Yesterday was pretty bad, I think everyone was pretty shocked by the terrain and toughness of the course. Kahshin did well and came in with a good placing. Michael and Chun Yan did pretty well too! Getty and I were almost last but we were just glad we made it!

Stage 1 for me was horrible. I didn’t have enough food and had a pretty bad headache from CP2 onwards, so I ended up feeling nauseous when I got back to camp. Furthermore, I had twisted my ankle after CP1 and my calf muscles were killing me at the end of the day! Luckily, the doctors gave me some medication for my nauseousness and something for my ankle. Think everyone else finished feeling quite ok.

Today was much better. Everyone found the last CP hard though. But everyone still finished in good time. Hopefully we’ll all feel better as the days go by as we get more acclimatized. =)

Till tomorrow…

Pure torture! That is the consensus from all of us.. The day started with good weather and excellent scenery. The cultural performances and horse racing events at Gazi village were an eye-opener. Everyone began the day in high spirits, mixed with anticipation and some degree of anxiety.

Kah Shin held a Singapore flag on a make-shift pole at the start point. He is a crazy guy. Kah Shin ran with an Israeli friend he met at the Sahara, and they had a good time throughout the day, though Kah Shin ran out of water almost towards the end of the last leg.

Being the very first time for Getty, El, Michael and Choon Yann, they took it easy for Day 1. However, it is definitely a culture shock to be in such an extremely harsh environment. At some stages, it was just pure torture. Nonetheless, they took many photos to share with friends back in Singapore and all of them came crossing the finish line with wide smiles J They are exhausted but came back safe without any injuries.

Look forward to more reporting on Day 2!

The Gobi Desert Race is the first 4Deserts race that I will be taking part and there seems to be quite a fair amount of anticipation, excitement and uncertainty. 

"Have I forgotten anything?..."  That is a nagging feeling that I just can't seem to shake off.  My only consolation is that I'll be flying off tomorrow and it's too late to do anything about it.  I'll just have to suck it up and just go with it. 

Making matters worse, I am still recovering from a bout of flu/cough.  As a result, I have not been training much during the last few weeks.  Oh well... no time to worry.  Got to start packing...

Getty

Hey all!

I thought I'd write a few words before I head off to the airport.  

In a few hours time, i'd be catching a plane to head off to .  I guess it is somewhere that I never thought I'd go as it is not a typical tourist destination.  In fact, I found out that it is a restricted area for the average tourists... Sounds like it is going to be quite an adventure.   

Before I go, I would like to give a shout out to the following people: 

- First is Kah Shin! Thanks for introducing this to El and I.  Eh, ever thought of signing on with the Army?  They make you do such things (e.g. track for miles carrying heavy loads) and actually pay you for that!  If you  are thinking of a career switch if you hedge fund thing is not working out, you know what you can do.. ;)

- My parents. Thanks for not stopping us. :) I am sure you are concerned about the earthquake situation in Sichuan , but we'll be alright. 

- Dominic.  Glad we could make this Gobi thingy the second PURE Charity event.  It's heartening to know that we are able to help the less fortunate with what we are doing.  In a way, it is making us (or me at least) more determined to do my part and complete the race. 

- Sudi, Li ling and Shawn. Hey! we missed you guys.  It's really such a waste that you can't join us for this race, we really hope to see you guys at the next one. :)

- Everyone else who's helped us in one way or another: there are simply just too many of you to list. Thanks for your support and concern.  We'll definitely make it back to share the photos we took!! :)