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Gobi March Blogs 2011
5
PostsGobi March (2011) blog posts from Kelly Throne
01 July 2011 02:37 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
As we entered camp at 3 a.m. this morning, I realized that out of the past 48 hours I’d spent 30 of them on the course, the majority in 100+ degree weather. And although there were parts of it that were spectacular, the last two stages have definitely been the most challenging and painful of anything I’ve ever done.
Stage 4 started with a 3 a.m. wake up to catch a 4 a.m. bus to the dunes. We stayed in a village the night before and it was stifling, so sleep was hard to find for the few hours we could try to find it. On top of that one of the buses got a flat and we were delayed half an hour on the road, so any hope of catching up were gone. The first stage was in the big dunes and it went well, partly I realized later due to the cloud cover. After coming off the big dunes the rest of the stage was on soft sand over dunnettes but it was the heat that really killed me. After taking a rest with another competitor in the shade, we made it to the third checkpoint and I took an hour to cool my core down, get some food in me and then headed into camp. It was not pretty but it was done and that’s all I cared about at the time…..actually it’s still all I care about. I spent the next few hours trying to hydrate, eat and then prepare for the long march. Needless to say the cybertent was not on the agenda.
Yesterday Heather and I stayed together, just plodding through the day. The course started with more dunnettes and then we walked on dirt tracks and road through the salt flats. Freaking miserable. And I had the pleasure of my first blister on top of it all!! We had thought that the heat would abate after 4:00 but it wasn’t until 9ish that there was any relief. At 9:30 p.m. we pulled into the overnight camp and got some dinner in us, then headed out for the final push. My legs have felt fine, and we actually made good time over the final 23 km. I know this seems like a short description of a very long day but I can’t find words to describe adequately how the day was. Surreal, but in a bad way. I’m thrilled to be done and am looking forward to a shower and a burger tomorrow after an 11km walk into town.
Thanks again for all your emails and messages!!
Stage 4 started with a 3 a.m. wake up to catch a 4 a.m. bus to the dunes. We stayed in a village the night before and it was stifling, so sleep was hard to find for the few hours we could try to find it. On top of that one of the buses got a flat and we were delayed half an hour on the road, so any hope of catching up were gone. The first stage was in the big dunes and it went well, partly I realized later due to the cloud cover. After coming off the big dunes the rest of the stage was on soft sand over dunnettes but it was the heat that really killed me. After taking a rest with another competitor in the shade, we made it to the third checkpoint and I took an hour to cool my core down, get some food in me and then headed into camp. It was not pretty but it was done and that’s all I cared about at the time…..actually it’s still all I care about. I spent the next few hours trying to hydrate, eat and then prepare for the long march. Needless to say the cybertent was not on the agenda.
Yesterday Heather and I stayed together, just plodding through the day. The course started with more dunnettes and then we walked on dirt tracks and road through the salt flats. Freaking miserable. And I had the pleasure of my first blister on top of it all!! We had thought that the heat would abate after 4:00 but it wasn’t until 9ish that there was any relief. At 9:30 p.m. we pulled into the overnight camp and got some dinner in us, then headed out for the final push. My legs have felt fine, and we actually made good time over the final 23 km. I know this seems like a short description of a very long day but I can’t find words to describe adequately how the day was. Surreal, but in a bad way. I’m thrilled to be done and am looking forward to a shower and a burger tomorrow after an 11km walk into town.
Thanks again for all your emails and messages!!
28 June 2011 04:53 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Up until the final 7 km, my take on this stage was awesome....awesome, awesome, awesome!!! The skies cleared yesterday evening, stars were amazing during the night, and the sun was shining when we got up this morning. I knew I was a fair weather fan in some respects but apparently I'm a fair weather racer as well. Just felt better with the big orb in the sky over us, at least at 8 am this morning! We went down into a river bed canyon and headed over it for about 6 km. It was a huge confidence boost that I actually ran it as usually Heather is waiting for me whenever we have anything involving rocks and water on the trail. I think I was nervous about taking too long so just went for it.
