RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RTP Home

Gobi March Blogs 2013

Victoria Spadaro Grant

8

Posts

Gobi March (2013) blog posts from Victoria Spadaro Grant

07 June 2013 02:11 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Greetings from the top of the Mongolian mountains!
 
Today Friday morning found our group near the Siam lake...a beautiful lake at about 2500 meters
 
I miss running with Paul, and as I mentioned in my last blog, I hooked up with 2 cracking British girls living in Hong Kong, Jeanine and Allison. Together we completed stages 3, 4 and sort of 5. We only got to finish 53 Km of our 75Km run yesterday as the weather turned out really bad up in the mountains and the organizers stopped the race. We were then all bused to typical Mongolian refuges, than for a change were DRY and became very warm with the group of 2 tents together in each big Mongolian tent
 
Stage 4 was a good one and we did it in OK time under 7 hours - very importantly Allison, Jeanine and myself had quite a bit of fun.
Getting ready for Stage 5 found the 3 of us getting tip tops from my dearest Paul who explained what we needed to do when weather changes in the mountains...he was SO RIGHT and so spot on all the advise he gave us - So, with his advise and the pre-prepared ponchos made out trash bags that Paul prepared for us we headed out to get started with stage 5 - The day started well and the 3 of us had a good run till CP4 when we all 3 put back again our ponchos or LBDs (little black dresses!) bin bags (trash bags for the Americans). It is now when Jeanine after putting back her beanie, hat, glasses asked "how do I look?" ....of course we all got the jist of being well covered, but you know, it came across as though the 3 of us are getting ready for a night out and we are checking how the dress, make up are looking...it was very, very funny!
When we got to CP5 we got the news about the race being stopped due to weather.  I was very, very dissapointed because I really wanted to go for the distance but with weather as we had it was getting really hard going into the night with slit, snow, rain and cold.
 
So you may wonder what the hell has this horrible cold mountain weather has to do with a deser race???? I really don't know but I can tell that it has been so far fun experience....unseen parts of Mongolia
 
Also in all the time we had as we plodded along the route we manage to create a little anthem that we will sing to our tent tomorrow - it goes something like:
 
We are Paul's pxxx plattoon
not quitting anytime soon
 
We got blisters we dont care
we are the gobi granny sisters
 
we are the girls from tent 14
we are a lean running machine
 
we like watching david's ass
he is the one we like to pass
 
we see laurence with his beef jerky
that is why he keeps so perky
 
andy could have cashed
saving us all our nappy rash
 
pushpa is the queen of antartica
in awe we stand in front of her
 
(a few more verses to be completed by tonight!)
 
Anyway, signing off now, we will complete the race tomorrow with a short 15 km, and off back to Bole, Beijing, and home!

Comments: Total (4) comments

Alan Petersen

Posted On: 13 Jun 2013 04:52 am

I saw on the news that a Chinese spaceship blasted off from Gobi Desert and I kicked myself for not checking the blog sooner! Congrats on finishing the march!

KAren Davidson

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 01:06 pm

Love the song! Congrats on a tough week! I'm so glad you had Paul for tactical support to get you through the rain. Never apologize for wanting to look fabulous...even inthe Gobi desert. I probably would have belted my LBD to show my waist? :-) Call when you can - would love more details!!! Love you both! K

Penny Minges

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 07:28 am

Congratulations on finishing the Gobi March!! You will never look at a trash bag again in the same way. haha. Hope u sang your little ditty at the awards banquet?! You guys really were hit with some varied weather - who would have thought! Enjoy your beautiful medal and the memories of the wonderful time you had with wonderful new friends in the Gobi!! Hope to get the details sometime soon. Way to go! You r awesome!!!

Tim M

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 05:24 am

Too funny , love the song! Not surprised that even though Paul was not still competing, he was still having an impact, even inspired a song! Congrats on completing the Gobi, quite a remarkable achievement when you consider where you were just two years ago. I remain in awe of your recovery , so proud of you. Tim

07 June 2013 02:10 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Mamuchina y Papi - pidanle al miau que les cuente lo que esta pasando

Comments: Total (0) comments

04 June 2013 01:53 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi all
sitting in the cyber tent --- Music playing in the background and the finish drum celebrating another competitor arriving...
 
