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Gobi March Blogs 2011

Wendy Cooper

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Gobi March (2011) blog posts from Wendy Cooper

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

Hi everyone! Thank you very much for all your prayers and support. When the Dr. told me that I would not be able to start Stage 5, I decided to go back to the comfort of the Urumqi hotel, the thought of facing dried freeze food for another day made me feel more neasous. The medical evacuation team (Mark) flew me back to HKG last night and I am now slowly but surely getting better and regaining the 5 kg that I lost. I had an "UNFORGETTABLE" experience in the Gobi which is still a story worth telling the grandkids. I met so many fantastic, compassionate people, I saw many unbelievable, gorgeous landscapes and I discovered inner strength and determination that I never thought I had. It is now time for me to say Goodbye and again Thank you. wendy

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 08 Jul 2011 10:51 pm

Hello Wendy. Sorry I was not able to say goodbye to you after day four on the course. I didn't know you dropped out and left for Urumqui. It was nice running with you over those various stages and wanted to thank you for your encouragement and support. Best of luck in Hong Kong and your future move to Spain. Keep in touch. [email protected] or on facebook.

Posted On: 03 Jul 2011 03:34 pm

Wendy, great to know you have recovered. We all learned a lot from this experience, sometimes in a hard way unfortunately. You know and I know that you will rock the next race! Hope to see you in DB soon

Posted On: 02 Jul 2011 07:06 pm

Wendy, my son also participated in this year's Gobi march. I think all of you were fantastic!!

29 June 2011 05:57 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

hi everyone! Bad news, i will not be able to start the race tom. i had been dehydrated since yesterday and could not keep any food down and bec of this, the medical dr. won't let e participate. well, it's out of my hands now and than you very much for all yr suport
 
all  my love,
wendy xxx

Comments: Total (15) comments

Posted On: 02 Jul 2011 03:13 pm

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 07:12 am

Oh no, Wendy, sorry to hear but I am sure the doc made the right decision. At least you can now do it together with Mallette again next year. Be proud of what you have achieved. You will return stronger next year. Recover well Nora

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 08:43 pm

Too bad...but safety first. better to come back in one piece! It is already a great accomplishment and you will have plenty of other opportunities! Have a good recovery, Sabrina and Clement

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 06:14 pm

hi wends. "greetings from the land of sands, United Arab Emirates!". a bit surprise here that you cannot continue. just had a looked of your march time on stage 4. you actually did well and your overall rank has moved up in d standings. oh well, you had a great experience. take a lot of rest and drink plenty of h20. if you decide to participate in sahara desert on oct. pls come over here to train. this is d right place. we can also go for a desert safari and experience d dune driving during sunset. it's amazing! get well and hope to hear from you! xoxoxo

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 06:44 am

Health comes first and you are my superhero anyway! It takes a lot to get that far! There is always a second chance and I am sure Mallette can't wait to try again with you next year! Rest well and can't wait to hear all about it back in HK! xxx

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 06:36 am

HI Wendy, same as every one said that "health comes first". Take care. The previous stages you did has a brilliant inspiration to me.

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 02:48 am

Hello Wendy Your health always come first - remember that. Don't feel bad hey, you have been amazing!, You have aways been an inspiration to me - lovely lady. Take care now and get well soon so you can prepare for your next adventure, Love Kim X

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 02:39 am

Hi Wendy, what an ordeal! You definitely need to listen to the doc, your mind is strong but you're body cannot be pushed any further. You're still amazing! Now you can just enjoy the event, get top tips for next year perhaps???? Drink up and look after yourself. Bev

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 01:45 am

Sorry to hear your news, I assume if you can recover they will let you run the last stage, so get drinking.

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 01:32 am

hi deng, you have done your best... to us, you are a winner... better luck next time... hope you are doing ok now... have a good rest... hurray from all of us here down under...

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 12:04 am

My heart goes out for you Wendy. Don't feel bad. We are still all cheering for you and you deserve a trophy for getting this far. The challenges this year I believe were immense. The most important of all is your health. Get better my dear and we'll catch-up when you get back. XX

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 11:29 pm

Wendy - really sorry to hear that - out of your hands but as Mark says you've done amazing to get through day 4 which sounded a really brutal stage, in crazy temperatures. Look forward to catching up when you return. Rob

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 11:25 pm

Hi Mahal, you are a WINNER in everyone's eyes just for having the courage to even think about participating in this race. I know it can only be your body that can let you down because you are so determined and have tremendous spirit. I feel so bad and sad for you. All our love and hugs! Mark xxxxx P.s. fly to Beijing at 10 AM today

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 09:06 pm

It sounds really tough. You deserve a medal for just competing. Well done. We hope u recover soon. Peter and Friday

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 06:38 pm

too bad Wendy. Keep your spirit up though and drink a lot so that you can back into it for the last stage at least.

