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Gobi March Blogs 2009
3
PostsGobi March (2009) blog posts from CLIVE SMYTH
19 June 2009 10:30 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Well what can I say the 'long day', day 4 is just that and that was yesterdays activity. It is really tough on the feet and needs plenty of mental focus. I ran with Hels again, which was brilliant as we managed to control the exuberance of each others competitive attributes. We set the pace just right for both of us to finish in 15:19 - not shabby by any standards. I am now placed 55th and will work hard on the last day to drop back into the top 50. This is a race that can be run very tactically, and more by luck then judgment, I have managed to do that. There are alot of very fit endurance runners here and they are amazing to watch.
Things to remember:
1. Take a small camera, the views are stunning and the quick stop to take photos helps mentally.
2. Get the right shoes, get the right shoes, get the right shoes - you need well fitting and cushioned footwear - the state of my feet are testament to that. I used Inovate (Trail Talon) - totally inappropriate. The terrain is tough, pebbled riverbeds being the worst.
3. While it is a race, look after your tent mates and if possible come with a running mate or meet one here, it makes a difference.
This has been the experience of a lifetime, ranking in the top 5 for me personally. Be in no doubt it is hard, very hard - but if you are reading blogs on this sight - the hook is in, so start to train, budget and plan for an experience that will test everybody in one way or another. Good luck and enjoy. Fingers crossed Atacama 2011 for me.
Things to remember:
1. Take a small camera, the views are stunning and the quick stop to take photos helps mentally.
2. Get the right shoes, get the right shoes, get the right shoes - you need well fitting and cushioned footwear - the state of my feet are testament to that. I used Inovate (Trail Talon) - totally inappropriate. The terrain is tough, pebbled riverbeds being the worst.
3. While it is a race, look after your tent mates and if possible come with a running mate or meet one here, it makes a difference.
This has been the experience of a lifetime, ranking in the top 5 for me personally. Be in no doubt it is hard, very hard - but if you are reading blogs on this sight - the hook is in, so start to train, budget and plan for an experience that will test everybody in one way or another. Good luck and enjoy. Fingers crossed Atacama 2011 for me.
17 June 2009 09:54 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 4 complete, it was a killer, lots of climbs and descents, but Heavens Gate was worth the effort. Day 3 was run with Hels again and we made excellent time in weather and terrain that suited our race style, 6:15 and placed 46th. What was good about yewas sterday? It threatening to rain -,overcast and cooler - a summers day in Yorkshire! Today the temp and wind were up and the routes just seem to drqin your energy.
We have an early start tomorrow and hopefully a little less climbing. The Gobi is stunning and my only regret is potentially missing out on photographs. Not muc else to say, except I really enjoyed 2 meals tonight and might have breakfast before bed!
We have an early start tomorrow and hopefully a little less climbing. The Gobi is stunning and my only regret is potentially missing out on photographs. Not muc else to say, except I really enjoyed 2 meals tonight and might have breakfast before bed!
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15 June 2009 08:37 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Well what an achievement I have finally found out how to use the 'blog'! Oh and finished a second 41k race day, two to go and the long day to follow, might have to wear Crocs for the final short stage. Lessons learnt are: stick to shoes you know!!! Day 1 was good happy with the pace and really enjoyed the race, result 23rd (tbc), my feet paid the price though. Excellent tent group Hels, Sandra, Wayne (the fastest in the tent), Gary, Andy, Mark and the HK lads Chris & Nick - all good company. Day 2 paired with Hels for mutual encouragement and a support, not to mention rest my soft feet! Note to self, spend even less time in the office and more time training. Think I placed 77th today.
The scenery is stunning, from river valleys to snow topped mountains, with feet crippling riverbeds and undulating crag routes. The temperature has, so far been manageable. What else can I say? Wait for the photographs rather then my poor literary scribble.
Tom & Jas, if you get to see this 'be good' and Tom 8 days to your birthday - enjoy!! Not much else to say other than I now feel my age, but yes you have guessed it - still not acting it. Oh, by the way if you are reading this and you would like to sponsor me (Charity is The Royal British Legion) go to www.justgiving.com/clivesmyth and make this little adventure double worth while. Thanks for reading, bigger thanks for sponsoring.
Clive.
Living the dream.
PS. I think a Half Ironman is the next project, someone talk me out of it!
The scenery is stunning, from river valleys to snow topped mountains, with feet crippling riverbeds and undulating crag routes. The temperature has, so far been manageable. What else can I say? Wait for the photographs rather then my poor literary scribble.
Tom & Jas, if you get to see this 'be good' and Tom 8 days to your birthday - enjoy!! Not much else to say other than I now feel my age, but yes you have guessed it - still not acting it. Oh, by the way if you are reading this and you would like to sponsor me (Charity is The Royal British Legion) go to www.justgiving.com/clivesmyth and make this little adventure double worth while. Thanks for reading, bigger thanks for sponsoring.
Clive.
Living the dream.
PS. I think a Half Ironman is the next project, someone talk me out of it!
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 04 Jan 2010 07:37 pm