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Gobi March Blogs 2011

Alexander Basile

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Gobi March (2011) blog posts from Alexander Basile

05 July 2011 02:53 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I just want to to let people know that a few of my blog posts for some reason never made it to the site for whatever reason and has been the basis for many a speculation as to what happened out on the course with my self and my teammate ruben.  needless to say all is fine and well but i will do my best to fill in the gaps a little bit and give you a wrap up.

I did NOT have appendicitis :)  we did head out on the long day.  I was not taken off the course again by medical and over all it was a fantastic experience and by my definition an insane amount of fun.  really really fun.  brutal? yes. tiring? yes. insane? yes. fun?  for sure.

so what is it about these events that make them fun?  well a close second is 55 degree heat but the number one answer is....

the people.

i have met the best people from all over the world.  truly awesome people that would have taken me years to filter out from the general population.

the staff, the volunteers, the medical, the competitors, everyone.  they are the difference between pain and suffering.  I will truly miss them all.  there is a spirit of adventure that is shared. 

so to all that read these web pages with a sense of envy and a desire to experience it... do it.  don't wait.  there will never be a perfect time.  jump in. get wet. and come meet you like minded fellow freaks from around the world.

that is all for now from Beijing.  More when i get back to the states.   oh and a special shout out to the Rabbits.  I really miss you guys a lot. 

Peace, Love and Memories of Bangin' the Gobi.

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 07 Jul 2011 05:55 am

Alex, Thanks for keeping us entertained (I will particularly remember the top things you do not want to hear from your race partner). You were truly a pleasure to have at the event, and I hope that we are able to see you again soon!

Posted On: 05 Jul 2011 04:30 pm

Amazing amazing adventure isn't it. Best, Clancy

Posted On: 05 Jul 2011 03:57 pm

Happy you had fun.

29 June 2011 03:38 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well well well…  the Gobi is indeed a bad ass bitch.  So after feeling really good yesterday we started today in the dunes.  Big dunes.  Monster 10 story high sand dunes.  Oh and it was hot. So we started with a little trip that ended up taking Ruben and I over four hours.  I drank 3.5 liters of water and still rann out before the checkpoint.  When we finally got there I was hammered.  I could feel initial stages of heat exhaustion as my breath was racing and hard to control.  I don’t know if this had anything to with not eating for the first few days of the race or what but whatever it was it hit me.  Regardless ruben and I left the checkpoint enroute to checkpoint two.  About a kilometer in I realized a couple things.  1 we are moving too slow to make the cutoff.  And 2 I cant stop breathing hard even walking flat ground.  Knowing ruben still has a chance to make the cutoff.  I call it for the day having conquered the dunes but that is all.  Ruben and I agree.  He will try to continue because he is feeling good and I will return to cp1. Unfortunately after 3 hours of battle ruben ended up not making the cutoff but at least he made it to cp2 There were many disappointed people on the course today besides us. 

So this week has been been pretty up and down.  But I remind myself that it’s about the experience and let me tell you it is a great one.  Really interesting people and the daily opportunity to confront your limits both physically and mentally.  What’s not to love.  Tomorrow is the long day.  I have no idea

Alex

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 02 Jul 2011 06:36 am

Hey bud we haven't heard from ya in awhile,so hope all is ok,and you're feeling all better now from a grueling stage 5. So great that they let you continue on,and that you are enjoying everything you have done. You are simply amazing. Here's hoping you guys are out celebrating the end,and having a blast. Call when in hotel before Hong Kong if you can when you're guys are rested up. Looking forward to talking to ya...a lot. xoxoxo

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 04:38 pm

I just read Rubens blog,and it sounds like it was a real up and down day for you. Hope you are doing well,and will wait for you to blog since im pretty sure you have not read any comments yet.xoxo

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 03:10 pm

Well I guess they raced it,cause there's an update saying "both Ruben Perez and Alex Basile came in DANCING there way through check point 3" lol....Doesn't sound to shabby :)

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 04:03 am

Just FyI update. For any of you on FB's Racing the planet site there is a great pic of Alex and Ruben.I looked on my home page of FB and there it was.:) Give it a looksie.They look like they have lost 30lbs.Great pic!

