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Gobi March Blogs 2015

Amaya Rutherford

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Gobi March (2015) blog posts from Amaya Rutherford

11 June 2015 01:53 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

So now that I

Comments: Total (2) comments

maria angeles santamaria estomba

Posted On: 12 Jun 2015 01:47 pm

I couldn't agree more with John. A por la siguiente!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

John T

Posted On: 11 Jun 2015 02:34 pm

You are right - you absolutely smashed it!!! Quite incredible given the weather you both faced every day, and incredible severity and variation in it from day to day! There arent many people in the world who can say they have walked 250km across the Gobi Desert. There aren't many people in the world who experience snow, heavy rain, constant driving winds, blistering sun-shine and 47deg heat all in the same geographical location over just the space of a week - it should be called the 4Seasons Gobi March 2015 not the 4Deserts!!!. I think i speak for anyone and everyone who followed you both, that you are both a true inspiration, showed huge mentally and physically fortitude and generally made everyone very VERY proud! Glad all the wandering around Kent, Surrey and London paid off!! Can't believe you didnt blister either!! you have feet of steel! :) xxxxxxx

05 June 2015 07:34 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

So we did it!! Came in around 5am this morning it was such a long day but we pushed through the heat and sand.

At one point the temperature was over 47 degree

Comments: Total (8) comments

maria angeles santamaria estomba

Posted On: 12 Jun 2015 01:42 pm

Felicidades, campeonas! No tengo palabras Podéis sentiros muy orgullosas, nosotros estamos felices por vosotras. Increíble y admirable lo que habéis conseguido! Sois fantásticas!

Dagmar Kattler

Posted On: 07 Jun 2015 07:48 am

WOW! Congratualtions to both of you! What a feat, you two are just amazing! 47°, you are just so resilient and determined. I am sooo impressed. Enjoy the celebrations, the proper beds with proper mattrasses and rest and recover. You have achieved something incredibly amazing, something that will truly stay with you for the rest of your lives. Lots and lots of love! Dagmar

Kath Moore

Posted On: 07 Jun 2015 07:08 am

Congratulations! You are both just amazing! Such strength ,resilience and sheer determination. The weather couldn't have been more extreme. Snowstorms on the first day, to 47 degrees and high winds and sandstorms. Very well done to you both! Time for some luxury and comfort in the hotel, and big celebrations!!!

Mariaje Barandiaran

Posted On: 07 Jun 2015 06:54 am

Zorionak bikote! Habeis logrado una hazaña increible. Disfrutad ahora del descanso. Un muxu muy grande para las dos desde Alkiza. Mariaje

Carol Ackroyd

Posted On: 06 Jun 2015 03:15 pm

Just seen that the final stage has been cancelled due to yet more wildly extreme weather - so you've now officially finished! What a brilliant amazing triumph for you both, with fantastic memories to share forever. Enjoy the celebrations, your new friends and a proper cosy bed tonight! loads of love, carol xxx

Emma Rutherford

Posted On: 06 Jun 2015 01:59 pm

Wow! You have done it! Massive proud congratulations to you both-what you have achieved is just incredible and top 100 with minimal blisters! I hope you are enjoying showers and mattresses and celebrating with all of the incredible people you are with. Congratulations and hugs, Exxxxx

Andy and Libby Rutherford and Blake

Posted On: 06 Jun 2015 08:11 am

Bloody Hell !!!!!! This is soooooooooo extreme walking. 47 degrees is baking hot, in a desert, carrying your food and equipment, with limited water and the small issue of an 80 kms walk ! You both did it and in an unbelievable time. We hope that your recovery continues and from what the breaking news says, after your evacuation to Hami because of the sandstorm, you will be able to wash and rest in a bed. You will both also be able to begin to appreciate that you have achieved something truly and deeply amazing. You have both, through your resilience, determination, smiles, and ways of being throughout your training and then the days and nights in Gobi left everyone just unable to begin to express how amazing you are and how incredible is what you have achieved. It will be with you for the rest of your lives. Sooo much love and respect Andy and Libby xx

Carol Ackroyd

Posted On: 06 Jun 2015 07:55 am

Huge congratulations you amazing women. I've no idea how you keep moving in 47 degrees but here you are appreciating the incredible landscape and Canadian chat. And still managing to post a blog. Love to you both and great wishes for new adventures for a new day. carol xxx

03 June 2015 04:27 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

So another day down and the weather has picked up...today was the first day we didn't need warm clothes or waterproofs!!!!

