So we set off on a quest of 78kms, which is 18kms longer than anything I have ever done before. I was a bit nervous going into it but excited to see the day. We started with an early wake up call and bus ride out to the starting point. it was COLD!!!
 
I wasn't really sure how to pace myself given that I've never done anything like this, so I started out nice and slow and decided to aim for 5kms an hour. I started the day with my tentmate Toby and decided that I was going to try and soak up as much life experience and advice from my fellow competitors. As you can imagine people who sign up for this type of adventure have already spent a fair amount of time thinking about the work they do and the people they want to be/are. I'm really grateful to Toby and then another competitor Mark for letting me soak up some of their past wanderings and experiences.
 
After the first two stages, we descended into the riverbeds. Riverbeds are like water catchments but worse. They are long and flat and boring but they are covered in rocks which you inevitably kick and trip over. We had some gorgeous snow capped mountains out in the distance but that was about it. one thing Xinjiang does not lack are rocks.
 
Moving into stage three I started to struggle a bit. My stomach was not very happy and it was difficult to eat and drink. I started going more slowly. I was fortunate to come across a couple of different people who I was able to trail although I didn't really have the energy to talk. There were a couple of pretty hills and ridges not to mention GRASS that i enjoyed walking over. Coming into checkpoint five, tentmate Mark entertained me with Bill Bryson's a Walk in the Woods.I got into checkpoint 5 and decided to push forward to try and make it back to camp in as short a time as possible. The subsequent 11kms were by far the worst 11km of my life. Long flat and rocky riverbed. Awful.  When I got to checkpoint 6 I decided to take a quick rest,have some water and eat some peanut M&Ms. Those peanut M&Ms work miracles and I started trucking for the last 18kms. It was gorgeous to watch the sun set over the plain and then watch the trail markers start to illuminate the darkness. While i was by myself I was feeling really powerful and strong. The sky was very dark with some beautiful stars. I don't remember seeing the moon. I came into checkpoint 7 at midnight and decided that i was going to make it back to camp in an hour. I broke out the poles and just started trucking. i sort of imagined myself to be on cross country skis flying down the village road. And I arrived just a couple of minutes after 1am. The adrenaline was incredible and I felt so relieved to arrive. Being greeted by Rob and Mary left me with a huge sense of accomplishment,
 
That was pretty hard and painful. Probably  the hardest thing I've done physically but I guess you get to  point where you realize the limitations that the body imposes and you can figure out how to get around or through them. Still i don't think a career as an ultramarathoner is in my near future. It's hard to believe we only have 10kms left and I am desperately looking forward to a shower,clean clothes, pizza and beer.
 
This has been quite the trip and I feel really lucky that I've gotten to enjoy it. Thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement as I have been going along on this. Know that I have been thinking of you all often and can't wait to share all the stories with you in person.
 
Back on the grid Saturday and i can't say I am looking forward to it except to reconnect with all of you.
 
Much love as always.
 
Kathryn x
 
 

What a gorgeous day! I wish I could send everyone a picture of the sky. You would hardly believe that I am in China... talk about big sky country...
 
This was really an incredible and monumental day. We headed out of camp up and into the hills towards Heaven Gate's, which is the world's highest natural arch. There was a pretty steep climb up to the arch but we got to watch the leaders come down which was really fun! I was barely halfway up the hill when Lahaie came bombing down the mountain with one of the other leaders, Sean Abbot. Close behind them came team Kuma-  Shawn and Steve with ferocious looks of intensity and Pat, with a big old grin. Amazing what those guys can do. One of the other guys in the top 5 is over 50! I hope that I am EVER as fit as he is now- unlikely however. I made my way slowly and carefully up the hill with Bis who owns a vineyard outside Canberra. The view was incredible. I wish I could have spent more time up there to enjoy it. My camera won't do justice to the magnificence both of the arch and the view from it. Coming down the hill, I teamed back up with the British team who is running in support of Royal Marsden Hospital. They are just such a cheery and chatty group of guys. I'm so glad that I've had the chance to spend some of the most challenging moments of my trip with them.
 
