RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RTP Home

Gobi March Blogs 2011

Natalia Watkins

7

Posts

Gobi March (2011) blog posts from Natalia Watkins

04 July 2011 12:26 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Safely through the end. After we'd hung around the camp for our "rest" in the blazing 50 degree heat (not that relaxing when your tent was like a sauna), the sun finally set. One final joke waited for us; we get a sand storm on our last night so all woke up to find our tents about to take off like something in the Wizard of Oz. Finally got back to sleep and awoke to find the whole camp, competitors and belongings covered in an orange sand - looked like a very bad spray tan. The final 14km took us through some beautiful winding climbs before dropping down deep canyons (narrowly avoiding crashing into a camel) to meet the finishing line and a beer. At least in theory I wanted a beer but the reality was that a cold coke was what hit the spot. Many friends and colleagues already ask whether I'd do something again - I wish that common sense would prevail but the beautiful countryside, amazing new friends and gut-wrenching challenge means I know I'll be back! But before training restarts, there will be some good weeks of taxis, beach and cold beer. Thanks again for all the messages. Nxx

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 05 Jul 2011 12:59 am

Natalia - very well done indeed on a great result and in a tough race. That yellow blur you saw as you entered the final village...it was me! Best of luck in Nepal. Cheers - dg

01 July 2011 02:59 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi All
Sorry I hope I haven't freaked you out by not updating so this is a bit of a longer post. I think I last updated on day 3 we then had the Sand Dune Stage - I was nervous about the mountains of sand streaming across the landscape (think Sousselvei) but the legs held up well from the Hong Kong hill training.....but too good too soon and Day 4 stage 2 saw me (and a load of others in 50 deg heat) in total meltdown....just could not take one more Power bar, gel or drink.So wish followed Nicky's strategy and used more "real" food.....I haven't been able to face the stuff since and my lovely light bag wasn't worth it - I've been living off macadamia nuts, dried mango and my generous tent mate's miso soup since. So with no food settling, I nearly got pulled but luckily managed (with great help from the Med team) to shove down some breakfast in time to be allowed to go into Stage 5/6 (80km) - only one way i was going to get through and that was steady, taking time at checkpoints in the shade and going into survival mode across the endless salt flats. Wow - hot. But got  in at 8.30 this morning, and all in good shape, finishing has become paramount.....not speed. Only a 12km section to go tomorrow and the biggest challenge for all of us will be getting our shoes back on our swollen, blistered feet.
So I know I promised to try not to discuss feet - but it's impossible. Topics of conversation are limited to the gruesome and it looks like I'm sitting in the set of MASH. Even the doctor's taken photos of my feet. I'll be back in flip flops next week (no suprise there) and currently have my money on only losing 2 toe nails.....oh and I have spectacular tan marks!
Will update after tomorrow - if I don't fall straight over after that first cold beer! Nxx

Comments: Total (11) comments

Posted On: 03 Jul 2011 09:48 am

Wonderful! Wonderful! Wonderful! We are impressed beyond words & congratulate you with all our heart! We knew you are a VERY determined person, but this is just incredible! We shall celebrate in Estellencs & miss you terribly! XXXXX Frank, Anna, Anja & Anna-Sophie

Posted On: 03 Jul 2011 07:31 am

CONGRATS CONGRATS CONGRATS! Such a great finish Natalia! Can't wait to celebrate with you... toe nails or not! :) xx

Posted On: 02 Jul 2011 11:09 am

Just seen your time - wow, 19 out of 36 women. So impressive Talia. Hope you're having a well earned beer. Estellencs in uproar. Uncle Tiff almost swallowed his teeth in his excitement. We're about to crack open the rose in your honour. xxxx

Posted On: 02 Jul 2011 08:03 am

You\\\'re hardcore Natalia! Very impressed that you\\\'re hanging in there. Good luck with the final push and looking forward to hearing more about it over an ice cold beer in an airconditioned bar!! :-)

Posted On: 02 Jul 2011 08:03 am

You\'re hardcore Natalia! Very impressed that you\'re hanging in there. Good luck with the final push and looking forward to hearing more about it over an ice cold beer in an airconditioned bar!! :-)

Posted On: 02 Jul 2011 08:03 am

You're hardcore Natalia! Very impressed that you're hanging in there. Good luck with the final push and looking forward to hearing more about it over an ice cold beer in an airconditioned bar!! :-)

Posted On: 02 Jul 2011 07:50 am

Many many congratulations. Please post soon as everyone is on tenterhooks! We're having a cousins' bbq at mine today so we'll be raising a glass or two to you. xxx

