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Gobi March Blogs 2013
4
PostsGobi March (2013) blog posts from Michael Boyd
07 June 2013 07:56 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 5, the Long March of 46+ miles started at 8am on Wednesday up through the Tian Shan Mountains, 2700 meters at the peak. It was quite chilly with a light rain, hamstrings were very tight and feet sore from the blisters, took a slow limping walk pace. At checkpoint 2 a competitor from London who had to drop out base on an injury offered me his light wind breaking sweat pants as we entering high altitude and the weather was changing quickly. Between checkpoint the terrain was a rocky winding road with small river crossings up the mountain. I walked with a team from Singapore and we helped push eachother forward. The rain came down pretty hard and the content of our backpacks got very damp. Arriving at the next checkpoint we were told that there was hail and snow ahead and that the race was cancelled. Incredible how the weather can change so fast. We stayed in a house of a local Uighur family made of stone in the mountainside while they sent trucks to get us a few hours later. They made us bread and had hot water. I had my fold away cup and small instant Starbucks coffee packs which made for a nice treat! Certainly not in the plans but I guess this is part of the journey. Today we are in a camp close to a lake and staying warm,tomorrow is the last day. Thank you again for all of your support, its really helping a lot and makes for a nice treat each day.
Took a very slow walking pace as in th
03 June 2013 08:01 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day number 2 was an emotional day but in the rear view mirror thankfully. The terrain was flat to a steady incline for long periods of time but on very rock unsteady ground. The rocks rolling from underneath the sneakers so you had to be careful not to roll your ankle, the more challenging part was my foot rubbing back and forth in the sneaker as I have blisters on both feet.
The trail followed the Altai Mountain range which separate China from Kazachstan. The terrain was filled with pasteurs and snow capped mountains. We went up 800 meters and then down 800 meters along the way. We started at 8:00 am and I walked across the finish line at about 5;15 pm.
Pure mental anguish. Can I carry on? Should I carry on? The halfway markers are the most discouraging, just when you think you are done you realize you are not close.
To the left and the right you see goat, sheep, cows, and horses grazing and climbing the hills. There were local military, police, and residents lining the course periodically. They would cheer, giving you a little bit of hope.
Approaching the final mile there were local residents cheering us on and we ended in a camp next to a river.
The only thing that I want to do is have a nice family dinner. Arriving at camp was a great feeling, and it was made better with all of the warm felt blogs that you posted, family, friends, and individuals that I have not had the opportunity to meet, incredible. Your support means a great deal, I really appreciate it!
Good night!
Comments: Total (27) comments
Bernie Boyd
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 06:18 am
Way to go Michael,God never said the journey would be easy,but he did say that the arrival would be worthwhile!Well done son,Love Dad.YEAH THAT'S A MY BOY !
Kalli Boyd
Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 01:04 pm
We miss not seeing anymore blogs but from the sound of things you are going to have some pretty interesting stories to share:-)Who knew the desert would be so cold and wet...LOL! Just 1 more race tomorrow and you will be done! Good luck and we are thinking of you!! We love you!
Bernie Boyd
Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 12:50 pm
Hi Mike, 5 down 1 to go, good luck tomorrow, hope your feeling well.So proud of you,we're all cheering you on to the finish line. Well done Michael, Love Dad.
marge boyd
Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 12:12 pm
Hi Michael,
I'm not sure if you will get this message. I saw you picture which was good to see, and miss your blogs. It is amazing how far you have come in this amazing race and journey. We're all so proud of you.
Love, Mom
Dan Sully
Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 01:31 pm
Great job Boyd!! Keep it up!!
Giovanni Battaglia
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 05:34 pm
Hey MIKE,
I am super impressed that you decided to challenge yourself by participating in this event. I can't wrap my head around how challenging it must to keep walking into the horizon knowing there is more to come tomorrow. I jog in my neighborhood now using you as my inspiration, because if you are walking up and over mountains(155 miles in 7 days)...I can surely make it over the tiny hills in town.
Keep going CK!!!
-gio
Geri Helseth
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 04:56 pm
Looking Good Michael! We are so excited that you are so close to your goal. Hang in there and good luck during that last leg of the race. We'll all be looking forward to hearing all about your experience when you are back stateside. YOUR'RE DOING GREAT!!!
Rita Greenberg
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 02:34 pm
Yeah ! The path to the finish line is now shorter than the road behind you. You have come so far Michael and have brought hope to so many ! Rest up for tomorrow's long stage and know that you have us all with you in spirit as you complete this journey one step at a time! Love You !
Suzanne Dunne
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 02:03 pm
Michael you are doing an awesome job. The pictures just look incredible. I can't wait to hear all about it from you. I can already hear the sarcastic comments. Keep up the good work. You are an inspiration!
