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Gobi March Blogs 2011
10
PostsGobi March (2011) blog posts from David Grosse
04 July 2011 11:11 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Here are my catch up blogs for those i missed:
Day 6
01 July 2011 02:09 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
After yesterdays tough day, of course it was the long day to go today, with a mere 80km to cover. Well I survived it, and came into camp at 5am, a mere 21 hours after setting off. It was once again pretty brutal…and in stages 3 and 4 of today it was hitting 45 degrees. This part was through the Turpan depression. Since I have been out here I have no idea as to whether the rest of the world still exists or if there has been some form of apocalypse. Well if there has been an apocalypse I can tell you what it looks like – the Turpan depression. Mounds of dry cracked earth with salt pools and blistering heat. Later things cheered up a little with the course running alongside an ancient mud walled city, and then taking a turn in there for a checkpoint. On the way out I felt as if I was interrupting everyones bedtime…as the locals set up their beds on the front yards, to take advantage of the cool breezes. I am not sure what the protocol if for saying hello to folks as they climb into their bed and they see a madman shuffle past in full running gear, backpack and headtorch. No-one seemed to mind. Despite the extreme distance it actually worked ok for me today as I kept the head down and tried to minimize downtime at checkpoints – so I think I came in 66th. That said my very modest performance has been knocked into a hat by my walking buddy Wubin – who came In 28th today and 38th on yesterdays brutal day – she walks like a metronome with such a high cadence most people have to run to catch up – so can all my readers out there – whomever you may be – please send a blog comment to Wubin also (number 80) congratulating her on an amazing performance. As I sit here typing at 9am people are still on the course and coming in – 25 hours after setting off, and now with the sun back up. So tomorrow should be a shortish 11 to 13km into a monastery for the finish line…unfortunately uphill. Shazz and Will – hope Cornwall is grand…some lots of camels and lizards and an emormous spider today. Looking forward to a beer tomorrow – oh yeah.
Comments: Total (12) comments
Posted On: 04 Jul 2011 07:14 am
gosh David, i too was worried that you had not written on 28th, and then i had to be out of email contact until today, but i'm very glad to see that you're made it...the last bit can't be too difficult after all that you've undergone...so as many beers as you like, and i'll send a cheers to Wubin...jim
Posted On: 03 Jul 2011 07:38 am
Great work David. Enjoy the shower and cold beer! Jo
Posted On: 02 Jul 2011 12:28 pm
Great effort David ... enjoy the beers and revel in the glory of job v well done!
Cheers
Ali
Posted On: 02 Jul 2011 04:31 am
Great running/walking, great placing too. Have a good few beers at the end. Been folowing avidly.
Love A D and B
Posted On: 02 Jul 2011 03:57 am
Not bad! Will be looking out for your finishing position. Might as well just push on overland to Cornwall now.
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 09:34 pm
Dear old Dave,
What a relief! I was so anxious not seeing anything from you after 2 stages that I phoned Shazzer and asked her if she had heard anything. She hadn't but was supremely confident on your behalf. Last time I looked you were 103rd. Now 85th. Attaboy! Love, Dad
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 06:33 pm
We are so impressed! Racing up the leader board even with dehydration. Enjoy tomorrow's easier pace and revel in completing. Graham might be up for joining you next year! All love, G A and E
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 04:26 pm
Have been waiting days for the blogs to come thr. Now that it has I can't read it as type too small and can't figure out how to enlarge screen........the challenges of technology. Well done for completing stage 5 and moving up the field. Just a sprint finish now. lol S&W
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 04:13 pm
DG, well done! After tomorrow, only another five months till TW :D
Good luck on the last day!
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 04:06 pm
Sterling work David! hope all goes well in the last leg.
Take care and hopefully see you in Cornwall xx
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 03:27 pm
What are you some kind of sand-based steam roller? You managed to roll over about 30 competitors. Way to go!! Am drinking a pina colada in your honor (not my usual, but when on a tropical island what can you do?).
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 02:20 pm
You dropped 35plus places today!!! - 85th over all - great work. I get the protocol is simply to try not to get your headlights directly in their eyes as you wander past? You could be viewed as the evenings entertainment....Im sure tv reception is average at best......
only a last shuffle and then beer (& pizza I presume?!?)