We are in a stunning spot on a grass plain in the shadow of the Atlai Mountains.  After struggling with the indigestion problems, which did not allow him to eat very much, my dearest Paul still pushed on yesterday to complete Stage 2. We walked all the way and we did a pretty good time for an all-round walk -- about 8 hours
 
So today, Paul still did not feel very well and just before check point 1 of stage 3 he decided that he was absolutely on empty.....he is such a strong guy that for him to make such decision it must have been very difficult...very. He is now on camp and will watch all of us depart early in the am...I really, really hope I get to see him along the way at the check points...however, it is burning hot, so don't know how will that work. We will learn more tomorrow.
 
Last night wasn't ideal we had lots of rain and alot of kit/things in the tent getting wet.  In the morning we started Stage 3 and we climbed out of the small valley we had camped in up a muddy incline, with thick red mud that stuck to our feet .After, we had a long ondulating road, and as usual, there were lots of policeman/Chinese military watching us on the side and we also had the cheering of locals which was uber nice as they give huge grins - This is the event of the year in the Atlai Mountains!!
 
As Paul got in the 4x4 I continued on the course and hook up with Jeanine and Allison, who are 2 British girls leaving in Hong Kong and we are in the same tent - I have to say that this worked super as we all 3 had about the same pace, and we made the stage in just over 7 hours (7h 2'')
 
Overall the day was tough but very rewarding, huge climbs and beautiful scenery --- lots of laughs in our tent.I only wish Paul was feeling better.

Comments: Total (7) comments

Tim M

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 08:10 am

Victoria, a night in a yurt ? Well, you have done a lot of exciting things in your life, you can add this one as well. I am presuming Paul is somewhere at the Stage 5 finish line wishing he was up there with you, the weather must have been miserable. Can't wait to get updates, until then power on! Tim

Bjorn S

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 08:32 am

Hi Victoria and Paul, Sorry to hear about Paul. Hope he is feeling better and that he will recover fast. Victoria, good luck with the rest of the race. What you do is very impressive - an inspiration for all of us. Stay safe! Trude & Bjorn (from Oslo)

Jeff S

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 01:25 am

Paul, hang in there...hope you feel better, I know it was a difficult decision. Keep going Victoria you're doing great. We're proud of both of you to accomplish what you have. Jeff

Tim M

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 10:44 pm

RTP posted a great photo of you two in camp on day 4, thinking of you today on the long march Victoria! Tim

Greg Bassett

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 03:48 pm

Hi Victoria - so sorry to hear about Paul dropping out, but it sounds like he made the right decision. Stay strong in your adventure! We are all rooting for you back home!

Karren Davidson

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 11:29 am

So sorry Paul about the race - I cant beleive you made it as far as you did. And V, glad you found people to continue on though - no substitie for Paul but it will make the stages easier (if I can even use that word!). I'm reading the other competiors blogs and the between the rain and the rocks the course seems grueling. Just a few more days- keep going, you'll do great!

Tim M

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 04:43 am

Paul, so sorry that you had to withdraw, can't believe you made it as far a you did , hope the recovery is quick. Victoria, hope the rest of the week goes well, hope you knicked some of Paul's food before he got into the 4 x 4! Glad you found some running friends for the next few days, won't be the same as having Paul around but I know you will do great. Tim

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

hI ALL
GREETINGS FROM SOMWHEREN THE GOBI DESSERT!  AMAZING COURSE !!!  WE HIT FANTASTIC SITES - TRULY AN ADVENTURE/

WELL, TODAY PAUL AND i COMPLETED STAGE1 - IT STARTED AS A VERY PROMISING DAY, AVERAGING A NICE PACE TO COMPLETE IN 6 HOURS OR SO....BUT SOMETHING HAPPENED - PAUL GOT A HORRENDOUS STOMACH INDIGESTION DOWN TO MY ELECTROLYTE MIX PREPARATIOON FOR HIS BOTTLES  :-((

THE NET IS THAT WE FINISHED IN 9 HOURS, WHICH WAS FANTASTIC CONSIDERING THAT MY DEAREST PAUL WAS RUNNING ON AN 'EMPTY TANK' - PATL IS SUCH A STRONG GUY, I DON'T THINK ANYONE ELSE COULD HAVE DONE I  EVEN THE MEDICAL SUPPORT WAS SURPRISED ABOUT HIS ABILITY TO COMPLETE GIVEN HOW POORLY HE WAS/

hE IS EATING NOW, AND HOPEFULLY HE WILL RECOVER WELL FOR STAGE 2
BYE FOR NOW AND WILL POST MORE NEWS TOMORROW
BYE FOR NOW!

