Gobi March Blogs 2013

Thomas Muir

6

Posts

Gobi March (2013) blog posts from Thomas Muir

07 June 2013 03:27 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Children of Genghis,
 
Yesterday was a weird one. The long and short of it was that we had horrendous weather conditions and the race had to be shut down. The weather truly was terrible and I don't think I am being too melodramatic when I say that had they carried on for some of the stragglers (who most likely would have been finishing their sixth marathon of the week at 5am in snow) it genuinely could have been life threatening.
 
That being said Tim, Jack and I only got through about 55KM when we were stopped just short of checkpoint 6 and Charlie and VC were stopped at checkpoint 3 so we feel a little hard done by not to have been able to get out there and leave everything we had on the course. The mental anticipation for day 5 had been daunting and exciting and through checkpoint 5-6 I was flying (I have no idea how this was possible after an ascent to 2,780M wearing only a shirt, shorts and bin liner against torrential rain and sleet but the brain seems to be a more powerful muscle than any in the body). We reckon we could have had the long day sewn up in about 14 hours or so if we had been able to get stuck into the last 20kms which would have been a nice achievement but as I say the conditions were pretty bollocks and we still feel like we did a good job out there on some super tough terrain. I do not like big, wet, slippy hills very much and my feet are covered in blood.
 
We are now in a camp for the rest day before a 14K finisher tomorrow. We are all in good shape. Tony VC maybe should have read the story of Icarus who flew too close to the sun as his unbelievable 13th place finish on day 3 has taken its toll on his poor feet which have seen better days. Despite his ailments he is upbeat and given the strength of our team there is no way that the we are not going to let him slot this final 14K so if he needs to be on our shoulders then that is what is happening!
 
 
As always thanks to all who have sent messages - you may think they are frivolous but they are life savers for us.
 
14K 1 day
 
Tom

Comments: Total (6) comments

Hayley Robinson

Posted On: 09 Jun 2013 09:34 pm

Tom, what an achievement! You're all amazing! Look forward to seeing you back at radlipole to hear more about your incredible journey. x x

Raven Wankingclawkingvolchuk

Posted On: 09 Jun 2013 09:26 pm

I only just realised you could comment on these posts. Fuck my life. Well done mate. X

Lord DarkScream

Posted On: 09 Jun 2013 02:48 pm

Well done so far, you big maniac! Sounds like you're keeping it together like a superstar. Good luck for the last miles! X

Olivia Francis

Posted On: 09 Jun 2013 10:53 am

One more day in the desert! Bring it on iron man. Can't wait to hear all about it. Tim says: 14k, even I could run that. Let that be your inspiration! See you soon xxxx

Nadia von Christierson

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 12:25 pm

Tom! You're all amazing! Congratulations on such an incredible achievement, and a huge thank you for all helping Ant over that finish line. What a lucky chap to have such amazing mates. Can't wait to hear all the stories. Am a BIG fan of you guys, and expecting signed blown-up copies of the pics of you all to pin-up on my wall - me and a few other ladies out there!

Julian Muir

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 07:16 am

DEar Tom So god to hear you are safe and well .you should be so proud of yourselves This has been a huge challenge and a great effort the best thing however is that you all care enough to do something so selfless to help the disadvantageed you must always remember those blind people whose lives you will have changed by your inspirational efforts , ultimately that will be your greatest achievement . I hope you can look back in years to come and remember what you did ND HOW YOU DID IT . WE ALL SALUTE YOUR COURAGE AND STRENGTH AND SHERE GRIT IN DOING THIS BUT MOST OF ALL WE SALUTE YOUR GENEROSITY OF SPIRIT. Cant wait to see you the mothership is organising the princes treats Love and admiration Dad

05 June 2013 01:59 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Day 4 is over. Ran in at 6hrs 30 which was good and left me in what is hopefully pretty good shape for the long day 5 tomorrow. Blisters are healing and have only had a little bit of leg pain so just need to get through the big old 75KMs (with a 2,000m climb) and then we are pretty much home and dry. Yet again the scenery was fantastic and when I am not staring at my feet it is nice to take in the views.
 
We ran through a small village today and loads of children were going nuts and treating us like celebrities. This is either because (as I have always expected) my oozing masculinity has given me mass popular appeal in Asia or the fact that we are dressed like idiots makes us quite a spectacle.
 