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 07:12 pm

Good luck with the final push. You really are very hardcore indeed! All love Sam, Robsy, Freddie, Thomas and Sophie xx

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 04:58 pm

well done, natalia, inspirational

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 03:15 pm

You are amazing. I would have cried for you if you\'ve got pulled. Only 12km to go, you can do it even if you crawl round. I know you won\'t be able to resist sharing foot photos. I am so excited for you. I\'m updating aunties and parents as we speak. There will be a round of applause breaking out in Estellencs when I text them your finishing time! All love Anna xxxx

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 03:15 pm

You are amazing. I would have cried for you if you've got pulled. Only 12km to go, you can do it even if you crawl round. I know you won't be able to resist sharing foot photos. I am so excited for you. I'm updating aunties and parents as we speak. There will be a round of applause breaking out in Estellencs when I text them your finishing time! All love Anna xxxx

28 June 2011 05:25 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hi, holding up, long hot day today of 44km. To those who know Estellencs beach, we started with 10km up and down the beach (and it's not a sandy one) in and out of the river about 6 times. The relief of getting out of the rocky river bed was met with a an uphill grind of about 15km....fun! Actually easier for the Hong Kongers than many and now looking forward to a very early start and nearly 40km of sand dunes. Thanks again for the great messages. 
Nxxx

Comments: Total (13) comments

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 08:57 am

Talia had to post again, did you run 24 hours??? How is that humanly possible? xxx

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 08:53 am

Hope you're surviving - seen the live updates, sounds as though it's scorching. How are your hobgoblin feet? xxx

Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 06:21 am

Following your astonishing achievements with amazement! Will use you as shining example going up the hills of Estellencs....! Frank & Annaxxxxx

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 06:35 am

forget about having any doubts about finishing, you have passed half way. I know you can finish...and you are doing amazingly well "superstar" the race isnt just about brute force "mental toughness is the key" you have it all....keep going...next time we meet, I'll have a bottle of bubbly for you. ps sign up for Jordan if you can?

Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 12:04 am

Nats, you're a star! Just seen the results for the end of Stage 3 and you're in the top 100; nice going girl!! Can't believe you had rain there, bet that contributed to the blisters. You are doing really amazingly well; keep strong. Long Day to come ... take your time and keep up a steady pace and you'll see it through. Thinking of you every day! Nicky xxxx

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 06:53 pm

Hi Nat you are going well. its Thursday morning and th elong day is coming up. this i sth efinish line. get through thus and you are fine. just keep going and I will try and mentally carry you through the tough bits. go Nat you know you can. cheers

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 08:00 am

Just looking at photos/videos. Can you try and get in shot next time as can't see you? Although like the video on 'drying shoes'. I might try that over my bbq at home. xxx p.s. parents send lots of love from Estellencs, but haven't worked out how to post a comment!

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 07:53 am

Talia can't quite believe your times. So amazing. As for Estellencs, I struggle to walk up that hill carrying my beach towel, at a snail's pace, let alone run up and down it with a burden on my back. I'm cheering you on from London and telling everyone at work how impressive you are. So proud of you. Love Annaxxxx

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 05:43 am

Huge respect and best wishes from the Fut Div team! We're rooting for you. Will update on your performance in weekly Progress Meering :-) You are our AOB!! Keep that glass of red wine in mind and go girl! All our love, the FDIV crew xxxx

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 05:41 am

Huge respect and best wishes from the Fut Div team! We're rooting for you. Will update on your performance in weekly Progress Meering :-) You are our AOB!! Keep that glass of red winw in mind and go girl! All our love, the FDIV crew xxxx

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 01:43 am

Well done lovely! I hope you're taking lots of photos of those river rocks and trees for everyone to see :) Just keep thinking about that feeling the moment when you are approaching and crossing the finish line! I've got goose bumps thinking about it for you! Loving your daily updates... keep up the good work - and be wary of robots! :) Sam (and Matt) xxx

Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 12:03 am

Your doing amazing, just keep that smile on, and know you have a ton of support, looking forward to your next blog

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 09:44 pm

Woo hoo!! Day 4 and counting... I'm amazed at how strong you are, Natalia, what with the rain and the cold and the fog. I would have thought the desert is playing a joke on the event. Some desert eh! Anyway, you are doing so well I can only say, keep it up. Here's your message for the long day - you are REALLY almost there. Two more days and you get the ice cold beer!! Stay strong!!

