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Gobi March Blogs 2013

Agnes Cheng

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Gobi March (2013) blog posts from Agnes Cheng

07 June 2013 03:26 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

The more lighthearted I am, the more fantastic the day becomes.

 

I thought the long march is going to be a long day, so it doesn’t matter where I stand at the starting line. I decided to go to the toilet when everyone was at the starting line and became officially the last person to start.

 

After a couple of hours in the fields, I went past a couple dozen of participants. After noon time, I was hiking uphill alone in the mountains. The terrain was beautiful, but the weather was so unpredictable. I was in between sun, wind and rain. By the time I hit CP4, there was a tiny bit of hail and snow at the mountain top. Apparently the weather was so bad that some participants were cut off at CP3. I was given the option of continuing to CP5 and my time would be recorded at CP5. I ended up covering 51k instead of the 78k. I was really amazed that after 5 days and 200k, I still had strength in me and was running the last 16k.

 

Just now I was doing an interview for the RTP website and  I was telling the interviewer that the Gobi for me is a 70% travelling experience, 20% spiritual journey of self-discovery and 10% physical challenge. I am very grateful that all goals have been met and I’m perfectly happy even though it’s cut short. 220k is good enough, and I am so grateful to the whole journey, the terrain, the weather, the people, and of course the support from family and friends.

 

Looking forward to crossing finishing line tomorrow and wondering what will come up in my mind at that moment...

Comments: Total (3) comments

Raymond Chan`

Posted On: 10 Jun 2013 05:27 am

GREAT!

Victor Yung

Posted On: 09 Jun 2013 12:36 am

Happy that you have completed the March. Congratulations!

Lucille Wolff

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 06:45 am

Great post! I really agree with you about the 70/20/10 breakdown. I have not done anything like what you are doing - but any trail I do that is about the same breakdown for me. When you re describing the weather, I can just imagine how amazing the views and experience must have been. Well done on your journey. We look forward to having you back with us in HK! - Hugs, Lucille and Dan

05 June 2013 02:22 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Had very little sleep last night and was in a low energy and low mood in the morning. My self-talk wasn't working, and I was battling with pain all over as I was struggling uphill. By noon, my body didn't feel like moving and I knew I had to do something. After some pain killers and rubbing cream, I decided to shut down my mind and function in auto pilot mode. I was glad to be able to get through Stage 4 .
 
So happy to get encouraging messages from friends, colleagues and especially excited to get messages from those who have been through the Gobi experience. It really helped a lot.
 I
Tomorrow is the long march. Every step is a step closer, that's what I tell myself.

Comments: Total (12) comments

ray chak

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 02:48 am

You did it!!! One stage remain, have fun and enjoy the race!!! You already there!!!

Alex So

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 02:40 am

You make it. So proud of you.

Bob Tso

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 06:34 am

If it works for you, keep talking to yourself. I had dinner with customer this past Wednsday and I mentionedabout the race and your name. That show how proud we are for you. You are doing very well, keep on .....

natalia watkins

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 04:43 am

I know you will have got through and be thinking about the finishing line by now - not in doubt! Enjoy your well-deserved rest day.

Dan Toole

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 04:21 am

Congratulations Agnes, you'll have finished now and I hope you're getting some well deserved R&R. The honour and the glory is worth every painful step.

Duncan Chau

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 02:53 am

Last day! Its a long last day and pain is your unwavering companion, make friends with it and keep going! can't wait to hear the stories!!!!

virginie goethals

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 02:31 pm

Jiao agnes !!! you are doing great, keep going, the end is in sight, you are on an amazing journey, listen to your heart and not your body !!!! I send you all the energy I have !! hug Virginie

Leong Cheung

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 06:21 am

Remember what they say, "Pain is unavoidable. Suffering is optional". You are doing all the right things. Keep keeping your mind clear, sing, embrace the heaven & earth. Pure land is right here, right now with you! Keep the spirit up!!! We are all cheering for you.

bo huang

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 06:17 am

Congrats, by the time you read this you would have finished the long day. We are cheering for you, glory awaits.