Out the river bed and after about 10 km of a steady uphill road, I hit checkpoint 2 and from there the awesomeness truly started. The next 10 km were all downhill, through these canyons but wide enough that you got to see around you. Totally stunning vistas, I can't imagine what the pics will look like. And with the lower altitude the running felt effortless. The next leg was also good, could see the valleys around and the dirt road for all of this was clear enough that I could actually look at the scenery some.
Hit the final checkpoint at 1:00 and that's when the heat hit me. We were on open road with some small hillls and the breeze had disappeared so just suffered through it. I think I got in around 6 hours but have forgotten to stop my watch every day so far. We are in a village tonight so have four walls around us but I have to say I miss the tent. Best of all there is a river right by us so all of us have gone and rinsed most of our stuff and I was able to sit in the very cold water for about 25 minutes so feet and legs got some tlc. Still sticking with the plan, am now off to get the rest of my water ration and take a nap before stretching and dinner. Legs defiinitely felt it today and tomorrow is Dooms Day, otherwise known as Dunes Day. I look forward to getting my ass kicked, you will not have such a positive report to read this time tomorrow!!
Again, thanks for all the messages, you guys are more awesome than this stage!!!
Out the river bed and after about 10 km of a steady uphill road, I hit checkpoint 2 and from there the awesomeness truly started. The next 10 km were all downhill, through these canyons but wide enough that you got to see around you. Totally stunning vistas, I can't imagine what the pics will look like. And with the lower altitude the running felt effortless. The next leg was also good, could see the valleys around and the dirt road for all of this was clear enough that I could actually look at the scenery some.
Hit the final checkpoint at 1:00 and that's when the heat hit me. We were on open road with some small hillls and the breeze had disappeared so just suffered through it. I think I got in around 6 hours but have forgotten to stop my watch every day so far. We are in a village tonight so have four walls around us but I have to say I miss the tent. Best of all there is a river right by us so all of us have gone and rinsed most of our stuff and I was able to sit in the very cold water for about 25 minutes so feet and legs got some tlc. Still sticking with the plan, am now off to get the rest of my water ration and take a nap before stretching and dinner. Legs defiinitely felt it today and tomorrow is Dooms Day, otherwise known as Dunes Day. I look forward to getting my ass kicked, you will not have such a positive report to read this time tomorrow!!
Again, thanks for all the messages, you guys are more awesome than this stage!!!
Comments: Total (14) comments
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 04:20 pm
And I assumed that you would not be blogging! Go girl go girl go girl!! I cant even believe the scenery. Cant wait to hear. LOVES
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 02:09 pm
Way to stick with it in Stage 5 sounds like a killer. Only 2 stages to go, YOU ARE AMAZING!!!!
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 08:58 pm
Go Kelly Go !!!! This is really amazing, so, so happy that you did this one. Know that Mommie is "beating the beads" for you every moment of the day. Can't wait to read your blog on the "dunes" Hugs to you and Heather
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 05:45 pm
Kelly - you are amazing! Definitely kicking that desert's butt! Hope the dunes go well! Keep up the good work stay positive, one foot in front of the other, stick to your plan ! Think Lawrence of Arabia! You rock!!
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 03:01 pm
Remember the "marshmallow fluff" as you are tackling "Dooms Day" You are awesome!!!!
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:21 pm
Sounds like you are taking it all and that is good. Remember those great vistas when the going gets tough. Good luck in the Dunes, climb them like a camel.
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:12 pm
You go girl - loved your very good pix - went to Heathers name and found you.
luv ya
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:09 pm
Hey Kelly,
How are the legs????? I\'m more keen to get a blog on the legs .... now you\'ve been at it for 3 days. Photo\'s look amazing, men look fit??? xx keep running Kelly and suck it up! xx
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:09 pm
Hey Kelly,
How are the legs????? I'm more keen to get a blog on the legs .... now you've been at it for 3 days. Photo's look amazing, men look fit??? xx keep running Kelly and suck it up! xx
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 11:26 am
This is Maia's message "GO KELLY Wooohoohoo!!!!!" and a smile from Ellie.
Thinking of you, and can not wait to hear all about it at the Marriott for our afternoon tea....
Isa et le reste de la famille. BISOUS
Whatever Isa. Come on Thorne! get focused! We are all routing for you here.