From the bottom of the arch we headed up into the hills. I don't know when this happened but I LOVE the hills or at least going down the hills. I was lucky to have a lovely Canadian Katrina pulling up those hills as quick as could be and then I would just fly down the ridge and the landscape is just breathtaking. I couldn't help but feel like superwoman over these incredible mountains. I did a much better job on hydration and  food today. I sucked a packet of Vanilla Gu and bombed down the river bed and joined up with a TALL father/ son combo from HK.  It was great to walk/run with them for a bit into checkpoint three. I quickly loaded up on water for the last LONG stage of the day. We started through a beautiful village and with the sun shining and the sheep bleating. I felt great. As I powered through the poplar lined avenue, my tentmate Dunny caught up with me. Lucky moment for me! Dunny is about 6'4 and if it weren't for an injured knee he would be running the whole thing. Well dunny and I started on a walk/ shuffle routine that got us through the village and farmlands which went on for 13km. Let me tell you that was the longest 13km of life. We caught up with Norma who is in third position for the women and made our way with her over barbed wire fences and fields of sharp cacti. At every hill and turn, we ran listening expectantly for the drums signaling the camp. But it was NEVER there. Not for ever or ever or ever...but we kept on going and going and going... Up a hill down a hill, around a mountain, past three mini mosques...the country is spectacular but by time we got to the village that supports the mosques we were about finished with water and running low on reserves. I scarfed down some doritos and kept on running- if there's a picture of me with orange lips that is why. Not my most ladylike moment, but hey it got me to the end. So dunny and I ran in together and it turns out I was the fourth woman to finish today. Third place for the individual women today. Really spectacular day.
 
In other tent adventures, Si Rob- gear guru and team leader came in the top 20 finishers today. Amazing.
 
I am sure that today was really difficult for most of the field- lots hills and very long hot stretches, but I am really lucky to be feeling strong and solid with the help of my fellow competitors at all the key moments in the race . Tomorrow is going to be the endless Long March. I would like to finish it in the daylight, but given that I am not much of a roadrunner that might be tough. My goal is just to stay consistent and in positive spirits.
 
Colleen and Sean- CONGRATS! I am so excited that I will get to give you both a big hug and hopefully we can celebrate with a bottle of champagne or three (which will be super special after all your time with sober Kathryn in May!) Good work Sean- I bet Colleen was totally surprised.
 
Jonathan- Happy Birthday!  Sounds like  you guys had a fun celebration Can't wait to celebrate a bit with you as well.
 
Cdawg- your emails are a huge part of my day. Thank you thank you- also lahaie can't send emails or write a blog so tell Mr. Spoon to tell the Crimson crew that he really appreciates all the messages.
 
Dooles- can we run one of these crazy things together before too long? Wedding 10k perhaps? can't wait to celebrate with you and tom in just a couple months time.
 
Kate- Hong Kong needs to watch out.. I think you and I are going to be taking the king of the hills title before too long. I can't thank you enough for your encouragement and support through training. I could not have had a better training partner.
 
Mom and dad, thinking of you all as ever and how much you strength and courage you've given me (plus strong legs) to make it  through this type of adventure.
 
Much love,
Kathryn x

After a quiet night in a wheat field, we set off today through the farmlands of Langerville. During last night"s excursion to the black pit of death, I noticed there weren't any stars which was auspicious for today. We enjoyed a cloud covered day and even an occasional sprinkle.  I spent stage one wandering through Uigyhur village houses which were charming and quaint. I was definitely feeling a bit tired and sluggish this morning.  Too much excitement yesterday. Again I started with the South African girls, but they took an early detour and I headed off solo- spending some time with a variety of different people along the way.  There were a couple of early but manageable river crossings. Coming out of the first checkpoint, we moved into the mud bath, and I really struggled. My feet, legs, back and hands were covered in mud as we traipsed in and out of irrigation ditches. The scenery was gorgeous but between wet feet and having to find a new place for each step, I was exhausted and not able to find a solid rhythm. I leaped over at least 12 ditches and managed to fall into a similar number.
 