Denvy Lo

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 05:11 am

Keep going, Agnes, One step at a time! You're doing so well. Enjoy the beauty of the Gobi, and remember that pain is temporary, glory is forever. Ok, probably not the best person to quote from (Lance Armstrong), but hey, the quote is kinda true! Stay strong. You're almost at the finish x

Ellie Chiu

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 04:21 am

You are doing great Agnes! Stay strong, you're almost there!!!

Iris Law

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 03:52 am

Keep it up my dear!! Remember "so many miracles along the way". You're a toughie and I have no doubt in you to overcome the challenges ahead. Being your ultramarathon buddy, I'm walking with you everyday. Stay strong and cool xoxo

04 June 2013 02:01 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Yesterday was the second day of the race. The terrain was manageable but my pain management experience was not. The pack still felt very heavy and after lunch, I had to stop for short breaks to unload my pack. I'm glad that I managed to finish in about 9 hrs. But definitely too tired to blog.

Today is the most difficult in terms of the terrain. We had to climb up really steep mountains but the scenery was absolutely stunning. I almost wanted to say it's worth everything to come here, but with the pain in my shoulders and feet, I really couldn't get myself to say that. I had learnt to do a lot of self- talking to take my focus off the pain and fatique and finished at around the same time yesterday. Spirit still up.  


Comments: Total (9) comments

Andes Leung

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 11:12 pm

過下過下又一關，加油！

Jaime McDonald

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 07:55 pm

You are doing amazing Agnes! Stay strong and continue to Runwell my friend :)

Thi Quach

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 02:43 pm

Agnes, you are kicking butt each day so keep it up! You're an inspiration to us all taking on this challenge. You Go Girl!!!

Wendy Ho

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 02:04 pm

Keep it up girl, you know you can nail this, just one foot Infront the other and you will get there. It's all in the head remember, I cried on the third day last year and it helped!

Galen Jones

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 01:17 pm

Hi Agnes. Heard about your trip on FB. You are doing an amazing job. Keep up your good spirits. You are really a strong competitor.

Duncan Chau

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 01:00 pm

Stay Strong!!! Pack will be lighter tomorrow! Told you should have used my idea and put wheels on your pack so you can pull it when no one is watching!!! haha Bo will give you a foot massage and I will give you a shoulder massage when you get back! haha

Raymond Chan`

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 06:31 am

加油加油!!

Bo Huang

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 02:18 am

I got 2 cases of Moutai, all you can drink after you return to HK, that should numb the shoulder and foot pain. Keep up the good spirit, you are stronger than you think.

Denvy Lo

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 02:11 am

Stay strong, Agnes. You're more than halfway through. I suppose by the time you get this you are going to tackle the long day. Remember, it's all in the head! You will get to the finish line.

02 June 2013 02:27 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Today was the first day of the Gobi. I was excited to start, but overall I was in a very relaxed mood. The course was fantastic and the landscape really stunning. I had so much fun taking photos with locals, camels and sheep. Got stopped  by some policemen on and off because they wanted to take photos with me.

 

The running and walking was happy and manageable. I did not have any expectations or time targets, but came in 9 hrs covering 42k today. I cannot say it’s easy, but the only thing that bothered me was the 9kg pack and to carry it for 9 hours up and downhill was really a great challenge. I am hoping to eat according to schedule so that the pack gets lighter by the day.

 

Thanks so much to the encouraging emails of colleagues and friends. Apologies for not replying one by one but just want to tell you how much I sincerely appreciate your support.

Comments: Total (12) comments

Jenny Hu

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 03:10 pm

Run Agnes run!!

Leong Cheung

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 12:26 pm

Seems like you are having great fun as it shall be! Good luck! Keep up the spirit!

Dzarrin Alidin

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 08:23 am

Go go Agnes! You are a step closer to your goal!

Lucille Wolff

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 07:18 am

Sounds great Agnes. You have trained hard for this. Enjoy the adventure!

Alex So

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 01:31 am

Great progress. Keep going. Enjoy every moment.

Duncan Chau

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 11:14 pm

Good job!!!! How's the meditation walking going! Good luck with day 2 and have a great time!