Bag is getting lighter and lighter which is good news and while tomorrow is undoubtedly going to be tough as hell there is a tiny sense of excitement at the challenge. Big morale boost came 20 mins ago when we were offered a cold sprite for our intensive labours which was possibly one of the nicest drinks I have ever tasted.
 
The timings for your blog comments are a little weird as I receive them really late (usually a day in delay) but please rest assured I am getting them, reading them and loving them. As I keep stressing this is a tough challenge and to hear from your loved ones helps to get through the various trials of tribulations of the day.
 
Loving the comments from all so thanks to Ems, Cavos, Ellie White, Leasky, Salisbury, The Oakes Family, Lucy Mac, Auntie Gabrielle, Emily M, Maha, Dids, CVC, Frederick Bagman, my star client Jom Playmer (of Admiral car insurance fame - also appeared on an episode of blind date) and everyone else who has written. Can't stress how important it is.
 
Finally a big thanks to my parents for all your support. Hope I am making you proud out here.
 
One final thought - we are heading to Bole in China when we get back and want to go to both the best restaurant and best spa that we could possibly visit there. If anyone could check for us where those two things are and (if you are a family member) book us in for lunch at 2 and then tell us where the spa is so I can go and have my body rearranged. This sounds like I am being a prince but I have been eating boil in the bag food and haven't washed for a week so I feel I can get away with it!
 
2 marathons 2 days.
 
Tom
 
x

Comments: Total (16) comments

ian dothrakiewicz

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 01:02 am

Stenhouse. Just picked up the blog onboard the lady G. Everyone sends their best (especially Joey who'd like to inform you that the d-draw has some exciting new additions) and wish you could be out here with us. We've been having a classic time out here and i've got some excellent stories to regale you with over that bottle of Jura; like all good Bahamian tales they involve atlantis, college girls and, crucially, Dean. Best of luck with the rest and i look forward to reconvening back at St Peters College Radlipole to kill some brain cells with you. Godspeed

Gus Robinson

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 06:01 pm

Well done Tommy! An effort of brobdingnagian proportions. Masses of luck for the final push. It'll be a few well deserved games of Mahjong in Beijing I think.

Olivia Francis

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 05:03 pm

Tommy Tommy. Am delighted you're still alive. Loving that you are now all squabbling over those repulsive boil in a bags... Who would have thought they could become currency in any form of society. Nor is on hand for serious muscle work when you get back and I'm planning to pick you up from the airport. Hope you won't smell too bad. I would give you an update on things here but I don't think the description of the meeting wih my accountant this morning really compares in terms on life changing experiences, and the gin and tonic (warm with no ice- so not that good) on my way down to Isle of Wight is really what you want to here as you plod through the desert/worst environment imaginable. Anyway, so proud of you, keep going and think of the finish line and if it gets too bad - remember you're not blind... Love you xxxx

Victoria Searle

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 02:49 pm

Hi Tom Sounds like you are all doing an incredible job out there so keep it up for your last day. I cannot believe that you have almost finished - utterly amazing! Just remember that however sore your feet are they are probably not as bad as mine and you don't have to wear my ugly black sandals! Well done and much love, Victoria x

George Cave

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 12:04 pm

Watch out for the 1000-year eggs in Bole. I hear they're the must potent in China. Keep on running you hairy man!

david Kerr

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 08:34 am

Tom, for once I am speechless! This is just one superb effort by you all, which will become the stuff of legends. Part of me feels green with envy at what you are experiencing, but a much larger part of me is just full of pure unadulterated admiration! As contemporary parlance might put it.....Respect! Go climb that Mountain and keep on trucking. David/Dids

Sue Donnelly

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 10:44 pm

Tom, you absolute legend, I have just got back from my holidays and reading through your blog you have made me feel wholly inadequate!!! You are doing absolutely super and I can just imagine you running in perfect form like the full pro that you have become!!! Enjoy the final stretch, super job! Hope Bejing and the imminent celebrations in first class are epic! Have fun, Sue

Gabrielle Preedy

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 07:58 pm

Hi Tom I am sure the Muir strenght,stamina and tenacity will carry you through to the end. good luck with the final stages Gabrielle