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 12:12 am

gotta say, after reading yours and Ruben's blog, really glad I didn't go.... Thanks for being the guinea pigs! Soldier on!

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 11:05 pm

HEY ALEX. From your blog I understand that you are still in pretty good shape. Enjoy the experience but stay within your limits. You have a few more days to enjoy so, pace yourselves. Remember, the blisters will heal but the experience will stay with you for ever. Make the best of it. Dad

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 10:41 pm

Im speechless,inspired,and terrified after reading Rubens blog. What a day/week you guys have had! whatever you both decide to do tomorrow... please take care of each other.xoxo

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 05:47 pm

Hey Alex: Am amazed/impressed at you two - just slogging through it and still enjoying the whole experience. Can't wait to hear the tales and see the pics when you guys return. Best, Clancy

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 04:49 pm

okay I get some of it. on the FB RTP site a lot of people are confused about check points,and how many there are in each stage. I believe there were 4 yesterday. CP1,CP2,CP3,CP4. I've read many peoples blogs,and they say most of the time you guys can't read comments.So I write this with hope you can read it by Christmas.;) PLEASE stay healthy,and don't push it! I've read of many with dehydration,and sounds like you are/were/did get that way.Especially since you were ill. I hope Ruben is good,and still in good sprits too. Keep us posted if you guys are going to do the rest of this she beast from hell. So proud of you guys! No matter what the outcome was on this race, you guys still give it your all,and still are in the most beautiful place ever.:) miss you,and enjoy it all. xoxo

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 04:09 pm

So glad you both are okay after hearing of a just brutal day all over the boards. 8 big competitors withdrew .Im not sure I fully understand though.Are you guys still going to try and run the rest(tomorrows 50 mile?),or are you done completely ? Going back to CP1? is that the very first place? Any who Im SO glad you are enjoying everything still,and sooo extremely happy you updated us .:)

28 June 2011 04:18 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

so the long day.. well we didnt know if we were going to start the long day but you dont come all the way to the gobi desert and not try to run 50 miles.  so we started and let me tell you whatever you can possibly fathom as hot does not even begin to relay to actually ferocity of the tempurature in the gobi desert.  as ruben and i were walking through the salt flats of hell in 125 degree plus temps we realized the water is really nice to have.    i will go int0o details later but together ruben and i did 62 kil0ometers together until 4am...  then ruben continued the last 28 km to the end leaving me to tend to my sexy beat up feet.  to make a long story short it was tough, hard, hot, brutal and awesome.  the gobi has been a great experience.  video will come.
 
alex

Comments: Total (0) comments

28 June 2011 04:16 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

day three...  well today was awesome.  unfortunately it was rubens time to be sick all day so in turn it was my turn to babysit him like he did for me on day one.  he was a real trooper.  i on the other hand had a great day today. well for 40k.  we ran through some amazing scenery and really defined what the word team is.  unfortunately i did hit a bit of a wall at the 40k mark and had a nice struggle for the verylast part.  but all in all it was really good. and felt good to do the day without massive stomach cramps.  ruben is ok and is resting up and fully expect to continue again tomorrow.  we are meeting really interesting people and look forward to showing you all the video footage we have been taking.  time for bed since we have to be up at 4am tomorrow.  cheers from the gobi.
 