Last night we left all our clothes in the buses to dry because so many of us had no dry clothes it was so bad!!

Today was a lot hotter, I even burnt though my skins and my long sleeve top..how is this possible?!

We were actually in the desert today, the terrain was very very rocky and open to the elements! But we did it and finished again in one piece and in the top 100!!!

This is a short entry today because we have the long march tomorrow but we are all well loving spending time with our walking family!!! They will all be friends for life that's for sure!!

Still no blisters which is great so till tomorrow

Amaya and Blanca

Comments: Total (6) comments

German Bulla

Posted On: 05 Jun 2015 04:46 pm

Hooola.. Van super!! Vamos con toda que ya falta un poquito!! Saludos a Jill!!

Mariaje Barandiaran

Posted On: 04 Jun 2015 06:35 pm

Impresionante! La meta está cada vez más cerca. Animo para mañana, será un día duro, pero lo conseguireis. Un beso muy fuerte para las dos. Mariaje

Carol Ackroyd

Posted On: 04 Jun 2015 01:44 pm

Soaked through with icy water, freezing nights, sun melting your skin and still having a brilliant time - oh you are amazing women - along with the rest of your incredible family. Wishing you gentle sun and breeze and sound sleeping. Love and hugs carol xxxx

John Twinn

Posted On: 04 Jun 2015 11:00 am

Can't believe you havent blistered!! it is seriously brilliant!! Just read your feature on the site "Keep it in the family" - amazing!! was feeling very jealous of you doing all of this, but as your off on a 80k day i am no longer jealous - more sympathetic now!! You burnt because it is impossible to "freckle up" that quickly ;) Hope you don't burn too badly today as i see it is very Hot - and also i have got really into to the race itself - Ralph looks like he is going to win now as is 40mins ahead going into the last section, and was half hour behind the other two US guys at the start - they will never catch that in the last 11k tomorrow.. i have been routing for him from the very start!

maria angeles santamaria estomba

Posted On: 04 Jun 2015 08:15 am

Sin palabras! Lo estais haciendo tan bien! Only two stages to go, Congratulations for the blisters thing too. -That's something important what you two are doing- All our love and admiration

Andy and Libby Rutherford and Blake

Posted On: 04 Jun 2015 06:29 am

Snow, snow, rain, sun...and you are both storming through. Stage 4 looked REALLY stoney and difficult. Amazing that you did so well and still no blisters, fantastic. It is so great that you are relishing being part of the Gobi family and we too are sure you will be making some friendships for life. Loads of love Dad/Andy and Libby xx and on top of that yours is one of the three featured blogs from Stage 4 so everyone can see it straight away. more congratulations.

02 June 2015 02:07 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

So another day is done and dusted and what a day it was!!

I said yesterday today was going to be mild...well that was rubbish!! Today it absolutely pissed it down all day and it must be said a cag in a bag was not great especially when you start feeling the water trickle down your arms!! Note to self if I am ever crazy enough to do this again I will a proper waterproof!! To top it off it was so bloody cold that we lost feeling to the lower half of our bodies and arms, only bonus we couldn't feel our bad knees!! There were a lot of tears today and it got to a point that mum asked me to pace to get us to the end! Also we would be millionaires if we got a pound for every time we swore throughout the day!!

Today was tough though the weather took it's tole but we finished and laughing of course...ems we have the video from Cuba which is a lifter it must be said, hope you don't mind.

We are all becoming a big family at the back and cheering each other on when passing each other on the course and back at camp, so glad everyone's pushing though!