May Tina Von Chris is tie rnon

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 03:54 pm

Tom, w ell done! You are doing brilliantly!... By the time you read this, you'll have done the Big One! You guys are terrific... and clearly have the formula for keeping each other heading Onwards and Upwards (keep that up, you're gonna need it in Beijing?!) The blog portfolios have been making OUR day, back in Cosy Chelsea.... so much more entertaining than the Daily Mail??..... Big Hug, can't wait for our Big Night with the Queens of the Desert?!... Marina xxx

G Clarkson Webb

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 03:35 pm

Tommy, you're doing AMAZINGLY, well done you. Send love to all and we are all so impressed. Masses of luck for the last bit, Tons of love X

Freddie NOT LEASKY!

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 03:11 pm

Dear Bokeface, I cannot imagine the strain this is having on your body but the whole thing is extraordinary.... Keep chugging and look forward to not having to spend so much time with Bloakes after ONIB.... If he starts talking about corporate finance one more time you have my permission to leave him in the desert. Realistically, if you bury off the beaten track ain't nobody gonna find that grave. Try to cover the earth to the same colour as the surrounding earth so that aircraft can't pick it up. Take his food too - might come in useful. Leasky is still picking up ladies left, right and Chelsea - I think they're attracted to his new high-powered job and the requisite chat that goes with it. I hate him. Keep Toni's spirits up and stay proud - what you weasels are doing is spectacular and you shouldn't lose sight of it. Stay strong and remember the words of Mike Tyson: "I paid a worker at New York's zoo to re-open it just for me and Robin. When we got to the gorilla cage there was 1 big silverback gorilla there just bullying all the other gorillas. They were so powerful but their eyes were like an innocent infant. I offered the attendant $10,000 to open the cage and let smash that silverback's snotbox. He declined." and "I don't understand why people would want to get rid of pigeons. They don't bother no one." Ciao Dong Boy

B A Barachus

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 01:25 pm

Keep on going so nearly there. The key to success is "Iron Man" by Black Sabboth put it on repeat and you can run all day. It's so impressive what you've achieved and you may have taken my place as golden boy!! Can't wait to see you back in London.

Claire Oakes

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 10:35 am

You are nearly there and still running so fast! All I can say is wow! Huge fan base at home waiting for you boys! Amazing super athletes! Keep running, Claire and Oscar x x

Immie Woolger

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 10:26 am

Muirywinkle, keep going you trouper. You're doing a superb job in the gobbly wobbly. Can't wait for your return; big celebrations a foot! X

Tintin Macdonald

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 09:00 am

Keep it up Muiry, we're rooting for you all! When you're back I'll feed you the finest salami money can buy...and sour sweets, so hurry! Lots of love and luck xx

Emily Cohen

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 08:49 am

Woweeeee aren't you blazing through! So impressed! Keep those legs moving and those high spirits up for the big DAY no.5. We are all awaiting your return for some unbelievably well deserved celebrations! Keep going Tommy and love to all out there. The finish line is in site! xxx

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

Day 3 has gone great. It was brilliant weather and breathtaking scenery. Chucky Oakes (aka Chucky Eggs aka chucky bedwetter) and I had a very relaxing amble through the Gobi and captured some great footage on the Go-Pro camera which we look forward to sharing when we get back.
 
The highest point we reached today took us up to 2,000m which was a pretty serious climb and left some burning calves but offered some outrageous views once we got up there.
 
Tony Von Cheese has gone from zero to hero and finished in 14th place for the day over all having had a knee problem initially which is incredible. We are all rooting for him to continue to crush it and we think he is going to be releasing some big news on Wednesday so watch this space.
 
Bodywise I am feeling pretty good. I have 4 or 5 blisters but in comparison to some of the abominations I have seen around the place I am looking great. Left knee is feeling a bit dodge but it is nothing that a few painkillers aren't keeping control of.
 
Food is starting to become a more valubale commodity as supplies run low - particularly with the big double marathon 5th day looming. Hot items currently include instant noodles, clif bars and jelly beans. Unpopular items include any sort of porridge,  boil in the bag eggs and Chicken Tikkas. Markets have also opened up on the eventual race winner. Things are getting high stakes.
 
Otherwise everyone else is doing well and making good progress through the course. I hope Ian Haszlakiewicz has the 100 sterling ready to transfer to Charlie upon race completion because I have never seen Oakes looking stronger. We are planning on spending the money on hiring a phantom to take us to the airport.
 