Etsuji Otsuka

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 01:42 pm

Well done!! I still remember that you cheered us up at Gobi March 2012. This time I'll cheer you up! Go Agnes, Go GO!!. Etsuji

virginie goethals

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 01:40 pm

keep going agnes ! well done today ! your pack will be lighter tomorrow, get ready to fly ! cheers Virginie

Bo Huang

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 01:00 pm

Well done! Happy to hear you are enjoying it out there. Look forward to your pictures.

Emily Woodland

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 06:23 am

Go Agnes, you're doing great!! Cheering you on from my boring desk at work and wishing I was there too! The pack does get lighter I promise :)

Irene Chu

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 06:02 am

Well Done Agnes!!!

Tristan Sjoberg

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 03:46 am

Hi Agnes, you are doing great! Remember, the pack will only get lighter so the first couple of days are the hardest. Top tip is to eat a hearty breakfast and keep eating during the race. Don't store it up for a big feast in the evening, it is better to eat little and frequently. Lots of Viking encouragement from Singapore!

19 May 2013 03:52 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

1. I completely freaked out at the harsh natural terrain when I was sweeping last year. Now whenever I train on paved trails, I start to miss the natural terrain.

2. I didn't know what trail shoes were last year, I now have 3 pairs of trail shoes and 4 pairs of road run shoes.

3. I enjoy training in the rain, in the cold, in the wind, in the heat. I have learnt to respect and appreciate nature so much more. I am happy with any distance, any trail and any conditions that Mother Nature permits every time I train.

4. I used to be afraid of heights and dreaded uphill. I have learnt to focus on the present moment and focus on my step one by one, see fear as distractions and avoid them.

5. I have used 1 year to test my dedication and determination and I am happy to have exceeded my expectations.

6. I see the Gobi March as the most amazing travelling experience I've ever had...in 2 wks' time!

Comments: Total (5) comments

Jaime McDonald

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 09:15 pm

Thinking of you and wishing you all the best during this amazing experience! Soak it up Agnes :)

IRENE CHU

Posted On: 29 May 2013 10:09 am

GOOD LUCK MY DEAR!!!!!

andes leung

Posted On: 29 May 2013 01:42 am

Agnes, specifically like your pt 3. When i were running tough, i treat all the heat, rain, pain,...as my friend...aaid to myself these are the enjoyment...keep smile and then step by step gone through. you are great and you will make it!

Jamie Burke

Posted On: 20 May 2013 10:31 pm

So inspiring, Agnes. It's incredibly what the mind (and body) are capable of accomplishing when put in the right state. Flew into Korea yesterday!! See you soon! So excited!

Alina B

Posted On: 19 May 2013 05:27 am

Agnes - you're amazing. The training and racing you have done this year is nothing short of remarkable. I always look forward to seeing you out there (always smiling)! Can't wait to cheer you on in the desert. x Alina

13 April 2013 02:25 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Two weeks ago, I had lunch with a friend who like me, spends a lot of time working on charity projects in China. He was very curious to know about what motivated me to start from nothing last year to finishing 9 trail races in 1 season, total mileage 550k.

When I decided to sign up for Gobi last year, I thought Gobi was the end goal - it is meant to be an opportunity of personal breakthrough, and I would give it all I could to transform myself. I had not stopped for a week since July last week, always out in the mountains during the weekends.

At another staged race in Lijiang a few weeks ago, I was pondering after day 1, whether I could really go on to day 2, having gone through a few hours of occasional loose rocks which was my weakest link. I told myself, the staged race was similar format or half that of Gobi. If I couldn't manage this, forget Gobi. The next day, I stopped myself from thinking and after another day,
I reached finishing line.

Now that I come to reflect upon it, Gobi is just the start. The journey of preparation alone has changed my life and my perspective forever, but I am already planning further goals after Gobi. Sure there is a lot more at the race that will reshape my life even more, as a person, as a runner. I am so looking forward to start, even if it's tomorrow, I'll just go, and try my best to finish it. 

Comments: Total (6) comments

raymond Chak

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 12:53 am

Add oil Agnes!!!