Still no blisters but we're both having some knee problems from the ups and downs!

Tomorrows another day and we are doing surprisingly well, both feeling strong and glad that we are half way!

Till tomorrow.

Amaya and Blanca.

Comments: Total (13) comments

Kath Moore

Posted On: 06 Jun 2015 07:06 am

OMG the reports are coming in of serious sandstorms and the last stage now cancelled, but you've finished the long march!! Very, very well done, you are such amazing women! I hope the hotel is gorgeous and luxurious, and you have a wonderful celebratory dinner tonight! Loads and loads of love and respect to you both.

Andy and Libby Rutherford and Blake

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 09:09 pm

And in case you did not know you got a big mention in the final Breaking News for stage 4 ... "Blanca Fernandez-Todea and her daughter Amaya Rutherford-Fernandez also finished together, delighted that they placed in the top 100 for the day. "And to think that she was bringing up the rear in the Atacama Crossing!" Amaya said, referring to her mother's first performance in the 4 Deserts Race Series." Stars in the Breaking News again!!! xx

Andy and Libby Rutherford and Blake

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 09:02 pm

Each of the stages has been a big challenge in a different way. Whatever 'Gobi' is raining or snowing on you, has shown your inner strength and resilience. It is so great that you have each other to feel the power of the swearing and the smiles. We are so proud of you both. As they say in SE London ...Total Respect!! xx

Emma Rutherford

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 09:00 pm

Hello lovelies, this is assuming that you will not post tonight, please do some relaxing instead!. I want to wish you all the endurance, support and stubbornness in the world for the long march. It will be long and it will be ugly but you can absolutely do this. I will be with you every step of the way telling you to move your bums! Love you both so much, muxus, Exxx

Mariaje Barandiaran

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 07:08 pm

Orgullosa de vosotras. Un besazo de todos nosotros....de Marilo e Isabel (Txuri, vimos las fotos del primer día, están alucinadas...)

Dagmar Kattler

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 02:56 pm

I am so impressed with both of you! Hang in there and remember that you two are lucky, you can both swear in two languages. Gives you sooo much more choice!

Emma Rutherford

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 10:46 am

Wow half way! It sounded a hard stage but you are both so strong - dig deep and swear/cry as much as you have to or better still watch the video - I cannot express how happy I am that the video is fuelling you! That was such an amazing holiday - when it is cold try thinking of the warm sand and green mojitos! I can't express how happy and proud I am of you both - stay strong and together, watch the video and look after your knees (mum you're going to need them a lot in the next few years!). I love you both so much and cannot wait to hear about the next stage, step by step, Exx

maria angeles santamaria estomba

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 09:33 am

Both of us impressed by your times (with Knee pain), reaaly proud of you two. You've already done half of it, keep going, girls! all our support and lots of love for you. Cracks!!!!!!!!!

Brenda Sawyer

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 08:09 am

Hang in there Amaya and Blanca. You are doing GREAT!! Xx

Mollie McGarrigle

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 07:44 am

You are both doing so incredibly well! Sending you massive hugs - I'm glad you have the video to keep you going! Fingers crossed tomorrow is a flatter stretch. Lots of love to you both xx

Debbie Ellen

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 07:36 am

Hope you have better weather today. Debbie x

Julia Berktold

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 07:20 am

Amaya and Blanca! You are both amazing! What a challenge!!! It's really impressive to read about your adventure and see all the pictures! II hope you will have a good day today and everything goes well! Half way through! I wish you all the best and good luck for every step! Big hug xxx

John Twinn

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 06:58 am

Well done my lovely ladies!! Just all sounds epic (not the knee pain!) but I am sure you are surrounded by people who know what to do and you both will get through it!!! Half to go!! Keep walking - really impressive times too!!!! Sending all my love to you both xx

01 June 2015 02:04 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

What a great day again...we woke up with a snow storm which got us ready for the day ahead...we started off with a near vertical climb covered in snow...we both felt it was the best most stunning part of the day, the climb was tough but when we got to the top:

1. The view was incredible and I'm sure would have been better if the snow clouds weren't doing their thing.

2. There was a large temple which in itself, made it for the both of us.

3. The course for the rest of the day was mostly downhill, well deserved!

Weather today was perfect for us as it wasn't too hot, it seems like tomorrow will be mild again - thank goodness.

