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Gobi March Blogs 2016
8
PostsGobi March (2016) blog posts from Matt Burke
24 June 2016 02:48 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
On a happier note, as I realise the last blog was pretty doom and gloom on reflection, we are now in the evacuation centre which I can only describe as Fred Flinstone
24 June 2016 02:47 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
The Long March has been conquered. There is little else to say but it was hardest thing I
Comments: Total (1) comments
Tom Brazel
Posted On: 25 Jun 2016 03:39 am
MF Is sorted.
22 June 2016 02:24 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Stage 4 done and dusted, man that feels good! It was a long hot day running/hiking down from the foot of the mountains and out into the desert plains. After another less than complimentary breakfast, we set off and on and on it went into the heat. Must have been over 35 Celsius by midday. Right now it must be touching 40 Celsius. Poor buggers sill out there!
Comments: Total (16) comments
Tim Gentle
Posted On: 24 Jun 2016 10:03 am
"First, last, running, crawling - I’ll take anything right now." - love it! Block the bad harness the good, stay hydrated and that voice in your head knows nothing! You tell 'em who's boss! Tracking for a potential Top 10 place dang!
Sally Gentle
Posted On: 24 Jun 2016 04:45 am
Right Matty, today is rest day and you deserve every minute of it - make it count as seriously not long to go! What an awesome effort yesterday babe, and now only 18km (or so) to go! I looked at the results and you can finish in the top 10 (not that it matters really as you've done amazing already) but you only need to beat BIB 47 by 13 mins and BIB 3 by 12 mins and you are top 10! That's assuming no other time penalties and no one else currently behind you finds their legs. Just a bit of fun and a challenge for you to help pass the time tomorrow...so so so close now!!! xxx
Tom Brazel
Posted On: 24 Jun 2016 02:56 am
Hi mate - not sure if you received my email. I can now confirm that the eagle has landed so everything is sorted! Well done on your efforts so far!
Jack Burke
Posted On: 24 Jun 2016 01:43 am
Hi Daddy, we can't wait to hear from you again. Mummy is going a bit mad wondering how you are, so please write back soon as she's driving me bonkers! I was very good at school yesterday and today friends are coming over. Hope you are getting lots of rest today so you can make the big sprint home for stage 6. We are very proud of you, but I'm quite sure I'll be a swimmer when I grow up - love Baby Jack xx
Claire Cairns
Posted On: 23 Jun 2016 01:16 pm
Is there any sport you can't do??? from the updates today seems you have gone like the wind. Well done, amazeballs x
Sally Gentle
Posted On: 23 Jun 2016 12:29 pm
Run Matty run!! From the news feed earlier it seemed like you were having a great day, and I'm sure it continued. Can't wait to hear how today went. Hopefully you can write to us soon.
Jack saw your photo this morning and pointed and squealed, I really think he's missing you. Hope I'm home when you're reunited - he will be so happy!!! Thinking of you out there in that blistering desert...
Xxx
tim cairns
Posted On: 23 Jun 2016 11:33 am
We think you might have totally destroyed it. no need for further amusing anecdotes or words of motivation. YOU HAVE SMASHED IT. Fantastic effort mate. I'm guessing you finished the long march in plenty daylight which is awesome. Beer is very near now. Just the sprint to the finish on the last day to beat Chigs time. He's already working on his excuse. Well done mate. well done.
Vanessa Burke Boutefeu
Posted On: 23 Jun 2016 07:51 am
The Long March (bit reminiscent of Mao) sounds absolutely horrendous and mind-blacking-out. By the time you read this it will be behind you though and only the memories will remain - the good ones. You're doing amazing things Mattie and I think the whole thing is worthy of an (inspiring epic exhausting-to-watch) film - need to get 'your bro' Tim onto it - know he's following you too from LA on your blog. I've been reading the blogs of your friends and what a team - this is what true friendship and guts is all about. Take care and with you all the way. Hugs xxx
Olly Smith
Posted On: 23 Jun 2016 06:15 am
Matty - Amazing effort so far, really well done to the four of you! Pictures make it look absolute brutal course. i was gonna make a joke about the camping looking the hardest part, but that's clearly not true.
Hopefully you'll have finished by the time you read this, so congrats and the obvious question is - how good was the first Beer?