28 June 2011 04:34 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi, 

Just to let you know we have arrived. Everything fine. Took us 8 hours and 10 min. for 44 km. Resting now. 
Wendy

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 03:28 pm

Hi Mahal, 11.15pm the end of a very long day of meetings but ended with a great meal with T.K. (sorry you were not here!) 4 stages done and now drive on to the finish. You are really fantastic. Love and miss you very much! Mark xxxxx P.S. flt to Beijing tom

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 11:04 am

Well done! Nanay was trying to get into the march website, hopefully she has (bago matapos). he!he! we'll be in London tom., and we'll get your updates there. 'hope you slept better and enjoy the next stage. Keep your Filipino sense of humor. It'll get you thru. May nakita akong kambing, hmmm...kaldereta! Erik says hi, and remember, we are ALWAYS watching you O_O. ALWAYS! stalk stalk stalk...

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 08:43 am

You're amazing wends! Keep it up! You have all our support all the way to the end. Bev

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 07:29 am

You go girl! Thinking of you, Kobi and Gabi! Can\'t wait to hear all about Gobi!!!! xxx Wencke

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 07:28 am

You go girl! Thinking of you, Kobi and Gabi! Can't wait to hear all about Gobi!!!! xxx Wencke

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:50 am

Hope you managed better sleep last night. You've kept the pace, good sign and well done mama. And your fingers are not tired yet. More power to you and your team.

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 12:22 am

Hi Mahal, well done. I hope you had a good sleep. Have a great march today (stage 4). Love and kisses, Mark xxxxx

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 07:53 pm

hi wends, following you from abu dhabi. this is the longest march so far compared to stage 1 (34.6 km). you're doing great woman. keep it up! get a lot of sleep. you need to recharge. xoxoxo

27 June 2011 09:48 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

hi everyone! the organizers changed the coursetoday, instead of 41 km we only did 21km due to low visisbility It was freezing this morning. The race started at 12 noon instead of 8am as scheduled.  had my 2nd blister today, I reckon with this rate still willl have 3 spare toes at the end of the march. oh well, i guess it could be worse. another fast competitor pulled out today, hamstring injury. Tomorrow we are supposed to do 44km. please pray that I finish it. Thanks again for yr support.
No satellite teception today so I can't read any blogs.
Mahal please stop thinking about me, I could not sleep. Two straight nights of no sleep is really terrible. I miss you .
Sabian and Chatal I miss you both so much
Time for bed. I hope I can sleep. The scenery here is just unbelievable.
 
lots of love,
wendy

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:41 am

Our prayers are with you. You look good in your video interview. Artistang artista and dating. Sorry that your sleep is affected. The system is on overdrive and does not want to shut down. Hope the next evening is better. We're all behind you.

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 03:59 pm

Well done so far mum. keep on going. Love and miss you, Sabian

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 03:17 pm

Hi Wendy, take as much rest as you need in between stages, hopefully you can start sleeping better soon. Were rooting for you and cheering you on. Were lovin your photos, you're looking good girl! bev

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 01:39 pm

Hi Mahal, impossible request from you, to stop thinking about you. Positive thoughts, urging you on to the finish line! I think you 3 will get stronger and stronger as you are all very determined "young girls"! Love and miss you too! Greetings from Shanghai. Mark xxxxx

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 01:02 pm

Hi Wendy, you're going great guns well done. If you can keep smiling as you've been doing in the pictures and videos after a week using those loos and eating freeze dried food you'll have this event licked. All the best Nick

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 12:50 pm

keep going forward Wendy.....keep smiling. hope you get some rest. thinking off you Kim X

26 June 2011 08:42 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

hello everyone! Greetings from Stage 1. It was a lot more challenging than I thought. The elevation is giving me real "excitement". I had to stop every km I think. My teammates are very good ( they might now be regretting asking me to be their teammate). Anyway tomorrow is another day. keep praying for me.
Thank you for all your supportive words. keep sending them.
sabian i (we) nearly got lost. thank God Kobi noticed that there was no pink flag.
i have no idea how I will finish this gobi march. I am taking 1 checkpoint at a time.
 
All my love,
Wendy xxx
 
P.S
malette, Nahila ( the 1st lady who won atakama) pulled out in checkpoint 1. we are now only 6 people in the tent. Hopefully that's it. I am teaching my spanish and cuban tent mates some yoga stretch in exchange for columbian coffee.

Comments: Total (14) comments

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 01:32 am

Well done Wendy, am very jealous of you all, keep to the checkpoint at a time and enjoy the scenery.

