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Gobi March Blogs 2013
7
PostsGobi March (2013) blog posts from Lourens Roets
07 June 2013 01:29 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
The long-day was a case of bitter sweet for most; very challenging course yesterday, combined with extreme conditions, which led to the organisers pulling competitors off after about 52km. We completed a section of 20km going up, and up, and up, ending in a steep climb to 2,800m at the peak. What made it more interesting was the rain, hail, snow and freezing conditions. I teamed up with Andy, good friend and fellow saffa from HK, from start to finish yesterday - which ultimately became a day of digging deep, pulling through and cammeradery. Times and rankings went out the window late yesterday as we all just wanted to get throug to the next checkpoint to survive the day. I still feel very strong and only picked up two little blisters the entire week - completely the opposite to my Sahara experience. We have a short run tomorrow morning to cross the line and end another great experience. Thank you again to all my family, friends and 21/F colleagues for all the messages and good wishes - much appreciated! L, m, l mis julle kan nie wag om julle te sien nie. PS - Mousie, very proud of you winning the biathlon.
05 June 2013 01:42 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
For some reason I did not get my messages yesterday; however, absolutely made my day when I received all the good wishes and messages of support from family, friends and the gang on the 21/F (they are all friends as well) - very much appreciated guys!!
I had a great day today and the terrain really suited me - some steady climbing and sections suited more for the runners; loved it. Good news heading into the long-day, my legs are feeling strong and only two small blisters; however, the course seems brutal with nearly 3km altitude gain and very many difficult sections into the mountains. The scenery is spectacular, but not always easy to run. Going into tomorrow, I will take it easy the first 50km - then see what’s left in the tank? I have met some amazing people the last few days and made very many new friends. We also have a great tent and some good banter during the times we all lick our wounds before doing it all over again. The one thing I remembered very clearly the last few days - 250km is a very long way to run, especially if they send you through rugged riverbeds, up mini-me everest every few km, and through uber uneven terrain in general - good stuff. My time is up - lots of love to the family in HK, SA, US and the UK. L, m, l en b - mis julle en lief vir julle!!
Comments: Total (7) comments
Kelvin Schafli
Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 02:38 pm
Great reading through your posts, sounds like an amazing challenge. Congrats so far and best wishes for the long day ahead.
Leonie Roets
Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 12:38 pm
Saw stage 5 results. Well done. Can't wait to have you home. L
Madelein & David Nel
Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 12:29 pm
Well done Boetietjie!!! Very proud of you! We are drinking a cocktail on you here in Bermuda.. Make it 2 :) Lots of love
Mia Roets
Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 10:52 am
Hi Dad,
We had a meet in Biathlon today, it was against Bradbury and I won the girls race!
I love you so much and I cant believe you are already in the top 55!
Keep going and lets see if you can get under 50. Good luck in the long day.
Love you so much
Mousie
Lee Corrigan
Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 09:32 am
Well done Lorens, you are looking strong!!
Abraham Lucas
Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 02:13 am
21/F appreciates the shout out. Cannot believe the distances you are covering! Sterkte on these last few days Lourens.
Gary Ogilvie
Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 01:47 am
Great times so far Lourens. A place in the top 50 beckons !
04 June 2013 01:42 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Today was the hardest day so far with very difficult sections, especially one section straight up the mountain. Having said that, it was also the best day for me so far. I felt quite strong throughout the day and teamed up with Steve - Ausie mate - for the best part of the last 30km, which really helped a lot. The course was absolutely stunning today, crossing icy rivers on narrow wire-bridges, climbing mini Everest aongs an amazing range of alpine mountains, running throung magnificent river canyons - was a great day. My legs are feeling strong and only two blisters so far - touch wood! Camp tonight is set among the snow capped mountains with stunning 360deg views. Tomorrow is the last 42km day before we set off for the long day, which is going to be very tough with quite a lot of altitude gain...one day at a time. L, m, l and b - miss you guys. So far so good...
Comments: Total (14) comments
Angela Ko
Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 01:47 am
Well done, Lourens! Keep going and 21st floor is so proud of you, you look so good on the pics!
