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Gobi March Blogs 2009
5
PostsGobi March (2009) blog posts from John Kennedy Stuart
19 June 2009 10:01 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Firstly apologies for the quick chat about stage 4. The reason for the dramatic increase in time was not due to meeting a friendly camel or other desert animal, but we increased in altitude by 1,175m and decreased by 1,568m. It was either up or down and it was lung busting in addition to navigating treacherous climbs and drops. The !st drinks station was heavens gate and it drained all my nervous energy in dealing with the heights and winds...it took me 2 hours to go up and down 6km...
Any way stage 5 was the long stage and we had to be on the bus by 6.45am for a 1 1/2 hr trek to the start point. I was not feeling great from the previous stage and the weather was cold. My feet were wrecked and bandaging them takes longer than breakfast. The blisters on the heels are raw, both little toes are losing the the nails and one is infected, and I am losing the big toe nail on my left foot. Unfortunately the km of dried river bed which is coated with rocks only makes matters worse.
My strategy with the stage was to be home before dark, as navigating otherwise would be a nightmare for me. Drink station 5 (out of 8) was set up for people who wanted to stay have a meal, sleep and then head off again. I filled up with water and moved on. The 50 to 60 km stage was hell. The wind was blowing a gale and again running over river bed is very painful. I had run out of pain killers and hence pushing the pain to the back of my mind took a lot of focus.
I managed to hobble back to camp just on midnight to warm camp fires and other folks licking their wounds.
Today my feet are very bad, but I am in the same boat as others. The last runner came in today around 11am....
Tomorrow is the last stage, and we are running in the old part of town in Kashgar (police escort of course to manage the media following us). The stage is 9km, while short, I am struggling to move with any great ease.
Anyway I shall worry about that tomorrow!
The race continues.
JKS
17 June 2009 09:16 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Just back and very tired. Obviously a long day.
We went very high and I went very white with fear and chewed up huge amounts of energy dealing with it. I am shaking with lack of carbs in my system, as I only ate in 10 hrs an energy bar and I need food badly.
Anyway will sign off as not thinking straight.
The race continues
JKS
We went very high and I went very white with fear and chewed up huge amounts of energy dealing with it. I am shaking with lack of carbs in my system, as I only ate in 10 hrs an energy bar and I need food badly.
Anyway will sign off as not thinking straight.
The race continues
JKS
Comments: Total (19) comments
Posted On: 19 Jun 2009 02:32 pm
The results...you layed stage 5 like a...nail...would expect no less from a super hero...get yourself away from those beers...you haven't rung...you haven't written...were's the respect for us hard working souls back home...keeping the hearth warm...drink boy drink...
Posted On: 19 Jun 2009 08:48 am
Wow...great going you silly bas*** !! This is a huge inspiration for every runner...hang in there and we'll have a beer when you're back to hear your stories...!
Good luck with the rest of the run ! - Kaushal
Posted On: 19 Jun 2009 07:52 am
Yeah, what is going ? John did stage 5 in 14 hours and 45 minutes. So, he must be completely ROOTED !? The last leg of the race is tomorrow, I'm sure that will be a bloody relief ?
Give that man a drink, or a doctor ?
On ya Johno, smear craps- loads of pink zinc on that old melon of yours, so we know who you are in the web photo's. ON YA BIG FELLA.
P.S AAAAYYYEEE (WHAT?)
(Dad thinks you are sleeping next to an old dirty camel, please put the rumours to rest)
Posted On: 19 Jun 2009 03:05 am
Are you still going on John?
The absence of your blog has prompted Stewart to call. He is concerned whether you know your way there. Remember, keep to the right, left is Tajikistan.
We have also started blogs of our own here. They go like this "Oh, I am struggling to get out of bed... It is really tough to go to work...."
Our blogger friends as always, full of encouragement : "We know you can do it." "Keep going" "Our thoughts are with you"
As you can see, Dad has done the unthinkable - made his maiden computer entry! He will soon join our get out of bed blogs too.
Can you also confirm whether Darren is your tent or bunk mate?
Talk soon.
Few more k's only and you'll have the bragging right for life!
Awesome effort John!
Posted On: 18 Jun 2009 07:26 pm
AMENDED: Hi John, nice to see your smiling face all the way from the Gobi ( inspite of blisters ). We are all so proud of you. Everything OK here.
Posted On: 18 Jun 2009 07:15 pm
Hi John, Nice to see your smiling face all the way from the Gobi ( inspite of the blisters ). Keep up the good work. We are all so proud of you.
