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Gobi March Blogs 2013

Tim Proudlock

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Gobi March (2013) blog posts from Tim Proudlock

07 June 2013 01:20 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

After an eventful long day yesterday, which was stopped as I completed 53km due to bad weather in the mountains, we are all relaxing today in preparation for the final 14km tomorrow to the finish line. I was doing quite well up to when the race was stopped and was on track to finish the 75km stage in approx 14 hours, but it was super cold at 2,800m altitude and was even hailing as I approached the summit, which was an interesting experience.

The scenery yesterday was as stunning and varied as the other days and due to the weather we've camped in a yurt village rather than tents, which is next to a massive lake with mountain backdrop.

Well, we're almost at the end, only 14km to go and then party time. I'm looking forward to crossing the line and completing the Gobi March. It's been a great experience.

Thanks for all the comments along the way. I won't be able to check again now. I'll be back to normal communication tomorrow or Sunday when I get back to Hong Kong.

Comments: Total (2) comments

Joanne Fung

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 10:40 am

Fantastic!!!! Looking forward to seeing the picture with you big smily face at the finish line :) Enjoy the party and have a nice weekend!!! P.S.: Not sure whether you can get your window seat back but I am sure you could get all your work tasks back ;)

Tammy Fan

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 03:00 am

Read the breaking news about the horrible weather on the long march and was killing me not knowing how the Long March went especially when you only had one fleece on! Amazing results, standing at no. 87 and beating the no.1 competitor's time for stage 5! Almighty Timmy! No word can express how proud i am of you and what a priceless adventure full of tests of endurance, fitness and mental toughness. Hope you are damn proud of yourself as well. You are almost at the finish line, keep enjoying the magnificent scenery as not many people on earth have been there (only the manic ones so far ;) ) Good luck with the final stage, whatever happens , you've got our full support, respect and love beyond measures. Rest well and enjoy the beer that tastes better than ever! xox

05 June 2013 02:31 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Stage 4 complete.  I followed through with my 'go faster' strategy today and it worked quite well.  I came in at 6 hours 13 mins, which was good, and I have less noticeable foot problems. My muscles are starting to feel pretty tired but after getting in earlier today I get a longer rest before the long day tomorrow.
 
The course today was absolutely beautiful.  Just after half way we came down from 1,700m elevation into a village at the foot of the mountains.  There was a wide valley ahead with a snow topped moutain backdrop.  It definitely helped with the mental battle of continuing to run.  The locals in the village were also really friendly, including a bunch of kids who all wanted hi-five's as I went passed :)
 
Tomorrow we get to tackle the 75km day, which will be interesting.  The strategy is to complete the whole distance in one day and then get Friday to relax and recover.  That's the plan anyway, will see how we get on...

Comments: Total (7) comments

lynne (Mum) Proudlock

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 07:11 pm

Hi Love. so pleased you have had a rest day, I am sure it was welcome!!!! You have done so well, you knew it was not going to be easy - we are so proud of you, you have done sooooo wellll. Cannot wait to chat with you on Skype when you get back to Hong Kong. Hope the feet are not too bad?? Think you are about 84th at the moment WOW, how good is that??? Last leg now, so hang in there and enjoy as much as you can. All our love and hugs Mum and Dad xxxxx

Didier Bottin

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 07:39 am

Can't wait to see the photos dude! :-) X

Dominic Maffei

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 06:28 am

Well done dude! I like the new strategy – go faster – very easy to remember. Seriously, congrats. Almost there. PS – try to get in a few of those pictures the organizers are taking. I looked through like 300+ and no Tim. Cheers.

Martin Abert

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 12:42 am

Keep going mate. You knew it wasn't going to be easy! The fact that you're still managing to notice the views and are raving about how stunning everything looks means you've still got some reserves in the tank. Best of luck with the killer long stage. Get through that and you're as good as home!

Jobi Mepham

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 07:23 pm

Well done mate! Try going even faster tomorrow and you'll have no problems at all ;) You and James are both doing so well, keep it up and make sure you're still looking after each other. Looking forward to hearing you've conquered the long stage X

Tammy Fan

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 01:41 pm

Bravo bravo bravo! Ran stage 4 in 6hrs 11mins! Beating James by 2hrs! What you have achieved over the last 5 days is extraordinary. I knew your much stronger than you think you are ;) keep up the good spirits and strategy, looking forward to hearing good news from you and James with a beer in your hand (hopefully not warm beer!!) very proud of you, you're awesome xox

Rob Proudlock

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 07:54 am

6 hours 11 min for Stage 4 !! Go Roadrunner.. Beep Beep !! Your over the halfway hump, it's all downhill (probably not really :-)) from here to the finish line... Keep in going little bruv

04 June 2013 01:47 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Completed stage 3 and just about to watch a great sunset over the mountains.  I definitely need a mental boost this evening.  The views on today's stage were fantastic but my feet were so sore that I felt completely drained by the end. 
 
I will try and go faster tomorrow if I can. I think one of the problems today was by taking it slow I spent too long on my feet over the rugged terrain and with a heavy backpack.
 
Well, need to get dinner and rest so better sign off for today.  Hope everyone is good and having a good week.

Comments: Total (6) comments

Alan Ko

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 02:10 am

Angel Lam :I am using your desk and enjoying the sunshine. I know you miss HK pizza. I will eat more on behalf of you. Add oil. All of us support u. Dennis said he will join the North pole one with u next time.