Thi Q

Posted On: 05 May 2013 02:33 pm

You're an inspiration Agnes! You'll rock the Gobi and I can tell it won't be the last RTP race you'll be signing up for. Good luck and know we will all be cheering you on from HK =)

Mati P

Posted On: 05 May 2013 08:39 am

a Fantastic adventure after doing trailwalker... I am jealous... cheque in the mail

Victor Cheng

Posted On: 15 Apr 2013 11:03 am

I'm very surprised to see your transformation and good luck. See you in Gobi.

Sam F

Posted On: 14 Apr 2013 01:25 am

And you have also been a huge inspiration to so many others on your journey. Can't wait to see you get that medal at the finish line!

Jamie Burke

Posted On: 13 Apr 2013 05:04 pm

Love this Agnes! I had a similar realization...Gobi is not the end goal, it's only the beginning. See you in Gobi!

04 March 2013 02:56 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Late last year, I said to myself, "I will sign up for the Gobi March after I finish the xxx race." The next question which popped up in my mind was, "What if I don't?" I resolved this issue quite quickly. I decided that the time when I have decided on my fundraising goals, I will sign up for Gobi. I signed up for Gobi March a few hours afterwards.

Managing the Esquel Foundation for the past few years has brought me to Xinjiang, Sri Lanka and Vietnam. I am very humbled by the people I met, and the stories I heard. I have also seen how access to education and improvement to education resources have the power to transform and enhance lives.

For the Gobi March 2013, I have a few modest fundraising goals. I hope that by giving to a small number of recipients, they will have a multiplying positive effect to society in the future. My wishlist includes sponsoring some teachers in rural villages in Xinjiang to go on study tours in major cities in China and also Hong Kong. I also hope to sponsor some of our high school scholarship recipients from Xinjiang and Foshan to come to Hong Kong for a study tour since many of them have never had a chance to travel outside of their home county.

Comments: Total (4) comments

Ruaraidh Smeaton

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 04:07 pm

Keep up the great work Agnes. Absolute inspiration. Keep on digging through the tough times and making the most of the good times. Say hello to Pippa and Jo Eades!

Yukyung Kim

Posted On: 03 Apr 2013 11:59 pm

Hi. Glad to read your post about supporting children and their education. I organized a couple of fundraising events for women and education in Beijing before and would love to participate in more of those meaning work. Looking forward to getting to know more about your work in Gobi! Yukyung

Jay Wong

Posted On: 25 Mar 2013 06:44 am

hope that we will finish the Gobi race in one piece !!

Lina Ma

Posted On: 19 Mar 2013 05:55 am

Totally agree your "giving to a small number of recipients, they will have a multiplying positive effect to society in the future". I will learn the excelent spirit from you, Dear!

21 February 2013 03:50 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I first got a taste of Gobi March when I was working as a volunteer in the 2012 race. The experience has changed my life forever. When I came back in June, I decided that my life needs a major overhaul, and I would start by doing something I have never tried before - run. Before the Gobi, I never run or hiked much. My idea of hiking would be a gentle 10-20k walk in the country park during the weekend. I didn't even know what trail shoes were back then.

Since then, I had literally spent every weekend in the mountains training. My Gobi friends and other training buddies could still remember when I first started 7 months ago, I would be holding onto a tree out of breath every 10 steps. I am still out of breath whenever I train, but being out of breathe doesn't bother me any more, and I had managed to finish 5 mountain races so far, ranging from 23k-80k, always out of breath. Three more races to go in March, and I am so looking forward to the 2013 Gobi March, which is only 100 days away.

I always tell people if I can start from zero, anyone can. Anything is possible.

Comments: Total (2) comments

Ping Ma

Posted On: 15 Mar 2013 09:32 am

Dear Agnes~ I have to say that your sincere words inspired me a lot. After reading, I just want to stand up and go for a running!!! Expecting that we could hiking together in the near future!~

Steven Brydon

Posted On: 21 Feb 2013 09:12 pm

Well done Agnes..your story really resonates with me..when I did Sahara last year I started from zero 10 months prior and the experience changed my life. The day I crossed the finish line I made the decision I needed more and shortly after jumped on the Gobi march. Well done for taking those first steps and being open to everything that challenges of this magnitude can produce..I look forward to meeting...in 100 days!!!