alex

Comments: Total (0) comments

27 June 2011 03:35 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

so heres the big update from the gobi march.  day one and i did not get along very well at all. starting the evening prior i started having stomach pain.  by start time it had grown from mild to moderate.  within 5 miles it grew from moderate to strong.  and the battle began.  the next ten miles were pretty brutal and called by some the toughest frist day they had ever seen.  it was pretty amazing really.  really beautiful and rough territory.  then just before mile 15 the pain went to severe.  it sucked.  but we carried on. i was bent over in pain every hundred feet or so.  moving slowly.  too slowly and missed the cut off time. but wait.  there is good news. the doc agreed that if i sat out the next day i could continue on with the race if i felt better and if he agreed.  well today i feel better but the best part is that due to weather the course was cut down to 11 miles and all by road.  so the only day i lost was a simple little 11 mile road day. i can stomach that.  no pun intended.  in fact everyone did the stage really fast and its like the day was a rest day for  all of us :)  so to sum it up we continue on on the course tomorrow with minimal loss.  other than that all is well from the gobi and i am looking forward to a race day tomorrow.  i will let you all know how it goes.

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 03:41 am

Just had to say Congratulations Johnny Z!!!!! I hear so much about you,and WOW beyond awesome news.!! Thats quite a bit of cashola! Im not sure Alex has even had a chance to read anything on here yet.lol but wanted to just congratulate you again.Very cool! He will be so happy for ya,and probably a bit jealous...I know I am. :) Also looking forward to Alex's update if they went on.I heard that a lot of the people who withdrew yesterday decided to help out at the camp sites. After reading Rubens blog I hope they are just kicking it,and enjoying everything there is. Mr.Basile after reading Rubens blog...im not so envious anymore,it scared me to death. Still they are in a great place on a great adventure.:)

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 10:13 pm

Stay strong my brother! Glad to hear stomach is better. You will preservere! A little Wsop news for ya....made my first WSOP Final Table. Finished 10th of 1,734 in the $2,500 event for $41,775.Had my eye on top prize of $750,000 and the bracelet...but we are getting closer! Kick butt bro! Kick Butt

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 05:38 am

Way to go Alex !!!! Looking Good

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 04:04 am

Glad you're back on the course. You look good in the picture. Inspirational perseverance.

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 03:00 am

Just a quick change if anyone was looking.The pics I said were on 13 stage 3 have been changed as they keep downloading more.Last I saw it was 83 or 82. He is also in some of the video's chatting away in the back,and in a lot of other pics from stage 2 sitting around the fire.

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 11:05 pm

"I don't have time to bleed"

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 08:23 pm

ALEX. We waitend long enough to read something from you not knowing how your health was. We understant what happened and how sick you must have been. All is well now. If you feel good try to go as far as you can and enjoy the challenge before you. As I said before I almost envy you. I would not mind a little walk in the desert. Have fun and be safe. Dad

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 06:42 pm

AMAZING pic of you on the stage 3 picture uploads!(#13 of 57) you look GREAT!:)))))

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 04:26 pm

Alex the satellite feed has been down, and the whole site crashed yesterday,so this blog you have sent while GREAT to know is about 3 days behind. You are already done with stage 3,and on to 4 in the morning. Im so glad that you're back in it though and feeling good!:) We were all very worried not knowing anything. So very happy for you! have them change your status from withdrawn though.:) btw the guy on the OG tf1 said "Cyberslinger Chuck Walker is my friend. He's the race course setter or something like that. If you meet him, tell him Freeman sent you and I have a crossface on reserve for him when he gets back". Please try and keep us posted when you can,and have a awesome time!!!!!! xoxoxox btw if you can please read the blogs from the 25th. Go get em tiger:)

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 04:26 pm

Hi ALex: I know how it feels to have to pull from a race. I'm glad you are feeling better and are going to continue. Look forward to hearing about the rest of it. Best, Clancy

25 June 2011 09:17 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hello.  Well we are in Camp 1 and will be starting the race at 8am tomorrow.  Everyone is doing well here.  People from all over the world. The smallest laptop with the most tiny keys in the ever :)  It is still very surreal being here.  So very different.  Gotta finish prepping gear for tomorrow.  I will write a longer post after our run tomorrow.
 
Talk soon.
 