Danie Schutte
Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 01:47 am
Nice gear change in stage 4. Well done that is a great leap in position. All the best with the upcoming "long one".
leonie roets
Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 12:50 am
You are a super star. Amazing stage 4!By the time you read this you will be done with the long day and it will all be over. We cant wait to see you. Love you lots. L
Jonathan Tam
Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 12:36 am
Great to know that you are getting stronger and stronger throughout the race...keep going
engela roets
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 04:56 pm
Hi Lourens jy doen fantasties,baie trots op jou.Baie sterkte vir die volgende twee dae,hou moed my kind...Lief vir jou Maxx
ryan hill
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 02:45 pm
Lourens, had no idea you were competing! good for you and keep those feet in good shape. How does it compare to Sahara? At least the heat is not as brutal. Enjoy the rest of the race mate and look forward to hearing all about it in HK. Look up Janine Canham. she's a UK friend from Sai kung who's running the race with her friend Alison. All the best Ryan
Knattapisit Krutkrongchai
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 12:42 pm
SUPER! You are flying. Good to know you are in a great shape to finish this again. Think about a cold TSING TAO at the finish line, mate.
Mia roets
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 09:11 am
Well done dad! you are doing so well. Good luck with the 40km tomorrow. I will comment again tomorrow. W are keeping a very close eye on your progress and you are getting better everyday!
I cant wait to see you again when you arrive back in hong Kong.(I'm Starting to get sick of the bus)
Mia
Anna Cheung
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 08:42 am
Hi Lourens,
Anna and Morgan from Group Investmen here. We've been following the progress of our friend Eric Ha and just wanted to leave a message for you as well. We're very impressed by your results so far and best of luck for your big push tomorrow.
Morgan expects to see you in the gym next week!
Stay healthy and strong through the rest of the race.
Alyson Rosser
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 06:49 am
Looking strong Lourens and sounds like you're feeling strong too which is great! It's great hearing your updates every day. Take care
Francois Pretorius
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 06:12 am
Bok vannie Berge! Baie indrukwekkend Lou! Ons hou die biere koud in Kong! Moet nou net nie weer oor 'n rivier spring nie.....
leonie roets
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 04:50 am
You are doing great, Love. Fantastic to hear that you are feeling strong and that your feet are holding up. Sure is making all the difference! All the best for the long day. Give it everything you got! We are very proud of you. We will sort out all the aches and pains once you are back home. Love you lots. L
Dennis Theodosis
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 03:53 am
Well done mate! Your progress is the hot topic of discussion at the 21/F every morning.
Pleased to see you found an Aussie to run with...
Keep running smart. Dennis.
Richard Sanderson
Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 02:03 am
You seem to be steadily speeding up as the stages go by, whilst the GC guys around you are gradually slowing down. I guess that’s your experience and endurance coming through. Well done mate, very impressive!!
03 June 2013 08:28 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Today was probably the easiest day of the week, with only a few hundred metres of altitude gain; howrever, very uneven terrain and difficult to run. I managed to maintain a steady shuffle most of the course and felt quite strong coming in to the camp this afternoon. We did cover vast fields of grassland; or rather lavender fields with the snow capped mountains along the way - was an amazing setting for a good long-run. Tomorrow we start climbing, leading up to the long-day with about 3km of altitude gain along the 80km long-day. I ran mostly with two guys from HK today, which made the time pass quickly - really helped a lot. There are loads of locals along the way, facinated by the buch of lunatics running across their backyard; however, they are super friendly and all smiles around. One of the most significant features of these races is just how it puts things in perspective - it is like body, mind and soul reboots - I'm very grateful for the privilage to be here. To all my family and friends, big thanks for the messages - much appreciated, keep it coming. L, m, l and b - miss you guys and lots of love! Today our camp is next to a little river - look forward to washing my shirt and cleaning up a bit before we start another day of running tomorrow. Legs feeling strong and only one small little blister - so far so good!
Comments: Total (6) comments
leonie roets
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 11:29 pm
Saw the results after stage 3- great effort. By the sounds of it today shouldn't be too bad- I'm saying from the luxury of my air conditioned study, Nespresso in hand! Hope the feet are okay after yesterday. Just take it one km at a time. Thinking of you and missing you loads. Love L
Louise & Johan Botha
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 09:50 pm
Hi Swarie
Trots op jou jy doen gr 8 !!!!! Sterkte met die volgende stage maak klaar wag vir jullu in Julie vir proppe plat trap.
Groete Botha gespuis
Madelein (Roets) Nel
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 02:02 pm
Looking good Lolla!!! Very very proud of you! Some great pics of you online. Checking your blog several times a day. Good luck for tomorrow! xx
sharon grosse
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 01:14 pm
Excellent shuffling. Just might be the technique for the down hills! All the best. Sharon
Mia Roets
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 11:46 am
Well done dad! We are celebrating that you did not jump over anymore small rivers!We saw the results after day two, well done. We are all proud of you. I'm glad that you only have one blister. Good luck for day 4. I'll be checking your blog as much as possible.
I love you so much and I can't wait for you to come back home, boo is missing you a lot!
