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Gobi March Blogs 2013

Jackie Vierow

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Gobi March (2013) blog posts from Jackie Vierow

07 June 2013 02:23 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

We were all pulled off the mountain at various checkpoints due to the poor weather conditions.  I made it to about checkpoint 6 before being ushered to a villager's home to warm up and wait for the bus to arrive.  We saw hail, snow, and freezing rain.  For anyone that knows my weather preferences, you can imagine how I was feeling.  I don't recall ever being that cold before.  I was wearing a black garbage bag over my clothes and backpack in order to keep dry and to keep the heat in.  I was quite impressed with myself that I made it so far as some were pulled out at checkpoint 3.  I decided that since 5 was the final big one, I would run the first couple checkpoints.  It felt good until my foot started acting up again.  I am 99% sure that I have a small fracture but it is still limpable and therefore I will finish tomorrow.  We were all taken to a yurt village where we all rushed to get warm.  We are still having our rest day today as planned and will fiinsh tomorrow as planned so long as the weather cooperates.  I am very much looking forward to crossing that finish line!  Thanks for all the messages! :)

Comments: Total (0) comments

05 June 2013 02:09 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I finished stage 4!  It was much easier than yesterday as I took some meds to help deal with the pain.  I am looking forward to finishing stage 5 now!  Then it's a quick 14k to the finish after that.  The scenery today was full of rolling grass hills and again, lots of sheep.  We went through a "village" which looked like 3 yurts and about 15 people.  They were all outside cheering us on and asking to take photos with us.  We have been watched by the locals throughout this whole thing which feels a bit odd but this area has never seen westerners before so they are quite intrigued and excited to see us.  We were surrounded by snow capped mountains in the distance and reddish green mountains closer.  I am having pad thai again for dinner in order to prepare for the big day tomorrow.  I'm almost there!  Thanks so much for all the comments and encouragement! :)  I will attempt to bring home donkeys and sheep for all those that have asked. ;)

Comments: Total (17) comments

Garry Jones

Posted On: 09 Jun 2013 08:23 pm

Jackie, you are truly truly alwsome !!!! we all are thinking of you & right with you in spirits !!! can't wait for you to share your picks - take care, goooood luck- miss, love to you - the Dirt Buds

Marie Young

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 08:13 am

So close now, an amazing achievement, well done!. Inspirational. Sounds like Wales with all those sheep, you'll have to consider going up Snowdon mountain (North Wales, where I'm from) next, it sounds like it will be a doddle in comparison :)

Kenneth Chan

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 01:11 pm

Almost there, keep going!!

Maryanne Phipps

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 12:31 pm

Wow Jackie!! What a momentous achievement and an incredible lifelong memory for you. Best wishes for the final part of your adventure, not too far now.

Eve Ward

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 03:59 am

Jackie, you really are amazing, actually amazing doesn't quite cover it. Keep stong my friend, I've been thinking about you and this trip so much. You rock. So proud of you. Keep thinking about Denvy's wise words, it get's easier :-) Ok Jackie go, go, go and hurry home so we can congratulate you. Lots of love and support, x

Kira Brownlee

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 03:29 am

What a legend you are! Great job so far, now the worst is over and you're nearly in sight of the finish line! P.S. I've been trying to think of a way to say 'It's on like Donkey Kong" but my wit is being elusive... so I'm just throwing it out there. I also look forward to meeting Marie's new donkey upon your return hehe

Genevieve White

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 03:19 am

Jackie you are an inspiration! Final few steps to go, you amazing crazy woman. Keep up the amazing work, you're nearly there!!

Bonnie Wong

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 02:50 am

Great Work - Counting down to your return and joining our celebration at DB day.

Paul Myers

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 02:11 am

You aimed high and you are going to make it. Just one more day. The end is in sight. What an achievement.

