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Gobi March Blogs 2011
8
PostsGobi March (2011) blog posts from Gian Minns
01 July 2011 03:35 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
I was unable to start stage 5. I was a huge disappointment to say the least. The decision was clear cut, which made it easy - after not being able to eat or drink (hardly) for the previous 36hrs I was barely able to walk the length of camp yesterday morning. That hasn't stopped all sorts of frustrations and excessive reviews of all the events leading up to now... way too much thinking yesterday.
A day later I'm feeling much stronger in both mind and body. It was sad watching all the rest of the competitors start yesterday and, from a selfish perspective, wrenching to watch them overcome the tremendous challenge that day 5 was - I was horribly jealous. Of course I am happy and proud for them too. This applies especially for Laird. You only have to catch a glimpse of his feet to see how much he endured to make it. Yet his face, beaming ear to ear with a great big smile, shows happiness, satisfaction, accomplishment . . . nothing but joy. I am very proud of him and sharing a little of his joy.
At the end of the day I would not have done anything differently if I had the time again. My feet and ankles and knees are all in great condition. My gear was great. I raced hard - it wouldn't be me to do it any differently - but not stupidly. Nausea happened and I dealt with it as best I could.
Tomorrow I will run the last stage with the field. It will be nice to be with them again. Then the banquet / awards dinner. I do feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to be here, to have done the training, to have met and competed with these people and seen these places. I was able to race several stages and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of them. I must reiterate how much I did enjoy the stages I raced. To be in this environment (beautiful, harsh, dirty and unforgiving), with only your backpack and a sense of adventure, not knowing what's around the next corner, and a bunch of like minded competitors to share the experience with - wow, what a gift this has been (thank you my darling).
On the topic of glamour, I reckon they must be photoshopping all the photos on the site. We are 150 people last showered 7 days ago, sleeping in a sandy dusty desert, not to mention doing a few workouts. Phew! this makes boys only camping trips look supurbly refined!
Thanks for all your wonderful messages along the way. It's made it much harder having reminders of how many great people I'm missing back home! Take care, I can't wait to see you very soon :-)
Much love,
Gian
A day later I'm feeling much stronger in both mind and body. It was sad watching all the rest of the competitors start yesterday and, from a selfish perspective, wrenching to watch them overcome the tremendous challenge that day 5 was - I was horribly jealous. Of course I am happy and proud for them too. This applies especially for Laird. You only have to catch a glimpse of his feet to see how much he endured to make it. Yet his face, beaming ear to ear with a great big smile, shows happiness, satisfaction, accomplishment . . . nothing but joy. I am very proud of him and sharing a little of his joy.
At the end of the day I would not have done anything differently if I had the time again. My feet and ankles and knees are all in great condition. My gear was great. I raced hard - it wouldn't be me to do it any differently - but not stupidly. Nausea happened and I dealt with it as best I could.
Tomorrow I will run the last stage with the field. It will be nice to be with them again. Then the banquet / awards dinner. I do feel very grateful to have had the opportunity to be here, to have done the training, to have met and competed with these people and seen these places. I was able to race several stages and thoroughly enjoyed the challenge of them. I must reiterate how much I did enjoy the stages I raced. To be in this environment (beautiful, harsh, dirty and unforgiving), with only your backpack and a sense of adventure, not knowing what's around the next corner, and a bunch of like minded competitors to share the experience with - wow, what a gift this has been (thank you my darling).
On the topic of glamour, I reckon they must be photoshopping all the photos on the site. We are 150 people last showered 7 days ago, sleeping in a sandy dusty desert, not to mention doing a few workouts. Phew! this makes boys only camping trips look supurbly refined!
Thanks for all your wonderful messages along the way. It's made it much harder having reminders of how many great people I'm missing back home! Take care, I can't wait to see you very soon :-)
Much love,
Gian
29 June 2011 06:02 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Not finishing. Yesterday was tough. Cause or effect debatable, but I have nausia and have struggled to eat or drink. The plan was to get through the today and recover enough for tomorrow. I took the first 10km very easy (through mamouth sand dunes, quite spectacular), and stage 2 the same. By the 20km mark I was really struggling and took a 1hr break at that check point. It was 10km to the next check point and we had to walk in pairs due to the heat.
I was OK for the first 5km, next 2 were tough, 8th my energy levels were dangerously low. My wonderful buddy, James from Singapore, waited without a care for his race. We found a volunteer, I gave him my backpack, and completed the last 2km in over an hour - walk 50-100m then sit and recover before doing it again and again. At that stage it was clear that this would be my last check point.
Not sure how I feel about it. Important thing is I'm on the improve - might do the last stage, but not tomorrow.
We haven,t received an posts or emails. I'll share more thoughts tomorrow.
Much love,
Gian
I was OK for the first 5km, next 2 were tough, 8th my energy levels were dangerously low. My wonderful buddy, James from Singapore, waited without a care for his race. We found a volunteer, I gave him my backpack, and completed the last 2km in over an hour - walk 50-100m then sit and recover before doing it again and again. At that stage it was clear that this would be my last check point.
Not sure how I feel about it. Important thing is I'm on the improve - might do the last stage, but not tomorrow.
We haven,t received an posts or emails. I'll share more thoughts tomorrow.
Much love,
Gian
Comments: Total (17) comments
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 05:58 am
Gian, A massive effort mate, well done. I can not begin to imagine what you are going through but you have achieved so much more than most just to get there. Your determination is inspirational mate. What a journey! Get well and travel safe. See you soon.
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 10:49 pm
Gian, I'm very sorry to hear you've had such troubles mate. If a guy like you (stubborn, crazy, focused) after all the training you've done goes through what you have, then that says something about the enormity of the task... Please look after yourself and get home safely. Your family and mates are immensely proud and can't wait to see you.
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 11:50 am
Hey Barn ..... The race sounds absolutely incredible. I could imagine the isolation & landscape is an experiance on its own. Let alone the mental and emotional challenges which must be extreme. Just wanted to let you know our thoughts are with you many times a day ..... So very proud.
I'm currently sleep deprived and wondering how anyone can have more than 1 child !!! (lucky I'm not running the race)!! All is well here and looking forward to you coming home. Allegra and Tyla are spending time together again this weekend. They are absolutely nuts together, its beautiful to see.
You take care and look after yourself !!