England play Iceland in next round (which has the same population as Wigan) so Roy Hodgson is now looking abit of a genius for coming second in the group.
Rugby last weekend was again epic too - Jack will be Glad he's an Englishman after that display.
Katy Chandler
Posted On: 23 Jun 2016 05:05 am
Sounds pretty gritty conditions on the heat front. Hope today's long March a bit kinder for you. You're doing SO well. Amazing! Trust your foot where more comfortable that your first long distance effort?! Not long now until that cold beer .... Good luck x
thavy read
Posted On: 23 Jun 2016 03:22 am
Way to go dude--- keeping things positive. You're doing wonderfully well despite the tummy bug so you should really be proud of yourself. Keep it going!!!!!
Ross Carter
Posted On: 23 Jun 2016 02:12 am
Final push Burkie! Will be tracking your progress and wishing you the best of luck mate!!!!!!
Darren Tavares
Posted On: 23 Jun 2016 12:49 am
Amazing work Burkie! You've got this! Good luck!
Sally Gentle
Posted On: 23 Jun 2016 12:34 am
Thinking of you today on your long march babe...this is the big one! I know you will put everything you have into this one - because you can. You have done an amazing job Matt- Jack and I and everyone so proud. Can't wait to hear all the stories. After today, tomorrow is a walk in the park. We are storing up hugs for your return! Xxx
Jessica Boutefeu
Posted On: 22 Jun 2016 05:02 pm
You are doing brilliant cousin!!!!! Wishing you all the best and keep going!!! Love x
Ben Chandler
Posted On: 22 Jun 2016 03:16 pm
Good work dude - right choice re long march - enjoy every step closer to that line - I hope it's gone well - you guys are crushing it - non of that "never again " tell - we are doing atacalma 2018! Enjoy dude .... See u in HK for post race piss up!
21 June 2016 04:11 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
So today the Gobi March reared up her ugly head and bite me hard
Comments: Total (11) comments
Ross Carter
Posted On: 22 Jun 2016 07:35 am
Stomach bugs...loss of fluids....being brought to tears....dark moments.....man the hell up burkie!
In all seriousness I had the exactly the same on the third day when I did it (albeit much further down the field) and it was horrible, but you can bet that everyone is going to have a day like that at some stage. Hopefully you'll be recovered and stronger for stage 4. Top 10 finish still 100% on the cards for you mate and anything can happen on the long day so keep something in the tank!
thavy Read
Posted On: 22 Jun 2016 07:30 am
Keep it going dude- you are doing a fantastic job. Keep your eyes on the prize my man!!!!
Paul Taylor
Posted On: 22 Jun 2016 05:53 am
Amazing that you're even talking about the leaders... not that you're crap, just that you are up there. I just heard from Sam you're through CP2 on day 4, in around 16th so still smashing it. Get to camp and enjoy that you've come so far and still feel surprisingly good! Break down tomorrow into 10km slots, 1.5 or 2 hours each.. and repeat. Also hope you can enjoy it out there, right in the middle of it, taking yourself to places and pain that'll you'll probably not see again!
Alex Moran
Posted On: 22 Jun 2016 05:18 am
Sensible .....a bit of a rest day before you burst out of the blocks for Stage 4!! Half way through now so this is the easy part the homeward leg and remember the second half always goes quicker than the first so it will be over before you know it and that Beer at the end will taste so good! Even better than that pesky Gummy Bear at least....
Claire Cairns
Posted On: 22 Jun 2016 12:54 am
You are doing amazingly well, good luck with the long march and keep going.
Just think of the cold beer that awaits at the end. Iola would have used the 3 seconds rule on the gummy bear!
Tim Cairns
Posted On: 22 Jun 2016 12:06 am
Good pacing. You'll now be fit and ready to show the long march who is the boss man. You've trained for this moment. Now it's all in your head. Keep the tunes pumping the legs on. Sorry to hear you lost a gummy bear mate. The Gobi worm will have had that by now. Glad the stomach thing has settled. Sounds like yesterday was a recoup day before the big push. We know where willy is, now off you go and find him....fast!!
Ben Chandler
Posted On: 22 Jun 2016 12:02 am
Stage 3 is the toughest dude - it's over - now day 4 over ..... Just the long march to do - don't fear it, enjoy it ..... Every step to that line is closer to home .... U are all doing amazing mate - as they say it's an ultra marathon, not a sprint! Keep using those poles!