Kara Berg

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 12:09 am

Wow! Look at you go! You are doing a terrific job! And think of all the pictures you'll be in! It will be the weirdest story those people tell for awhile. Keep at it kid!

Pam Grimwood

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 06:40 pm

Wow Jackie you are amazing - what an incredible experience!! I am sending positive thoughts and prayers to you as you come down the home stretch:)

Stefanie Carter

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 05:51 pm

YOU CAN DO IT!! So proud of you Jackie Keep pushing!!

Gina Lai

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 02:57 pm

the pad thai is worth marching for! enjoy the rest of the race, have fun and be safe! go get gobi! and since you're taking requests, can you bring back a yak?

Charmaine Tam

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 02:38 pm

you are just so AMAZING!!! getting closer and closer to the finish. your adrenaline and endorphins will override your discomfort. You can do it! Can keep one donkey for me, please. All the best!

Angela Pickit

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 11:46 am

I am so impressed with you! Blisters and all you push through it. Your a great role model in perseverance! Keep it up you can do it!

Marie Gervacio

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 09:28 am

Denvy's right about the champers, but now I'm thinking I might need to buy more to accommodate the donkeys and sheep - well, at least the donkeys; I didn't request any sheep, so they don't get any of our champagne!! You're really almost there, honey - YOU CAN DO THIS!! SO looking forward to our celebrations on Sunday and Monday!! I love you! x

Denvy Lo

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 03:36 am

Didn't someone tell you that it actually gets easier as the days go by? You've got the right attitude, girl! So proud of you. Hang in there, and you've got the champers waiting for you in less than 2 days :D xx

04 June 2013 02:36 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I finished stage 3 by the grace of God!  My feet are in absolute agony and my ankle injury is playing up.  With all that aside, the scenery was incredibly stunning!  Bridges, rivers, mountains, suspension bridges, and more sheep than you can count.  I took tons of photos and the beauty of my surroundings definitely helped to mask the pain.  I am still disappointed that I am unable to run but if I have any hopes of finishing, I will need to baby my ankle as much as possible.  I have 3 stages left with stage 5 being 75 kilometers.  I am trying not to think about that but am taking one day at a time.  Thanks for all the encouraging posts.  :)

Comments: Total (8) comments

Kendra Scipione

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 01:47 am

Way to go Jackie!!! I just saw a post that you were doing this and you never cease to amaze me. What a long a glorious road you have taken from Hollywierd!!! Keep pushing! You ROCK! Kendra

Charmaine Tam

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 05:39 pm

Well done Jackie... Hope the positive spirit and all the encouragement weighted out your ankle pain. I'm looking forward for your update for what you see for stage 4...5...6...and 7!!! Try your best and wish your body stays well!!! Take care!

Kris Sonsin

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 03:18 pm

You are AMAZING! I love your updates. It's so great to hear about all that you are seeing and doing and how much you're enjoying it all! Keeping you (and your ankle) in my thoughts and sending you lots of good vibes.

Victoria Z

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 01:26 pm

Your AMAZING!! and an inspriation!! keep it up!!!!!!! You got this girlie! Almost there!

Bei Hu

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 09:13 am

Hi, tough girl. That's Jackie 3, desert 3. Maybe, most likely, there will be more pleasant surprises. Sending all the positive vibes your way. When you finish, despite so much pain, you will be all the more proud of yourself. Take care

Marie Young

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 08:20 am

We're rooting for you Jackie!! Look after yourself and keep up your positive spirit! Can't wait to see the photos on your return :) Kind regards Marie

Kenneth Chan

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 07:09 am

Hi Jackie, I wish the pain on your ankle and feet will be gone tomorrow. Enjoy the race! Kenneth

Rebekka Kristin

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 05:07 am

Hi there! We met briefly at the RTP drinks, I'm friends with Marie, the one doing the Iceland race. I've followed her updates from your race on Facebook and now got to reading your blogs too. Inspirational stuff that is making my own challenge so much more real!!! I hope the ankle doesn't give you too much trouble and that you can finish in one piece. I hope knowing you're inspiring people you don't really know or possibly never even met is somewhat of an encouragement. Good luck with the rest!!! Bex