Claud
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 11:20 am
Gian - we have written, deleted and re-written a few emails but nothing seems to appropriately convey how impressed, amazed, stunned and flummoxed with are with what you have chosen to tackle... we have been checking your progress & blogs and your open and honest updates certainly puts life's day to day distractions into perspective... and we are thinking of you on this journey...
What you take from this experience will be beyond the steps taken in a foreign and fascinating landscape and we don't profess to come close to understand the reward you will savor but one quite comes to mind courtesy of Sri Chinmoy... " "The determination in your heroic effort will permeate your mind and heart even after your success or failure is long forgotten." We wish you every success and we know that the effort will always permeate your mind and heart... travel safe buddy! Tim and Lan
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 07:45 am
Honey, I have been sending you get well vibes all day. I really hope you get my messages from today and also yesterday tonight- not knowing is doing my head in. If you do get my messages from yesterday you will be wondering if I am psychic (turns out I am- I was very teary yesterday and missed you very badly- maybe a part of me knew you weren't well!). I hope you're feeling much stronger and have been keeping some food/drink down.
You have been so prominent in my thoughts today its possible I have a sign on my forehead that says: Gian Minns is sick on the other side of the world and I can't help him. Well...at the very least I have a big crease in my forehead. I'm sorry for sending so many messages but as I can't get any back from you till at least tomorow morning its therapeutic for me just to babble on this here laptop. Poor laptop.
Also possibly poor racing planet staff who have to load all my messages...
I've been thinking today about what you must be feeling (aside from nauseous). Disappointment must be at the forefront, frustration not far behind. When your body won't do what you want it to do- well I've seen what effect that has on you.
I can only say what we have been saying to each other a bit lately...it is what it is. Acceptance is the path of least resistance (or something like that). There's absolutely nothing you can do about it- it is what it is. I've kind of run with that mantra myself today because not being able to talk to you, email, facebook, anything at all (and then the time delay issue on top of that) well its been a bit of a head f***k. Understand what that phrase means now- all day long, ouch in my head (and my heart decided to lodge itself in my larynx for most of the day too).
ANyway its nothing compared to what you're going through. TRawling the site madly searching for a mention of your name anywhere I did come across quite a few blogs from people that commented that stage 4 wiped them, that they weren;t sure they would be doing stage 5 as well. So hopefully you've got a few people keeping you company today and you're all lifting each others spirits. I'll say it again before I go get the girls dinner ready- it is what it is. We'll send you for some energy healing whenyou get back to deal with the frustration (hahahahahaha). I hope to see your name on tomorrow's breaking news posts (because if I see Damon Georke or Jennifer Madz one more time I will scream...sorry don; tell them that!), that you have fired up, hydrated, gotten strong, eaten three dehydrated meals plus some watery oats and you're ready to go and beat up stage (hmmm 5 part two? Or 6?). But if you're not then you should just rest some more...sure the support crew could do with some help sorting through all my messages anyway. Love you, be good, stay safe, have fun, keep smiling, be kind to yourself and rest and re-energise! xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
ps- the girls say to tell you Peppa Pig is on :)
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 05:12 am
Gian, can't begin to imagine what and you've gone through these last few days mate, your strength and fortitude make us all so proud, we're right behind you...(a long way behind you...panting with exhaustion)...Wally
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 04:47 am
Gian - you're an inspiration no matter what happens! Remember it's not the end that counts, it's the journey and experience! Sounds like you've had an amazing time so far and nothing will diminish that. So take care of yourself and make sure that you come home safe to tell your beautiful family all about it. =o) We're all thinking of you!
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 02:03 am
Just read your blog Gian.
All I can say is well done. What you are going through is beyond comprehension for me (and I dare say most people). You are not the type to let up, and I can only admire your will to continue when your body won't do what you are telling it to. Again Gian, well done.
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 01:28 am
Oh Gian,
Your are an inspiration and i wish i had your get up and go, pushing through these tough times. I really do not know how you do it, but you should be so proud of yourself and what you are achieving.
Your blog today seems you are having a tough time, but please listen to your body, and then hopefully you recover for the next day, where you will power through like the tough man of steel that you are. We are so proud of you. Love Moldie
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 01:21 am
Hi Son, I have just read your blog and my heart is heavy with the feelings you must have. never the less I am extremely proud of your efforts and so is every body else that I know. On a lighter note had dinner with the three girls last night at the pizza shop, they all miss you and are looking forward to your safe return. ME TOO!
Bye for now Dad.
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 12:37 am
Hi Gian, just wanted to send you lots of love and support. We are so in awe of you, it's an absolute inspiration and what you're doing is something most could never even think of attempting. We hope you're feeling a bit better and listening to your body and we just want you to know that we think you are completely amazing no matter what happens!! D&D xxx
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 12:18 am
Mate, regardless of what your body has dictated to you, it has been a super-human effort.
I remember when I was your support crew for the crew for the Oxfam run here (cause clearly I'm built for support and not competing), I had to pick you up from a checkpoint as you simply couldn't continue due to injury. What I saw back then was a bloke who had push beyond the normal limits that people would be willing to endure, and yet you were upset by not being able to push through it. It was the quietest I've ever seen you, and yet you're normally such a rowdy individual......yeah right.
The point is, if you've pushed yourself anything like you did at that event, I am not the least bit surprised that your body is protesting. Your mental breadth is phenomenal. I hope you recover enough for your legs to pump again, but regardless.....you're still ridiculous.
Fight on brother.
JP
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 12:09 am
dear gian, marisa and I just got off the phone with Daniela after reading your blog.We are a mixture of anxiety and relief as well as incredibly proud of you bloke.you have done so so well but you have no choice but to listen to your body and keep your perspective on what you have achieved balanced against the necessity to maintain your health.Your 3 girls and the rest of us need you back in a well state.love from all the greggs across the world. gary.
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 11:09 pm
Hi Gian,
I have been reading your blog every day and cheering you on. Today was a hard one to read but Im sure tomorrows will be better.
We are looking after your girls back here and very much looking forward to you getting home.
Rest up!!!!
x
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 10:05 pm
Ok better correct myself, Jennifer said taken a turn for the worst - not bad shape.
My bad...but still.
Tomorrow is another day, another challenge, another chance to conquer. We're cheering you on honey xxxx
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 09:54 pm
Go GO GO..................... Me and Mac xx
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 09:54 pm
Ok. Breathe. I know the way I respond to this is fairly important, so I'm doing my best to stay calm and not freak out. sounds like you are ok but understandably very disappointed.