Lots of Love
Mia
Richard Sanderson
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 09:31 am
Well done mate, sounds like you're in pretty good shape after day 2. Best of luck for the hills to come!
02 June 2013 02:58 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
First day done; however, loads of excitement along the way. I started really well and first half was going really well, running most of the rough terrain, then I hit a big hiccup after I left the second checkpoint. I thought it would be pretty good idea to attempt the old giant leap across one of the very many little rivers – that is with my ‘overweight and undertrained’ tuned body…and for good measure a 10kg pack on my back! I just felt a stretch, and then a pull in the back, followed by a lightning bolt of pain from my shoulder to spine – eina! Celabrex 400mg + a cocktail of a few other HK dispensary specials and I’m back on the road again. From this point on, I stopped every 2km to stretch the old camel’s back – and really slowed down a lot. Having said that, the walking probably did me a lot of good – I arrived at camp feeling quite strong and zero blisters!
Leonie, Mia and Lex miss you guys big time. To the rest – very much appreciate all the messages on the blog.
Tomorrow is another day – carpe diem!
Comments: Total (15) comments
Jonathan Tam
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 07:36 am
Take care and don't get hurt again!
A Lucas
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 07:17 am
Sounds like a good start. Best of luck on the road ahead - the team here in HK will be rooting for you.
leonie roets
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 06:03 am
On behalf of Lex: "Dear Dad- I love you. Please stop jumping over small rivers. Boo bit me and I started crying. I might go to a sleep over with Rory. Stay strong and run fast! Lex"
Steffen Gilbert
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 05:38 am
Carpe Diem indeed!!!!!!! Comrades was on Sunday so we have less than 365 days to prepare. Don't peak too early! All our best wishes, Steffen & Carol
Madelein (Roets) Nel
Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 02:58 am
Moed hou Lolla! Xx
etienne lange
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 04:39 pm
Welgedaan Sterkte daar Hoop dit gaan goed verder
erik roets
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 04:16 pm
Sterkte met kameel rug en poodjies. Ons dink gedurig aan jou. Hoop vandag het ok gegaan en alle sterkte vir more..
Herman du Toit
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 03:53 pm
Sterkte Lourens.Jy is die held van die familie en van ons. Hou moed neef!
Louise Botha
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 02:44 pm
Well done swarrie. Sterkte vir die Lang pad wat voorle dink aan jou !!! Gr8 dag een hou bene hou
Die Botha gespuis
engela roets
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 12:47 pm
Hallo Lourens baie geluk met eerste dag,sterkte vir more.Hoop jou rug beter,hou moed ons almal hier by die huis dink baie aan jou. Liefde.
Ma,Cobus en Oumatjie
leonie roets
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 12:21 pm
Thanks for the update love. They took a while to update the blogs and I almost thought you were in the dog box already! Love you loads and super happy that you have feet this time around. Keep it that way. It is all in the long day!! L
Lara Reynolds
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 08:59 am
It's that Springbuck in you !!!
Andy het genoeg Celebrex vir die hele tent, so ek is seker julle gaan ok wees.
Voorspoed vir die res - julle het net 2/3 oor na vandag en daar is baie "massage therapist" wat reg sit hier in HK.
CO - BRA
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 08:57 am
Wow congrats on conquering the first old hump, we are so proud of you , and our thoughts are with you all the time..
Wish I could meet you at the end of each day for a big fat old cold one. All the best and take care Bro , you are a true inspiration for us all.
MIa Roets
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 08:15 am
Good news about your feet and remember don't jump over any more small rivers. How was the old camels back on day 2?Love you a lot and Good luck Dad. Mia (Mousie)
sharon grosse
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 03:57 am
Must say, you South Africans are all mad! Jumping over rivers with weight on your back,. How could that ever sound like sensible?? Seriously though, great effort yesterday. Best of luck today and take care. Sharon
01 June 2013 02:10 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Finally, we have arrived at the 1st Camp after two very long days of travelling, three connecting flights and all the formvalities of the registration process today. I have probably unpacked and repacked by bag about 23 times since yesterday; however, finally weighed in at 10kg and now ready to get going. Camp is in the middle of a basin with a range of stunning snow-capped mountains surrounding the large basin. More importantly, we saw the course description for the first time today....it goes up, then further up, then all the way up those beautiful; however, very high mountains - ouch! We are at around 500m above sea level now and will go up to nearly 3000m over the next few days. The other challenge is the very long days - we are so far West; literally on the border of Kazakstan; however, China only has one timezone. It gets dark around 11pm at night and trying to fall asleep while its so light outside is going to be a challenge it itself. Well here we go - plan is to take it easy tomorrow and not push too much the first few days....the race is all about the long day. So far so good!