As I came out of checkpoint two, I caught up with tentmate Toby and a bunch of British blokes. I stayed with them for a bit when we came into a long and rock strewn gully. One of the Brits- Ian- and I were chatting when he politely said," It is lovely chatting with you but would you mind if we caught up once we got back to camp. I'm not feeling very well." Love the British politesse. So I started chugging up the long gravelly incline pulling him with me> After about 45 minutes of exhaustion and war with my ipod ear buds, I was at my limit, and of course he started to feel better so he was the one to lead me up the hill.
 
Sometimes you lead and sometimes you follow...
 
I could feel a massive blister on the bottom of my foot (result of wet mudddy foot) so moved slowly through the end of stage 3, but as i made my way to checkpoint 3 I found some determination and decided that I was going to make it back in under seven hours.  I caught up to Ian and just trucked it up a long gradual incline.  The altitude made the climb tough and i didn't have the energy to run but I made it back before 4pm.
 
Given that it wasn't hot I didn't do quite such a good job on hydration today, but I've been back at camp now for a couple of hours and have been eating and drinking loads....
 
After the high of yesterday, today was tough but I'm looking forward to some sleep and more gorgeous scenery tomorrow.
 
Keep the messages coming they really help with morale and I will try and get in a couple more photos. Much love.

Prologue
 
Thank you thank you to everyone for your messages and emails over the last two days. I wrote my blog yesterday before reading all of your messages and once I had a chance to read them I found myself alternating between laughter and tears.... Thank you so so much for your support. I cannot tell you what a big smile you put on my face.
 
VKHF- I just have to say that our Thursday Twins sessions and Maclehose/ Wilson wild Sundays have turned me into queen of the hills (at least for today;no promises for tomorrow). I have no doubt that you are schooling the Terminator and when the REAL Chewditord finally takes place I can't wait to crown you with the maillot jaune.
 
Phil- Your tape has SAVED my feet. I cannot say thank you enough.
 
Mars in the Gobi
Today was incredible both from a scenery and a fitness perspective. But before I get into today let me tell you about last night- I got into camp feeling a little fuzzy- see yesterday's quasi incoherent and very badly spelled blog entry for reference. There was a local culture show which consisted of little boys in Real Madrid shirts and little girls in white first communion dresses dancing in the center of town. I, of course, jumped right into action with the most wrinkled village elder I could find and it was quite a bit of fun. After the Kashgari square dance, I sat in the middle of town handing out Peanut M&Ms and making friends. I slept SO WELL and only had to make one trip to the outhouse.  The skyscape is spectacular AND I was serenaded by a baby cow while I went about my business, so the efforts at hydration are not in vain.
 
TODAY
We went through 41 kms of incredible varied terrain and I felt GREAT.We started through the poplars out of town and I went at a nice easy pace with the two South African girls- playing the ABC game and learning about all sorts of South African produce and foodstuffs along the way. They paused for a dance party with a sheep herder and I soldiered on..After a short detour, I started making some serious progress. I caught up with Bill, the NM surgeon again, and heard about some of his incredible mountaineering expeditions- must add back country skiing to my outdoor adventures one of these days. Stage two was like a desert wave- hill, then valley, mountain than crevice. The rock formations were unreal- red with crazy shapes. Over and over again and for some reason I thought that the difficult stage was going to be the third stage, so I enjoyed the undulating scenery and didn't even realize that I was in the midst of the tough stage.  I finished the 2nd stage with Greg, from Disco Bay, and as I felt totally elated moving through Check point two.  I came down a little hill and into a dry riverbed. The plain stretched out to red mountains on both sides of me and I pulled out my ipod and started to run. I felt a little bit like Forrest Gump with the open path before me and nothing but the sky and mountains.Totally new type of freedom I discovered.
 