I was upset whenI read your blog but then more so when I read Jennifer's saying you had to be driven in and that you're in bad shape (and that the nausea was untreated from yesterday ie: stage 3?). That kind of made me unravel. And now I'm sitting here fighting every fibre of my being to not put caps lock on and yell at you to come home on an aeroplane right now.
I know you're going to rest today and I'm glad you're being sensible. If you finish now and withdraw we are so proud of you- but I know my saying that wón't make much difference- you're there to do the gobi march and you will not be a happy chappy to sit the rest out.
We love you, we're so inspired by you, we think you're superman. Just take the advice of the doctors and don't be too hard on yourself- you have done and are doing so very well. Remember your only goal was to finish- coming 10th/11th for the first three stages was just a very massive, very lovely and surprising bonus- I know you'll be annoyed but you can cope without the bonus even though it will suck. Keep smiling running man, Love you lots xxxx
28 June 2011 05:38 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Stage 3 has made up for the easy day yesterday. It was really hard and only made more so by missing one of the final turns for camp. I went through the last check point in 10th and was flying pretty close to the sun on my way to what I thought was the finish. When I worked out I'd missed the turn and was going to be another 20-30min more than planned the wax holding everything together started to melt. I was f*cked.
Not so long after leaving the check point I thought "5 kms to go, break them down in to 5 x 5min run and 1min walk". I would think of one loved person for each of then and that would get me to the finish. I'd thought of the Celeste and her abundance of joy, and Allegra and her tremendous spirt, then worked out I was not going the right way. Needless to say it was very difficult to pick myself up from that realisation and get myself to the finish. I thought of Daniela and her alway positive take on life, how she would say "it's OK. no problem. Let's us get back to camp and start again tomorrow." I needed to hear that.
Seeing your coments and posts now I've struggled to hold back the tears. You guys really know how to lift a guy who's hurting. I was really thinking about whether or not I needed to continue with the next days. Not any more. Tomorrow will have to be at a more moderated pace, hopefully I will be strong again for the long day 5.
I told the photographer if he didn't get some photos my wife would kill me. So glad he's obliged! And yes I have been able to receive your full blog comments honey- there's no character limit on that.
Tonight we sleep in the houses of a little village. It's LUXURY! Just having flat ground to sleep on is magic.
So today we ran out of the mountains to the plains before the desert. Due to changes in area tomorrow morning we're got a 4am bus ride to the start of the next stage - and first 10kms of solid sand dunes, followed by lots of dunnests. The stage is a couple of kms shorter than today, the sand will likely make up for that.
Apologies for the delayed blog posts. We're missing them even more than you.
Time for some sleep, water and to try and eat and recover.
Love to all,
Gian
Not so long after leaving the check point I thought "5 kms to go, break them down in to 5 x 5min run and 1min walk". I would think of one loved person for each of then and that would get me to the finish. I'd thought of the Celeste and her abundance of joy, and Allegra and her tremendous spirt, then worked out I was not going the right way. Needless to say it was very difficult to pick myself up from that realisation and get myself to the finish. I thought of Daniela and her alway positive take on life, how she would say "it's OK. no problem. Let's us get back to camp and start again tomorrow." I needed to hear that.
Seeing your coments and posts now I've struggled to hold back the tears. You guys really know how to lift a guy who's hurting. I was really thinking about whether or not I needed to continue with the next days. Not any more. Tomorrow will have to be at a more moderated pace, hopefully I will be strong again for the long day 5.
I told the photographer if he didn't get some photos my wife would kill me. So glad he's obliged! And yes I have been able to receive your full blog comments honey- there's no character limit on that.
Tonight we sleep in the houses of a little village. It's LUXURY! Just having flat ground to sleep on is magic.
So today we ran out of the mountains to the plains before the desert. Due to changes in area tomorrow morning we're got a 4am bus ride to the start of the next stage - and first 10kms of solid sand dunes, followed by lots of dunnests. The stage is a couple of kms shorter than today, the sand will likely make up for that.
Apologies for the delayed blog posts. We're missing them even more than you.
Time for some sleep, water and to try and eat and recover.
Love to all,
Gian
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 12:55 am
Gianny - thinking of you every day and so proud of you my dear brother in law. You are an inspiration to us all. What you have already achieved is just so incredible. You are a super super daddy!! your stories are going to be incredible and your words already are comforting us all...lots of love..see you soon xxxxxxx
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 09:26 am
Tough day.......but still managed to deliver a super human effort. Fire up mate.....I'm sure you'll make that time back up with that iron will of yours.
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 09:05 am
Gian, you're a true ANZAC mate. You make my chest swell knowing you're my friend.
Go hard son! Can't wait to share a beer when you get back. We're all thinking of you always.
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 05:44 am
Hi son, even I have learnt to go on to the net and follow your progress thanks to Mo. I can' t imagine what you are going through but you know that we all love you and are with you every footstep of the way. You can thank me for giving you the genes to be so successful on your return.
Love you Dad.
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:41 am
Mate, you just continue to impress.
Even with the months of discussion and questioning, I am still trying to fathom what you are putting yourself through, I and envy your motivation and personal drive.
Stay strong brother, you're further ahead than you realise!!
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:40 am
oh and also love the thumbs up shot from stage 3 yesterday, in pain and you're still happy. Love you honey- any ounce of positivity I have I have learnt from you xxx
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:32 am
Oh my goodness you took a wrong turn and you're still coming 11th!Who are you?!! You must be able to see my very proud grin from here- its beaming across the ocean and desert. And Laird 15th! Massive hugs to you both, you are our heros xxxx
ps- Lou and William are in for a shoot today, Lou says go Gobi Gian! And William dribbles :)
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 11:23 pm
Dear Gian we are transfixed by this site. Gary has become so good at searching the blogs and photos and stages of the run. You are amazing and you are an inspiration to all. Not that I'm about to head to Rebel and buy runners for desert training. We are all thinking of you constantly and visualizing where you are and how you are managing to put one foot before the other. I'm sure you cant wait till the running is finally over and you can relax and get to know your new friends. Daniela and your little ladies are coping fine. They loved the flowers and they take pride of place in the dining room. I'm sure they will still be fresh as ever when you arrive back. Just a few sleeps to go. Love across the miles and desert.