Posted On: 18 Jun 2009 03:19 pm
Hang in there mate...you know you can make it... give youself another good race tomorrow, The sun rises tomorrow and the good Lord will bless you with fresh new energy again. Think happy thought one at a time,,,,
Posted On: 18 Jun 2009 02:59 pm
One of the problems with being Elvis is you are the oldest and remember many things..."This blog is "G" rated"...Darren is suffering from sun stroke...who is John...there are so many Johns...Birch is the devil...ahhhh...run...no walk boy...walk...tomorrow we leave the building...
Posted On: 18 Jun 2009 01:18 pm
john
bloody great effort , sorry not there to get in the photo as you finish mate
Posted On: 18 Jun 2009 07:10 am
Bloddy good effort John! Geez the last time I saw you was randomly in Sydney in Newtown and we were all very drunk. Who woulda thought you're now running an ultra marathon! : )
Posted On: 18 Jun 2009 07:05 am
yin - I think Darren's his tent-mate rather than his bunk-mate - there's a subtle difference!
Posted On: 18 Jun 2009 06:02 am
hey john - truly heroic effort to deal with the high passes in the way you did - as if the distance, temperatures, track surfaces and altitude were not enough....! I read your running mate Darren's blog which brings home just how bloody tough it is! Glad to see that the Indo pain killers are doing their job for you guys. I imagine it must be really difficult to eat and keep up the caleries in these conditions - failing which you end up in a vicious circle where the run becomes incrementally tougher each day. But keep it up - we're all rooting for you and looking forward to celebrating with you on your return. And by the way, the offer of airlifting in a large sherry trifle still stands!
Posted On: 18 Jun 2009 05:57 am
John,
Your bunk mate Darren Birch wrote about your ordeal in his blog - I think he meant is as complimentary :-)
Some of us have been inspired to join you for Sahara run next year. Each will contribute something, learning from your experience:
Stewart will bring British made wind resistant undies; Chris for trial and tested lubricants; Paul his dad's magic pills so all can stay upright throughout; Ravi motivational videos.
Almost there. Doing brilliantly!
Posted On: 18 Jun 2009 04:54 am
Every day the blog gets shorter...everyday our hero lays to rest an other challange...one real run to go...we have no doubt...we just hope there is enough of you left..to sign in tomorrow...
Posted On: 18 Jun 2009 04:22 am
I also looked at all the photos and could not find you. Figured that after you lost your hat, that melon of yours (which is not photogenic at the best of times) must have been in pretty bad shape and any picture of you on the website would have frightened off anyone thinking of enroling in the event in the future - thereby ending the Gobi desert run for good. So probably sensible the organisers did not include a photo of you. Seemed like a tough day yesterday. I am in awe of your determination. Hitting tthe Hanoi nightlife (if there is any) tonight - my first ten drinks will be for you!! Look forward to seeing you in Sydney next week - your first ten drinks will be on me (if you finish).
Posted On: 18 Jun 2009 04:12 am
Great going John ! Hang in there mate and take care.
Posted On: 17 Jun 2009 11:31 pm
P.s I almost forgot....AAAAAYYYYYEEEE!
Posted On: 17 Jun 2009 11:28 pm
Have just been through the days photos and you are no where to seen? You could one of the figures in the long distant shots trekking through the enormous arch? 10 hours thats a pretty good effort! Considering some were still going after 16 hours! Keep going Johno, you are doing a TREMENOUS job!
Posted On: 17 Jun 2009 10:46 pm
Dear god! Look after yourself! Not long to go. You are almost at the finish line, I know you can see it! Or is it a mirage from the lack of food? KEEP GOING BIG BRO YOU CAN DO THIS..........RUN JOHN RUN on the home stretch mate. Rest up.
16 June 2009 08:13 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Well to sum up today, we started at altitude 1663 meters and climbed to 2525 meters. We went up hill ALL day and with a head wind. It was very hard and depressing the entire way. Dealing with hills, altitude and head wind.
Feet are so so. Additional blisters on the outside of my little toes. I took a mud bath navigating various paddocks and fields today...so that mud will stay with me another 3 days.
The race is taking its toll on folks. A combination of beaten feet, exhaustion, overwhelmed with the trek still to come and some already reached their goals and content.
For me today was very emotional and I had to dig hard to find resolve to keep going. Interestingly it came in the form of a snickers bar that a bunk mate passed on. But dropping my pack to retrieve it my cap blew off and is now some where in one of the "stans" north of China. I need to borrow one otherwise I risk heat stroke.
