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Gobi March Blogs 2010
6
PostsGobi March (2010) blog posts from Shirish Apte
02 July 2010 10:17 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
It is done. The long day is over. We did over 100 km over 30 hours with 5 hours sleep. Quite vqaried terrain from rivers and streams with multiple crossings where you got feet very wet (ankle deep water in places) to vine yards and interesting villages. And then there were endless salt flats whic went on for ever. Surprising how much water there is inthe Gobi desert. The course was at time relentless especially when we were walking in the night with headlamps.we finished on sand dunes. Tomorrow is the last day with an easy 10 km on dunes and vine yars. And then it is over
01 July 2010 02:59 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Tough day. We started easy at 6 am, after being bused for 2 hours. The first stage was an easy(!!) 13.5 kms. The next stage was ok at around 11km. The last stage of 13km was brutal. there was a never ending gully and then a sand mountain followed by another down hill gully. For us back-of-the pack types, this was at around 2 in the afternoon in about 39 degree heat. Once you got out of the down hill gully you come to an ancient Budhist village with a stupa in the middle. Not sure when exactly it dates back to but it is said to be middle ages. Well tomorrow is it - 99kms in the Turpan basin. The elite runners will probably do this stretch in 23 hours, the non-elite like me plan to take around 36 hours. Once we are through this stage, it should a staright forward (notice not easy) 20 kms over sand dunes to the finish. The thought of reachng the finish in 3 days should create enough adrenaqline for tomorrow.
Comments: Total (5) comments
Posted On: 02 Jul 2010 04:14 pm
Great going Shirish Masa. This is fantastic. Keep going!!!
Posted On: 02 Jul 2010 03:26 pm
What FUN. Keep it up, keep it up.
Posted On: 02 Jul 2010 01:24 pm
Heard that you finished the marathon 99km - so amazing! Well done Baba! You're almost there! Can't wait to hear all about it when you get home.
Posted On: 02 Jul 2010 07:07 am
It's amazing that you've already completed so many kms! Keep the feet moving and look out for interesting things to see over the 99kms. Take some photos to share with us when you return. Keep going, Shirish!
Posted On: 01 Jul 2010 11:48 pm
keep your strength up and keep hydrated and keep walking. Constantly amazed at your mental and physical strength and very very proud. Well done!!
28 June 2010 09:09 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Yesterday I had no energy to get to the Cybernet tent. The last stage of yesterday was 15km pretty much uphill. Made it. Today was much better. The first bit was tough but doable. The next bit was relatively easy. The last bit into the camp was very pretty We walked through a river bed which had water, though much less than it must have had at one time. We then walked through trees and had a small river crossing. Nevertheless, it was wonderful to see the camp site. 2 down 4 to go (I am not counting the last day as that gets us home). Tomorrow and day after look like they will be ok. Thursday and Friday are the killers - 99km over 36 hours. But we will cross that bridge when we get to it. At the camp now. There was a hint of rain just now. It rains 5mm per year and that had to be the week we are in the Gobi. More tomorrow - provided it is like today.
Comments: Total (4) comments
Posted On: 30 Jun 2010 02:31 pm
gook woking shirish ajuba. good iak love Antara and arjun
Posted On: 29 Jun 2010 06:56 pm
Kaka, rooting hard for the two of you. The kids and I are watching closely so you must emerge as heroes...BOTH of you!
Much love
Posted On: 29 Jun 2010 02:15 pm
so glad that you are conquering the course. stay well.
Posted On: 29 Jun 2010 01:04 pm
Well done Baba! By the time you read this you will be half way done :)
Good luck for the rest of the week - we're all thinking of you!
26 June 2010 09:03 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
We are at the first camp site. Had a relaxed day in Urumqui before heading out to the Gobi desert. Really beautiful country side. I guess the desert starts tomorrow. Met some really wonderful people. Even met one who claims to have trained less than me. So it all starts tomorrow with an easy 30km walk. the only problem is carrying the back pack. Anyway, more from Camp 2 tomorrow.
Comments: Total (5) comments
Posted On: 28 Jun 2010 06:53 pm
Absolutely awesome Shirish! Having now read up on the details of the race I am even more impressed. We just had a great weekend with the children and didn't do anything more strenuous than lift a 'few' glasses of wine. I will be following your exploits.
Best, Bill
Posted On: 28 Jun 2010 03:15 am
Just heard about your desert run. Amazing! Now you've spurred me to go beyond marathons.
Hope the first 30km was easy. And you have to blog your experience when you return.
Keep hydrated!
Posted On: 28 Jun 2010 01:56 am
Way to go Shirish! Good luck and we'll be cheering you on. Best, Yvonne
Posted On: 27 Jun 2010 03:03 am
good luck. tried to call yesterday but guess the bus ride put you out of reach. look after rohit. he is suffering because his rucksack weighs more than yours. wu
Posted On: 26 Jun 2010 05:03 pm
Good luck for the start tomorrow, Shirish. Don't risk any deep thoughts; just concentrate on the pink flags. All the best, Alasdair
21 June 2010 08:25 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
One week to go and the training is scaling down. Sometimes I wonder what I am doing going on the Gobi March. When I tell people I get two reactions: that is really cool, I should do this. Or the more common one: are you completely out of your mind. I am now actually looking forward to 7 days in the desert. Totally committed to enjoying myself and to finishing the course. Rohit has been terrific. He is so completely absorbed with the weight of the back pack, the calories per day, spread sheets mapping everything etc that I can just sit and follow the lead. Well more on the blog from the Gobi. Shirish
Comments: Total (3) comments
Posted On: 24 Jun 2010 07:45 am
I just noticed you on the list of competitors! Best of luck Rohit.
Posted On: 22 Jun 2010 07:05 am
Look forward to seeing you there. I arrive on the 24th in am. Was in St Petersburg and spent breaks in Forum running up and down Neva River to the stares of the locals. That I was running from 1230-230 am may have had something to do with it. Trainings over, bags are packed, now its all mental, and mental we are!
Posted On: 21 Jun 2010 03:39 pm
As someone who was in the "are you out of your mind" camp, I am now converted :) Sounds like you guys are well prepared for the race. Good luck and have fun! I'm sure it will be a once in a lifetime experience. Looking forward to reading the updates from the Gobi. We'll be cheering you on from here :)
07 June 2010 06:31 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Decided to up the training stakes as I suddenly realized how little I had trained compared to some of my fellow competitors I have spoken with. Back-to-back hikes over the week end. Surprising felt able to move this morning which bodes well for day 2 of the Gobi march.
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 11 Jun 2010 04:48 am
It was a pleasure to meet you the other day. If even you don't have as much training as others, I definitely think you can do it. From what you told me you have been doing, you should have a good base. Its 75% mental anyway!
Comments: Total (4) comments
Posted On: 06 Jul 2010 04:20 am
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Posted On: 03 Jul 2010 12:56 am
Posted On: 02 Jul 2010 09:04 pm