Much admiration Marisa.
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 11:00 pm
Oh honey, you're hurting I can hear it in your voice.
Your mum is here, we've just had breakfast with the kids and we read your post over bix. Your Moosa says: Holding you close in my mind, when it gets really hard and you're tired I'll be there to carry you.
Ditto to that.
Its been easier to read posts of jubilation I must say- easier to run stages jubilantly too I imagine! Adding extra length to an already hard course...well I can only imagine how very very punishing that is on your mental state. I couldn't really work out how much extra km's you added by the wrong turn, you probably don't know either. Laird mentioned you were running with Jennifer so I checked her blog too but couldn't see- she mentioned she made the same wrong turn. Results aren't up yet so I can't see if you maintained tenth but it doesn't really matter. You finished well, you didn't come undone (I would have made them come and bring me a wheelchair...possibly a chartered flight), and you've hopefully had enough time to rest for all the dunes and heat tomorrow. Ok so I know you won't get this till AFTER you have finished stage 4 but please don't try to tail Damon et al, just finish it with your body and mind and spirit intact. If you come in last on the final day I will still be the proudest woman in Australia. I only wish our kids were old enough to be inspired by your tenacity...never mind you'll have to do attacama when Allegra and Celeste are moody teenagers who need a boot up the pants and a dose of inspiration!
We're thinking of you every moment, the blog/updates delays have been frustrating of course but nowhere near as bad as adding length to a long journey!
Allegra says: I love you daddy I just love you sooo much!
Cc says: Daddy. Hello Daddy.
You were over the shoulder in a video taken post stage two I think of a quick interview with someone called Sandy (an older bloke). It was so nice to see you - you looked so happy, like you're having the time of your life with like minded people doing something so once in a lifetime amazing. Oh and also Cc kept talking to Sandy like he was daddy :) And I laughed to see you in thatStussy beanie, you have had that since I first met you and it made me laugh. We love you so, we're staying strong, hopefully you can feel some of it where you are xxxxx your girls
ps- staying in peach village must have been awesome, and is that the loveliest name for a place ever? Can only imagine how aawesome it must have been to meet locals and stay with them. Stories for the retirement home babe (don't think you'll ever move into one of those though - you'll be too busy doing Sahara!)
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 09:52 pm
Oh Gian! What a bl**dy nightmare for you! Sounds like a really tough day but over now. I hope you take your time today over the dunes as you mentioned, no doubt it will be gruelling but also amazing...I look forward to hearing your news from today...take care in the heat! R&A
27 June 2011 05:38 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Woke this morning feeling unwashed and fearful of what lay ahead. Opened the tent flaps and was immersed in wet cloud - is this heaven?
I never considered the possibility of rain or cold weather, but we're in the mountains on the edge of the desert so of course it's possible. Picture 150 runners standing around a camp fire, wearing beanies and long tops & pants, shivering and hugging themselves to stay warm. Because of the lack of visibility the start was delayed, then delayed some more, and more, until we finally started running at midday (4 hrs post the scheduled 8am). Resultantly the course was shortened to 20kms, which I was NOT disappointed about. It was a fast run and I finished in 13th taking around 1:50. Laird was much stronger today finishing just a couple of minutes behind - he's coming to get me!! There's a much more positive feeling throughout the camp after this easier day.
The weather is clearing and tomorrow we will run about 15km out of the mountains, then down across the plains to the basin where we're told to expect serious heat (and absolutely no rain) - it will be 40-45kms.
Communication is via satellite and the heavy cloud cover means messages haven`t been received since yesterday. I miss them..
Australia has been doing amazingly well; at this point 1st and 3rd men & same in the women's!! It's great to see that even amongst the fastest competitors there's no ego and everyone is able to share a meal and a laugh.These races are really only with oneself.
The weather (heat yesterday / cold and rain this morning) has been a great way to get to know our tent mates. In our tent "Rabbit" there are 3 Spanish (2 are Catalonian - very important differentiation, plus their proscuito is FANTASTIC), 3 yanks (hilariously funny guys and gal) and 3 Aussies. It's amazing how little time it's taken us to gel and really support each other.
My feel are in good shape (OK this is getting to the point where I really bore you!) and will hopefully stand up to the river crossings ahead of us tomorrow morning. The food I packed seems about right and all the gear has been working well. (thanks to Mike for the lend of camera, it's been put to good use).
Pa, I'm missing those Five Dock biscuits. Moosa, damn what I'd give to share a glass of red wine. Claud, I'm looking forward to having a laugh with you. Daniela, I love you and your photos are the first and last part of everyday. Allegra and Celeste, I hope you're being good for mummy! (I miss you).
Much love,
Gian
I never considered the possibility of rain or cold weather, but we're in the mountains on the edge of the desert so of course it's possible. Picture 150 runners standing around a camp fire, wearing beanies and long tops & pants, shivering and hugging themselves to stay warm. Because of the lack of visibility the start was delayed, then delayed some more, and more, until we finally started running at midday (4 hrs post the scheduled 8am). Resultantly the course was shortened to 20kms, which I was NOT disappointed about. It was a fast run and I finished in 13th taking around 1:50. Laird was much stronger today finishing just a couple of minutes behind - he's coming to get me!! There's a much more positive feeling throughout the camp after this easier day.
The weather is clearing and tomorrow we will run about 15km out of the mountains, then down across the plains to the basin where we're told to expect serious heat (and absolutely no rain) - it will be 40-45kms.
Communication is via satellite and the heavy cloud cover means messages haven`t been received since yesterday. I miss them..
Australia has been doing amazingly well; at this point 1st and 3rd men & same in the women's!! It's great to see that even amongst the fastest competitors there's no ego and everyone is able to share a meal and a laugh.These races are really only with oneself.
The weather (heat yesterday / cold and rain this morning) has been a great way to get to know our tent mates. In our tent "Rabbit" there are 3 Spanish (2 are Catalonian - very important differentiation, plus their proscuito is FANTASTIC), 3 yanks (hilariously funny guys and gal) and 3 Aussies. It's amazing how little time it's taken us to gel and really support each other.
My feel are in good shape (OK this is getting to the point where I really bore you!) and will hopefully stand up to the river crossings ahead of us tomorrow morning. The food I packed seems about right and all the gear has been working well. (thanks to Mike for the lend of camera, it's been put to good use).