Sally Gentle
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 10:29 pm
Matt, you are doing an amazing job, we are so proud of you - thinking of you out thee all the time. Today is another day to plod on. Timmy is right, make sure you have time to look around... 'There is always an end to journey towards but it is the journey that matters in the end'. Keep a strong mind and fight those demons, listen to your body and keep drinking water, as much as you can xxxx
Vanessa Burke Boutefeu
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 09:33 pm
All your family - Hong Kong, England, Portugal, Australia - are all right behind you Mattie. The last stage sounded pretty rough and those dark thoughts need to be trodden into the ground. Just keep thinking of plod, plod, plod and you'll get there. Remember the tortoise and the hare fable. So just be a tortoise. One day Jack will be doing the same as you as you'll be his inspiration so you must get through the next day. By the way I see some of the participants are in their 60s so I am seriously thinking of getting my own little (elderly ) team together - senior plodders all - and taking on the Atacama - that would give you all a laugh!!! Do they do senior citizen discounts I ask myself? Nuff for now, time for bed here in sunny Portugal and HK will happen soon I promise. Hugs from your aged aunt. xxx
Tim Gentle
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 08:42 pm
Ouch Matt, that third stage sounded like a killer! Love how you worked through the stomach bug and took on that hill aggressively. This journey already sounds more mental than physical, but you've got both angles covered. "Block the bad and harness the good big feller" And, if possible, even though it may hurt, try to stop and smell the roses of this journey of a lifetime. We're right behind you big feller! X Gentle Family Downunder.
Nick burke
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 07:07 pm
Well done---sounds like a grueling day but you are still the leading Brit---that Willy Roberts is sure to flag soon ---should be tucked up in bed with his cocoa at his age!!--Good luck tomorrow > Dad x
20 June 2016 03:13 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Wow what a day. Today
Comments: Total (15) comments
Arlene Ingram
Posted On: 23 Jun 2016 01:44 pm
Hi Matt - I am a colleague of Sally's. She mentioned this crazy race you were doing. I wanted to give you an extra set of encouraging words to help you endure the final stretch! What an amazing feat - well done ;) all the best!!!!
Your Bro
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 08:56 pm
Hey Matty,,Looking good in 8th place also...had a good read of your blog...Sounds like your planning your race to the line and first place though....late finisher....Keep us posted...Good luck...X
Georgina Morson
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 03:19 pm
Go, go, go Burkey. Great read and sounds awesome. Although in not sure I'd be thinking that if I was actually doing it. Welldone you're one of the machines yourself. We are keeping tracking you guys. It's fab to have the pictures. Go for it again tomorrow (day 4) nearly home. Amazing.
Fingers Aukland
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 02:57 pm
Your smashing it fella! Awesome. If I could pop out to make you a bacon sarnie like you did for us on the Mac I would do but a beer with have to suffice when u get back to HK! Best of Luck tomorrow!
(Ps. Lucas says doesn't matter how many marathons you can run I'd still beat you at squash!)
Nick Burke
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 01:19 pm
That's my boy!!! Just discovered how these Blogs work, thanks to Vanessa. It looks like fantastic scenery but incredibly hard work---cannot quite believe that you are in 9th place ---keep it up but don't kill yourself! Will now be following you every day--good luck and keep an eye on that Willy! Dadx
Alex Moran
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 01:01 pm
Your still killing it......awesone effort mate!
Been there with the stomach problem myself.....nothing more liberating than having to take a dump on the course, just watch out for the snakes!
Keep it up lad....
Jack Burke
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 11:13 am
Hi daddy, we can't wait for an update on how stage 3 went today. Hope your tummy is feeling better, and did anyone find your sunglasses?
Jenny and Lyn started today and I'm very happy so no problem there, but I think mummy misses you a lot. Guess what?! Aussie Grandma just donated to your charity 'room to read' and now you have reached your target!!! Congratulations!!! All the more reason to keep on going daddy!
Love you, from Jack xx
Thavy Read
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 09:39 am
You are on fire-- geez it's damn impressive!!! keep going, you are almost there.
Rich Cowley
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 06:22 am
Hi mate - it was great to catch up just before you left for the Gobi. Reading your blogs is inspiring stuff and it sounds like you're smashing it, keep up the good work buddy and with such a great attitude I'm sure you'll crush any challenge that presents itself! two top 10's massive congrats!
