I'm posting this blog from Beijing after completing the Gobi March 2009 yesterday. We were bussed from our rest day camp into Kashgar to start the final stage of the race. The bus driver got a bit lost so the race got underway 30 minutes late at 11.30am. It was to be a 9.6km stage through Kashgar's old town, which is tragically fast-disappearing due to local government policy of demolishing parts of the town deemed "earthquake vulnerable".  We all knew at the outset that for most of us it was going to be a sprint. Having passed through narrow streets and alleyways, across busy roads and over bridges, I sensed the finish line near the city mosque sometime before I saw it and then heard the familiar drumming. Turning the last corner there was a huge crowd waiting but I immediately focused on Barbara who was standing with open arms. I sprinted across the line and gave her a big stinky sweaty hug. Her being there made all the difference. What a moment. It was really great to be done and all the competitors congratulated one another while cheering others over the line.

Wine Gums, Jaffa Cakes, 2 showers and I was all set. Barbara and I went on a tour of the city before the big dinner party in the city square followed by a great  video and slide show of the last 7 days. Its quite a satisfying feeling having finished and, frankly I exceeded my own expectations. I'm in generally good condition and my feet aren't too bad at all. I think I've dropped about 3.5 kg in weight but it'll be fast and fun getting it back. My kit for the week worked pretty well but having a 4 Deserts race under my belt there are plenty of things I would do differently next time. So, will there be a next time? Training starts soon for HK Trailwalker and then Atacama?

Thank you again for all your support, both for my fund raising and for spurring me on through emails and blog comments. Its been a fantastic.

I'm sitting in the most beautiful campsite on Friday after getting here last night at 10.39pm, somewhat ahead of schedule, covering 80km through some stunning scenery and desolate nothingness. My time was however a bit slower than I think I could have done had I not started so slowly. I think I was a bit intimidated by the distance. That and the cold start made me overly cautious and I did a very slow first stage and only picked up the pace on stage 3. Lots of niggly aches and pains which were concerning plus left foot pain again. But by the 50km mark I had a bit of heart to heart with myself, remembering that I wasn't here just to stroll through the course. So I ran the last 3 stages and shaved off 2 hours from my pace so I was reasonably happy with the final outcome, particular because I didn't have to run in the dark (we are on Beijing time but at the same longitude as Delhi). I heard later from others that running or walking at night was particularly challenging and very tiring as the flags were hard to spot and the darkness very confusing.
 
But its done and out of the way. I'm limping quite badly today and am sporting a few more blisters after pushing quite hard last night. Everyone's kicking back in camp today, comparing war wounds and analysing results.
 
Its been a great week and its so satisfying to have the big day out of the way. 9.5 km to go tomorrow. Barbara arrived in Kashgar last night and I can't wait to see her at the finish. Everyone is planning to go hard tomorrow, some to keep their rankings, some just to get it out of the way, and some because they've heard there's pizza and beer at the end. I'm going to see how the feet are in the morning but will probably pop some pills and run hard.
 
Thanks again for all your thoughts and emails. They've been a great source of encouragement and knowing that so many people have been following the race and my progress has spurred me on.
 
I'll leave one more blog with some post race observations and an account of the last day and finish. Back to Hong Kong on Monday. James can't wait to see you.

Last night the camp was ringing to the sound of "how's that" as a number of us got a cricket match under way.The rules were a bit more liberal than usual given the improvised kit and field, not to mention half the players had never seem a cricket match before.
 
A few swings of the bat (bit of firewood) send me well on my way to sleep. This morning we faced a slog up to Heaven's Gate (see website) which was extraordinary. Also a little surreal with Mary sitting up there at 3,000m with a loud hailer calling in the numbers as competitors made it to the top.
 
I had another good day, but it was long and hard. A 40km stage but big hills and steep goat trails. I was feeling good until the last leg when my left foot blew up. It was getting to the point when I couldn't walk or run, with 13km to go but it was just swelling from the last river crossing and so when I loosen my shoe it was fine. Duh.
 
I walked and ran today and came in at 7.32 hours and 28th for the day. A lot of people sensibly taking it easy for tomorrow's Long March which, I have to say, is not something I am looking forward to. But I'm feeling good, no new blisters, legs holding up Ok and planning to get it over and done with as quickly as I can.
 
