Newsletter
Online Store
Login
RACE INFO
RACE INFO
RACE INFO
Gobi March Blogs 2008
8
PostsGobi March (2008) blog posts from Scott Ribich
13 June 2008 02:14 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Hello all! As some of you know, I didn't start stage 4, and pulled out of the race. The temperatures were unfortunately a bit too much for my system, and during and after stage 3 I was unable to keep down calories or fluid. At that point I made the decision to pull out.
I'm now relaxing in Kashgar, touring the town, and enjoying air-conditioning.
Thanks to the Racingtheplanet organization and volunteers- they ran a phenomenal race, and I am glad I was able to experience the first three stages. The course was absolutely stunning and the support (medical, checkpoints, etc...) were all outstanding.
See you all when I get back in Boston.
11 June 2008 04:14 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
After a good day yesterday, today was unfortunately very sub-par. Beautiful course through some more villages (tell Kate I saw a man on a motorcycle with a snake). Unfortunately, my stomach has effectively shut down, and it has become impossible to take in calories. The altitude has additionally induced nausea. Today's calorie total was only 500 calories.
Luckily the medical staff here is phenomenal. They gave me a bunch of medicine to quell the nausea and the goal now is to be able to eat breakfast tomorrow. If I can't, then I will have to re-evaluate at the time.
Hope all is well- I miss you all. The scenery is truly amazing, and I have taken almost 400 photos so far.
Luckily the medical staff here is phenomenal. They gave me a bunch of medicine to quell the nausea and the goal now is to be able to eat breakfast tomorrow. If I can't, then I will have to re-evaluate at the time.
Hope all is well- I miss you all. The scenery is truly amazing, and I have taken almost 400 photos so far.
Comments: Total (11) comments
Posted On: 12 Jun 2008 05:50 pm
My best advice IS: Listen to your friend Pete and opt out to take Boonen's place in the tour..... jk! Great job boyo, given the circumstances. Take care of your stomach and I look forward to seeing you next week in ONE PIECE, please.
Posted On: 12 Jun 2008 03:24 pm
Sorry to hear things are so rough. Just think what an expert you'll be on beating high altitude nausea for the next Keystone meeting... Hang in there, all the lab folks are wishing you the best.
Posted On: 12 Jun 2008 03:23 pm
Ribs,
Avery threw up last night too. She must have felt some sympathy pains. Anyway, after talking with Waylon about it, he told me to tell you to quit being a wuss, eat your coco-puffs, and finish the damn race.
Posted On: 12 Jun 2008 02:27 pm
Bummer about the altitude, heat, and nausea. Owen threw up this morning in a sign of solidarity. Impressive distance -- the gauntlet has been thrown. Anyway, rest up, feel better, and say hi to Bill.
Posted On: 12 Jun 2008 09:36 am
Hope that your appetite has returned - I'm fedexing redbones to you to see if that helps. While Liam isn't speaking his support, his facial expressions are those of a man watching out for his marching uncles. Best to you and Bill. Keep those feet a marching!
Posted On: 12 Jun 2008 01:15 am
Hope that you can get some more food in. Take care, enjoy the sights, and we'll be thinking good thoughts about you and Bill.
Posted On: 12 Jun 2008 12:04 am
tom boonen is out of the Tour for his cocaine use. you can take his spot on Quickstep.
Posted On: 11 Jun 2008 06:49 pm
Scott, You did a fantastic job under the most grueling circumstances. Looking forward to seeing your pictures!
Posted On: 11 Jun 2008 06:49 pm
Great job Scott. Kate is hoping you have a picture of the camel and the man on a motorcycle with a snake. She hopes you have some new words to teach her when you return. She misses her Uncle Scott. Pickles says "hi" as well. Can't wait to see your pictures when you return.
Posted On: 11 Jun 2008 05:41 pm
Scott,
You're doing fantastic! Stay focused and bring back all the 400+ photos to share. Can 't wait to hear more and sending lots of good thoughts your way...
Regina
Posted On: 11 Jun 2008 05:40 pm
you think you have it hard. try having a screaming baby that won't sleep and a daughter that wakes up at 5.30 thinking since it's light out that it's time to play....
harden up, eat drink and be merry. i want to see you finish this thing!!!