Please do send this around to anyone else that you think might be interested and encourage them to write some messages - it realy means a lot. Again if you haven't donated believe me this is no picnic so get those wallets open.
 
3 marathons 3 days
 
Tom
 
x

Comments: Total (8) comments

Emma Clarkson Webb

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 10:20 pm

Keep updating - loving these hilarious blogs. Hope the feet are ok. Huge day tomorrow and we are all thinking of you. Charlie has described you as sexy...so at least that field is covered! Tons of love xxxx

Daisy Muir

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 09:28 pm

I have been continuously tracking your progress which all sounds amazing! So so proud of you! Can\'t wait to see you on the other side and celebrate your massive achievement with you! Cheering you all they way! lots of luck for tomorrow. Will be thinking of you! Lots of Love Daisy xxx

Daisy Muir

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 09:26 pm

I have been continuously tracking your progress which all sounds amazing! So so proud of you! Can't wait to see you on the other side and celebrate your massive achievement with you! Cheering you all they way! lots of luck for tomorrow. Will be thinking of you! Lots of Daisy xxx

Julian Muir

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 04:30 pm

well done Tom fouth stage done . hope you are not too done in . big day tomorrow all our love and support for your amazing Feet . Love No 1 D

Julian Muir

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 04:29 pm

well done Tom fouth stage done . hope younger not too done in . big day tomorrow all our love and support formyou amazing Feet . Love No 1 D

Field Marshall Mognan

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 02:39 pm

Dearest Muir-Z, I think back to the conversation we had in the pub about who VC would most prefer to die on this run. That must seem a long time ago for you guys now..... what an incredible job you weasels are doing. I almost wish I could be there to be a part of it. Almost. Back in London Fleask is like a venus fly-trap for women and I am no closer to being good at my job/picking up American tourists. The Queen's Birthday is on the horizon and so I have been training for that while you guys do a reverse Vanessa-Feltz in the desert....I look forward to buying you all a 'roady' when you return. So proud of you guys and glad to hear the international crowd are falling by the wayside while a bunch of amatuerish British capitalists (who really should be in Made in Chelsea) are bossing it. I suppose VC is kind of international.... Euro-nonsense really. Has Oakes been boring you to death on those long runs? Does he still use corporate-speak when he's tired? I bet he does. Keep going meine freunde and always remember - jeden tag meine lieblingsessen ist Kino. Bis spater meine schatzi.

Jo Muir

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 08:50 am

You all sound on pretty good form - always said laughter was the best medicine - a Doctor's wife speaks!

Staines .

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 08:23 am

Keep it up Muiry!I hope this go-pro footage is going to be a team video of 'call me maybe'.

03 June 2013 10:14 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hello blog enthusiasts,

 

Today started well with a pretty quick dash through checkpoint 1 with Tim and Charlie. Had to get my first blister taped at checkpoint 1 and then shuffled on through checkpoint 2. Checkpoint 2 to 3 was a bit of a struggle as my blisters started to come into play but I decided to grin and bear it rather than retaping at checkpoint 3 as I had basically just had enough of running and wanted to head home as quickly as possible. Due to this my feet have needed a bit more attention back at camp but I am getting pretty handy with a blister kit so no real worries there.

 

The weather was very changeable today with sun cloud and even rain which was a little surprising. Running by yourself through a largely uninhabited desert is pretty odd and you do find yourself getting bored of your own company thankfully I spent most of today with one of the team and my trusty ipod is worth its weight in gold. When we got back to camp we found ourselves next to a stream which offered the perfect opportunity to wash some incredibly well worn socks and lycras in preparation for tomorrow.

 

Having really enjoyed day 1 day 2 was way more of a struggle and my traps are on fire from carrying my bag. I plan to head to Bikini Atoll with my rucksack after the race and test the most powerful nuclear warhead available on it as a reparation for the pain it has caused me. I want to ensure total annihilation. Some people would say this was extravagant but some people haven’t been wearing my rucksack for the past 2 days.  

 

Otherwise spirits are high. It feels good to be a third through the whole event. When I do have a dark moment and wonder what I am doing here the thought of the fantastic work of the Savitri Trust is a real motivator. It is also great to be with the rest of the team and we are able to bounce enthusiasm off each other .