Anyway the race continues.
Thanks to those sending me emails which I read and enjoy, keep them coming.
JKS
Feet are so so. Additional blisters on the outside of my little toes. I took a mud bath navigating various paddocks and fields today...so that mud will stay with me another 3 days.
The race is taking its toll on folks. A combination of beaten feet, exhaustion, overwhelmed with the trek still to come and some already reached their goals and content.
For me today was very emotional and I had to dig hard to find resolve to keep going. Interestingly it came in the form of a snickers bar that a bunk mate passed on. But dropping my pack to retrieve it my cap blew off and is now some where in one of the "stans" north of China. I need to borrow one otherwise I risk heat stroke.
Anyway the race continues.
Thanks to those sending me emails which I read and enjoy, keep them coming.
JKS
Comments: Total (8) comments
Posted On: 17 Jun 2009 07:36 am
Dad dad dad, uphill is not so bad you know, imagine how sexy your butt will look afterwords. However with the diet your eating you must look like a stick by now.
Recently the girls and I went to the science center, being 'tourists' for emilie since she's leaving tonight. Well, one of the things had to be about measuring weight and obv i took mine. I at 5'2 feet am now 60 kgs. The wonders of touch and lots of mcdonalds :)
I have been editing mum's book and to say the least it is very. singlish. but i'm still plodding through it and yes like you i do feel emotionally challenged while reading through it.
I'm off to bangkok tom night! Some australian blokes will be doing my assesment there, should be interesting.
love love.
ps.
Just do it
Posted On: 17 Jun 2009 02:50 am
I finally managed to find your blog. Sotong me. You're doing very well despite the blisters. The mud should soothe the blisters, therapeautic effect. Who knows the wind may blow your cap back to you. Keep going....I'm sure you can do it.
Posted On: 17 Jun 2009 01:47 am
john - without your cap you've just got to be sensible and run with a pair of undies on your head
Posted On: 17 Jun 2009 12:39 am
So today was hump day...its all down hill from here...lets hope its walking not rolling...drinking your quart of vodka every night....with you in spirit...
Posted On: 17 Jun 2009 12:26 am
I am not sure what all the fuss is about. This race does't look that hard. I reckon I would have completed this race easily - without a hat, without a snickers bar and with only one bottle of water a day. And much quicker than you as well. Just think of that if you are ever having moments of doubt. I suspect that should help get you to the finish line. All our positive thoughts are with you.
Posted On: 16 Jun 2009 11:14 pm
Keep going mate, you are doing a bloody great job! This is the time for absolute focus and concentration. We are behind you all the way. GET A HAT!!! It will keep you hydrated.
GO... JOHN....GO..
Posted On: 16 Jun 2009 07:41 pm
Goodness, you are for real !! We must get you a Singapore citizenship before you return lest there will be a media dispute about the nationality of this hero. Keep going men, keep focusing...one happy thought at a time !!
Posted On: 16 Jun 2009 03:51 pm
John,
Home run starting from tomorrow! We have every faith in you completing. Why? Cos you can!
Your cap will be like the bottle of coke in "The God Must Be Crazy", messing up innocent people's lives, disturbing families and annoying friends.
We'll keep an eye for your photos wearing tribal headgear decorated with sun dried goat balls.
Have a restful evening and may the wind be at your back tomorrow.
15 June 2009 07:12 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Well the blister pain was rather eye watering, but post the 1st drinks station (10km mark) it was in the back of my mind. The trek from drinks station 1 to 2, was very difficult and was classed as such by the course information sheet. It was essentially 11km of trail on clay terrain going up to plateaus and then up and down to cross ridges. Physically drained and I was really knacked reaching the 2nd drinks station. To my surprise, there where bodies everywhere at the station looking vary tired and sunned at the degree of difficulty. From drinks station 2 to 3, I managed to run, applying a 2/1 approach. Running 2 direction flags and walking to the next. This worked for around 7km, but soon the terrain was far to rocky to move at any pace safely. Reaching drinks station 3, I realised that I had 2 drink bottles full, (I carry 3) which meant that I had messed up my hydration badly. Drinks station from 3 to 4 was along gravel road for around 4m before hitting canyons and running through and over these. The hydration mistake I made was starting to kick in and wobbling around the path for a while I decided to stop and hydrate. I managed to bust a blister that I had not realised I had and made road side repairs. The temp had hit the mid-30s. At the 7 km mark we turned off into the canyons and again it was up and down hardened sand dunes....the legs were not feeling the best since finish at drinks station 2. We are camped in a freshly cut wheat field. The temp is now just over 40 degrees and folks are still coming in.