Ross Carter
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 05:56 am
Well done burkie! Absolutely massive effort so far!
Paul Taylor
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 01:08 am
Going up the rankings mate, great effort. Jax, the girl in front of you just, was in Atacama. I finished 8 mins ahead at the end, now there's a challenge or motivation for you!
Sounds like a hard day which had it all, poles, hills, dodgy stomach, sunglasses. And still 8th, that's impressive. You, like Morson, seem to be going too fast for the photographer. Give the guy a chance as you sprint past today
Ben Chandler
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 10:50 pm
Poles are awesome dude - glad to see u like them too! Amazing work - course sounds brutal (and amazing) .... When u read this u will be half way - the journey home is quicker than the journey out !! Keep going !
Tim Cairns
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 10:44 pm
Where's Willy?!!
Outstanding mate. You've made your point. You can come back to the pub now. No hard feelings!
England 2nd to Wales after a 0-0 fail against Slovaks. Sounds like it's all going rather well in the Burke camp. Long may it continue. When you start talking to yourself you know it's nearly over. Enjoy!
Vanessa Boutefeu
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 05:53 pm
You're doing brilliantly - really proud of my nephew! I read baby Jack's post of today and also Sally's - strange that the two reports of the junk trip don't seem to coincide! Poor Sally - can imagine what being stuck on the high seas with Cap'n Jack must have been like and with no chance of escape. Think his great-aunt needs to come on an overdue visit!! Do get hold of some sunglasses from someone though and keep on thinking positive thoughts and saying the mantra - I can do it, I can do it, I can do it ....
Huge hug, Vanessa xxx
Sally Gentle
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 04:08 pm
Matt you're doing an amazing job babe, well done you!! sorry to hear you have a stomach bug already and lost sunglasses - ouch! Don't spoil your 20-20 vision, just take time penalty. Drink lots of water as that helps if you take anti inflammatory and also helps with the stomach bug. also make sure you are strapping blisters immediately - not my words but key advice from Dave the vet (the regular ultra marathon runner from swimming). Stay strong in your mind babe (you sound it which is great), you're doing so well and we are both very proud. And keep blogging as I'm addicted to checking as want to know where you're at all the time Xxx Sally and Jack
19 June 2016 02:44 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Well today was Dune day. More on that later
Comments: Total (12) comments
Nick Burke
Posted On: 21 Jun 2016 01:12 pm
That's my boy!!! Just discovered how these Blogs work, thanks to Vanessa. It looks like fantastic scenery but incredibly hard work---cannot quite believe that you are in 9th place ---keep it up but don't kill yourself! Will now be following you every day--good luck and keep an eye on that Willy! Dadx
Tim Cairns
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 01:24 pm
just noticed that after stage 1 you had a Willy coming up your rear!! Nuff said. better get the after burners on!!
Ben Chandler
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 08:46 am
Nice one dude - good work ..... Keep you legs fresh and look after your feet - it's an amazing experience - getting twitchy to do one again. Beef jerky rocks - esp if u save some for your pot noodle!
Sally Gentle
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 06:28 am
Hi Matty
Well done babe, and incredible effort so far! Sounds like you're having an amazing time, minus tent and bathroom antics I'm sure. You have trained well, but you knew it would be tough, so here you are right in the middle of it and already 2 days in and only 3 days to go. Give it all you've got and that will be enough to make yourself proud, we are already proud of you...
Look after your blister as best you can and try to enjoy the meals - just a couple of days and you'll be eating normal food again so just get the energy in and ignore the taste/texture. Tell the guys we say hi too and hope Ollie's mat is okay.
Jack was a handful on the junk yesterday, but very good really, just would not stop climbing stairs and driving the junk next to the captain etc., and he loved swimming in his jacket and screamed with laughter when everyone jumped off the boat. But he was naughty at lunch and threw everything from plates to blueberries and chop sticks. He was shattered in the end and passed out in his buggy on the boat on our way home, we both passed out last night so sorry I didn't manage to write yesterday. Jack and junks - never again!
Happy Fathers Day!!!
Lots of love
Sally & Jack xxx
Thavy Read
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 06:22 am
Absolutely amazing finishing in the top 10 my man! HUGE CONGRATS and keep it up!!!!