Pa, I'm missing those Five Dock biscuits. Moosa, damn what I'd give to share a glass of red wine. Claud, I'm looking forward to having a laugh with you. Daniela, I love you and your photos are the first and last part of everyday. Allegra and Celeste, I hope you're being good for mummy! (I miss you).
Much love,
Gian
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 01:52 pm
Hey Gian! Congrats on another great run. I know Laird wants the additional kms to be added but after seeing the pics of stage 1, I was very happy for the shortened course - I definitely worried about you guys less. Daniela and I (well more me actually, you know how I like things to be organised!) are getting very frustrated with the slow info, but we are all good here and Daniela and I are keeping each other updated when new things appear on the site - one great shot of you and lairdy together at the start of stage 1!! Anyway - take care in the heat tomorrow - save something for the long run, give Lairdy a big hug for Adelaide and I!! Ros
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 11:04 am
Gian,
Sensational start to the race mate - congratulations! and good luck for the remaining challenges ahead. I'll do a special loop in Lane Cove National park for you tomorrow - pretty similar to the Gobi I ma sure!!
Good luck mate, inspirational stuff!
Liam
26 June 2011 03:05 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
WOW. That was ridiculously difficult. Far harder than I expected. Perhaps the hardest run I`ve ever done. I walked lots and even that had me gasping for breath and sitting down to take a break. The combination of heat and altitude (we climbed peaks gigher than Kosiosko), not to mention inclines and decents so rocky and so steep ( I was scared by them) I simply would not have attempted them if it wasn`t for the fact that they were the only way to the finish.
The other surprise today was that Laird and I separated after 15kms (the stage was 34km in total). The conditions hit Laird harder than I so after we realised we thought it was probably better to finish at our own paces. It has quickly become clear to us that this race is not about times or places, it`s about finishing. Every ccompetitor is looking out for each other, everyone understands (now) what we have taken on. The slower you go, the longer you spend in the elements, the harder it is. And there is nothing to say tomorrow it won`t be Laird going ahead of me - our bodies make those decisions, we must listen to them.
Next surprise is the beauty of the surounds. I`m too tired to think clearly and justly describe them, but despite the toughnessw of the race they justified the effort to stop,= take in the view, and take photos.
Wish me luck - I`ll need it! Big love to everyone, especially my beautiful girls :-)
Gian
The other surprise today was that Laird and I separated after 15kms (the stage was 34km in total). The conditions hit Laird harder than I so after we realised we thought it was probably better to finish at our own paces. It has quickly become clear to us that this race is not about times or places, it`s about finishing. Every ccompetitor is looking out for each other, everyone understands (now) what we have taken on. The slower you go, the longer you spend in the elements, the harder it is. And there is nothing to say tomorrow it won`t be Laird going ahead of me - our bodies make those decisions, we must listen to them.
Next surprise is the beauty of the surounds. I`m too tired to think clearly and justly describe them, but despite the toughnessw of the race they justified the effort to stop,= take in the view, and take photos.
Wish me luck - I`ll need it! Big love to everyone, especially my beautiful girls :-)
Gian
Comments: Total (0) comments
26 June 2011 03:05 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
There’s significant time delays between blog posts are written and received. I just received everyone’s messages now – thank you so much. Can’t tell you how nivce it is to hear what’s going on back in Sydney J (Daniela my darling, the longer your messages the better xx)
Tonight the camp is in the middle of a great big flat, surrounded by mountains you can just stare at all day. There’s not a tree in sight, the ground is covered by scant clumps of very rough spikey grass. It’s extremely dry and dusty. The altitude is causing most of us mild headaches, but after some rest and a couple of panadol the outlook on the rest of the week hasimproved considerably.
Today I finished in 11th place – way above my expecations, and probably not sustainable for the rest of the course. However the 34kms took 5hrs for me to cover. The fastest guys were around 4 hrs I believe. It’s now been 11+ hrs sine we started and there are about 5 guys still on the course. Bugger me they are hard mothers…. Even before the hottest part of the day I drank over 6L of water. The 4.5L allocation we receive at camp has almost gone too. Lucky for me no blisters, yet. There are already a number of people who have withdrawn from the race or hit the medical tent in not very good shape. But the comradery and shared responsibility between the competitors is amazing. And if that fails there’s an amazing team of medical trauma, emergency,sports, even military doctors keeping a very close eye on us.
Earlier I mentioned that Laird and I unexpectedly split and ran our own races today. I take my hat off to him, and thank him for his wisdom. Laird so quickly decided this was not about pace, but how much we got out of the experience. That’s not an easy thing to do when you’re unexpectedly hurting.
McCann if you’re reading you’ll be glad to hear there’s a Catalonian in our tent who looks just like you. He’s also a contender to take our the win.
Sunrises around 6am and sets after 10:30pm. The days are hot and the nights quitecold, maybe 10-15 deg.
And apologies for all the typos. We’re using these tiny bullet proof laptop things who’s subsize keyboards don’t matewell with adult size fingers.
After a couple of hours rest I’m almost up to writing funny things, but not just yet. Apologies if I’mrambling – consider it good bed time reading.
It truly feels like w are in the middle of nowhere here. There were times today when I was running across expansive elevated rolling hills. I could see one competitor maybe 500m or 1km ahead, and nothing elsebut the little pink flags that guide us and magesti mountains –as far as the eye could see. We have passed through some sheep hearders huts, but not seen any people, just a few disheveled sheep.
More updates tomorrow. Thanks again for your messages. Much love,
Gian
Tonight the camp is in the middle of a great big flat, surrounded by mountains you can just stare at all day. There’s not a tree in sight, the ground is covered by scant clumps of very rough spikey grass. It’s extremely dry and dusty. The altitude is causing most of us mild headaches, but after some rest and a couple of panadol the outlook on the rest of the week hasimproved considerably.
Today I finished in 11th place – way above my expecations, and probably not sustainable for the rest of the course. However the 34kms took 5hrs for me to cover. The fastest guys were around 4 hrs I believe. It’s now been 11+ hrs sine we started and there are about 5 guys still on the course. Bugger me they are hard mothers…. Even before the hottest part of the day I drank over 6L of water. The 4.5L allocation we receive at camp has almost gone too. Lucky for me no blisters, yet. There are already a number of people who have withdrawn from the race or hit the medical tent in not very good shape. But the comradery and shared responsibility between the competitors is amazing. And if that fails there’s an amazing team of medical trauma, emergency,sports, even military doctors keeping a very close eye on us.