Comments: Total (6) comments
Grace L
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 01:55 am
Looking good Boss! We are so proud of you. Will follow you closely, good luck!
Jonathan Tam
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 12:44 am
All the best and enjoy your adventure...
leonie roets
Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 11:10 pm
One step at a time. One day at a time. Just keep doing what you are doing. Well done on stage 1. Love you. L
David Nel
Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 09:51 pm
Geluk op die 1st dag. Sterkte met die pad vorentoe!
Madelein (Roets) Nel
Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 09:38 pm
Jy het die 1ste dag gemaak! Baie geluk!! 1 Day down, 5 to go. Dink baie aan jou. xx
sharon grosse
Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 03:16 am
With all that packing you'll be a dab hand at it comes to family holidays! I"m sure sleep will be easier that you expect considering the terrain you'll have covered. Hope you packed your flight eye patch. Hope Day1 went well. Sharon
25 May 2013 02:12 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
The Gobi 2013 is third time lucky for me. I tore my calf muscle 4 days before the start of the 2011 race and withdrew from last year's race due to work pressure. Having said that, I am a lot wiser this year - especially after completing the Sahara Race in 2011 - and also injury free, apart from a stubborn tummy bug the last week or so.
The most important change in strategy going into the Gobi is shoe size...I ended up cutting my shoes open in the Sahara due to all the swelling and pressure from the heat and sand - was probably the most painful few days of my life. This year I will follow the tried and tested strategy of: (i) taping every toe separately; (ii) rock-tape for the heels and other hot spots; (iii) hydropel before the run; (iv) fresh pair of Injinji toe-socks every day; (v) double sock over the Injinji's; and (vi) most important of all, 1.5 oversized trail-shoe!
The rest of my prep and packing is pretty much the same as for the Sahara race; with the usual list of mandatory items and freeze dried meals. I will; however, pack the few luxuries like biltong, droe-wors and smashed potato crisps which are all very valuable treats in the desert; and more importantly, much needed extra calories.
In terms of training...same old story, to use the wise words of legend Comrades champion and one of my long time hero's, Bruce Fordyce, "rather overweight and undertrained, that underweight and overtrained". Having said that, my legs are strong and clocked up quite a few decent miles the past 3 months. Thanks to Dennis and Richard for the company during the lunchtime 12km runs as well as the long-runs Saturday mornings.
So far so good....a few more days and we're off to Bole for the start of another great adventure and meeting many new friends. Please bombard my blog with your comments, banter, abuse or encouragement - it really helps!
Happy trails,
Lourens
Comments: Total (11) comments
Dennis Theodosis
Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 01:02 am
Hey Lourens - Looks like you had a really solid first day. Well done mate. Following your progress closely. Dennis
Leonie Roets
Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 11:53 pm
Good luck daddy. We are very proud of you. Mia & Lex
Francois Pretorius
Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 04:22 pm
Sterkte Lou ou bees!!
2.5 Petoorse
Engela Roets
Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 06:49 am
Hi Lourens,baie,baie sterkte vir jou ek glo en vertrou dat dit goed sal gaan met jou.
Sal gedurig aan jou dink my kind,vasbyt,baie lief vir jou.
MaXX
erik roets
Posted On: 31 May 2013 03:11 pm
hi boetie. Baie Baie sterkte. ons dink aan jou. lief vir jou. xxx
Lara Reynolds
Posted On: 31 May 2013 05:43 am
Voorspoed met die uitdaging Lourens! Ek is seker julle gaan 'n wonderlike ondervinding deel!
Pavas Naidoo
Posted On: 31 May 2013 02:19 am
All the best Lourens. What you are doing is absolutely amazing! crazy, but very inspiring!
KT Ho
Posted On: 31 May 2013 01:49 am
You think you can, you can!
Serena Chan
Posted On: 30 May 2013 11:57 pm
Good luck and keep running!
Madelein (Roets) Nel
Posted On: 30 May 2013 01:19 pm
Go Boetietjie!!! You can do it!
David Grosse
Posted On: 26 May 2013 03:50 am
Your foot strategy looks spot on to me - and i fully adhere to the "overweight and undertrained" advice. Look forward to catching up in the desert. Cheers. dg
Comments: Total (6) comments
Louise &johann Botha
Posted On: 09 Jun 2013 01:59 am
Jonathan Tam
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 03:24 pm
kelvin schafli
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 12:57 pm
erik roets
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 06:15 am
engela roets
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 04:57 am
leonie roets
Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 02:36 am