03 June 2013 09:35 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I made it to camp!  It was a very tough day as my feet seem to be in utter revolt and trying to coax my ankle into mutany.   My 2 baby toes swelled up like little pink balloons which forced me to get them drained by needle point.  If you have never had this done; trust me you don't want to!  Probably the most painful experience I have ever had with my feet...  The ankle is starting to play up to a familiar tune that I was hoping wouldn't come out until at least day 5.  Wow, I have a long way to go from here...  On the up side, I was surrounded by snow capped mountains, rolling green hills, and saw wild horses.  It was very beautiful and I took lots of photos to share with all of you.  I plan to give stage 3 my best try and hope for the best.  I have seen quite a few people drop out but I desparately do not want to be one of them.  I'm praying my feet will feel better tomorrow and that my ankle will hold up for one more day.  Thanks so much for all the messages!!  I could really use them after the day I have had. :)

Comments: Total (6) comments

Andrea Sweeney

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 06:55 pm

You are so strong!! We are all routing for you!!

Marie Gervacio

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 06:19 pm

Honey, go get that giant, heavy medal and get back over here!! I miss you, and Norman is no fun when you're not around! I hope Stage 4 was kind to you and your spirit (and feet) are holding up. I love you. x

Melanie Gervacio Lin

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 01:14 pm

Go Jackie, go! You're awesome for doing this! And our whole household is rooting for you! Daniel has been asking to see a camel since he found out Auntie Jackie would be running in the desert... Keep up your strength. We were proud of you long ago, and we know you'll do great! Love, Melanie, Peter, Daniel, and Zachary

victoria zatorski

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 12:07 pm

Keep pushing swiss sis!!!!

Charmaine Tam

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 11:40 am

hey girl, keep going!!! Try you best and tomorrow will be a better day!!! Feel so proud of you!

Denvy Lo

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 10:01 am

It's tough, and that's why you signed up. Let the positive voice stay in your head! Take it one CP at a time. Thinking of you x

02 June 2013 02:49 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I finished stage 1 and I have at least 5 blisters to prove it!  The course was tough with lots of rocks, sand, hills, and dirt.  The mountains were beautiful and I saw camels, sheep, goats, cows, and donkeys!  I also saw yurts and houses made of piled rocks.  It is amazing that people can live out here.  Any natives that we came across were very excited to see us and asked to take photos with us (except for the Chinese military who just watched us).  I’m now relaxing back at camp and had my blisters treated by the medical team.  I’ve been having a bit of knee pain which I hope will go away before we start tomorrow.  Oh tomorrow….  I am trying not to think about it; not to mention the day after or the day after or the day after..  I plan to focus on positive things this evening and just take this one day at a time. ;)

Comments: Total (6) comments

Kira Brownlee

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 07:58 am

Hope it keeps going well, you could always trade some dehydrated food for a donkey to ride en route, I mean Marie is practically forcing you to get a donkey as her comment proves. Good luck, kick ass

Dawn Isaac

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 06:59 am

Hello - good to hear that you are through a few stages and getting into it. Marie's doing a good job reminding the gang to send messages - those others with full-time jobs arent probably as linked in as me - I'm now using 'self-employed' rather than the more dramatic 'unemployed' - so I thought that I'd drop in and see the updates. Anyway - here we are doing very well with the weather - probably the same blue skies as you but instead of donkeys, we just have the rubber duck in the harbour. I'm stuck inside though as I'm doing my psychology coursework - 2 papers for Monday and so trying to get it out of the way. I did venture down to Stanley at the weekend and did some dragonboating training to help out HKCC team. So I too am nursing some pain with a small blister and rough skin from the paddle - I'm sure that mine is a lot worse than yours ;-) Well, keep going, onwards and upwards it seems for the next part of the journey !