Earlier I mentioned that Laird and I unexpectedly split and ran our own races today. I take my hat off to him, and thank him for his wisdom. Laird so quickly decided this was not about pace, but how much we got out of the experience. That’s not an easy thing to do when you’re unexpectedly hurting.
McCann if you’re reading you’ll be glad to hear there’s a Catalonian in our tent who looks just like you. He’s also a contender to take our the win.
Sunrises around 6am and sets after 10:30pm. The days are hot and the nights quitecold, maybe 10-15 deg.
And apologies for all the typos. We’re using these tiny bullet proof laptop things who’s subsize keyboards don’t matewell with adult size fingers.
After a couple of hours rest I’m almost up to writing funny things, but not just yet. Apologies if I’mrambling – consider it good bed time reading.
It truly feels like w are in the middle of nowhere here. There were times today when I was running across expansive elevated rolling hills. I could see one competitor maybe 500m or 1km ahead, and nothing elsebut the little pink flags that guide us and magesti mountains –as far as the eye could see. We have passed through some sheep hearders huts, but not seen any people, just a few disheveled sheep.
More updates tomorrow. Thanks again for your messages. Much love,
Gian
Comments: Total (18) comments
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 03:42 am
Hi Gian,
You are amazing I've read your blogs, thanks Daniela for providing links on fb, such an inspirational experience your sharing with us.
Proud of you whatever the outcome, as far as I can see you've already achieved so much.
Dorothy
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 05:10 am
apologies my last comment went up 6 times...this thing is a bit whacky (and incredibly slow to load- you know me, very impatient just keep hiting submit till it works ) xx
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 05:05 am
Babe I'm going to assume you have posted for stage 2 but we haven't seen it yet- blogs are taking ages to load it seems. I did however just get the race results for stage two- you are unbelievable!! I am bursting with pride- tenth is just crazy town amazing (seems you DID do enough training hey?!). So excited for you you must be super super happy. You would be in the middle of stage 3 now I presume so looking forward to seeing a blog from you and results from that too! The coverage is excellent and even if we don't get your blogs (boo hoo) the photos are so fabulous- the most gorgeous one of you today from stage two grinning your head off! Also the racing planet facebook page is helpful for updates- they posted there that blogs etc couldn't go up due to fog so at least I didn't worry. The organising and coverage is so comprehensive- I don't know why I was so worried you are clearly in such capable hands. Love you so much, so unbelievably proud of you here in Sydney xxx your girls
ps- are you sleeping ok?
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 03:49 am
Babe I'm going to assume you have posted for stage 2 but we haven't seen it yet- blogs are taking ages to load it seems. I did however just get the race results for stage two- you are unbelievable!! I am bursting with pride- tenth is just crazy town amazing (seems you DID do enough training hey?!). So excited for you you must be super super happy. You would be in the middle of stage 3 now I presume so looking forward to seeing a blog from you and results from that too! The coverage is excellent and even if we don't get your blogs (boo hoo) the photos are so fabulous- the most gorgeous one of you today from stage two grinning your head off! Also the racing planet facebook page is helpful for updates- they posted there that blogs etc couldn't go up due to fog so at least I didn't worry. The organising and coverage is so comprehensive- I don't know why I was so worried you are clearly in such capable hands. Please thank them from me (but not the girl who captioned your photo from stage two "photogenic", stay away from her! It could be a man, I;m just saying in my mind she is a blonde 22 year old volunteer from canada. Possibly Brazil.)
Love you so much, so unbelievably proud of you here in Sydney xxx your girls
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 03:49 am
Babe I'm going to assume you have posted for stage 2 but we haven't seen it yet- blogs are taking ages to load it seems. I did however just get the race results for stage two- you are unbelievable!! I am bursting with pride- tenth is just crazy town amazing (seems you DID do enough training hey?!). So excited for you you must be super super happy. You would be in the middle of stage 3 now I presume so looking forward to seeing a blog from you and results from that too! The coverage is excellent and even if we don't get your blogs (boo hoo) the photos are so fabulous- the most gorgeous one of you today from stage two grinning your head off! Also the racing planet facebook page is helpful for updates- they posted there that blogs etc couldn't go up due to fog so at least I didn't worry. The organising and coverage is so comprehensive- I don't know why I was so worried you are clearly in such capable hands. Please thank them from me (but not the girl who captioned your photo from stage two "photogenic", stay away from her! It could be a man, I;m just saying in my mind she is a blonde 22 year old volunteer from canada. Possibly Brazil.)
Love you so much, so unbelievably proud of you here in Sydney xxx your girls
ps- are you sleeping ok?
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 03:49 am
Babe I'm going to assume you have posted for stage 2 but we haven't seen it yet- blogs are taking ages to load it seems. I did however just get the race results for stage two- you are unbelievable!! I am bursting with pride- tenth is just crazy town amazing (seems you DID do enough training hey?!). So excited for you you must be super super happy. You would be in the middle of stage 3 now I presume so looking forward to seeing a blog from you and results from that too! The coverage is excellent and even if we don't get your blogs (boo hoo) the photos are so fabulous- the most gorgeous one of you today from stage two grinning your head off! Also the racing planet facebook page is helpful for updates- they posted there that blogs etc couldn't go up due to fog so at least I didn't worry. The organising and coverage is so comprehensive- I don't know why I was so worried you are clearly in such capable hands. Please thank them from me (but not the girl who captioned your photo from stage two "photogenic", stay away from her! It could be a man, I;m just saying in my mind she is a blonde 22 year old volunteer from canada. Possibly Brazil.)
Love you so much, so unbelievably proud of you here in Sydney xxx your girls
ps- are you sleeping ok?
