Ok so it's been almost 2 months since completing Gobi and this is the first time a log due to the fact that I have been traveling for the past 7 weeks.

Unfortunately my last blog did not upload and must be floating around somewhere. If someone finds it, please send it back my way.  I recall writing about my experience and feeling extremely fatigues so much so I almost fell off my chair. I can't recall word for word but man was I relieved to have made it but oh did everything hurt.

The words may be lost but the experience still lies in the heart and memory and here are a few words upon reflection.

 I have just returned from another wonderful adventure overseas for summer vacation and am humbled and appreciative of the opportunities and experiences I was fortunate to experience. Most of all I was privileged to have met some extraordinary people or heroes. Yes heroes. Some of you may call us a 'mad and insane' group of people who are crazy enough to venture into a desert and run/walk 250km over a week.  Crazy, maybe just a little but exceptional and extraordinary most definitely.

Every person had their own reason for participating in such a physically demanding event . We all had goals and aspirations but they all differed. Whether it be raising funds for a charity, awareness for a cause, in memory of a loved one, for physical or personal benefits or just for the experience we all aimed to make it to the end.

Well the Gobi March was definitely an extraordinary experience in more ways than one.  The desert run was a mixture of bloody hard, to awesome and incredibly beautiful. I witnessed landscapes that were definitely painted by the hand of God and untouched by the hand of man!!!   A pallete of rich and vibrant colours, a variety of textures and patterns and sights that took your breath away.

I have never been so physically and mentally challenged and I have never experienced anything like this before, in particular the magnitude of emotions experienced all at the same time. One minute you are sighing with awe at the beauty surrounding you, the next cursing as you look at the vertical ascend ahead, cheering for joy when you get to the top and then crying tears of revelation and defeat when all you see ahead are endless sand dunes and the end no where in sight!

Although the destination and finishing was on all our minds and an important factor to so many of us, it was indeed the journey that rewarded us. The sights, the smells, the company, the tears, the laughter, the pain, the hardships and accomplishments along the way continued to inspire and will linger in my memory for as long as I live. All that was experienced and learnt about oneself from such an experience will now be harnessed and applied to the events of daily life. Such an experience has a profound affect on one's mental, physical and spiritual elements and no person leaves the desert unchanged in some way or another.

It is the hardships, the comradship, the accomplishments and the pain of this journey that will resonate the deepest over time. Although conquering the desert and making it to the end maybe a rewarding milestone, it was the inner conquests experienced that remain the most profound. There is nothing more powerful in the world than the human mind and the inner spirit. Most people would agree that it takes more than just physical excellence to get through a quest such as this. It takes mental strength and well I would have to say a great deal of spiritual strength too.  Physically my body ached beyond pain and my feet were a mess with blisters the size of golf balls and so swollen that it was agony to try and squeeze them back into my running shoes each morning!!!!  My left knee and ankle became swollen and the pain incruciating with every step, reminating through every part of my body. But as I looked around, I wasn't the sole bearer of pain and there were others, some worse off than myself. There was no room to dwell on the pain, each morning we still managed to get up and get on with it. It was the mental talk that kept me on path and when that failed I  dug deeper within myself to find an inner strength unknown to me before this event. A strength that refused to give up even though the legs were ready to buckle, an inner strength that saw the tears last only for a few seconds, an inner strength that drove oneself forward with such feroscity and drive that it's uncomprehendiable unless endured.

So what did I think about as I wondered hour after hour through the desert....family and loved ones most of all, making it to the end alive, completing the race in memory of those who would never experience such an event, completing the journey as not to disappoint those of you that have supported me along the way, that I would have to live with  regret for the rest of my life if not finishing, how forunate I was in all that I had especially good health, my charity and those less fortunate than ourselves. I thought about hydration and food for fuel abiding by the watch to ensure constant and regular intake.There were of course moments of insanity where I babbled incomprehensible ramblings of nonsense to myself and times of no thinking at all! Of course there were also moments where the untuned tones of my voice could be heard resinading from the cliffs as I sang to the inspirational tracks on my i pod. It all helped to get me to the finish.