27 June 2011 03:44 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

So yesterday I smugly thought I'd thwarted the evil blisters but today they wrecked their revenge. Thanks to a lovely medic, I'm patched up and back on the road. The Gobi has rain once a year - and we got it today, not what we'd planned for but that's the way of these races......shivering with cold wearing everything in my pack was not how I would have seen it yesterday when we were over 30 deg and breezy.
But all well; still smiley and full of energy and the pack feels light.
Thanks a million for all the messages - really you have no idea how good they are.
Nxx

Comments: Total (0) comments

26 June 2011 06:44 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

End of day 1 and NO BLISTERS, anyone who knows me will understand that this is a miracle. It is unbelievably beautiful and the dry air is a welcome relief from training in Hong Kong. I’m not at my most erudite but to friends and family, I’m alive, well and smiling.

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 07:26 am

No blog from you yet re Stage 2, but the results are in and you did it in under 3hrs 15m! Is that right? Brilliant! Read about the fog and the delayed start; good that it's cooler but shame you can't see all the sights. Keep it up; you're doing brilliantly! Thinking of you, Nicky x

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 08:30 am

Your doing very well, faster than I could manage. I read about the fog, just "dont get lost" ....thinking of you and the lack of blisters....keep the grit out of your shoes as much as possible......Hope your taking your usual amazing photos. peter

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 05:26 am

Good luck, Natalia! Keep up the good blister work!

Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 12:27 am

Keep it up Nats! Seen the results from Day 1; nice going girl! You're doing really well. Keep it nice and steady and keep an eye on any hot spots on your feet. Will be following you every step of the way. Wish I was with you!!! With love, Nicky xx

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 11:50 pm

Well done!!! I'm shocked and delighted at your blisterless state, keep stretching, keep positive and keep those blisters away!!

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 06:39 pm

Well done, Natalia! No blisters - blimey! That is a miracle :) Fingers crossed that it will stay this way. Glad to hear that you're having a great time x

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 04:47 pm

Talia Many congrats and glad the feet are in one piece. I've had a strenuous day in my garden. Looking forward to the next update.

Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 02:11 pm

Hi Well done on the blisterless trip so far long may in continue, as I dont want to see the pictures!! Well done also for updating Facebook in china, thats got to be more challenging! I just got back from Bangkok where due to the elections they have band selling alcohol over the weekend, and you think u have a challenge :-) Take care Take care,

23 June 2011 06:42 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

but I'm stuck in HK airport with my flight to Beijing delayed to an "estimated" 11.30. Hopefully my connecting flight to Urumqi has been rebooked correctly and I'll get to Urumqi about 7.30pm.

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 10:53 am

We will be thinking of you as you start your march while we are off to sunny Mallorca. Best of luck and enjoy yourself. Mxx

Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 07:47 pm

Talia assuming you're now tucked up snug in your 8 man tent. Still it's not a patch on Glastonbury. What's the Gobi Desert compared to portaloos and a trek to the main stage. xxx

Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 02:03 am

Hi Nat , at least you got that far as the ash cloud from Chile stopped all international flights from Sydney on the day i was due to fly out. So the death threats must have been an omen indicating that I wasn't meant to join you this time but I wish you well and will be following avidly

22 June 2011 06:16 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I leave on Friday morning and have still got the big decision to make.....what do I dare risk checking onto the plane and is the weight of the sleeping mat worth it. Hopefully my blog will get a bit more interesting and I promise to try and recount exciting tales without slipping back into unpleasant blister stories (note to self - nobody outside of the race wants to hear too much about blisters, toenails or pus). Thanks in advance to everyone who sends a message. Nxx

Comments: Total (5) comments

Posted On: 23 Jun 2011 12:06 pm

Don't spare us the gory details Nats, let everyone live it with you - the ups, the downs, the despair and the joy. We're all jealous of your adventurous streak and wish we could be there too. Good luck and happy feet! X

Posted On: 23 Jun 2011 12:36 am

Best of luck & see you up in Urumqi! All packed and ready to go..

Posted On: 22 Jun 2011 10:07 pm

Good luck! The pictures on the website look amazing - I hope you get to see all those sights - I saw a warning that if you walked too slowly it would be dark before you reached one of the good ones - which would be a bit of a blow!!! Agatha told me to tell you that you should not go through Italy as it is full of nasty mosquitoes. Would you a you like to be sponsored and if so could you please send us the link? Lots of love, Emily xxx

Posted On: 22 Jun 2011 06:51 pm

Good luck Natalia. I'm in awe!

Posted On: 22 Jun 2011 01:24 pm

Good luck Talia. Look after the hobgoblin feet.