Heather Murray
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 02:01 pm
Keep it going Mike!!! What a inspiration you are to many!! We are thinking of you on yor amazing journey! Way to go !! Love , The Murray's
Heather, Brian, Ciaran, Brady and Owen xo
Sue Mintzer
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 01:17 pm
“It is good to have an end to journey toward; but it is the journey that matters, in the end.” ― Ernest Hemingway
So proud of you Mike!
Love you!
Sue
Colleen Torpie
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 12:45 pm
Courage isn't having the strength
to go on- it is going on when you
don't have the strength.
-Napoleon Bonaparte
Keep it going Mike! Love, C
Bernie Boyd
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 11:04 am
Mike,I hear stage 5 is uphill both ways,and you wouldn't have it any other way ! "GIVE LOVE AWAY AND YOU WILL NEVER BE WITHOUT IT." You are making a difference, nothing can stop you now.Well done Son.Love Dad.
Kalli Boyd
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 10:20 am
Hi Mike! At this point you are probably finished with stage 4. I saw a picture of you from stage 3 crossing one of the rope bridges and you where smiling. Take it all in Mike, this is an amazing experience and you are doing GREAT!!!! Keep moving forward 1 step at a time. We love you and believe in you.....you can do this...all the way....and know we are always with you on the journey!!!
Pam Rickard
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 02:45 am
I am also in awe of you....I have some idea of what you are experiencing....and you are truly one of my heroes, Mike! Your sons' comments say it all. This will test you in a way that most never have access to....use it and you will ALWAYS have what you are accomplishing here. Huge respect my friend!
Marge Boyd
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 06:25 pm
Michael, I am so proud of you for pushing on in your incredible journey. When the results were not posted, I
began to fret a moment until my useless occupation was quickly interrupted by a flashback to your childhood.
Do you remember running out the back door as a little child, soccer ball in hand chanting "gotta be Pele," "gotta be Pele"
Do you remember how hard you worked, how you improved your skills how you never gave up? This is who you are, who you have always been.
The same inner spirit and strength will bring you through each challenge, as one of your special gifts has always been your resilience.
Keep placing one foot in front of the other for yourself, and for so many others that will benefit from your efforts.
From my mother's eyes and heart, you have already won your race, so savor every step of your journey, my son.
Love, Mom
Veronica Carreon
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 05:04 pm
Be Strong...Keep Going...This to Shall Pass!
Mario B
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 04:49 pm
Run strong my friend!!!
Bernie Boyd
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 02:24 pm
HI MIKE,Mr.Reynolds said to have some spaghetti and meatballs.Listen to that inner voice for hope and guidance.One step at a time.Peace,God Bless you Mike.Love Dad.
Susan Polhemus
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 02:22 pm
Michael, You are doing great. You have the right frame of mind knowing you are doing something good for others and yourself. Day three is probably over by the time you read this. I am sure you are tired and sore. By the time you are done you will say "Boy that went fast" Enjoy. I am jealous it is you and not me doing this. Keep on truckin!!
Patricia Romeo
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 02:01 pm
Michael, what an inspiration you are to everyone! Reading your blogs certainly make us all realize what a challenge this is and how amazing you are for doing it. Just know we are all sending our love and support to help you through each day. Be safe! Love, Pat
Gavin Boyd
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 01:10 pm
Never give up, never give up! You can do it!!
Rita Greenberg
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 11:51 am
You are doing great Michael! Just take it one day,one step at a time and know that you have already achieved more than many will have achieved in a life time. Love you!
Liam Boyd
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 11:47 am
Dad, you are AWESOME!!!
Jaime McDonald
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 11:08 am
You are doing great Michael! Stay strong and continue to Runwell...just as you are doing! :)
Linda Quirk
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 10:46 am
Michael you are truly amazing!! We are watching from afar in awe of what you are accomplishing. That blister kit is coming in handy for sure so take care of your feet and tape, tape and use more tape. Try not to look too far ahead, will your legs to continue taking one step at a time ... you are changing more lives than you know.
Kalli Boyd
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 10:35 am
So proud of you Mike....you have come along way! You are doing a great job and have accomplished a lot!!!! We have you in our thoughts and prayers and we love you! The boys wanted you to know that they can't wait to go for a scooter ride with you when you get back:-) Love you! One step at a time.
02 June 2013 08:29 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 1 has come to a close, the course was incredibly challenging. Through valleys, pasteurs, moutains, and what seemed to be a continuous climb. We were about 7 miles Kazakhstan border. We climbed about 800-900 meters through the strange rock area and up steps through strange rock valley........,, this was nothing like the 26-28 mile training I did in preparation, it was way more challenging...I clearly did not train properly :) It's unbelievable how people run the entire race, world class athletes.