The most challenging times were those moments when you were alone wandering through an endless panorama, the greatest moments are the companions we meet along the way. At times it was crucial to show strength and give strength to a fellow competitor who looked to struggling. It was the delivery of positive encouragement, the ability to inspire and the will to unselfishly sacrifice your energies and results for someone else. But not only was it given but also so greatly received. When I was battling fatigue and low moral, it was the kind spirit of an individual who so selflessly gave of themself and it was so appreciatively acepted that got me over the hump (mm mountian in this case!). You know who you are! If it was not for those moments or for that person the journey would not have been so rewarding. I met some remarkable, generous, kind, considerate and inspirational individuals and made some long lasting friendships whom will always have a similar understanding and knowing of what was endured and what was exchanged in those volatile moments. Not only were the competitiors so giving to eachother but the volunteers were remarkable in their giving of self to support, encourage and ensure our needs were met. I thank you all for your support and comradary, you will never be forgotten.

However, you don't have to run an ultra marathon to be a hero. You see we are all heros. The sports trainer/coach that motivates and provides with his time, expertise, patience and knowledge. He is a hereo because he has a part in making the succes of achieving your goal possible. The volunteer that gives up their personal time and goes without sleep to ensure you receive what you require and you are safe is a heroe. The friends that come and trin with you and support you all the way, they are heroes. The person that self sacrafices in the aid of helping someone else is a hero. The locals that contributed to ensuring we were well watered were heroes for without them there would be no water! You don't need to run a race, or wear a medal to be a hero, we are all heros achieving great things each and every day.  Each one of us in some way are contributing to others and to the achievements of their goals as well as our own, therefore we are all heros.

Gobi will always be remembered, the profound experience leaving a deep mark in the mind and spirit and will remain forever even after the footprints in the sand dunes are blown away. It is not the footprints we leave in the sand that matter in our lives, it's the footprints we leave in our hearts and in the hearts of others that truly matter.

Well now that the blisters have healed and the aches and pains have resided it's time to think about running again...............

I's like to thank all of my friends and family for  your constant support. You know i could not have done it without you. I appreciate the time you have taken to be of support. Thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness.

A big thank you goes to Andrew Sinclair for ensuring I was fit and strong enough  to participate in this event.

Finally thank you to Endo san. Without you Endo I may not have competed in the Gobi March. Your support in training and strengthening for this event is most appreciated. Most of all thank you for being patient and  helping with my injury ensuring that it would not prevent me from competing. Your efforts, knowledge, time, expertise and company have been most appreciated!!

I could not have completed this adventure without all of your support so thank to you ALL

Well stay tuned. I swore I wouldn't do another oneof these because I was in so much pain but I am already looking foraward to and planning for the next one.........

Awesome yet knackered!
 
Firstly, thanks guys for all of your e mails, your comments and your thoughts believe me they help!!!!!
 
Today was a great day out. The beginning of the day saw us walking on rocks and dried river beds for miles and miles. Hard on the feet and the mind. I found this part endless and mentally tough not to mention concerned about flaring up an injury. But we got though it only to be faced with at least 7 river crossings where I had an unexpected fall in one!!! oohhh cold!
 
The terrain was mainly flat through most of the race today taking us through mining areas and undulating hills of sand and slate. Today I felt strong and confident and treading cautiously and with flat feet I ran most of the way at a very steady pace. This was exciting and exhilirating and a real buzz and adrenalian rush crossing the line in the top 100 in 5 plus hours. It was a great boost for the self esteem. Thanks Lynn for running with me, for the encouragement and motivation. Crossing the line together rocked!
 
After a couple of cold mornings and evenings it is currently hot hot hot and tomorrow it is meant to get hotter as we head into the basin. This afternoon saw us all have a soak in the cool stream in town and a wash. Tonight we are having a home stay in a local town and we will be sleeping in concrete has on magic carpets tonight! FUN!
 
It's 7pm now, and still very much light. However we have all eaten and hitting the sack as we have to get up at 2:45am tomorrow morning to be bused to the basin and have a 6am start. Tomorrow I anticipate to be challenging and the heat will be what will test the ability, both physically and mentally without a doubt.
 
Loving this awesome experience and today was a great boost. Once again thanks for the support and messages, considering the challenge and circumstances I am having a blast.
 