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 04:04 pm

Well done wendy! You have the right strategy, one check point at a time, just keep going, so very proud of you. My husband and I are following you closely all the way to the finish line! Take care. Bev

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 02:34 pm

Hey Wendy Well done honey on the first stage, hope the second stage was good to you!, thinking off you and sending good wishes...strong lady. hope you brought enough food lol as I know you get hungry, he he. absorb the scenery as you go lovely. Kim X

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 01:42 pm

Fantastic start - hope Stage 2 is not so steep for you!! Good thing you did all those practice runs up Sunset peak and Tiger's Head!! Sending positive thoughts your way every minute of the day. Go Girl! Kimxx

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 01:15 pm

Hi Mahal, I hope you enjoyed the second stage; the times have not been posted yet. Some nice photos of you all. I go to Shanghai tom and will arrive in Urumqi on friday afternoon. Good look tom. Love from us all and Sach! Mark xxxxx

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 09:25 am

Got news of the delayed start today. Just wondering here what you're all thinking and feeling and saying and doing. You've done great yesterday and you will do it again today. I've seen 2 photos of the team in the gallery. You're all looking good and strong. 1 of them is titled "girl power". Take care my fren.

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 08:53 am

you have your ipod with you? Must be tough... but tough times dont last, tough people do! You are! Dont worry about those toenails, they qre overrated. Keep going, will be following you!! Sabian is here at the moment.. he\'s very proud of you! joy h

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 08:53 am

you have your ipod with you? Must be tough... but tough times dont last, tough people do! You are! Dont worry about those toenails, they qre overrated. Keep going, will be following you!! Sabian is here at the moment.. he's very proud of you! joy h

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 07:57 am

Here in Mainz right now, looking at your march update, its 4 pm there. The heat must be challenging. Anyway, just look for the halo-halo stand around the corner.ha!ha! Keep your head cool and your mind tranquil. You can do this!

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 05:01 am

Well done Wendy - spot on, take it one checkpoint at a time. You'll settle into a routine. Can't believe you have fog today?! All the best for stage 2. Rob

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 02:05 am

Hi Wendy, great to hear you finish the 1st day race. Sure it is a tough route but spectacular scene waiting for you. Keep it !! I will follow you. ck-cx running mate.

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 01:46 am

Hi Mahal, Just as well it is not a hotel or you would get lost taking a wrong turn, as you always do, when just leaving the room. Remember, it is called the "Gobi March", not run, and THE OBJECTIVE is to cross the finish line. A Team wins and loses TOGETHER and, during such a long challenge, Kobi and Gabi may well be glad to have somesone as determined and focussed as you to support them as well. Enjoy your surroundings and each step taken is one closer to achieving your (collective) goal. Love from us All, Mark xxxxx P.S. Ask the Columbian ladies to give you intensive Spanish lessons for our move to Spain.

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 01:11 am

Mama you certainly still sound in good spirits. Hala Bira Mama. Kayang Kaya mu yan. I read about the news of your tent mate. It was a shock and unfortunate:( Hopefully she will have a chance at it in future. Nakakuha ka ba ng pagkain. Siguro wala kasi and gaang ng bag niya LOL Your tent mates must be happy about your services. You never know you might make a name for yourself there. Today your tent, tomorrow the whole camp. Sige mama, take it a CP at a time. Thats a good strategy and your timing the three of you is just the way you practiced. You are doing so well. Take care and Im following always.

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 07:59 pm

Keep going! We follow you from Paris! Exciting to see that you all do great! Sabrina and Clement

25 June 2011 09:16 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

hi everyone! we are now here at the starting place. The scenery is fantastic - mountains with snow. I am looking forward to the start of the race tomorrow. Instead of doing the race by myself - since my running partner and best friend malet who was supposed to run with me developed bronchitis and is not able to participate, I am joining two lovely ladies - Gabi and Kobi and we are forming a "TEAM"! this  would put my family's mind ( esp Sabian ) at peace bec. now I won't get lost in the desert on my own.I will let you know our team's name tom.
Wish us good luck and pray for us!
Coopers go to church please. I luv you xxx

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 02:59 pm

Hi Mahal, Fantastic photo of the 3 of you (team ?) looking happy and determined; I\'m sure it will stay that way. Sunday is coming to an end; Had an Indian for Lunch and an Italian for Dinner.....Just food! We all miss you but, at the same time, we are very excited for you. Love from us ALL! Mark xxxxx

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 12:50 pm

Hello Badeng, Thinking about you! Enjoy the experience and have fun!