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 03:49 am
Babe I'm going to assume you have posted for stage 2 but we haven't seen it yet- blogs are taking ages to load it seems. I did however just get the race results for stage two- you are unbelievable!! I am bursting with pride- tenth is just crazy town amazing (seems you DID do enough training hey?!). So excited for you you must be super super happy. You would be in the middle of stage 3 now I presume so looking forward to seeing a blog from you and results from that too! The coverage is excellent and even if we don't get your blogs (boo hoo) the photos are so fabulous- the most gorgeous one of you today from stage two grinning your head off! Also the racing planet facebook page is helpful for updates- they posted there that blogs etc couldn't go up due to fog so at least I didn't worry. The organising and coverage is so comprehensive- I don't know why I was so worried you are clearly in such capable hands. Please thank them from me (but not the girl who captioned your photo from stage two "photogenic", stay away from her! It could be a man, I;m just saying in my mind she is a blonde 22 year old volunteer from canada. Possibly Brazil. haha)
Love you so much, so unbelievably proud of you here in Sydney xxx your girls
ps- are you sleeping ok?
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 03:49 am
Babe I'm going to assume you have posted for stage 2 but we haven't seen it yet- blogs are taking ages to load it seems. I did however just get the race results for stage two- you are unbelievable!! I am bursting with pride- tenth is just crazy town amazing (seems you DID do enough training hey?!). So excited for you you must be super super happy. You would be in the middle of stage 3 now I presume so looking forward to seeing a blog from you and results from that too! The coverage is excellent and even if we don't get your blogs (boo hoo) the photos are so fabulous- the most gorgeous one of you today from stage two grinning your head off! Also the racing planet facebook page is helpful for updates- they posted there that blogs etc couldn't go up due to fog so at least I didn't worry. The organising and coverage is so comprehensive- I don't know why I was so worried you are clearly in such capable hands. Please thank them from me (but not the girl who captioned your photo from stage two "photogenic", stay away from her! It could be a man, I;m just saying in my mind she is a blonde 22 year old volunteer from canada. Possibly Brazil. haha)
Love you so much, so unbelievably proud of you here in Sydney xxx your girls
ps- are you sleeping ok?
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 02:10 am
Gian, awesome news, all the Greggs are thrilled (and relieved) that you are well and that you are going great guns.We think you are amazing.Love from all your extended family,the Greggs .
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 02:08 am
Gian, awesome news, all the Greggs are thrilled (and relieved) that you are well and that you are going great guns.We think you are amazing.Love from all your extended family,the Greggs .
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 09:40 pm
Hi Gian, well done on the great start! Make sure you look after yourself in the upcoming stages though...
Looking forward to seeing you make further progress and successfully complete the challenge. I hope my twin doesn't sweat as much as I do, ottherwise he'll be in a world of hurt!
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 07:26 am
Honey I can't see whether you have finished stage two but the updates just said 91 competitors have so I am going to assume yes! We got the MOST BEAUTIFUL flowers delivered today, thank you so so much that was so sweet of you- flowers all the way from the Gobi my darling andthe girls were chuffed with their special little sweetpea posys (Celeste tried to eat hers). There's an AWESOME photo of you from stage one- they gotcha! So excited to see your face (except you must be the only competitor not wearing sunnies and a hat...grrrrr put a hat on will you mister?) we sat around at breakfast this morning looking at you (Cc kept saying Hello daddy to the picture - she must have been expecting you to speak back ala skype). We're all good, Bec is staying tonight, your mum tomorrow night- my plan to stay busy seems to be working as we're missing you but you'll be pleased to hear we're not all sobbing in a heap on the playroom floor all day haha. Keep up the amazing work, you must be in a lot of pain but also having the time of your life. And that girl from Sydney Jennifer? What a machine she is?!!!
Kisses and cuddles from afar, your girls xxxxx (even chloe who almost ran away today- had to drive round the block to find her as we were on our way out!) BTW I am facebooking all of your photos/blogs and the enthusiasm from everyone is so great, everyone here is really cheering you on xxxx
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 06:13 am
Awesome effort mate.......they got a good pic of you tearing up the stage! I hope the man child you are bunking with doesn't smell too bad! Keep it up and good luck
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 04:39 am
Mate, what can I say. Truly inspirational. Although not quite enough to stop me from having more carbs in my lunch than you're likely to consume this month.
Take care month.
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 03:54 am
Go Gian!! The Elders are cheering you on....loving the blog and hearing about your amazing adventure. Good luck with the rest of the race.
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 12:04 am
Well done mate - enjoy the experience. I am hurting just reading the blog!
remember - your a FREAK!
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 10:54 pm
Well done Gian - must have been that slice of pizza that helped you out on Stage 1. Glad to hear the feet are doing well so far. First stage down, a few more to go on the big adventure.
All the best, thinking of you and will do a few hill repeats on the bike to try to share some of your pain ...(although it will not even come close to what you are doing unless I somehow magically get selected in Team BMC for Le Tour next week).
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 02:09 pm
Hi Gian - great run today - looked bloody steep and painful! Waiting to see Lairdys blog - its midnight here and its all taking a bit to long to get through - technology hey... Good luck tomorrow - hope stage 2 eases up on the hills - some great pics coming through. Take care of you and him xo
24 June 2011 07:52 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
It's 10:30am in Urumqi. It was 10am when I started writing but accidentally deleted teh first blog post I made. . . so tech savy .
We're waiting for final gear check before getting on the bus to travel to the start of the course. I'm buzzing with excitement, trying to remain calm - we don't start racing until 8am tomorrow morning.
Urumqi is an amazing city. The surounding landscape includes snow capped mountains, dried up river beds, rolling sand dunes and a sprawling urban metropolis. The population of this city in the absolute middle of the continent (furthest city from ocean on the planet - yet there's still plenty of seafood on the menu?!) is 3,000,000 and is forecast to grow to 5,000,000 in the next 2 years!! The culture is a great mix of Chinese and Khazak that I haven't experienced before. It really feels like you're watching the area develop right before your eyes.
The other competitors have been great to meet. Some are a little introverted and perhaps a little fearful of what lies ahead. Most, like Laird and I, and just plain excited and are having a good laugh at the fact we can't work out how we got here (figuratively). There's a common thread of passion for experience and loving a good challenge. It been nice to make some friends so quickly.
Last night we packed our backpacks (mental note for next time, DO try this at home). There's barely room for an extra nat in my pack, and my teensy-tiny sleeping back has been stuffed with "excess" items and stapped to the outside. The weight is about 9.5kg dry (11kg with water). Biggest fear right now is re-packing it after the gear check!
This morning I skyped my darling wife and the daughters for the last time before I head off into the desert and are truely uncontactable for 7 days. It will be the longest we haven't spoken ever. I didn't think that would be a problem, but now I find it weighs on me. My darling wife, thank you for your support (and understaning of me doing these crazy things).