10 June 2008 12:55 pm (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Another day done- and I think I am starting to adapt better to the heat and altitude. Last night was rather miserable; I lost all appetite and as a consequence didn't take in very many calories. Today I took it very slow, and some of my appetite has returned. I will continue to go slow tomorrow until I can eat normally again.
The course today was beautiful- some amazing landscapes and canyons. Looking forward to tomorrow.
Tell Kate that I saw a camel yesterday and a bunch of geckos today.
The course today was beautiful- some amazing landscapes and canyons. Looking forward to tomorrow.
Tell Kate that I saw a camel yesterday and a bunch of geckos today.
Comments: Total (19) comments
Posted On: 11 Jun 2008 03:47 pm
Dude! I need pics of those geckos please. Seriously - it would be an excuse for a brief break, right? Just 'cause you're away from the lab doesn't mean the science has to end . . .
Posted On: 11 Jun 2008 01:02 pm
Hey Scott! I hope you're recovering well after stage 3 and ready to go for stage 4! Matt is laughing at you! I wore my awesome trail shoes to work in your honor! (BK) Ann Marie says "Rafael is Lonely and is considering walking to work without his ipod" (in your honor) -- continue kicking a--!
Posted On: 11 Jun 2008 02:41 am
We want to see a 1st place finish, LOL. Keep up the pace. Stay hydrated. Get pumped!
Gregg & Lauren
Posted On: 11 Jun 2008 02:20 am
The #1 Threat to Adventure Racers is: Bears
Posted On: 11 Jun 2008 02:12 am
Today must have been a tough one, but you are sailing along nicely. Hope you are feeling better, and are eating well, to keep up the hard work. I'm wishing you lots of energy for this next bit. - Bill
Posted On: 11 Jun 2008 02:06 am
I know you think it is tough over there, but I had to mow the lawn today and it was 95+. To honor you, I carried my food with me while I carried the mower into the backyard.
Can you find out what they do with the head of the goat used in the carcass-toss game?
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 11:38 pm
Glad to know that you are OK. We're thinking of you--Love, Andy and Robin
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 09:55 pm
Great job on the last leg man! Hope your appetite comes back in time for the chilled monkey brains!
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 07:10 pm
Glad to hear you are adjusting to the climate. We anxiously await each day's results--you are doing an awesome job! Thinking of you always--Go Scott!
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 07:08 pm
Bill and you are doing great! KEEP HYDRATED! I know, it's a new line; replaces WASH YOUR HANDS. The landscape is so varied. We can hardly wait to see the photos.We are glued to the computer! Waiting for the postings for stage 3. Keep having a wonderful adventure.
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 05:21 pm
Good. You sound/read better.. Time to go from a bewildered rocky in the first fight with drago to the kick butt and train in the mountains rocky so you can make america good again. we're all depending on you.
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 04:30 pm
Great job yesterday Ribs! I'm so glad that you're starting to feel better. There are pictures from Stage 3 up and the landscape looks amazing and yet very different from the past two days. Keep up the pace of taking it slow! You're doing a great job! We can't wait to see the pictures!
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 03:57 pm
Unlike Pete, I did nothing in the heat besides sweat and drink some gin and tonics. I'll have a nice, refreshing drink ready for you when you come back. Just keep that in your head through the desert - actually maybe not with your current stomach state. Hopefully you'll be able to eat some more soon and adapt to that beautiful landscape - it looks awesome in pics.
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 02:57 pm
hey scott
looks like an amazing adventure. how was heaven's gate? keep up the good work - and keep up with the calorie intake. in honor of your desert race I ran 6 miles in 85 degrees here in Boston on Sunday... (yes I ran...)
try to get in some more pictures dude...
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 02:04 pm
Great job getting thru Stage 2! Like this plan you and Bill adopted of taking it slow -way to go! Pictures are amazing! Enjoy!
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 01:47 pm
Great job to both of you! Can't wait to see the pictures. Good luck!
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 01:18 pm
Kate says GO UNCLE CHINA. You'll have to teach her the word camel when you return. Awesome job on stage 2. Glad to hear you are taking slow and easy and staying hydrated. Saw some great pictures of you. Scenery looks awesome. Keep hydrated and good luck today in Stage 3!