Endo san thanks for the e mail and your advice!!!  I ran at a steady pace today and a much better pace and time! I feel a little sore and stiff in the legs but strong and healthy. I am continually massaging and stretching and I feel good. Drinking is good and so is nutrition.  Thanks Endo. Check the sight for some photos!!!  Sand dunes will be in the next few days on Thursday it is 100km- difficult and long!!!!   Take care

AWESOME  AWESOME AWESOME
 
What a fab day!!!!   Took it nice and easy today. Kept a leisurely pace, tested the calf muscle out, which is feeling fine ATM and enjoyed the majestic scenery.  We started out from camp as a whole group, which soon dispersed, front runners storming ahead and those of us taking it easy and taking as many photos as possible.
 
The landscape was spectacular. Snow capped mountains on one side and rolling mountains shaped by the wind on the other. It was wonderful!  The terrain was flat for most of the but extremely rocky underfoot. Each step was taken with careful caution. However soon after check point 2 we were greeted with a very step climb and a treacherous descend that was slippery and unstable underfoot. Gain slow and cautious was the style I took. The climb was challenging however the view at the top was breath taking and well worth it. As we took in the panoramic views it had looked like the artists and sculptures of the world had taken their hand to this incrediable landscape, simply breathless.  Lots of climbs but it was the descends that were tricky and demanded all attention.
 
The last 8km were a challenge to the mental state, walking alone in the middle of no where is a true test to one's mental strength and well after some self talk and dreadful singing I finally saw the campsite come into view and by pace and motivation suddenly picked up.
 
What a wonderful day. I have eaten and am now off to bed to rest up.
Andrew the calf is feeling good and the fitness great, say day 1 down
 
Endo  I have self massaged and stretched and constantly thought about those leg presses we did, they helped get me through today!
 
Chat tomorrow!

Wow! We have finally arrived and what a journey it was. The drive delivered us with sensational  views, cultural infusions of music and dance and treachorous bus journey over very tight and narrow bridges! But we have arrived at base camp which is situated with awesome views of ice capped mountians, sensatiional. Have already made many wonderful friends, the vibe and atmosphere here at the moment is filled with idle chatter, laughter and enthusiasm.I have been fortunate to chat to some race experts who have provided some valuable tips for the amateur. According to the weigh in folks I made  news, I have the heaviest bag of the group- 15kg!  I  better eat lots for the next couple of days or the weigh in master won;t quit stalking me!
It;s crisp and chilly, have just consumed my freeze dried meal and will hit the sack for a good nights sleep and ready to commence the adventure!  What an amazing start to an unforgetable and tough journey
 
Sayonara folks

Ok it's been a while since I have blogged and that's because I hadn't had the heart to. Four weeks ago I tore the muscles in my right calf (a grade 2 tear) and the Doctor said 6 weeks was needed for a full recovery.  I didn't have that long not to mention the fact that I could no longer train and was quite sternly ordered to lay off the running for a couple of months- yeh right. This was a huge blow to the esteem and for prepartions for Gobi, talk about timing! Alas these things unfortunately happen and it was crucial to focus all energy on therapy and recovery.

After I couple of days of moping I picked myself up and decided to make the best of the situation. I sought therapy and have experimented with electrical wave therapy, hyperbaric chambers, massage and alternative exercise such as swimming and boxing to keep the fitness and strength up.

At this point I have my fabulous trainer and sports therapist- Endo san whose support and intelligence in this area has been invaluable. Domo arigato Endo san you are the best!!!! I have enjoyed our training sessions they have been most enjoyable although at times most painful! But most of all your guidance in recovery has been most appreciated.

At this point I can't see myself running the March however I will give it a damn good try at walking it and remain optimistic that the injury doesn't flare up and that I will make it over that finsih line!

However, on what ever perspective of the race you might be on- competitor or supporter the expereince either way will still be rich and rewarding and of course there will always be next year.

So I am positive, optimistic and packed (OMG am I packed with the heaviest pack in the group I bet) and ready to give this a go, most of all I am looking forward to meeting you all

5 days to go........