Alex

Comments: Total (13) comments

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 03:03 pm

So I just talked to the office ,and they said you did in fact race yesterday.awesome! look forward to reading about it in 2012 when you blog;)

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 04:09 pm

Tracy, Thank you for the good news. Now I understand why he did not post. I hope he will be Ok tomorrow and continue . We will continue to support him regardless of the outcome. Just beeing there must be such a rush and I am just alittle envyous. Gaetano

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 03:45 pm

Mr.Basile I just got a GREAT email from them. It reads 11:00 pm,27 june stage 2 camp 3 has no satellite connection,therefore competitors blogs will not be posted until tomorrow morning.This should be approximately 10 am.Check the latest from stage 2 update. fresh photos are up. Everyone of the 143 starters today finished stage 2.Both Rob o'brian and Alex Basile who did not start today plan to put their running shoes on again for stage 3 tomorrow. YAY!!!!!!! you can also read this on the side where it says breaking news. :)))) so that explains why no blogs were done,and he will be back running. Huge relief! and so happy to hear!!! So happy for you Alex that you can get back out.:) Hope to hear from ya some time tomorrow.YAYYYYYYY again.:)

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 03:20 pm

Im sorry it's under contact us,not email us. It will only allow you to write 500 letters,but they will email you back quickly...although it's in the middle of the night there now. Id just like to know if he is even still in the tents with the other racers,and Ruben,or if they moved him. Good luck,and if you need me to look up more info i'd be more than happy to do so. I hope Ruben is still racing too as he has not updated either. Im sure all is ok,but would ,like you to know everything. Hope we can hear something....anything today.

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 02:35 pm

Hi Mr.Basile. last night I sent racing the planet a message about Alex, and how he was doing,and that we had not heard anything,and if they would write me back. They wrote me back in about 15 min that he was okay,and did not race today(yesterday now 2nd day) because of his stomach discomfort,and the Dr\'s were just keeping an eye on him. They said he should be able to send out emails to family yesterday( I guess he didn't do that)y,if not I asked them to email you. I guess they did:). they made it sound as though he was doing ok...glad you got the message,and I really wish he would post,or have one of the team post for him. You can go to email us on the front page,and send them a message for/about Alex,and they will give it to him,and email you back all info. Im not sure what else there is to do at this point.

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 12:30 pm

Alex .ireceived e-mail from the organizers and sai You are well and are under doctor`s care. I think, if at all possible, you should try to post some information. We are all worried . Dad

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 02:04 am

Hey you. Hoping you are doing okay. Please update, and tell us all whats going on,or have someone else write it. I just was updated that the race today has been pushed back till way later now from the fog.Maybe Ruben can update us in that time if you still can't. miss you and really hope all is okay. xoxo

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 04:32 pm

Alex.I am sorry to learn that you got sick and may not continue the race.I hope you have access to medical help. Stay well and since your chances of winning have diminuished somewhat just enjoy the rest of the trip. I am sure the experience will be wellworthed.. Come back safe. Dad

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 03:58 pm

Hey guys,and Alex's dad :)since Alex has not updated the blog im thinking he is to sick to do so. Please go and read Ruben Perez's blog. He explains everything from yesterdays run.Alex got very sick,and yet he still tried to let them have him continue,but he was just to ill with severe stomach cramps,and they made him stop with 2 hours left . If you are getting the updates on your emails for instant news updates you can see many people did not expect the first day to be this hard. 4 competitors dropped out because of the terrain being so brutal(one of them was the winner of the other racing the planet.Thats how hard it was). I can't believe he did over 9 hours in this terrain with stomach pains this bad...he is a champ! They don't know what is making him so ill,but he is asking to still finish the race last I read. Alex if you get a chance to read these, I can only hope you're feeling better today hun.update when you can...or feel like you can.Im hoping its just a case of very bad food poising,and nothing worse,but will wait to hear from you,and read Rubens blog for now. xoxo

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 02:19 pm

Sitting in Coffee Bean with Lee. Looking for race results and pulling for you two. Be safe. Dad