All your good luck messages have reminded me what a great bunch of mate, relatives and family I have - you guys rock! :-) That said the past week contained anniveraries for some special people we've lost. I sometimes feel very sad that these people are no longer with us, but moreso gratefulness for the joy of having spent time with them. How lucky we all are.
Time to go. The next post will be from the course.
Take care. I'll be thinking of you (anything to take my mind of the yabbering of Laird!).
Much love,
Gian
We're waiting for final gear check before getting on the bus to travel to the start of the course. I'm buzzing with excitement, trying to remain calm - we don't start racing until 8am tomorrow morning.
Urumqi is an amazing city. The surounding landscape includes snow capped mountains, dried up river beds, rolling sand dunes and a sprawling urban metropolis. The population of this city in the absolute middle of the continent (furthest city from ocean on the planet - yet there's still plenty of seafood on the menu?!) is 3,000,000 and is forecast to grow to 5,000,000 in the next 2 years!! The culture is a great mix of Chinese and Khazak that I haven't experienced before. It really feels like you're watching the area develop right before your eyes.
The other competitors have been great to meet. Some are a little introverted and perhaps a little fearful of what lies ahead. Most, like Laird and I, and just plain excited and are having a good laugh at the fact we can't work out how we got here (figuratively). There's a common thread of passion for experience and loving a good challenge. It been nice to make some friends so quickly.
Last night we packed our backpacks (mental note for next time, DO try this at home). There's barely room for an extra nat in my pack, and my teensy-tiny sleeping back has been stuffed with "excess" items and stapped to the outside. The weight is about 9.5kg dry (11kg with water). Biggest fear right now is re-packing it after the gear check!
This morning I skyped my darling wife and the daughters for the last time before I head off into the desert and are truely uncontactable for 7 days. It will be the longest we haven't spoken ever. I didn't think that would be a problem, but now I find it weighs on me. My darling wife, thank you for your support (and understaning of me doing these crazy things).
All your good luck messages have reminded me what a great bunch of mate, relatives and family I have - you guys rock! :-) That said the past week contained anniveraries for some special people we've lost. I sometimes feel very sad that these people are no longer with us, but moreso gratefulness for the joy of having spent time with them. How lucky we all are.
Time to go. The next post will be from the course.
Take care. I'll be thinking of you (anything to take my mind of the yabbering of Laird!).
Much love,
Gian
Comments: Total (5) comments
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 01:21 pm
Gian - champion effort on stage 1! I know you have the strength and training under the belt to keep it up, so can't wait to see the updates over the coming days. Will be thinking of you as we fly to Europe and looking foward to the updates from there. All our best - Phil, Aimee and kids.
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 09:08 am
Gian, you are a freak - so impressed with Stage 1 mate! Amazing. We will be glued to the computer and willing you on from our cozy lounge chairs!!
Lan and Tim
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 07:22 am
Gianni hoping you have completed stage one- I am obsessively refreshing the blog to see a post from you though I suppose it is a bit early (5pm here- I guess 3pm there?). Hope today was awesome, the photos on the site taken of everything going on are fabulous- really helpful for me to feel quite close to you. Camp looks much more civilised than I expected- but I guess that will change depending on the stage- it almost could have been in the lane cove national park it looked so green (and great to see you have group tents, for some reason I was picturing one giant tarp stretched out to cover you all!). Just try to get in front of the photographer's lens will you? Laird has had a shot- you are a no show so far (there's one that's possibly you but hard to tell, we should have gotten you a nice easy to pick marker like a hot pink t-shirt)- I know how much you love photos!
The scenery and village and people look so awesome, I am starting to understand why you wanted to do this! love you (girls are watching peppa pig while I get their dinner ready- back at home tonight after a disastrous night with Cc last night at Northwood, she screamed the house down most of the night from 11pm on...I think we got about 3 hrs sleep it was horrible!). Allegra spent the day with Claud and Ty which she loved (and was lovely as it gave me a bit of a break today after so little sleep). Anyway don't want to drone on about us, but thought you might like to hear some of what we're up to so you too can feel a bit of a bridge to the distance. By the way I tried to send you a competitor email but it was character limited whereas this is not- so might just comment on your blogs instead as I assume you will check the comments. Love you round the world and through the desert, your girls xxx
Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 11:30 am
All of Oleg's super swimmers at Macquarie Uni wishing you strength, courage, and minimal blisters! Go Well Gian.
Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 07:46 am
Honey we're so proud of you and excited you're about to begin- after all this training and planning, we hope your first day on the course is truly AMAZING!!!
But this talk of next time? Tell him he's dreaming!
xxxxx Love you to the gobi desert and back, your girls
14 June 2011 04:47 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
10 sleeps until race day!
Over a year ago my very good mate, Laird, and I decided to give Gobi a go. The prospect of an amazing physically challenging journey, to test our motivations in parts of the world experienced by few, not to mention the training required to get there, was both exciting and compelling. The only question was convincing our wives to let us go! They supported us then and have continued to during this very long preparation.
The training has been an experience in itself. Running through the city in the wee small hours of the morning after St Patrick's Day, running in the searing heat of Australia Day, running with mates who had dragged themselves out of bed (probably a bit too early sometimes), the council workers and traffic controller (very importantly) doing road work 20kms down a fire trail in the middle of nowhere, the runs in pouring rain, the runs though searing heat, soaring cliffs and almost unimaginably beautiful National Parks, the runs through swollen creeks and flooded crossings, the jokes about drink bottles "great jugs boys!", and bumping into people you haven't seen in 20 years. . . sometimes it actually feels the experiences are many and the km's relatively few!
And the main event is yet to begin. Butterflies in my stomach. The race will be testing, and I'm going to miss my girls untold.
Comments: Total (3) comments
Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 09:50 am
Gian what an amazing feat, so proud of you, our thoughts are with you, in our eyes merely attempting it is a huge achievement
Posted On: 22 Jun 2011 08:26 am
your mad........love ya work nigger. go hard
Posted On: 20 Jun 2011 03:42 am
Great memories Gian and that is just the training. I'm looking forward to completing this event with you buddy...
Comments: Total (11) comments
Posted On: 05 Jul 2011 03:00 am
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Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 10:56 pm
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Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 09:13 pm