Lots of jealousy. Iain
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 09:24 am
Kelly,
Following your progress daily. I feel tired just reading your blog posts. Good luck out there :)
Nora sends you a wave!
Will
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:18 am
You ROCK! Hope those amazingly fashioned gators do the job and you smite those dunes! Xx
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 01:34 am
Hey you, great job out there and keep it positive. You'll be up and over those dunes before you know it. You're certainly not missing much in HK: Thunderstorms and pouring rain for the last 3 days.
Views sound incredible and I envy you the adventure. Look forward to the pics and stories with a bottle of red or two.
Do good, have fun and keep smiling.
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 12:11 am
Wow you sound like your having a blast, way to go Kelly, good luck on the dunes!!
27 June 2011 12:32 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
So when you read the mandatory kit list, there are several items for cold weather: hat, gloves, jacket, etc. You think, it's a desert race....why? And then you sit writing your blog on Day 2 wearing ALL of said cold weather kit. We woke this morning in the clouds, literally. What we thought was morning mist or fog and would burn off early was still with us hours later. And the balmy 32 degrees of the day before has been replaced with a frigid 10 degrees (sorry Americans, convert on google, or just know it went from fairly hot to freaking cold).You could barely see ten feet ahead of you, and so the stage start was delayed twice for an hour each and then till noon, mainly concerned people would get lost in the hills. With the 4-hour late start they also flatened and shortened the course by half, so it was a day for the runners or the Ozzies and Brits who have been training in this weather, of which I do not include myself in either. Heather and I stuck together for the stage, using our classic run/walk strategy, coming in about 2:30 just before the real rain started. We have spent the majority of the day in the tent trying to stay warm but the rest has been nice. I'm still feeling ok, sticking to the plan, and hope the hills tomorrow will wake the legs up because I'm not sure they ever actually woke up today!
Can't respond to any emails as satellite not working yet due to clouds and being in a valley. I look forward to reading them soon!!
Can't respond to any emails as satellite not working yet due to clouds and being in a valley. I look forward to reading them soon!!
Comments: Total (6) comments
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 05:16 am
I can remember when when people used to call us the Thorne kids (hell, they still do) and people have been calling me Brent forever, but, jeez, BARBARA?!
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 03:25 am
Awesomw!! Kick butt!!
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 04:09 pm
Way to go Kelly!! Finally I'm able to hit reply. Perhaps the server was down in keeping with the foggy weather conditions out there this morning. Glad you're doing so well after stage 2. Look forward to hearing all about stage 3 which I guess you'll update tomorrow as you're clearly in beddy byes as I write. The pics I've seen so far look incredible and wild, though haven't seen today's. Guess there's not much to see anyway! Other news, Squeakers is undergoing her own endurance adventure at our place, picking up the pace from placid to sprint when we come looking for her. She's started spending more time with us getting her daily massage fix. Wish I could attach pics. Anyway, here's to a great stage 4 hump day. Time for celebrations Wed night I reckon. Will drink to you! Later. Xx
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 02:48 pm
way to tough out the elements Kelly and yes who would think dessert and that cold/wet weather. You are strong forge on! You are doing great 50th overall and 7th Female.
Keep to the plan!!
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 01:14 pm
Kelly,
WTF.............What were you thinking?
Good luck on the trek across the desert!
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 12:35 pm
Can't see how you made out today, hope it was better. We are in NC now, id get to back and wired money to moving company. Can't wait to see the updates and see how you are doing. Go Kelly Go !!!! No limit to your accomplishments, just stick to the plan, right. Hugs, Mommie
26 June 2011 08:16 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 1, and everyone seems to be wondering what the freaking heck we're doing here!! The camp last night was great, right in the middle of a glade of trees with a stream running behind it. Our tent has quite a few brits so I feel like I'm in the middle of a monty python production, which was particlulary appreciated after today's stage. It was supposed to be one of the easier stages but I think everyone was looking at the descriptions of the first two parts and ignored the 'difficult' last part. We basically walked up for 35 km. Andrea, think of the day we walked to Pelling and add cross country with a burning sun to it. My theme for the day is 'respect altitude' becasue I definitely didn't as much as I should have before. I saw the 2500 meters and thought not a worry, I work out in Vail all the time with no problem. Howevver, I've never WALKED to Vail, and let me tell you I don't see me doing it anytime soon!! At one point I was overtaking a guy and he said it sounded like Darth Vadar was coming up behind him but I felt like I was sucking in air for just enough oxygen. I walked most of the stage but at a steady pace and came in at 6:10. The heat wasn't too bad but I got in before the worst of it. Stuck to my post stage plan with recovery drink, anti-flame to the legs, compression tights and some stretching. Also caught an hour sleep and right now feel ok. We shall see in 12 hours when I have to gear up again.