The last leg of the journey was a bit of a leg killer going up and down like a yoyo but as always we are all keeping each other going at the back!

Again NO BLISTERS!!

Tomorrow we have 2 river crossing first thing so fingers crossed it all goes well.

Till tomorrow

Amaya and Blanca

Comments: Total (10) comments

Carol Ackroyd

Posted On: 03 Jun 2015 10:43 am

seems there's nothing like a neverending trip in freezing soaking gear to make a girl feel wonderful. Keep it up you brilliant and utterly AMAZING women!

Sara Leonor

Posted On: 02 Jun 2015 08:39 pm

Amaya and Blanca, this is amazing! Suena genial vuestra aventura! Muchisima suerte! Seguir contandonos! Estoy deseando ver fotos! Muchos besos a las dos!

Kath Moore

Posted On: 02 Jun 2015 08:25 pm

You are both so brilliant! It sounds really tough but also totally wonderful. The pictures are stunning and it sounds like you're loving it! Onwards and Upwards (well not too much upwards...) xxxx

maria angeles santamaria estomba

Posted On: 02 Jun 2015 05:26 pm

Amazing, Beno dice:"Venga niñas que ya habéis hecho la mitad! Besitos, guapas!

maria angeles s

Posted On: 02 Jun 2015 05:25 pm

Amazing, Beno dice:"Venga niñas que ya habéis hecho la mitad! Besitos, guapas!

Paola Corredor

Posted On: 02 Jun 2015 04:55 pm

Blanca / Amaya: Lo están haciendo muy bien, son un par de guerreras y un par de ángeles en medio del desierto. Siempre las recuerdo de Madagascar con mucho cariño...desde Colombia les mando las mejores de las energías, ánimo! Recuerden porqué están allá, recuerden que están hechas de acero y recuerden siempre esa alegría y esa capacidad de marcar almas que las caracteriza. Las llevo en mi corazon!!

Jess Stuart

Posted On: 02 Jun 2015 08:26 am

Sounds like you are both doing a fantastic job!!! Hope all is going well with day three, looking forward to reading the next update! Pictures look great!! xx

Libby and Andy Blake Rutherford

Posted On: 02 Jun 2015 07:51 am

Its so moving to see you both in the pictures. What a fantastic thing you are doing, and what sights you are seeing, and we are so happy to be sharing them with you through the photos and your great blogging. No blisters is a wonderful state to be in after two days. Big love to you both xx

Chris Boyle

Posted On: 02 Jun 2015 06:04 am

This sounds absolutely amazing!! (minus the wet clothes on the first nights sleep) Keep up the good work guys! Sounds like you are absolutely smashing it! I'll be praying that neither of you get blisters! Looking forward to the pics and blogs to come! Good luck! Chris

John T

Posted On: 02 Jun 2015 05:17 am

Amazing again ladies!! Keep it up, it just sounds incredible!!! Keep supporting each other, everyone is following with real intrigue and are right behind you here!! Blister free too!!!! Big hugs and kisses! X

31 May 2015 03:45 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

What a day! So after a fun journey by coach to the first camp site we were greeted by locals singing and of course one of the team got up to dance first...(Blanca) so much so that the local television channel interviewed her!! We have such a great tent mates as well, some familiar faces like JJ and Matt but also some new faces one including a fellow Euskaldun and an amazing blind runner from Brazil. Everyone in our tent are great

Comments: Total (9) comments

Jane Carvalho

Posted On: 01 Jun 2015 09:17 pm

Hey Amaya! You are doing great!!! Wish I were there. Have fun!!