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 01:15 pm
Hi Scott! Had ice cream w/ Nicole and Eric and they told us of your great adventure! You GO! Sounds amazing. I hope you are seeing incredible sights and having the experience of a lifetime! Stay safe, and keep eating though. I was skimming through your blog and I am curious if you ever got your shoes back. Talk w/ you when you get back (Jeff and I may hit Slovenia after IM Austria and we want info from you!). Take care and good luck!!! Great job!
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 01:15 pm
Good job Scott ! We're all pulling for you! Come back soon!
09 June 2008 11:42 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Hello all- we have just finished stage 1.
Kashgar is a cool town-Bill and I wandered around yesterday morning and saw some of the old town. Bill was mistaken for an olympian when we went to buy water in the town- I think all the patches on our arms confused the locals.
Last night we were treated to a concert and an equestrian competition- 20 horse riders fighting for a dead goat, and trying to throw it in a ring the middle of a dry river bed. Very exciting.
Today was very very hot and very dry. The scenery was amazing though the heat really dragged me down. Decided to take today as slow as possible to adjust to the heat and altitude. This was a good plan as I briefly lost all appetite. Feeling better now, though planning to take tomorrow slow as well and be as careful as possible. Lots of people went out fast today and really suffered for it. Taking lots of pictures, can't wait to show them to people.
Miss you all, hope all is well. Shannon, I miss you alot, can't wait to see you!
Kashgar is a cool town-Bill and I wandered around yesterday morning and saw some of the old town. Bill was mistaken for an olympian when we went to buy water in the town- I think all the patches on our arms confused the locals.
Last night we were treated to a concert and an equestrian competition- 20 horse riders fighting for a dead goat, and trying to throw it in a ring the middle of a dry river bed. Very exciting.
Today was very very hot and very dry. The scenery was amazing though the heat really dragged me down. Decided to take today as slow as possible to adjust to the heat and altitude. This was a good plan as I briefly lost all appetite. Feeling better now, though planning to take tomorrow slow as well and be as careful as possible. Lots of people went out fast today and really suffered for it. Taking lots of pictures, can't wait to show them to people.
Miss you all, hope all is well. Shannon, I miss you alot, can't wait to see you!
Comments: Total (28) comments
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 12:49 pm
Great job guys! Keep it up and try to enjoy yourselves as much as possible.
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 12:21 pm
Nice Scott- some great pics of you on stage 3... by the way- I love the 7 sisters shirt. Are you trying to show everyone how tough you are?
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 11:14 am
Keep saying to yourselves "I am here to have a good time! I am here to have a good time!" We are trying to train Kate to say "stay hydrated" rather than "Tatoo". Take care
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 10:33 am
Congrats to Bill and you for making it through stage 2. This race is no walk in the park! It was so cool to see the photos of Bill and you. Amazing that we can follow the race through this device (computer) and send a message! Continue to have a good time, stay hydrated, and take pictures.
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 04:31 am
Great job on getting through 2 stages, I hope it's smooth sailing from here on in. About 90+ here in Boston but somehow I feel that would be a nice change of pace considering the conditions over there. Good luck.
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 04:12 am
Woo hoo! Two stages down! Way to go!
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 02:38 am
Keep plowing ahead and best of luck!
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 01:52 am
OK, we now know you've survived stage 2! Results just came in. Great job! Talked to Uncle Andy tonight and he and Aunt Robin and Reilly wish you the best! Good luck on stage 3!
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 01:11 am
Wow, The place is amazing!
Can't wait to her about your experience and see your photos.
I have one question. How are you manging to keep your head cool? no man vs wild yet?
Posted On: 10 Jun 2008 01:04 am
Woof, woof! Andy, Robin, and I are wishing you the best. Be smart and safe. Hang in there!
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 11:55 pm
Go Team Bott! I've been tracking your progress from the UK. Glad to hear that you both finished stage one. It was great to see you on the video and the photo of Bill. Stay hydrated and feel free to have Bill carry any of your extra gear. We're cheering for you guys!
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 09:57 pm
I know it is hot, but keep it up!! We are thinking of you! Can't wait to hear about all your experiences!!
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 08:04 pm
WAHOO! go scott!! On to Stage 2! this is really neat that we can follow your (awesome) progress!! Can't wait for pictures!