Thanks for all the messages and please keep them coming they are sooooo nice to read. I'm heading now to make dinner, beef and potato casserole....yummmm!!!!
Kenna, I arrive August 1st and will now have Teenage Dream in my mind all night!
Thanks for all the messages and please keep them coming they are sooooo nice to read. I'm heading now to make dinner, beef and potato casserole....yummmm!!!!
Kenna, I arrive August 1st and will now have Teenage Dream in my mind all night!
Comments: Total (7) comments
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 03:01 pm
Hi Kelly! the scenery is mindblowing. Am watching you and Heather's progress every moment I get in the office .
Keep up the good work and take care of yr feet.
BTW, painting job done- giving Mr Bo the money tomorrow. Did you give me more than required? was only $8,500. Got to go! see ya.!
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 11:04 am
Guess you had a little frustration in the morning but I see that everyone has finished now. Headed to NC this morning but will be following you from there. Go Kelly Go !!!! Hugs to you.
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 12:49 am
Hey Girl, Way to go and great to see the plan is working. A good time for Day 1 too. One day down, not many to go. Thinking of you and wishing you fun thoughts. Remember, slow and steady does it.
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 12:35 am
Finally found you, my number 134. This is really great to be able to see ya and know how you are doing. Again, Go Kelly Go as you know, anything is possible. Hugs, Mommie
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 11:54 pm
Enjoyed your comments - told the preacher about what you were doing and he announced it all from the pulpit. Many cheering for you. One of the families heading for China this week. Mom down before leaving tomorrow for Bob and Janets. Will miss her. You please take care of you. Beating the "beads" for ya.
hugs, Baby
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 10:42 pm
Sounds like you're doing great! Will keep checking your progress and blog. found you in 2 pictures so far....looking strong. GO KELLY!!!
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 07:00 pm
Awesome job Kelly! Make sure keep up the stretching after & before each segment. Hydrate-Hydrate-Hydrate!!
23 June 2011 05:33 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Welcome to my first blog!! Not sure how good I'll be at keeping this up, I usually suck at travel journals after the first few days, but this one is probably a bit different. We arrived in Urumqi Wednesday evening and it's a typical big Chinese city. The air is nice, though that may be more from it's lack of HK level humidity than anything else. Yesterday was spent applying for Kyrgyz visas for trip after the race as well making final inventory of race kit. I packed and re-checked kit several times in HK but the week leading up to departure was manic with end if school and all my things getting packed for shipment to Germany so I was paranoid something didn't get included. Thankfully not.
All that's left now is the race.
Comments: Total (8) comments
Posted On: 04 Jul 2011 10:27 pm
Congratulations. You're amazing!
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 10:19 pm
Keeping up daily on the descriptions etc. and just know I will be "Beating the Beads" for you.. Take care Hugs
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 02:19 pm
Go Kelly Go !!!!! I can see the smile on your face to whole race and wonder what\'s going through her mind. Hugs
Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 03:04 pm
Hi sweetie -know I am thinking of you and luving yu. And take care. Hugs from you ole grandma.
Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 01:14 am
Best of success Kelly, because luck is for the ill prepared and we know how hard you've worked for this. Though we hope you have left the bag of rice at home! We'll be checking in with you frequently!
Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 05:52 pm
Don't forget your sun protection!! Good luck to you both !!
Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 09:49 am
Very excited for you ! Will be watching this blog daily for you and Heather. Hugs to both of you.
Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 01:27 am
Good Luck!
Comments: Total (11) comments
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Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 04:04 pm