 

Well it's been a while since I last posted anything, life has just been busy. However, I woke with a reminder this morning that there's only 6 weeks to go.......
At the moment when I am not working I am training and when I am not training I am trying to get some sleep. As you can all relate, the past couple of weeks has seen alot of trial and error and experimenting.
I have tried running with several packs which I have packed and repacked, no one wants an object pocking them in the back! - check
I have tried a variety of energy bars, protein bars, freeze dry foods etc and my stomach has now decided on the menu. - check
Trail runners tested and I am off to buy a new pair a size bigger next weekend with enough time to wear them in. However I will be entering Gobi without toenails!!!!! - check
The weather here has improved immensely so hiking out and about is a real joy at the moment until you get lost....thank goodness for random walkers who also take the path less travelled, it's the small acts of kindness that make your day. So clocking up the hours on the feet and hoping it's enough for the desert. - check
I have just finished reading, 'Ultra Marathon Man' by Dean Karnakes and Lisa Tomati's 'Running Hot' so I am motivated and rearing to go!!!!  - check
And well I couldn't have done it without my great mates Liz and Katy. Thanks guys for the company and support without you pushing me and dragging my ass out of bed me, training would have been non existent and lonely. Your spirit and early morning gossip on the run has been invaluable. thanks chickies!
Flights, booked- check
mmmm still a few more things to purchase and a visa to get organised....but I think all is good and going just nicely.......
Can't wait to see you all and run with you through the sands of Gobi....

Linda

Hi all,

It's been great reading your blogs and hearing about your individual experiences!
 My latest adventure was running the Tokyo marathon. Let's just say it was quite a cultural experience!

We woke on race day to a morning of rain and cold. Boy did it rain. We were waiting at the start line for 30 mins before the gun went off and most of us were already drenched. Our clothing soaked through and feeling the cold before we had even began. Well not all of us. Around me stood many Japanese competitors still with their umbrellas up. Yes at the start line with an umbrella. Oh and a man next to me had put plastic bags over his feet to keep them dry. I thought it was hilarious yeh well on after thought it was ingenious! Not to mention those competitors that used ponchos, again I wondered to myself how any fool can run in those for 42km. Well I was the fool in the end...... I was soaked through! So this experience has made me consider my equipment list for Gobi very carefully.........

The first 10km were wonderful however it was crowded and we ran shoulder to shoulder from start to finish . I was high on adrenilen and the crowds and spectators were awesome. Chants of Gambatte (good luck) were ringing in our ears non stop. There were drummers, dancers and singers. Spectators clapping and handing out food and candy to any runner that felt the need for a boost! Every time we passed the TV camera I was ready to give a thumbs up. There were people running and talking on their phones at the same time and people taking photos with their phone (only in Japan)! There were spidermen, supermen, a kangaroo on the back of some poor fella, minni mouse, aladdin...you name it and that character made an appearance...it was a hoot and I had a blast there was definitely enough entertainment for the eye...

All up it was an interesting yet wonderful experience and I am already signing up for next year.........mm what costume should I run in?

However, once the race and the hype had ended, I took the time to reflect. I was solely focused on getting a goal time (a new PB) and when I didn't reach that time I was bitterly disappointed and disheartened. But later, after much pondering, I reminded myself that it was not about the end but the run it self. The whole experience of the event- sights, smells, people. I need to remind myself to enjoy every second of the experience (even the training) because once it's gone, it's gone and if you are focused solely on the end you miss the good stuff along the way!!! Lesson learnt!

Happy training and ENJOY

Linda :)

Ok it's been two weeks since I registered for this race however it's taken this long for it to sink in. No actually it's still sinking in.......Had I really signed up for this? I keep asking myself. Two weeks ago I was doing a jig around my living room thinking what a cool adventure,  now that I have landed back on earth again I have realised what lies ahead.....but what an experience it will be from beginning to end. I am also comforted in thinking that I am not the only person experiencing these early jitters.......
Today I spent the day shopping at sports outlets and hiking stores investigating shoes, equipment and trying out foods.... what an eye opener that was and an educational experience, especially when you speak little of the language and can't read the labels...this is going to be interesting LOL . Thanks to my good friend Simon who is an expert in this area for your support and suggestions today....much appreciated!
 Well I can tick off three items off the list but I still don't have any shoes............... currently doing some research.......Recommendations would be appreciated!!!!
At present my mind and body is focused and geared towards the Tokyo marathon at the end of the month so I am looking forward to that. Completed over 4 hours of running today carrying 2 kilos on my back so I think I am going to be definitely ready for Tokyo...bring it on!!!
However my challenge now, like so many others, will be how best to juggle training for Gobi, work and life and still remain consistent, especially when it is still getting as low as -2C here...we will soon find out........!!!! I think the training is the hard part!!!!
I look forward to reading about all your experiences.....
Happy training :)