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 08:03 pm
I second what Oppie wrote...it's 100 degrees and most people are sweating just standing in the shade. I'm so amazed at what you are doing! Be smart (you are) and continue to keep your thoughts on both the short-term goals (drink, drink, fuel) and the long-term ones (conserve energy where/when possible.)
The Jay Peak Challenge is like a 5K for you now!
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 08:01 pm
Kate keeps asking for Uncle China! Great job on Stage 1 and good luck on stage 2. Sounds hot there - glad to hear you are taking it easy and slow. Make sure you stay hydrated and don't overdo too much. We are cheering you on and checking the blog as Chris says every 15 min.
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 07:35 pm
Bit disappointed that you and Bill didn't jump in after the dead goat, but guess it's better not to cause a cultural snafu. Keep up with the trek guys!
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 07:26 pm
Awesome dude, keep it up. It's hot as hell here and I can't imagine doing anything strenuous - let alone a marathon a day over that terrain.
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 07:05 pm
Great job Scott! The photos are amazing--we are thinking of you constantly and cheering for you!
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 06:19 pm
Take it slow and steady. The most important thing is to finish safely and still sane. Good luck on the rest of the days.
John H.
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 05:15 pm
You two are playing it smart, moving slowly as you get used to the grind. Wishing you well tomorrow - be safe, stop and rest. And have fun - as we are from a safe distance! - Bill K. (the elder)
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 04:10 pm
wow, the dead goat battle sounds pretty cool. did you get pictures of that??
Hey, take it SLOW! You're there to enjoy this, finish it, and have a great experience. So don't push it and listen to those around you to eat, drink, take it easy, etc.
We had a nice weekend on the cape and checked for your blog about every 15 minutes.
Good luck, keep blogging, Kate says "Uncle China" - Chris
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 03:52 pm
Great Job Scott!!
The photos on the site are amazing..can't wait to see what you guys took yourselves.
Be careful in the heat:)
-mANDY
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 03:26 pm
Looks amazing Scott. Can't wait to see more pics and hear more stories. Hang in there and good luck!
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 03:20 pm
Glad you guys are taking slow-the conditions sound extreme! Happy you are feeling better. Can't wait to know you and Bill are done with the very hard Stage 2! Cheers!
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 03:14 pm
The pictures that are up on the site are amazing and we cannot wait to see your photos as well! Glad to hear that you're feeling better and have your appetite back. Keep up the good work! We're all following along with you and Bill and cheering you on!
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 02:36 pm
There are some photos of you and Bill on the website using the computers and a great one of Bill on the course. Scott, you're in the video during Stage 1, looking good! Keep it up!
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 01:16 pm
Good job guys! Waiting on the results for Stage 2. Take it slow, make it a nice, long, though extremely hot, hike. Good luck, we'll continue to check in. Love you.
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 12:45 pm
Nice job Scott... keep it slow. Looks like a handful of people have already dropped out from the tough conditions, and to day is the hardest day!?! Can't wait to see all of the pics!
So remember, when times get tough... you have to push forward to get more pics to show us! enjoy
03 June 2008 02:43 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Our flight leaves early tomorrow for Hong Kong, and then we fly on to Kashgar on the 6th. This is likely my last post until the race begins.
My gear is all packed and ready to go (my uncle was a savior and did an awesome job sewing the patches on my gear). Now to survive the plane flights and time change.
Thanks to my wife for letting me go on this trip and helping me every step of the way- honey, you're awesome! I promise this is my last crazy adventure race until at least next year.
Also thanks to my sister Laurel for the million things she helped me with, as well as all my friends and family for all their help and support during the preparation. You guys are great!
See you in a couple weeks......
Comments: Total (23) comments
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 02:19 am
Ribs we saw you on one of the videos! Way to go! And you had a river crossing on your first day....your favorite thing! Stay cool! Drink drink drink!
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 01:53 am
Dude-I crashed your bike. Now you really are done with triathlons.
Posted On: 08 Jun 2008 10:04 pm
Scott,
Congrats on making it thru Stage 1! You and Bill are doing great in the heat and all! We are cheering you on here in CT! Keep each other safe!