Comments: Total (4) comments

Penny Minges

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 12:51 am

Dear Victoria- It has been so difficult not receiving any info because of the cloud coverage there, I guess. We just received results and hope that Paul is feeling better. Thinking of you both. Your strength and determination will always amaze me-the hurdles you have gone over and now running through the Gobi Desert! You go girl-enjoy the challenge. You have got this!

Patrice Kloss

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 02:51 pm

Victoria and Paul, you're doing great, I'm so proud of you! Keep up the good work, I can't imagine how you do it. Love, Patrice

Tim M

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 09:19 am

Paul and Victoria, have not heard from you in a few days, I know they had satellite troubles, hope to get an update! Paul hope your stomach is doing better, can't imagine how hard it was to finish with no gas in your tank...very excited for your adventure and especially happy to see Victoria competing again in something as tough as this...hang in there, enjoy the views.Tim

Tim Minges

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 03:17 am

Glad to hear Paul is feeling better, will send along some Gatorade next time. :-) Hope you have a less eventful day today, hang in there, I know you will, you are two of the toughest people we know! Tim

01 June 2013 06:37 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Holaaaaa!
Un saludo grandote desde el borde de la China con Kazheztan y Mongolia..Listos para la aventura
Lean my blog todos los dias esta semana que viene desde manana.
Los adora
Tata

Comments: Total (0) comments

01 June 2013 06:33 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi


Paul and I are now at the lobby of the hotel here in Bole ready to leave for the camp site to start the race tomorrow.
The journey has been somewhat eventful...lugagge got missplaced and got just in time for equipment inspection (aghh)
Anyway, all is good - we both are very happy, excited and we are sharing the same race-nerves as the other 148 participants. Yep, people from all over are here to compete - 3 nice chaps from Argentina, a few guys from Germany, Russia, Ukraine, and on and on.
Well, bye for now and will send news tomorrow after our first day on the course
Victoria and Paul

Comments: Total (5) comments

Patrice Kloss

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 02:01 am

Thinking of you, have a great day 2!

Karen Davidson

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 12:57 am

I read another person's blog about the 1200 meter elevation gain in the heat for stage 1 with all the rocks...I hope your shoes are working out! I'm loving the break news as they track competitors crossing the finish line. I can't wait to hear how it's going.

Penny Minges

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 04:27 am

Victoria and Paul!! One day down . I bet today was beautiful and thrilling to see camp in the distance knowing u made it!! Now enjoy your rest. Keep strong guys- we r cheering for you!! You r amazing!!

Tim Minges

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 02:41 am

Hope you had a good day one! The scenery sounds spectacular, be sure to take it all in as you tear up and down those hills, looking forward to following you guys this week. Power on!!! Tim

karen davidson

Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 12:13 pm

Good luck guys! I'm watching the breaking news daily!

28 May 2013 10:47 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Querida familia y amigos / dear friends and family Paul and I are now on our way to Bole. Talk to you all soon Mamina y Papa - estamos muy bien y contentos que ya estamos en camino. Les escribiremos desde China! Adora

Comments: Total (2) comments

Patrice Kloss

Posted On: 29 May 2013 07:53 pm

I'm excited for your adventure (I bet it's only slightly more dangerous than potty-training my 3 year-olds). ;-) Love you lots, Patrice

Tim Minges

Posted On: 29 May 2013 12:56 pm

Victoria and Paul, safe travels, get some good rest , looking forward to following you this week on the blog. Welcome to China! Tim

24 May 2013 03:25 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hello -

Comments: Total (3) comments

Penny Minges

Posted On: 19 May 2013 03:59 pm

Hi Victoria! So very exciting! Will look forward to your updates each day and hope to see you in lots of pictures, too. How great that you and Paul are doing this together! Enjoy it!!

Tim Minges

Posted On: 18 May 2013 10:29 am

Good luck Victoria and Paul, we will be watching the blogs and tracking you and Jo the whole way, so exciting! Tim and Penny

karen davdison

Posted On: 14 May 2013 11:56 pm

I signed up for the officail daily updates. Can't wait to see your posts. make sure you count how many times you use your Carmex. :-) Love You, K