Jack Burke
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 06:07 am
Daddy! Wow, you are doing so well, mummy can hardly believe it, but I told her you would smash it and you have! Great work Dad! Mummy told me you couldn't be here on fathers day this year, but that's okay as we decided you're having 'fathers week' instead. We think you might need another fathers week when you get back so if you promise to keep going and look after your blister, then I promise not to jump all over you when you return. We spent fathers day on a junk with Lelo and friends and I loved it, the weather was amazing! It was my first junk and fell asleep in my buggy on the way home after all the swimming and running around. I even got to steer the boat and they called me 'Captain Jack Sparrow'. Molly thinks I love her and said to mummy that I want to live with her, but I think maybe she loves me. Anyway, I can't wait for the next junk, but for some reason mummy said 'never again'. We are cheering for you daddy and think you are a champion already so, happy fathers day Daddy!! Lots of Love from Baby Jack xx
Alex Moran
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 05:31 am
Go Burkey......awesome first day. That competitive instinct is a difficult ones to hold back told myself twice now and still ended up going off like a bar out a hell! Think we should just call it "doing a Cairnsy"....
Loving the write up so far....look forward to reading all about day 2.
Keep it up lad.....and don't worry the body will hold up! Well....with the help of tape, cream and painkillers.
Claire Cairns
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 05:26 am
Top 10 finish on the first day - amazeballs. Keep it going x
paul Taylor
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 04:59 am
exactly like Cairns did. 'hold the line, hold the line... and sprint!'. It sounds too exciting, wish I was there! Bit of a climb today, then it's all downhill; am expecting an improvement on 9th... you could be the first top 5 finisher.
Good luck Burkey, keep enjoying it but the pain won't go away - only kidding. Pain is weakness leaving you!
tim cairns
Posted On: 20 Jun 2016 01:31 am
Ha HA HA HA. I love it. Never let a pre-race strategy get in the way of vaulting out of the traps! Outstanding effort mate. A top 10 on your score card is one to savour for ever more!
I thought for a brief moment you were going to give us a full update on the toliets but thankfully you moved swiftly past that.
Good photo on FB of you all in the Yurt.
Outstanding effort by all on day 1. Keep it up.
Vanessa Boutefeu
Posted On: 19 Jun 2016 07:35 pm
Brilliant Mattie. Keep up the good spirits and dress the blister well. Am so envious of the Dune!!! xx
Jaime Smith
Posted On: 19 Jun 2016 07:31 pm
Great to hear how it's all going. Good luck and look forward to reading more. Love Jaime, Olly and Jonty X
16 June 2016 06:59 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
And we're off...well to Shenzhen first for an overnighter, followed by a
Comments: Total (3) comments
Tim Cairns
Posted On: 19 Jun 2016 12:16 pm
23-7 England. Epic defensive performance. A rope a dope performance was how Eddie Jones described it.
Series done!
Now just need you to get this race on like donkey kong! Smash it.
James Mathews
Posted On: 17 Jun 2016 07:26 am
Best of luck Matty !!! :))
Jack Simcock
Posted On: 16 Jun 2016 08:26 am
Wow! Looks Epic, go Matty :)
06 June 2016 05:09 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Gulp!
Comments: Total (2) comments
Claire Cairns
Posted On: 19 Jun 2016 12:35 pm
I hope your first day went well and you are fighting fit! Good luck for the rest of the race - I hope your tent roomies don't snore too much x
Tim Cairns
Posted On: 10 Jun 2016 02:17 am
YES BURKEY!!! You are going to smaaaaaaaash it up.
But why is there a long article in your comments about advertising on sports apparel?! you might want to get that checked out.
Comments: Total (8) comments
Arlene Ingram
Posted On: 26 Jun 2016 08:02 pm
Alex Moran
Posted On: 25 Jun 2016 05:07 am
Sally and Jack Gentle Burke
Posted On: 25 Jun 2016 04:38 am
Tim Gentle
Posted On: 25 Jun 2016 03:52 am
Tom Hayman
Posted On: 25 Jun 2016 12:16 am
Nick Burke
Posted On: 24 Jun 2016 06:34 pm
Vanessa Burke Boutefeu
Posted On: 24 Jun 2016 03:03 pm
Simon Read
Posted On: 24 Jun 2016 02:58 pm