Posted On: 08 Jun 2008 08:00 pm
Wow, I guess you really weren't making this race up!! Congrats on making it through Stage 1! We'll be here cheering you on as we watch on ESPN 8! Good luck on stage 2!
Posted On: 08 Jun 2008 07:59 pm
Alright Scott...
River crossings, now that is how you start a long race, get those shoes/feet nice and wet!
Everybody is complaining of the heat over there, yet you are wearing all black! what's wrong with you?
Looks like you are having fun though, keep it up -
Posted On: 08 Jun 2008 05:50 pm
Hi Scott! Happy to hear that you and Bill have stage 1 behind you. The London crowd is helping to cheer you guys on and hopes you are enjoying your UK freeze-dried meals. Stay safe and don't forget to stuff any gear you don't need into Bill's pack. Looking forward to having you guys home next week.
Posted On: 08 Jun 2008 04:55 pm
Congrats on Stage 1! I'm so proud of you guys! Did you start a Team USA?! Try to stay cool, have fun with your host families. Good luck on Stage 2!
Posted On: 08 Jun 2008 12:07 am
Hi Scott,
We are so excited you are in China and about to begin the Gobi race! Take lots of pictures and keep in touch. We can't wait to hear about your adventure. Nancy
It is a little after 8:00 here, If you started the race already I hope you had a good start don't have any problems.
Pat
Posted On: 07 Jun 2008 08:35 pm
Happy blogs! Happy blogs! Happy blogs... come-on Scott I have a lot riding on you man! Enjoy the run- Kashgar looked crazy cool.
Shannon, why wait til atacama? Sahara is in a few months.... :)
Posted On: 07 Jun 2008 05:33 pm
Hi Kate LaGatta,
You had me at "excitedly." Wait -- this isn't a chat room for babies? Crap. Oh, well. I might as well wish your uncle Ribs and Bill good luck while I'm here.
Posted On: 07 Jun 2008 11:56 am
Hi! I saw a photo of you on the website at the briefing in the hotel in Kashgar! Just barely on the right hand side, almost missed you. There's a photo of Dean checking in. Tell him we loved his book! We can't wait to see some great photos of the Gobi. Have an awesome adventure! Love you!!
Posted On: 07 Jun 2008 03:25 am
It is the night of June 6th here in the states and I should be sleeping - don't tell Mom and Dad. Wondering what Uncle Scott is doing right now in Kashgar and how his trip there went. Excitedly waiting for the beginning of the race. Good luck! Love, Kate
Posted On: 06 Jun 2008 10:49 pm
I miss you! Hope Kashgar is good and that you didn't give in to the pigeon soup. Just think of Venice! Hope the bus ride is not too bumpy. Enjoy the show and campfire dinner tonight! Wish I was with you. Hmm...maybe Atacama?! Sleep well and good luck. xxoo
Posted On: 06 Jun 2008 09:29 pm
Scott,
Good luck! Enjoy every moment. Hope hong Kong was fun and that you and Bill are rested and ready to go - very soon!
Penni
Posted On: 06 Jun 2008 07:48 pm
Only hours from the start, Good luck!!! Keep me posted on the RMP.
Posted On: 06 Jun 2008 03:46 pm
does Bill know about your plan if captured? good luck dude, i'll be having sympathy back and leg pains for you. you make me sick. i still don't understand why anyone would want to run 5 marathons back to back. well whatever it is enjoy the race and i'll see you back here soon.
Posted On: 06 Jun 2008 01:19 am
Woo Hoo! Good luck Scott and Bill -- hope you remembered to pack the family size giant can of Whup Ass! Will follow your progress from the lab on Google Earth five years from now!
Posted On: 04 Jun 2008 05:41 pm
Kick Butt Scott!!
Please keep Bill safe too:) We need you both home safe in a few weeks. Enjoy the adventure.
-Mandy, Aru, Tank, and Edgar
Posted On: 04 Jun 2008 05:00 pm
Hope the trip to the Gobi was good and that you are ready for freeze-dried food! We are thinking of you and wishing you and Bill well. Enjoy this adventure and be safe!
Posted On: 04 Jun 2008 01:50 am
You're probably still on the plane! Have an amazing time! We wish you the best and hope that this is an adventure of a lifetime for you! We're looking forward to the stories and the "food"! Eric wanted me to tell you to remember the RMP photos for Hynes!