 

Please do keep the messages coming. We need all the support we can get as we head into day 3 – Leasky any advice??

 

Love to all.

 

4 marathons 5 days

 

Hasta la vista

 

Tom

Comments: Total (7) comments

George Cave

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 10:53 pm

"A lot of people run a race to see who is fastest. I run to see who has the most guts, who can punish himself into exhausting pace, and then at the end, punish himself even more. Nobody is going to win a 250km race after running an easy 2 miles. Not with me. If I loose forcing the pace all the way, well, at least I can live with myself." - Ratan Tata

Sophie Salisbury

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 10:23 pm

Well done tommy!! Your blogs are the best form of procrastination through my revision. Can't wait for the next one - so get a move on xxxxxxx

Ellie White

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 10:20 pm

"Even if you fall on your face, you're still moving forward" - Ghengis Khan

George Cave

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 09:55 pm

This is fantastic blogging. Keep up the good work love from all at Tata x

Claire Oakes

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 04:11 pm

Tommy! Keep going you old marathon pro. Sorry about your poor little feet, mind over matter and plenty of compede and tape! We are all thinking of you all. Claire and Oscar x x

Freddie Freddie

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 12:07 pm

When the going gets tough, the tough get going! Be careful there are no foreign bodies upstream before using natural water sources for drinking and cleaning.

Chris von Christierson

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 11:43 am

Well done Tom! Keep an eye on young Tony for me. Best, Chrizzy.

02 June 2013 01:51 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I have always thought that writing blogs was predominantly the preserve of the unemployed, people with silly haircuts and maniacs but this is the only way I can communicate out here so please excuse the fact that I am none of the above.
 
We touched down in Peking on Friday and quickly flew first to Urumqi and then to Bole where we stayed in the delightful Boer Tala hotel where we sampled some delicious food and did a round of kit checks which luckily we all passed. There was a bit of hanging around and endless conversations about boil in the bag strategies, electrolyte loading and the best way to prevent nipple chafing.
 
Finally we boarded a coach and headed out to camp 1. We have an awesome tent and have all become friendly very quickly. Jack smells. After a reasonable nights sleep only slightly interrupted by some bloke snoring 3 tents away from us we were up early doors and doing final kit checks. All prepared we did a quick team huddle and headed to the start line.
 
The race got off to a good start. After 18 months of training it is great to start making some sort of headway into the challenge. Its an obvious point but the scenery here is beautiful and really takes your mind of your burning legs and heavy backpacks. It is also nice to think that we are following in the footsteps of Genghis Khan - a man whose political ideology is remarkably close to mine.
 
At the first checkpoint I bumped into Tony who was having a bit of a problem with his knees so Charlie and I decided to stick with him and walk a few sections which was great. As you can imagine the conversation was sparkling ranging from the disgusting state of the camp loos to who should be general of what we have dubbed the `chill squad`. Tony thinks he has bribed me out of the position using some biltong but in reality I am quite unscrupulous and I will be metaphorically (or literally if needs be) cutting his head of Genghis style tomorrow. When a position such as this comes up you really don`t want to let it slip through your fingers
 
For the final 10K I left the Chill Squad to stretch out the legs and have a bit of a run which felt brilliant and was a nice way to finish. I am now at camp 2 and have had some delicious super noodles and am about to tuck into a shepherds pie.
 
Thank you to all who have sent messages it means a lot and really helps keep us going. Fred Leask's "Keep going!!!" message was particularly useful as I received it just as I was about to completely stop doing everything and the 3 exclamations marks really hammered the point home.
 
Love to all and for anyone who hasn't donated to the cause please feel free to search google for gobi boys justgiving and we should come up. Our target is 160K which means we would cure 1,000 blind people - it pales into insignificance the difference you are making by paying for us to put ourselves through a bit of pain and we really appreciate all your support.
 