Kath Moore

Posted On: 01 Jun 2015 07:35 pm

Wow, you are both amazing! What incredible scenery, the photos are stunning. You both look fantastic and have the biggest grins on your faces inspite of the snow! Loads of love and strength for the next one... xxxx

Carol Ackroyd

Posted On: 01 Jun 2015 03:38 pm

Congratulations you amazing women. I can't imagine how anyone is loving a trek in wet clothes in an icy blizzard but I know you'll be the first to keep everyone in great spirits. Wishing you sunshine and warm dry nights and load of love.

German Bulla

Posted On: 01 Jun 2015 12:13 pm

Que bien.. Excelente.. Lo principal es gozarse el paisaje .. Debe ser espectacular!! Vamos con toda!! Un abrazote para las dos!! Saludos a JJ!!

Andy and Libby Rutherford and Blake

Posted On: 01 Jun 2015 07:55 am

We are soooooooooooooooooooo proud of you both what determination, resilience and enormous smiles on the fantastic photos of you both on the Stage 1 part of the website. Great to know you have such lovely people around you. Hope you got a warmer and better nights sleep in the heated yurt and that Stage 2 has gone well, Isn't this the highest part?? Thinking of you all the time, Love and hugs Andy and Libby xx

Debbie Ellen

Posted On: 01 Jun 2015 07:15 am

Great to hear about day one. Snow in a desert eh! Thinking of you both,have a great day two. Debbie x

Emma Rutherford

Posted On: 01 Jun 2015 06:14 am

Wow, what extreme weather! I hope the heated tent replenished you for another strong day. It sounds like there is a really great group of people to keep each other focused. So much love to the both of you, a great day one, you can do it! Exxxxx P.S.

Amy Woodall

Posted On: 01 Jun 2015 05:55 am

Amazing!!!! So proud of you and can't wait to hear about more adventures xxxx

John Twinn

Posted On: 01 Jun 2015 05:03 am

Well done ladies!!! Sounds incredible, keep plugging away! No blisters is a big result :) Big love to you both xxxx

18 May 2015 12:18 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Less then 2 weeks!!!

I can

Comments: Total (9) comments

Mariaje Barandiaran

Posted On: 01 Jun 2015 06:54 pm

Sois fabulosas. Ya queda menos para el final. Disfrutad! Un besazo

maria angeles santamaria estomba

Posted On: 01 Jun 2015 01:04 pm

Te tienes que sentir genial después de esa fantástica primera etapa. Campeona! Besos de tus tíos, sabes que estamos contigo hasta el final!

Andrew Rutherford

Posted On: 31 May 2015 10:12 pm

Wow what a first stage that seems to have been. Hope you were warm enough at night. Getting up must have been cold and all that before the snow during the walk itself. Congratulations on completing Stage 1. Amazing. Enjoy Stage 2 and the scenery and views if you can. Love Dad and Libby xx

Santamaria Estomba Mª Angeles

Posted On: 30 May 2015 11:28 am

Venga chicas! Muy buena suerte y disfrutad. Besos de los dos para las dos

Andy Rutherford

Posted On: 29 May 2015 09:11 pm

Your preparation over the last months in all weathers and terrains has been absolutely inspiring. It is not just the 3200Km covered but the resiliance and determination which has been profoundly impressive. Now you are near the course and start just enjoy - the places you are walking, where you are staying, the people you will meet and the walkers and volunteers you are sharing 'Gobi' with. So proud of all you have achieved already. Love Dad xx

John T

Posted On: 26 May 2015 12:48 pm

Good luck!!!!!! Looking forward to following your posts lots!!! :) xxxx

Mariaje Barandiaran

Posted On: 25 May 2015 07:15 pm

Feliz aventura. Un besazo, Mariaje

Santamaria Estomba Mª Angeles

Posted On: 24 May 2015 09:06 am

Estamos con vosotras!

Sam F

Posted On: 18 May 2015 12:36 pm

Sounds like you are well prepared. We can't wait to see you and your mum. The train to Hami will be just fine as long as you can find the right platform!