Posted On: 04 Jun 2008 01:05 am
hope your flight was good. don't eat anything that moves....
have an awesome race, i just bought some cold beer for when you return.
pete
Posted On: 04 Jun 2008 12:45 am
OMG you have to see this link. Oh wait a sec, you're in effing China. Now who am I gonna chat with? :P
Have a good time there and live the experience. I wish I was there with you guys.
Opps
Posted On: 03 Jun 2008 09:45 pm
We cannot wait to follow you through the race. Good luck and stay safe! Have a fantastic adventure. Cannot wait to see the pictures when you return.
19 May 2008 01:15 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Less than three weeks to go! In an attempt to cram in some last big workouts, Bill and I drove 3 hours north yesterday to the Presidential Range in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. This range contains the highest peaks in New England (including Mt. Washington), and was a perfect setting for a big hill workout. We decided to speed hike the second highest peak, Mt. Adams, as it was reported that many of the trails had thawed out from an above-average spring snowfall.
The trail is a mixture of dirts and rock at lower altitudes:
The snow was still pretty deep at the higher altitudes. At this point Bill was kind enough to lend me one of his poles. This worked so well that for the Gobi March I will try to adopt a similar plan: Bill can buy and carry important equipment, and then subsequently hand it off to me when I need it. There are so many pockets on his backpack that I should be able to fit in at least few beers without him noticing.
As we got above treeline, there was little snow and some phenomenal views. By this time, the wind had really started to pick up:
We had sorta lost the trail at this point, but figured we couldn't go wrong with just heading upwards:
These mountains are the highest in New England, and due to a convergence of 3 common storm tracks, they have some of the worst weather in America. Mt. Washington (the highest peak) has over 100 days a year of hurricane class winds, and has the highest recorded surface wind speed in the world (231 mph). Therefore, even though the overall altitude of these peaks is minimal compared to the rocky mtns., the winds are fierce enough that the tops of these peaks are all about treeline. Here's the view of Mt. Washington from near the peak of Mt. Adams:
Success! We had planned to eat lunch at the top, but the winds picked up and we made a speedy descent.
All in all, an awesome way to spend a Saturday.
I have bought all my equipment and food; unfortunately I am currently missing my shoes. I got a cobbler to sew on a velcro strip for attaching the gaiters, but he has disappeared (with my shoes). Only 2 weeks to recover them, or I will be the 1st barefoot 4Deserts runner.
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 31 May 2008 01:56 pm
Have a great trip! I love you! Bring me back something really cool.
Posted On: 30 May 2008 05:16 pm
Good Luck Uncle Scott! Safe travels and racing. I will be practicing the words you taught me and will be happy to help you unpack your backpack when you return.
06 April 2008 07:42 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Hello all- it is hard to believe how quickly the Gobi race is approaching (and how long it has been since I posted to this blog).
Things have been good here in Boston, though I am definitely ready for spring. I am mentally done with running in the dark and the cold non-stop, and am looking forward to some warmer weather. I might not be prepared for the hot temps in the Gobi, but at least I'll be ready for the cold.
As with every season, I wish I had more miles on my legs, though I am pretty happy with what I have done so far. I've been running with a Raidlight backpack on all my runs since January, and the time has seriously helped with getting used to the weight and making sure I have a proper fit. Combined with the shoulder water bottle holders I added to the pack, I can easily access all my drinks and food while I am running (or shuffling slowly along).
Last week Bill (another Gobi competitor) and I took part in a local trail marathon in the Middlesex Fells outside of Boston. While there are no long ascents like in the white mountains, the trails are very rocky and rarely have any flat portions.
Here's a picture of Bill leading the way:
Some of the terrain was a bit steep:
All in all, a fun day and good preparation (though I don't think an average Gobi stage will be followed by pizza).
Other than that, my gear has been almost completely finalized, with only some minor food choices remaining. We actually did a taste test of a bunch of dehydrated foods, and some were amazingly good (Expedition Food's Chicken Tikka and Chicken Korma, and Mountain House's Chicken and Mashed Potatoes) while others I'd stay away from (Expedition Food's Chile con carne and Mountain House's Mac and Cheese).