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 07:03 am

Been following it since the start,and getting email updates every 30 min from them. I've heard it had A LOT of hills,more then expected,and some/most of the people that have done the race before are coming in are saying it was really hard terrain for the first part of this race.Hope all is going well,and you're seeing some amazing stuff:).Also Hoping that your feet are doing good. trying to stay up to read a new blog from ya,but this time change is a killer. Can't wait to hear how it went,and how you guys are feeling on this first day!:) So proud of you guys! xo

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 01:50 am

Go Alex and go Ruben! Rooting for you two from Los Angeles. Take care of your feet, change your socks and eat well. Woo hoo!!!!!!! Best, Clancy

Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 11:29 pm

There's a good pic of you on page 6 of the photos posted. looks like the shirt made a nice recovery;). Have fun and eat a lot of fruity chews.

24 June 2011 06:56 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi everyone.  Ruben and I are here in Urumqi doing final gear prep.  Tomorrow we do gear check in and are bused to the starting line.  So far all is well, we are in good spirits and are looking forward the adventure that awaits.  The next post will be from the desert.

So very exciting.  Feet don't fail me now.  Literally :)

A

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 08 Jul 2011 02:27 am

Well, we finally recieved the gobi you captured, packeged and sent overnight express. Very tough but we continued to cook it for three days and was a hit served in tacos. We are proud you ran the Gobi. We miss you. Jim and Violeta

Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 03:42 pm

Hey Alex. Remember to go slow the first few days. Save your feet for later. Lee Allen is following this race along with all his contacts on tweeter. Be safe Dad

Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 03:12 am

Just watched the video clip...This is so awesome! :)Have a great first day!. looks a bit over cast,which is great. Hope the arches are feeling good,and strong;and wow...how cool must it be running along side camels?:) So excited for you guys. Can't wait to hear about your first day. You got this.... xoxooxoxx

Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 01:40 am

Miss you and wish we could send you your burrito but UPS said no, so we ate it (yum). Can you run 50 miles with a mouth full of water?

Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 08:59 pm

Hey Alex. You are looking and kicking butt.! Keep this and read it at end of each day. Be safe and take care of each other. Hello Ruben You are kicking butt also.

Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 03:45 pm

Good luck, and tell Ruben you are a 5, a 5 ok?!? You happy?

Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 03:11 pm

Testing

Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 02:50 pm

Have an amazing time!!! Make sure you give Rueben a hug when he needs one.:)

14 June 2011 09:31 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

That would be all the stuff that happens up until we get to the starting line.  It is absolutely the longest section of the race.  Navigating through the maze of airfares, backpacks, foods, clothings, medical supplies, visas, finances, scheduling, while simultaneously balancing working, family, friends, training etc.  Just making it to Check Point Zero is a victory in and of itself.  It's a proud declaration that this is your life and you refuse not to live it.

I applaud all those who make it there and look forward to meeting you all.

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 03:22 am

Please catch a Gobi and sent it strait away. We want to cook one. Do they bite? Are they like the glo in the dark giant earth worms we have in Santa Monica? Please give us the local proceedure for cooking the great Gobi. By the way mon, golia is a great gal. Have fun.

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 07:29 pm

Alex I hope you are well.We are concerned about you health.Please post some updates as soon as you are able. Dad

Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 02:44 am

Cool dude. Water is your friend. How are are the Chinese burritos?

Posted On: 23 Jun 2011 06:58 pm

Well done son! take care of your webbed feet and don't drink any yellow snow

Posted On: 20 Jun 2011 11:53 pm

Hey Alex - Glad you got the blog up and running. Can't wait to follow your adventures through the Gobi. Don't forget I'm buying you two drinks when you get back to LA. Best, Clancy

Posted On: 13 Jun 2011 11:23 pm

It's been over 20 years, and I find out from my friend Dev that you're in the Gobi racing. Be safe, and enjoy. Take care Alex

Posted On: 13 Jun 2011 11:08 am

Hi Alexander! Greetings from IRELAND! You have captured, beautifully, in your words, how passionate we can be about our DREAMS!! Best of Irish Good Luck to you! See you in the GOBI.21EM( Rob O'Brien.