Stage 5 complete. In some ways that

Stage 4 is now complete and what a stage. Started at the foothills of Tian Shan and it was quite cold in the morning. We then headed away from the mountains and onto then desert plains, proper Gobi Desert. Tough going as there was a lot of sharp stones underfoot, but I kept up a good pace. As the day wore on the temperature increased substantially. I ran with my head down for most of the first two stages to avoid the rocks, but then I looked up at the snow covered mountain and the scenery was stunning.

After checkpoint 3 I felt myself overheating so I started walking to cool down, I put the headphones in and zoned out, Cathie's ipod will get good use over the next few days. The course changed and we ran through a vine yard for a few miles before turning into a village, again the welcome from the locals is amazing and I wish we could do it more. I then ran past the support van and when they told me it was 2k to the finish line I 'literally'sprinted.

I am sick to death of energy bars and gels and freeze dried breakfasts, I really should have eaten a lot more of them before I cme out. Out on the course yesterday I day dreamed if peperoni pizza, today it was a simple ham sandwich, I am really looking forward to the winners banquet now.

Enough of that, I have one more day of pain before then, 80k and my plan was to run until 1pm and then walk when the temperature is at it's highest and then run again when the temperature starts to drop, I'm hoping to get in before sundown which would mean 13hrs on the course. Unfortunately my ankle has swollen up so I'll see how it goes tomorrow morning. Other than that I'm feeling good. Tomorrow I'll finish late so there may not be a blog entry from me until Friday.

Today I finished 27^thin 5 hrs 15 minutes. Second ever marathon completed, bossed it.

Good to see the comments every day, as I said yesterday they really do lift the spirits.

Cheers

Nathan

Stage 3 complete and after a really good nights sleep I felt really good. So I thought I'll go for this, the legs were still a little sore but held up well through the descents into the rivers, the much promised river crossings didn't happen as there was no water. It was a fun first stage clambering over rocks and boulders and then onto the road for some proper running.

Running through the local villages is always great as the reception is amazing and the amount of photos on facebook, or the Chinese equivalent, I must appear in is vast. Then would you believe it, rain, what started as a light shower became a torrent. Stupidly I put my jacket on too late and I was wet and couldn't get warm as I was running. The last 12k I couldn't go any quicker and the finish line never seemed to appear. I managed to finish in 20^thplace, taking just over 6 hrs. The last two stages were almost identical long undulating rocky plains, which makes progress really slow and it's hard on my ankles.

Thankyou to everyone who has made a comment the feedback is great for moral, especially on the tough days.

Really pleased with today, especially after yesterday when I was in lot of pain afterwards and could hardly place one foot in front of the other. I've survived another day and look forward to tomorrow, hopefully some sun and a warm bed at the end of the day.

I have to say the worst part of this whole experience is going to the toilet, it's the closest I've come to cramping up all trip.

I am now over half way through this crazy trip and I'll speak to you all after stage 4.

Nathan

Afternoon All,

The morning started as yesterday had finished, driving snow. The course started with a 500m elevation change straight up in ankle deep snow, not running at all, more mountaineering. The highlight for me was catching the female leader at the top of the climb. Safe to say she left me for dust as soon as we could properly run.

Then a descent into the valley along the river, more photos with the locals. Once out of the mountains the temperature changed and the scenery became more desert like. A long trawl along undulating dirt tracks brought us to camp 3.

The constant changes in elevation were not good for the legs and I'm a bit sore. Shoulders are still complaining!

Today I finished 34^th in a time of 6hr 10 minutes.

Tomorrow we stay in the valley all day for 27 miles.

Will write again after I'm finished

Afternoon All,

We drove 2 hours yesterday to the official start line, and what a welcome by the local population, so many requests for photographs left us feeling like we were local celebrities, going to the toilet took 15 minutes as the route was full of families requesting photos with their children, who were all excited to see us, whilst we were unpacking there was traditional songs and dancing. The real stuff started in the morning.

First stage complete and I really enjoyed today, we started off at an altitude of

i finally made it to Hami, a scenic 9 hr bus journey

Hi Everyone,

Night before the flight to Beijing and I'm excited and nervous, the backpack is heavy and I've only got the mandatory equipment in it.

Keep thinking I've missed something though. But looking forward to getting to the start line and meeting everyone

Cheers

Nathan