According to staff there are less than 10 Westerner's that have ever traveled this area before. Along the way we met a number of Kazach and Mongol families as well, what a great experience! I must admit I spent a fair bit of time thinking I would not be able to carry on. My pack is way too heavy, driving into my shoulders and I have a number of blisters that formed.
I thought a lot of Kalli, Liam, and Gavin on the journey, when I was ready to throw in the towl I could hear Liam and Gavin singing ''Never give up, we never give up". Other times the competitors from other parts of the world would provide inspiration, whether it was offering words of encouragement, or in the form of watching them carry on would provide motivation.
Now I plan on heading back to the tent to have a bite to eat, cut weight from my bag, and get a good night sleep. Good night
Comments: Total (0) comments
01 June 2013 03:12 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Thank you for your kind emails. We are limited on the number of emails that we can send and it's encouraged to limit the time spent using technology, so blogging affords an efficient way to communicate.
It's 7:30 PM on Saturday evening the night before day 1. I've had the opportunity to meet some great people from all over the world each competitor varying in experiece. There are about 150 competitors representing over 30 countries, everyone seems to be real positive and generally appreciative of life. We completed our check in this morning and it was clear how inexperienced and inefficient I am at packing, weighing in at around 26lbs.
Comments: Total (16) comments
Patricia Romeo
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 03:43 pm
Hi Michael,
Reading the updates and your blog. You are fantastic!! What a wonderful accomplishment and for a great cause. So proud of you. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. Go Michael!!
Love, Pat
Mike Gannon
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 02:37 pm
Your EMC family is cheering you on Mike. Your focus and determination will carry you across the finish line. Enjoy the experience!
Mage Boyd
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 02:20 pm
Hi Michael,
Wow another Stage two is past history. Congratulations! I'm so proud of you. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you each day, with every step you take. You are supported by so many, surrounded by so much love and encouragement -
look around you and look above you
- you are never alone in your journey.
My prayers are with you and with each of the Golbi Marchers on this special journey.
Love,
Mom
Bernie Boyd
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 01:13 pm
HI MIKE,enjoy every moment and the beauty around you.All the strength you need is inside you.God bless you and all the competitor's.One step at a time. Love Dad.
Linda Quirk
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 10:21 am
You are well into Stage 2 now with it appears some tough weather conditions. Keep your head up, resolve strong and place one foot in front of the other. Remember, it's the journey, sometimes difficult but so rewarding ... believe in yourself!!
Rita Greenberg
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 02:41 am
Just read your blog...by now you are on stage two...what an incredible experience...so happy we are able to follow your progress. Really proud of you !
Paul Starling
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 02:17 am
What an amazing adventure you have undertaken Michael. Wishing you all the best with each step you take. Stay strong!
Susan Rhykerd
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 12:50 am
I stand in awe of you and your journey. Best wishes and prayers coming your way.
michael herbert
Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 11:20 pm
One step at a time Mike!
Susan Blalock
Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 10:20 pm
Hey Michael, I'm a friend of Jaime McDonald in North Carolina, USA, wishing you the best of luck! I know you have lots of supporters, and although you don't know me, I cheer for all those pursuing their dreams and good causes! I am in awe of ultra runners ( that would be YOU and Jaime), as I am a "half marathon" kinda girl! Keep going, I have faith in you and your dreams! Praying for your peace and strong legs :)
Veronica Carreon-Johnson
Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 09:40 pm
Flying a prayer flag in your honor to give you strength in your journey...Good Luck!!!!!!
Veronica Fujisawa
Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 08:47 pm
Michael, Good luck out there. I'm cheering you on from San Francisco. I'm part of team Runwell - Iceland. It was very helpful and encouraging to read your blog. Stay focused...we're here with you in spirit!!
Jaime McDonald
Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 08:32 pm
Way to go Michael! You are doing great! So proud of you and what you are doing! Stay strong, soak of the experience, and #Runwell :) I'm cheering for you from North Carolina! Stage 2 is around the corner :)
Jaime
Marge Boyd
Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 08:12 pm
42 Kilometers on an incline - Stage 1 is behind you now. Rest up and all the best for Stage 2!!!
Tony Pacione
Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 06:51 pm
You're and inspiration to us all and remember to have fun too.
Kalli Boyd
Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 03:47 pm
One step at a time Mike...we are here cheering you on!! Good luck tomorrow on stage 2. I hope you took the bowling ball out of you bag...LOL!
Comments: Total (8) comments
Veronica Fujisawa
Posted On: 09 Jun 2013 05:03 am
Jason Webber
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 10:08 pm
Geri Helseth
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 10:03 pm
Sue Mintzer
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 04:33 pm
Lisa & Matt McMeekin
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 03:41 pm
Marge Boyd
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 03:13 pm
Peggy Mulvana
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 01:46 pm
rita greenberg
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 11:28 am