Erin- That solitude is just completely delicious. I am so glad i learned about running as life philosophy on the Gold Coast. :)
 
After a long and rocky stretch which was QUITE painful on the old feet, we came to sandy canyons that were just like Mars. The sand was so soft on my feet and the dunes were just incredible. Crazy shapes and mounds and I felt a bit like an ant navigating them.  As I came out of the dunes, there was just one km to go I broke out the Michael Jackson and MIA mix and just gunned it home. I ran the whole way- fast- and got into camp feeling completely exhilarated. I should really try running more often.
 
My tentmate Jill is in second place for the women and our entire tent was in today under eight hours. Lahaie is still powering forward in the lead in spite  of  a couple close challengers. We;re shacking up in a wheat field tonight and I am currently debating sleep outside in order to enjoy the stars and symphony of snorers from a distance.
 
DK- you will not be surprised to hear my trip is fire free...
 
C-dawg- i am keeping lahaie updated on the Poon messages...thanks for writing...
 
Mom and Dad, Love you and miss you loads as always. Uncle Bob would love this hike so give him a big hug from me.
 
Catch up with everyone tomorrow. Thank you so much for your love and support as always
 

Writing from a Uighyur village at the moment. Just finished the first day- 42km down. Had a gorgeous walk out of a canyon from our camp site, where last night we enjoyed the opening ceremones which included speeches by all the leadng government officials in Xinjiang, a minority tribe dance display, and a local game that is a mix between basketball and polo but substitute a dead goat for the ball. incredible.
 
The first night went as well as could be expected. I was serenaded by a Kiwi/ Aussie symphony of snorers and enjoyed two starlit strolls to the black pit of death to manage my hydration. Skies littered with stars- one of the other reasons i decided to set off on this adventure.  Last night I found myself thinking of Billings more than ever-and I have to thinnk that Ralph was smiling down on me as I stumbled out of my tent this morning for the start of this race.  Wonder if I can get the HK bankers to sing "Ship titanic" around the campfire?
 
The race- we started at 9am under a crystal blue sky and surrounded by jagged grey mountains. The river crossings came quickly and we were back and forth over the stream ringed by mountains that ranged from purple to beige to green at least ten times. I started with gear guru Si and managed to stay with him through the first half.  At stage two as we came out of one of the canyons, the snow capped mountains sat on the horizon looming large. I had a chance to catch up with other competitorsTaylor, May, Henry and Damien thorugh stage three and was feeling great going into the last checkpoint so powered forward.  After all the HK hills with Kate, it was nice to have relatively flat terrain- although the sun was fierce and started to sap my energy by the last ten kilometers.  The last kilometer was a gorgeous though endless walk through a Krygz village on a poplar lined path, where I partnered with Bill, a surgeon from New Mexico for the finish. I finished in less than seven and a half hours. Not bad...Getting into camp I learned that Lahaie is in first...What a machine...
 
My feet hurt and there are blisters, but I managed to stay well hydrated, and we are sleeping in village houses tonight. Absolute palaces compared with the tents- not to mention they are built with mud brick walls which will definitely prevent the cold from cutting through.Looking forward to more trouble from Tent Tujia. In the meantime, thanks to everyone for your encouragement and support of In The Running.Catch up with you tomorrow.

As promised, here is a link to my blog and an explanation of how to send messages while I am on my trip. I will be sure to give you a call in Beijing , where I am staying with friends, but after that, I'm not sure how well my phone will work. Why don't you try posting a comment today so that we can make sure it works before I go incommunicado?  We’ve already talked about most of this, but I thought I would put logistics in writing in case any questions come up. 

So the trip that I am doing is called Racing the Planet.  Basically they set up these treks all around the world to show people really interesting and culturally significant places while getting some exercise. Some of the people on the trip are super hardcore athletes and run the entire thing. For those superhumans, this trek is actually a multi-day ultramarathon, so Racing The Planet has put together an awesome medical team that includes a doctor from NASA. How cool is that! I'm sure they will also help mere mortals like me who will be walking the whole thing. Hopefully blisters will be my only reason to seek out their help... So between the medical team and my expat insurance, you have absolutely NOTHING to worry about from a health and wellness perspective. Plus I've put together a spreadsheet with all of the food I'm bringing which includes calorie content, so I will be well fed.  