The high for the day was running and finishing with a lady who is aiming at a world record at completing 7 ultras in 7 continents in 12 months. After this race she has 2 weeks break and then heads to Switzerland for a 350km ultra in the huge mountains around Geneva...amazing. Anyway she will be writing a book and I promised to buy it. Not bad for a single mum of 2 kids!
The low was almost passing out with dehydration in the middle of nowhere.
About to eat some awful freeze dried meal, washed down with some warm water....can not wait!
The race continues.
JKS
Comments: Total (6) comments
Posted On: 17 Jun 2009 07:30 am
Well Dad, as a touch player and former dancer, I know a two or thing about blisters. I hope you carried some alcohol (like the pure stuff 99% for medical purposes) Best thing is to pop the blister before you go to bed, put some alcohol over it to let it dry out, then place a full cotton ball and gauze over it, wrap it up and the next day it should be better.
updates in singapore:
Emilie is leaving tonight
I am an official Level 2 referee and level 1 coach:)
Posted On: 16 Jun 2009 02:18 am
John,
Very proud of you and all other insane people that are willing to do this. 75th out of 120. What happens to top quartile performance and best in class?
Best of luck
Posted On: 15 Jun 2009 11:35 pm
Watching this all unfold is truly remarkable! We are all in awe of your efforts here in Sydney. You have inspired Dad. He has decided to use the bike on the landing, instead of having the most expensive towel rack ever, it might get some use? Doing well, mate... Keep going
Catriona
Posted On: 15 Jun 2009 08:32 pm
Infatuated by blisters and hallucinating about your drinks this early in the event is not a good sign! I'm astonished that you are up for such a challenge and look forward to tracking your progress. I'm now feeling less proud of my recent efforts to build my jogging efforts up to the 5 mile mark. Look after yourself!
Posted On: 15 Jun 2009 07:22 pm
Hey mate, extremely proud of you. This is truly a mount everest of a run....Think one race at a time, one hour at a time, one hundred metre at a time, one happy thought at a time...Isn't this life all about ?...We know you can make it !!!......Hakbin
Posted On: 15 Jun 2009 03:42 pm
Stop complaining Stuart.
More importantly, how do you go about with toilet business over there? Did you bring a toilet roll? In the absence of that and banana leaves, what substitute gives a soothing ahhh?
Do you recall the brownie I made 9 years ago? Made again today, still cowpad. Some things just don't change. For eg. after 40 years you're still a crazy runner (some say delusional)
I think you being there and mixing with the likes is paris hilton and britney spears clubbing together
(there are more punchy similies but lets not go there)
You are doing GREAT John, keep going and remember to buy a carpet from travelling silk roaders.
14 June 2009 08:53 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I am told this has to be "G" rated so I shall do my best...
Well Stage 1 is done. Time 7hrs and 10 min for 42km.
Per the competitors guide the course was supposed to be between moderate and difficult.
For me, it was very humbling and it hurt! I have 2 large blisters in exact opposite places that I have never had blisters and where you do not want them if you have to run another 42 km...and for the 1st time in my life I have b@ll rash! The latter will be bloged over a martini and cigar.
Carrying a 10 kg pack plus 1.5 liters (1.5kg) of water is just humbling. I cannot run. I tried (in training), but the weight and terrain is just too bloody tough; yet people do, the winning time was 3hrs 45min.
It has been 10 hrs since we started and competitors are still coming in...it is now 40 degrees and the dust storms are moving in.
The fellow crazies are a mixed bag, some very serious, some have completed numerous times in races around the globe, many of us are 1st timers.
It is very early days, and while I can take the heat, my fear of heights and crippling bloody blisters are issues. The former (in addition to the latter) will be tested tomorrow.
There are 8 in our tent. 6 smelly males and 2 females (who have competitor in 3 previous races). The ladies stated upon meeting the fellow bunk mates that the last 2 races they have been in the same tent as the winner of the race. All males looked at each, shrugged and stated in all honesty, it will not be happening this year. This morning as we woke, one lady stated that if it was a competition, I would win the snoring one....better than nothing I replied.
JKS
Well Stage 1 is done. Time 7hrs and 10 min for 42km.