I was surprised about the Mac and Cheese, as I pretty much survived in college entirely on non-nutritious food like that.
Hopefully if I find more time, I'll post my gear and food list.
Comments: Total (7) comments
Posted On: 09 Jun 2008 01:54 am
Good luck Scott. Hope the first day went well. Loveena and I are watching your progress. We think you are crazy but wish you the best.
Posted On: 02 Jun 2008 09:21 pm
Have fun! (even if it's hard to believe how to have fun in Gobi desert...).I'll think about your freeze-dried lasagne eating the real ones...
Buona fortuna (good luck)!
Posted On: 31 May 2008 01:08 pm
Good luck Scott! I am so excited for you and this great adventure! Have a wonderful time and enjoy every minute of it. Safe travels and we can't wait to hear all about it when you and Bill return. Love you.
Posted On: 31 May 2008 01:07 pm
Good luck Scott! I am so excited for you and this great adventure! Have a wonderful time and enjoy every minute of it. Safe travels and we can't wait to hear all about it when you and Bill return.
Posted On: 20 May 2008 08:12 pm
Great photos from New Hampshire! I can't believe that the next stop is the Gobi. As you have helped Bill prepare for this every step of the way, I think the least he can do is purchase and carry equipment for you to use. Shannon and I look forward to getting you two back on June 16. Be safe.
Posted On: 24 Apr 2008 04:39 pm
We still can't believe how soon it will be that you will be racing in the Gobi. We wish you a safe race and will be thinking about you the entire time. We'll be cheering you on! GO SCOTT!
Posted On: 24 Apr 2008 04:38 pm
Go Uncle Scott! I will be cheering you on and can't wait to hear all about your experience when you return.
23 January 2008 01:15 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
This race is great for gear junkies, and anyone addicted to excel sheets. Seriously.
For many years I did triathlons, which were a gear junkie’s dream. Triathletes love to drone on for hours regarding every aspect of gear choice- from simple stuff like the choice of bike brands and frame material to the seemingly inconsequential. I once talked to a guy in a mortal state of indecision regarding whether he should spray himself at the start of a race with generic cooking spray or higher-priced Pam brand spray- which one would make it faster to take off his wetsuit? (FYI: olive oil-flavored Pam works best in shark-free Massachusetts waters).
Little did I know how much more exciting the gear indecision is for this race. I’ve already read way too much about choice of gear and food for this race (and bored my wife senseless), and have ultimately come to the decision that I know almost nothing. The upside is that this justifies the wasting of more time surfing the web looking for info.
I'll post more in future days regarding my training and gear choices, and hopefully some veterans of past 4Desert races (or people further along in their training than me) will be able to chime in and give me some useful advice along the way.
As of now, my biggest concern is the choice of hydration system. I use the Salomon Raid Revo 30 backpack, and have been running with it since last summer. As things go, it’s great: light and doesn’t have any high pressure spots with either light or heavy loads. Unfortunately, I have no clue what to do regarding carrying water/sports drink with the bag. With this specific Salomon backpack there seems to only be a few options:
- Internal bladder: I’ve used this option so far on my longer runs, and I think it is not feasible for the race. Too much pain to get it in/out of the bag when you’re also carrying gear, and impossible to have separate water or sports drink.
- External bladder or bottle (in the side pockets): In both these options, I would run a water line over the shoulder to the strap. I’ve seen some people do this in the
- Front bottles using the Raidlight system: I’ve ordered the bottle holder to try to adapt it to the Salomon bags. A cursory look at the online directions shows that it is going to be difficult to attach, I might need to sew it on directly to the strap. Unfortunately, given my limited sewing experience, there is likely an equal chance I will attach it to my hand directly.
If anyone else has any suggestions regarding hydration and the Salomon bags, I’d greatly appreciate it. I figure if I can't get option (b) or (c) working satisfactory, I might have to switch to a Raidlight bag.
I looked forward to reading more blogs from competitors and meeting you all come June.
Comments: Total (4) comments
Posted On: 17 Jun 2008 12:40 am
Posted On: 16 Jun 2008 02:21 pm
Posted On: 13 Jun 2008 08:40 pm
Posted On: 13 Jun 2008 04:08 am