I arrive in Kashgar around 4pm on Friday afternoon and hopefully will get some time to check out the town. As I mentioned last night, the Chinese government is in the process of razing the city to protect it from "earthquakes."  It’s a total shame, but I am so glad that I get to see it before the historical City   Center is gone. Here a link to the article if you're interested:  http://www.nytimes.com/2009/05/28/world/asia/28kashgar.html?_r=1&scp=5&sq=kashgar&st=cse

Dad, I really wish you were going to be here with me. I think this sort of place would be right up your alley. Apparently there are tons of ruins scattered all over the region from the old Silk Road days. When I’m home I will get you this great book about all the 19^th century explorers. You will love it. 

Mom- apparently the market is incredible. I will break out the camera and post pictures on Facebook (although I doubt the fruits and vegetables will be spectacular as Rennes ) and look for lots of pretty silks and presents for you. 

As with all of my trips, I think to truly understand the local culture, some quality time in the public houses is required, and apparently the teahouses and bars in Kashgar do not disappoint. I will save that expedition for the end of the trip though.  

So Friday to Saturday, we're in a hotel, and then Saturday we are bused out to camp, and we get started on the trek Sunday morning. Basically imagine the Billings’ tents but coed and substitute the Taklamakhan desert for Lake Fairlee . No waterskiing, but we should still have the gorgeous night skies, plus the people I’ve met doing the trek so far are wonderful. 

Every day we go through a different type of landscape. The first day we'll see canyons, and the rest of the week will range from dunes to spectacular natural arches. Part of the fun will be discovering new areas. The trek ends on Saturday, followed by a celebration dinner back in Kashgar. Once we get into camp at night, I'll have a chance to go to the cybertent and hop on the Racing the Planet website to let you know how I'm doing. I can't access regular email but you have two options:

1) Click on this link and you can email me: http://www.4deserts.com/gobimarch/rtpgmtp.php?SID=3&SBID=RC14 

2) Or click the link on the bottom right that says, “Comments” in light blue. At the bottom, there is a little form where you can enter your name, email and comments. Enter the security code, hit submit and voila. It’s a little more public but I know for sure I can see this.

I know you guys think I’m a little crazy for picking this as my vacation, but you also thought I was a little crazy when I decided to move to Hong Kong at 23 and think about how much you love HK now! You guys brought me up to take risks and make good decisions. I promise not to drag you to this remote region of China .  J

Of course, it’s only because of your love, support, encouragement, and 100% faith that I’m able to take on these incredible challenges. Besides the strong appeal of unplugging my Blackberry for 8 days, I guess this is another chance to push outside my comfort level, see a new (and quickly disappearing) part of the world, and learn a little bit more about myself along the way. Strangely, I suppose this adventure is sort of another milestone on the road to adulthood (despite my continued attempts to delay that reality for as along as possible).

I am so lucky to have you both in my life, and it has been so fun to share the crazy stories from training with you.  (I did a quick Google search and confirmed the desert is free of monkeys, so no worries there!)  

I will be thinking of you (and probably how much I wish we were back at the Metropole in Hanoi ) over the long trip and look forward to giving you both big hugs in just a few months.

Much love,
Kathryn x

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Very exciting news about my charity...

In the Running's Erin Sprague has been selected for SELF Magazine's 2009 "Women Doing Good" award.  Her classy mug is featured in the June issue of the magazine, which is on newsstands now.  In addition, Erin will appear with the two other winners on the TODAY Show with Kathy Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb during the 10am hour on Tuesday, June 2nd.  

Here's the link: http://today.msnbc.msn.com/id/26184891/vp/31064454#31064454

http://www.intherunning.org/

Here's a link to my blog: http://gobigirl.blogspot.com

Happy Hiking!