday Lisa! Safe trip
Lisa Akeroyd
Posted On: 26 May 2014 10:01 pm
don't forget the Gobi Bear and the Gobi Worm ;)
We leave tomorrow - yikes!!! See you there
Comments: Total (10) comments
Fritzie Fernandez-Ferrer
Posted On: 08 Jul 2014 12:18 am
SF Lam
Posted On: 07 Jun 2014 02:12 pm
Laura Tilbury
Posted On: 07 Jun 2014 12:26 pm
Oli Read
Posted On: 07 Jun 2014 10:35 am
Zillah Taylor
Posted On: 07 Jun 2014 08:00 am
Eleanor Cairns
Posted On: 07 Jun 2014 07:46 am
David Pegg
Posted On: 07 Jun 2014 03:14 am
claire cairns
Posted On: 07 Jun 2014 01:41 am
Fiona Cumming
Posted On: 07 Jun 2014 01:31 am
Ben Chandler
Posted On: 07 Jun 2014 12:39 am