Must also mention last night's camp resident, a very friendly small ground burrowing gecko right outside our tent, who I called Jimmy. I have pictures.
 
No blog tomorrow as I'll still be on the trial but will post an update sometime on Friday.
 
E

Corn fields, rivers, ditches, bogs, marshes. Couldn't tell we were in a desert for most of today. After camping overnight in a harvested wheat field we passed through one oasis after another for 20km before starting a climb up to tonight's camp at about 2500m above sea level. I had my best day and chewed up the hill and finished at 5.58 hrs, which I was very happy about. No sun today which changed everything. My feet weren't being stewed in my shoes and the terrain was decent, apart from some boggy bits. So I'm feeling pretty pleased with myself particularly because I didn't add to my blister count.
 
I'm really starting to understand what all this ultra distance racing is all about. The satisfaction of actually doing well is a big buzz. I was really spurred on my all of your emails yesterday, especially from Bar & James. You are never out of my thoughts.
 
I'm getting used to the routine of camp life; stretching, rehydrating, stretching, eating, stretching, chatting and comparing experiences on the train. The top guys are all amazing but so is everyone who finishes regardless of time. We all turned out last night to cheer the final competitor over the line (at 12 hours, contrary to my blog yesterday).
 
A big day ahead tomorrow with more elevation and then a big downhill. The 80km day is never far from my thoughts and hopefully I'll be strong and handle it ok.
 
Thanks for all of the wonderful messages. They are really a daily highlight.
 
E

Day 2. No Country for Old Men
 
I was a little ahead of myself posting yesterday's blog. Having ran a reasonable time, a few hours later I crashed quite badly with dehydration and spent most of the evening trying not to throw up. Three litres of water and a couple of anti-nauseous bills later I was reasonably stable but I woke up still struggling.
 
Last night's camp was 5 star. We stayed in a village and slept in local villages' houses. They have large complexes with multiple rooms. The extra carpeting was luxury and there was enough communal space for one of the runners to give a yoga class while a queue actually formed for people wanting to use my spiky massage ball. 
 
We started today's stage at 0900. I was not in good shape at all. I took it very easy. The good thing about walking is I met and talked to a bunch of people. But half way I was in much better shape and so tried to make up some time with a bit of running. The terrain was hard going today, designed specifically no doubt for blisters. Certainly worked for me. I am making good use of my blister kit.
 
So I finished today at a fair clip having done just under 7 hours which was about an hour more than yesterday but on harder terrain. We have camped in a corn field near a village trying to sink as many calories as possible but I'm not hungry.
 
I've sorted out my blisters but have resigned myself to getting more. Just spending 5 minutes in the medical tent is a good reminder that it could be a lot worse.
 
I had to dig a bit deep today. I will need to find a lot more inspiration tomorrow so thanks for all the emails and keep them coming?
 
As I type, the last competitors are coming in at 11 hours.
 

Day 1. Today we started the race out of a small village literally in the middle of Nowhere. We arrived there yesterday after a 7 hour journey from Beijing, overnight at a remarkably modern though somewhat seedy Kashgar hotel,  and finally a 3 hour bus ride.
 
Having been happy to see my bag arrive with me (not so for everyone unfortunately (thanks to KLM)) anxiety remained only for what awaited us on the trail. Overnight in the tent was a snorefest but I was up and fresh before 7am.
 
Kicked off the race near the front which only meant I watched lots of people overtake me in the first 5 minutes, but I stuck to my plan which basically involved plodding along at about 75% normal pace. Stunning vistas as we crossed rivers about 10 times. I decided after much advice not to bugger about with changing shoes, the results of which come later.
All well trotting along for the first 20 km and the next 10 was a mix of running and walking. After the last check point I felt the first blisters kick in which was really frustrating but "whatev's" as they say. Last 10km was hot. Don't know how hot but I felt running it was a bit beyond me. Finished at just over 6 hours so steady as she goes.
 
BTW I want to thank Ken who I didn't mention in my last blog. Much appreciate the gym work on those ankles.
 
So what do I think so far? Its certainly an amazing part of the world and I'm racing with a great bunch of people. All in all I'm glad to be here. I might feel differently tomorrow but so far so good.
 
Please send emails.
 
E
 
PS - Katie, Spiky Ball is a big hit in camp