5 marathons 6 days
 
Tom
 
x

Comments: Total (4) comments

Jo Muir

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 09:47 am

Good to see stage one completed - could not believe that biltong has found it's way to China! Feel there is now some pressure to avoid the use of exclamation marks after any words of encouragement so will simply say we are all thinking of you - love the idea of the Chill Squad - when I first read it I thought it said the Chillie Squad which bearing in mind the heat is quite appropriate (have fought hard to resist the exclamation) Love from the Mothership

Emma Clarkson Webb

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 02:19 pm

Knew that Biltong would shut you up. Well done Day 2 complete. Big party planned for your return so keep on running. Thinking of you xxxx

Damian Cleary

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 09:07 am

Glad you have survived the first stage! We will keep following your progress with keen interest; I hope Jack is enjoying his slippers. Dame x

Alexander Badeni

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 08:59 am

This sounds pretty similar to our adventure into the Nepalese jungle with the company of German tourists. Nice work though!

29 May 2013 12:38 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

The Gobi March 2013 starts in just 4 days. It has been a long and punishing training regime and I am looking forward to getting out there and getting started. If it is not in my rucksack now then I am just going to have to make do without it.

I have had a huge amount of support in the run up to this from family, friends, physios, colleagues etc. and I can't thank you all enough. Please follow my progress here and if you are feeling charitable please do send a message or two to keep me going while I am out there as your support will mean a lot.

See you on the other side.

Tom

Comments: Total (18) comments

julian muir

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 01:17 pm

Tom , by the time you read this you will have broken the long one congratulations on this amazing run . Despite heat san md pain and hunger you are nearly there . Well done indeed a huge effort . things here are all good summer has finally arrived /. Cant wait to see you let us know your flight details lots of love and respect No 1 Dad

julian muir

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 04:01 am

Hi Tom , it your father , its 5 am here which I think is !pm with you and I think you are nearly half way through the Big one the blog says 123 of you have passed stage 2 and I am sure that includes you . Well done for all you efforts an for still being able to be funny ......We are all so proud of you and support you to the hilt , `Have tried to look up hotels for you in Bole but info very sketchy Will try again later . If nothing betterthink of the steak in Coya > With all our love and huge admiration love DAD

David Kerr

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 08:50 am

Tom, full of admiration for your efforts, unstinting good humour and commitment. Enjoy every minute good and bad, as you will never, ever do it again! Look forward to reading the next report and to taking you to see Jesus Christ Superstar on 4/10/13 in Birmingham!! What else does a God father do!!! yours aye, David

julian muir

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 12:04 pm

Well done for the first leg > We are all cheering you on .Dad

Jom Playmer

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 03:37 pm

No blog roll? This race just got worse... Good luck mate with you all the way x

Gabrielle Preedy

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 02:21 pm

What guts! Thinking of you all keep going gabrielle

Emily Moore

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 12:34 pm

One down... Toes intact... Amazing job boys. Tonnes of luck for the rest xxx

Lucy Macfarlane

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 09:46 am

Wow, so in awe of you all. Keep going, keep going, keep going xx

June and Claire Oakes

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 08:42 am

Just read the newsletter well done our boys! Doing a great job in the desert. Keep up the team work. Terrain looks challenging and temperatures too - can only boast 20 here. Enjoy being chefs of the desert and focus on next goals. Nice big ice cream at the end or a beer that reaches the parts others miss! Relax now and no more walking until the next wee section! Oscar says hi too and love to all and our Charlie. Xxxxxxxxxxxxx

George Cave

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 08:31 am

Good luck Manure! Never ever stop

Maha Rous

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 08:24 am

Go Tommy. Really good luck- an amazing thing to be part of- well done you xx

Jonathan Oakes

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 08:05 am

Hi Tom, Thinking of you boys at the start of your immense journey. Get Oaksey to set up his blog. Hope you are not running in sauna-like temps. My best to you, Charlie, Jack, Tim & Ant. Jonathan

jo and julian muir

Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 03:06 pm

are through to the other side for the first time?love no 1 parents94 AE1

julian muir

Posted On: 31 May 2013 10:15 pm

good luck thinking of you all all the time Dad

Frederick MOGNAN!

Posted On: 31 May 2013 06:58 pm

You can do it General Dong. Whenever you're tired consider what Mr Butterworth would do in the face of adversity.

Freddie Freddie

Posted On: 31 May 2013 12:00 pm

Keep going!!!!

Emma Clarkson Webb

Posted On: 31 May 2013 08:45 am

Good luck Tommy xxxxx

julian muir

Posted On: 30 May 2013 03:43 pm

good luck keep going love No 1 DAD