Per the competitors guide the course was supposed to be between moderate and difficult.
For me, it was very humbling and it hurt! I have 2 large blisters in exact opposite places that I have never had blisters and where you do not want them if you have to run another 42 km...and for the 1st time in my life I have b@ll rash! The latter will be bloged over a martini and cigar.
Carrying a 10 kg pack plus 1.5 liters (1.5kg) of water is just humbling. I cannot run. I tried (in training), but the weight and terrain is just too bloody tough; yet people do, the winning time was 3hrs 45min.
It has been 10 hrs since we started and competitors are still coming in...it is now 40 degrees and the dust storms are moving in.
The fellow crazies are a mixed bag, some very serious, some have completed numerous times in races around the globe, many of us are 1st timers.
It is very early days, and while I can take the heat, my fear of heights and crippling bloody blisters are issues. The former (in addition to the latter) will be tested tomorrow.
There are 8 in our tent. 6 smelly males and 2 females (who have competitor in 3 previous races). The ladies stated upon meeting the fellow bunk mates that the last 2 races they have been in the same tent as the winner of the race. All males looked at each, shrugged and stated in all honesty, it will not be happening this year. This morning as we woke, one lady stated that if it was a competition, I would win the snoring one....better than nothing I replied.
JKS
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 17 Jun 2009 07:23 am
Well, I'm not surprised you win #1 snorer, its about time someone other than mum and myself suffer your 'serenading' nightly sounds:)
keep it up and just do it;)
Posted On: 17 Jun 2009 02:27 am
Dear John, Dugal here, reclining languidly by Stewart's pool, large drink and cigar to hand, well it is breakfast time here. And was just wondering where you are. Now i know. Marvellous endeavour, quite mad of course..which leaves me to conjecture that you Aussies and we Pomms are not so different after all...'out in the midday sun' and all that..By the way, just heard that Nige is on his way out to welcome you accross the finish line, so you better get a move on or he will appear, yes again, in another of your triumphs...All good fortune for the challenges ahead. A toast to your spirit. Cura te etiem atque etiem diligenter. Aye.
Posted On: 15 Jun 2009 01:16 pm
Blisters, rashes, snoring and some charming tent buddies - u've got it all going for you mate. Well done !
Posted On: 15 Jun 2009 12:37 pm
I got to ask a question? How closely related are the two new blisters and the b@ll rash? Feels a lot more important that a lot of the other comments...
Posted On: 15 Jun 2009 10:12 am
Well done, mate. Keep going......
You b***tard, let me know when you back and make sure you win the snoring award.
Posted On: 15 Jun 2009 09:12 am
hey well done completing the firsts stage - sounds horrendous - we'll leave yin to apply the ointment when you get home. the good news is that it's unlikely that nige will appear in any of your race photos - yet there again....
Posted On: 15 Jun 2009 09:10 am
Go Johno,
Yeah I thought you might win the \'snoring competition\'.! It\'s a pity about your \' jatz-crackers\'. Get one of the tribesmen to lube you up with some pig fat!? At least it will be smooth sailing for awhile?
Go For It!!!
Catriona
Posted On: 15 Jun 2009 06:16 am
Great stuff. Its difficult for me to comprehend the heat and distance you are enduring given I almost passed out from heat exhaustion walking 100m from my office to lunch in the SIngapore midday sun. Hang in there and all our positive thoughts are with you!
Posted On: 15 Jun 2009 04:14 am
Good start John! 2 down (by the time you read this), only a few more to go.
Blisters and balls a worry, how can you numb them (not permanently)
I get email updates from the website and have been keeping an eye for any of your antic behavior. Needless to say it will be a huge disappointment to many if it's all quiet.
Just to share with you the latest update from Spore - it is HOT!
Oh, the evil Malaysian maid abuser is a chinese and SBY called the maid. This piece of news is meant to be motivational (though I can't guarantee SBY will call you - but thats details)
What's the smell in the tent? {cringe cringe..........}
Enjoy your dinner John.
And please sleep aloud.
Posted On: 14 Jun 2009 05:11 pm
well done. #1 snorer?! impressive.
regarding blisters...pain is just weakness leaving the body.
Comments: Total (5) comments
Posted On: 21 Jun 2009 09:12 am
Posted On: 20 Jun 2009 02:20 pm
Posted On: 20 Jun 2009 01:45 am
Posted On: 20 Jun 2009 01:02 am
Posted On: 20 Jun 2009 12:23 am