Lynne (Mum) Proudlock

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 05:53 pm

Hi Love Saw a picture of you today taking during stage 4 - you looked VERY tired indeed, do hope it was taken near the end of the stage. Hang in there love, I would say only two stages to go but that does not seem a good thing to say.... Love you loads xxxxxx

Jobi Mepham

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 10:30 am

Well done mate, so proud to see you're still going....and you're beating James by two places! ;) hehe, keep up the good work and hope you both have a good next stage. Jobi xx ps. don't envy you with your manky feet...oh, and you are also missing a great TT

sam ryo joe mike proudlockingtons

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 08:25 am

Yeah, if you get it done in a couple of hours that'd be a lot easier!!! Keep going mate, we're all thinking of you. 2 stages left - It's all down hill from here. xxxx

Lynne (Mum) Proudlock

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 08:06 am

Oh love, you poor thing and those poor feet. Well done though, what an achievement?? So very very proud of you - but you know that I know!!! Hope you have had a good rest and you are ready to set off again, though by now you should be nearing the end of today where you are. We are with you every step of the way - I am sure you are all helping each other. Be sensible my love. Will watch for the results coming in later on today. Love and hugs Mum and Dad xxxx

Tammy Fan

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 03:48 am

Bravo dear, you are doing great! Half way through already, very very proud of you. The pack will only get lighter, promise you ;) , so the first couple days are the hardest. Remember to eat a hearty breakfast and keep eating during the race, better to eat little and frequently. Keep up the good spirit, help each other , and enjoy every moment. Cheering you on from the aromatic kitchen here and wishing I was there too. Remember U are stronger than you think you are , be ready for The Long March stage 5! Take good care. xox

02 June 2013 01:55 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Was a tough end to the first day after my feet got sore but I made it back to camp in one piece.  The course was interesting with some amazing scenery up and down the desert hills.  Stage one complete, only 5 more to go...
 
The docs have added a heel cup to my feet using tape so hopefully won't have too many further problems with my heels.  A fellow competitor has also very generously given me a pair of toe socks to try and see if it helps with the rubbing on my little toes. The extra weight from my bag seems to be more harsh on my feet than expected.
 
Other than sore feet I'm on good form; energy levels are fine, food rationinng is good and my head's still in the game. Time to rest and have some dinner before relaxing with my feet up for the rest of the night.
 
Other than the race; camp life is good (we have an amazing mountain backdrop to the camp tonight), all the other competitors are really nice and we're taking care of each other and aiming for the finish line on Saturday lunch time...
 
Hope all is well with everyone.

Comments: Total (6) comments

sam ryo joe mike proudlocks

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 06:53 pm

Good work mate, although a real man would run the whole race bare foot! Are all the other competitors mental too? :) All our love as always bro xx

Lynne (Mum) Proudlock

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 10:54 am

Hello again love, well done, keep it up if you can!!! Watching your progress with interest ha ha. I agree with Sarah - competitive scrabble sound very good to us too!!!! Love and hugs Mum and Dad xxxx

Martin Abert

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 09:50 pm

Keep it up Tim. All of us at F8 are watching your progress in awe. We often wondered - but now we know for sure - you are mental!

Tammy Fan

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 07:28 pm

So glad to hear that you have successfully completed Day 1. Bravo. ;) All my best wishes goes to the rest of your journey....each step you take brings you closer to your goal - "BEER!" ...keep focus, enjoy yourself and savour the unique experience. Take extra good care of yourself. xo

Rob Proudlock

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 09:27 am

Well done little bro !! hope your "enjoying" yourself keep it going and the beer at the finish line will taste even better... all the best from the Surrey Proudlock's

Sarah Roy

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 06:37 am

TP - can't you take up something like competitive scrabble! Well done getting through the first stage - so proud of you. Take care - be careful. xx

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

After a long day travelling yesterday we arrived safely into Urumqi and checked into the hotel. Today we've had our briefing and kit check. With some final minute changes to my kit (mostly ditching things to reduce the weight) I finalised my bag and have been transported by bus into the middle of absolutely no-where in the Gobi Desert. I've had a sense of fear and excitement for most of the way here yesterday and this morning, but now that I'm here, settled in my tent, met with my tent mates (everyone is really nice), it's absolutely fantastic. Well, what can I say... I'm surrounded by rolling hills with a perfect blue sky above and tomorrow we embark on the first stage of 40km. Here goes...

Comments: Total (5) comments

Lynne (Mum) Proudlock

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 07:11 pm

Poor feet!!!! Well done to you and James. Will keep watching the results page.... Be careful - I know you will ha ha. Love and hugs Mum and Dad xxxxxx

Jobi Mepham

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 07:10 pm

Yay go Tim and James too. Remember your sun block, not like me today who is now a rather fetching peachy colour! Good luck boys! X

King Kong

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 12:38 pm

Hey Captain P, you have to run faster!. Have fun and take care.

Lynne (Mum) Proudlock

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 10:43 am

OUPS sorry love, you have only just started today, you can tell how anxious I am ha ha. Well done love, just read the breaking news page and it tells me you and James are through the first stage. WELL DONE I can sleep tonight now ha ha. Look after each other. Love and hugs Mum xxxx

Lynne (Mum) Proudlock

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 08:44 am

Well done love, one day over and as I type this you should be nearing the end of the second. We are thinking about you and wishing you well all the way. You were 104th yesterday - brilliant. James is doing very well .... Look after each other. Will keep watching the web site. All our love Mum and Dad xxxx