Bei Hu

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 06:41 am

Hi, Jackie. Sorry to hear about the blisters and knee pain. But if you made it through Lantau100 recovering from a bad injury and with very little training, you are one tough cookie. Hope that thought will power you through this

Charmaine Tam

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 12:57 am

thanks for the description of the scenery. It makes me feel I'm there with you. Keep going girl!!!

Victoria Zatorski

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 12:28 am

I was going to call the donkey, but sine Marie called him first..I suppose I will take the camel (or goat...although the camel has two humps, one for me and one for Mufasa!) I am glad to hear your first stage went good and that you have a medical team for treatment! Hope you are feeling a bit better!!! Sending blister relieving vibes your way!! Later!! PS Be on the lookout for Ralph, the roo!

Marie Gervacio

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 07:44 am

I hope your blisters and knee are at least not getting worse and the medication last night was effective. More importantly, I hope you're taking good yurt notes for a trip to Mongolia! And getting me a pet donkey, obviously. Stay strong, darling!! x

01 June 2013 01:42 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I have finally arrived at camp!  I left Shenzhen at 8am and 3 flights later, I arrived at Bole where I was bused to the hotel.  It took about 14 hours all in and I found myself flying with 7 others from Hong Kong which was reassuring.  When we arrived in Urumqi, we struggled to find our way to our connecting flight as nothing was in English and not one person in the hotel spoke English either.  Luckily, between the 7 of us, we made it.  The hotel was full of competitors which made for a nice atmosphere aside from the horror stories some of the more experienced racers were telling…  We spent a leisurely day at the hotel doing gear checks and last minute shopping before leaving for our campsite at 4pm.  It only took an hour but we already feel like we are in a remote area.  We were greeted by some of the locals and as part of a welcoming ceremony, they performed some traditional dances and musical numbers.  Since we are on the Kyrgyzstan border, we enjoyed performances from them as well as Mongolia , and the locals in Urumqi.  Don’t worry, I took lots of photos!  My first dehydrated meal at camp was Pad Thai and was delicious!  I have met heaps of very lovely people from all over the world along with 20 others from Hong Kong.  I am very much looking forward to starting the course tomorrow. J

Comments: Total (7) comments

Bonita Leung

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 02:19 am

Good luck Jackie!! Enjoy the race and can't wait to hear more about you making it to the next checkpoints!!

Victoria Zatorski

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 03:28 pm

WOO HOO! Glad to see you are already having a good time! Cant wait to see more stories!!!!! Ice is your best friend :)

Angela Pickit

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 02:27 pm

Aidan wants you to "win", LOL. I just want you to finish in one piece.... Sounds very cool and the pictures here on site are amazing. Can't wait to hear of this great adventure! Love you lots!

Kris Sonsin

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 02:25 pm

Sounds like you're having quite the adventure! I'm looking forward to reading more. I'm so excited for you and know you're going to do great! Enjoy the experience!

Kari Berg

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 02:22 pm

Wow! So many people you can connect with and maybe join for training or doing other races! I am glad you have arrived. Good luck!

Aidan Pickit

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 02:22 pm

Hi Auntie Jackie! We will keep watch and be praying for you. I hope you win! Love you, Aidan

Marie Gervacio

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 09:18 am

Looking forward to the update for Day 1. I hope you had a great day full of beautiful scenery (your favourite!) and high spirits! Love, love, love you! x

29 May 2013 09:06 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Only a couple days left and I will be past the point of no return. It's been an interesting journey over the past year with several ultras under my belt and plenty of injuries to show for them, the latest of these being The Lantau 100, which was not only the toughest race of my life but also left me seeing a physio once a week ever since. Now, I know all this sounds a bit negative but there have definitely been moments of joy, beauty, and exhilaration which is why I continue to do these things to myself. I'm looking forward to the Gobi. To get out and clear my head, push my threshold further than ever before, see rare and beautiful landscapes, and meet some great people along the way. Wish me luck!!