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 12:38 pm

Good luck mummy:) i hope your having fun with your sticks ;)

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 11:00 am

Hi my everdearest friend. It was great talking to you just 2 days before your race. Atleast, we were able to catch up and talk about your GOBI march. Wends, I know you for 20++. I trust you will make it up to the last day of the competition. You are physically fit and strong in mind. Will be following your blog even downroute. I'm so proud and excited for you. All the best! You will be in my prayers... xoxoxo

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 07:40 am

Hi Wendy So happy now you have a couple of team mates( Kobi is one of the best)...yes the getting lost thing did enter my mind when I thought you were doing it alone..lol but I know you my friend you have alot of courage and strength. I wish you well along the way you are in my thoughs....all the s best Love Kim X

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 05:42 am

Hi Wendy, How was the first stage? Hope that you are feeling the benefits of the hard work you put in during training. I'm sorry to hear about Mallette, she must be devastated not to be able to join you in this big, big race. All the best to you, I will be cheering you on all the way. You go girl! Bev

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 04:07 am

Hi dear. It will be great that you can team up with Kobi and Gabi and be the hot Mamas. I'm good here and am very happy for the 3 of you. Your description of the place you are in is just what I imagined. Bring home lots of photos. Had a thought which I did not mention to you on the phone. Make sure your hands are clean always when you are eating to avoid any stomach issues later on. Take care and I'm waiting here impatiently for your first day result.

Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 04:31 pm

Hi Mahal, Yes, Sabian must be worried bec he asked to be woken up to go to mass tom. We felt it was strange not saying goodnight and giving you a kiss but our hearts are with you. Good Luck. Mark xxxxx

09 June 2011 01:52 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Last week we did our last long back to back days. On the first day, we were out for 9 hours ( we tried to listen to the experts and count the hours instead of the distance ) and 7 hours on the second day. It was really hard to train in the heat and humidity but we managed ( thanks to Malet and Kobi). I developed blisters underneath my 2 pinky toes which I later drained by puncturing my nails with a needle. A good practice for the Gobi as I am sure my lovely feet will develop so many blisters because they perspire too much. I also decided to bring durable pair of slippers in case, using my shoes becomes too painful. 18 more days. This excitement is killing me.!!!

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 21 Jun 2011 04:37 am

Hey Wendy - all the best for the event - is Mark going up at all? Make sure Sabien follows you on line and emails you!! You'll have a great experience and look forward to hearing all about it when you get back. Rob

Posted On: 17 Jun 2011 09:10 am

Hi lovely lady, I'm so excited for you and Mallette as you prepare to take on the desert. Your feet will be fine (I remember how good you are at taping) I will be there with you and Mallette in spirit along the way and I know your strength, courage and sense of humor will get you through this my friend. X

29 April 2011 05:08 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

At present i am in hua hin, a resort south west of bangkok. before leaving hongkong, i thought it would be a great idea to train fast walking with the poles on the beach with my 11 kg backpack. The looks that i got from people was so hilarious - imagine a woman with a big backpack, with poles, cap, sunglasses fast walking on the beach. On the 1st day that i did it, I got funny looks. On the second day, i got funny looks and smiles, Today, i got a woman asking me " IF I WAS TRAINING FOR THE OLYMPICS?". Walking on the beach is so different from running, now i understand how those who are not use to walking develop blisters during the march but what i found most challenging was carrying that heavy backpack. I don't think I'll get use to it, hopefully my body would eventually adapt. we'll see...

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 30 Apr 2011 12:53 am

Hi Wendy, Hope you enjoying Hua Hin and the training's going well?! Best to start with a lighter pack first, once or twice a week, and build up - no need to over-do it and certainly don't wear it every session. Rob

06 April 2011 11:41 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

i wanted to celebrate my 40th birthday trekking in nepal. unfortunately, my family was not too keen. i thought it won't be much fun celebrating on my own ( oh my best friend malet was the only one who was willing to join me). still, i wanted to do something different, something exciting and something that i could tell my grandkids about in the future. then I heard of the Gobi march - i thought to myself that only crazy people do such a thing? nobody in his/her right mind would go to a desert, march 250km carrying a 9 kg bag. surely not me... i can't do that, it will be too hot, too difficult and my biggest problem would be... how can i live for 6 days without showering. so the next thing, i found myself convincing my friend malet to do it with me ( as she'd be celebrating her 50th). i was half praying that she'd say no,- it's too difficult, it's too expensive , it's too much trouble .. but I should have known that she's just as crazy as myself. we both signed up for it. i guess birds of the same feather flock together... hopefully I'll meet more crazy people on June 25th. Looking forward to it...

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 05:13 pm

Thinking of u and Malette all the time... U are both brave and big time adventurers.. Climb Mt Everest next? Xx

Posted On: 27 Apr 2011 03:10 pm

Hi BF, I hope I will be able to catch up with you. We will certainly have fun on this one and this will defenitely bring memories to cherish. Just don't leave me. Tell me BF, is this only the beginning?

Posted On: 11 Apr 2011 03:56 am

Hey, I will be one of those crazy ones too! Wish you good luck and hope we will have great times over there! See you on the trainings! kobi