Comments: Total (19) comments

Ali Watts

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 01:03 am

Hi Jackie, have been following you and thinking of you. Well done!! Look forward to seeing you soon. BTW-Did double hip surgery and still alive :)

Charmaine Tam

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 12:49 am

ya, Jackie, good luck all the way! Just do it!!!

Heather Paul

Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 07:21 pm

Good Luck girl you can do it. We love you from FL

Gloria Mathis

Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 02:06 pm

God bless you sunshine. I wish I had your adventure spirit. Goo for you hun, get it girl. I pray God protection over you and your teammate. Wow China!!! I cant wait to see picture. Im still at MHS,thats cause of you. Gal5:9 God bless you Jackie. You're in my prayers. XxOo

Kari Berg

Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 04:42 am

The ad banner says one day until it starts! I hope you have a great start! I bet you will meet some very interesting people along the way. Enjoy it!

Paul Guertin

Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 02:03 am

WOW!! Jackie, You are incredible. You are certainly living life to the fullest. Will be following you on your Journey and wishing you all the Best.

Garry Jones

Posted On: 31 May 2013 07:08 pm

Jackie, again you are what we all want to be - Your "Dirt Buds" wish you nothing but all Good Luck, Love & can't wait for you to ride with us again- miss/love you !!! Got good news when you are back in Hong Kong

Theresa Kerrigan

Posted On: 31 May 2013 06:14 pm

We are praying for strength and endurance for you! Also, for nice weather. May your light shine on everyone you meet along the way:)

Mom & Dad Vierow

Posted On: 31 May 2013 01:39 pm

Our thoughts and prayers are with you as you undertake yet another crazy competition. Not sure where you get all the energy and drive to do these, but its way beyond anything we have ever tried. Love you much, be careful and don't do anything crazy.....

Angela Pickit

Posted On: 31 May 2013 01:18 pm

Good luck sis! You can do it!

Victoria Zatorski

Posted On: 31 May 2013 10:45 am

Swiss sis!!! you are more than amazing!!!! cant wait to see pics and hear all the stories!!! we will be cheering you on for your journey!!! good luck!! YOU can do it :)

Marie Gervacio

Posted On: 31 May 2013 09:31 am

You're my HERO!! I hope your pack gets lighter and lighter with each step (and not just because you're eating half its contents...)! You're the strongest and most positive person I have ever met and I know this will carry you through the race. I love you.

Dawn Isaac

Posted On: 31 May 2013 03:17 am

You go girl !!! Run hard and enjoy it ! :-)

Bei Hu

Posted On: 31 May 2013 02:49 am

Hi, Jackie. I certainly didn't realise you were going through so much pain walking with you during Lantau100. You were so strong and assured. I'm sure you will be just like that in the Gobi. Best of luck, hydrate and sleep well.

Kristin Vierow

Posted On: 30 May 2013 11:57 pm

You are AMAZING! It sounds like such a neat journey- it's a lot of physical work, that I can't imagine doing, but the mental must be work as well (in a good way). What a great experience, and one that you will be able to share for years and years! You will do great! Take pictures if you can. Your bro and I are cheering you on! Your furry nephews too!

kn twnly

Posted On: 30 May 2013 11:56 pm

Hey Jackie. This sounds even more insane than usual for you. how long is this race i dare to ask

Kari Berg

Posted On: 30 May 2013 10:35 pm

Jackie! You are going to do great! It's finally here! How wonderful! Can't wait to follow your progress!

Stefanie Carter

Posted On: 30 May 2013 02:12 pm

So proud of you!! Good luck!!

Valerie Penney

Posted On: 30 May 2013 01:55 pm

You inspirational, powerful, delightful, educational, admirable you! Will be watching you! Go get it!