Amazing effort.
29 June 2011 02:13 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
No this blog did not disappear into the ether, nor did I forget. Yesterday I joined the extensive ranks of the pukers. It was a brutal day of sand dunes and dunettes. In fact we were lucky at the start of the day as there was cloud cover as we went over the first 10km of major dunes…but later it got to 45 degrees and I was not a happy bunny. I mismanaged my hydration (oops) and 11 hours later was chucking up coming into camp. That said I was actually ok as I got myself back on line through water and electolytes…however I spent so much time sorting myself out that no time to blog. So yes I am still in the race. There were many more in trouble out there and a number on IV’s. 30 km we came across a French girl with bad heat stroke..luckily it was just at the point that the course crossed a main road – and at that point was a little local store allowing shade and extra water. RTP are self-supported races so of course I would not have dreamed in adding in a quick ice cold Pepsi whilst there…
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 03:25 pm
Ack, sorry to hear about the puking but glad you were able to sort yourself out. I personally would have gone for the Pepsi . . . Carrying cash is self supporting, right?
28 June 2011 04:13 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
This really is a most ridiculous place. At the camp site overnight it was somewhere around 5 degrees and i was shivvering in my sleeping bag. We set of this morning in the chill and headed down a river valley crossing mountain streams. By the end of the course of 40 something kilometers it was reaching close to 40 degrees, and somewhat toasty. They put in a nice mountain thingy to keep us honest in the middle. Needless to say i was therefore a) happy in the morning and b) grumpy in the afternoon. But, hey i am in camp and that is the main thing. Today we are staying in a traditional Uighar (spelling?) village, which means we are out of tents for the night. Luckily, despite being last one in today in our group i was saved a sofa to sleep on because i am the oldest one - yeehah. However, despite being a bit of a slow pants i was cheered up by coming in just 1 minute behind the British Army team from Sandhurst - so i cannot be that cr@p. Note to all hikers out there - do not mix beef jerky with power sweets - it is not a great recipe. Body is sort of OK, but i fear that my two little pinky toenails are about to be sacrificed...i am about to go off to the medical tent for a few blister lancings. Shazz and Will - not sure when you are heading off to Cornwall - but drive carefully and have a pasty for me. Dad - please keep the jokes going. New one <my dog's a minature poodle> <A minature poodle?> <Yes the minute yer turn your back its done a poodle>. Love to all...i am still in and still fighting. d
Comments: Total (0) comments
27 June 2011 03:27 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
What a difference a day makes, as the song said. We awoke this morning to thick mist and temperatures of 10 degrees. Unfortunately the weather did not lift and therefore the course had to be changed – you cannot go up over the mountains and follow the little pink flags if you cannot see where the next flag is. So instead of 41km over the hills we ended up with 21km downhill in drizzle…pretty much like hiking in the lake district. As such I was in a much happier place today and even broke into the occasional run (shock horror). I have no doubt that the memory of today will be completely erased once we are down in the searing heat of the Turpan Basin. As I type in camp the sun is just peaking through, so it will probably be business as usual tomorrow with another 40km plus. Body is holding up ok with just a couple of minor blisters under my extensive foot tape. For those at CLSA, I have pinned a CLSA badge to the back of the pack, surely worth a few more dollars into the charity fund. Sharon and William and all the folks – hope all is well in England – you are probably warmer there now then I am…I got out Williams picture of the Gobi in the camp today to show the tent mates – which was much appreciated – havnt seen much of the wildlife yet apart from the odd feral horse. The scenery remains spectacular and a unique cultural mix of Uighars, Kazaks and other. Still cannot think of anything funny to relate, albeit the sole Uighar competitor (a tent mate) was up this morning having a shave with his battery powered razor – not the most obvious item to pack when you have to carry it all on your back through the desert for 6 days. Time to scoot, I am hogging the laptop. More tomorrow..
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 01 Jul 2011 05:49 am
You still alive Dave? I've been reading some of the other competitors blogs. Wow, what an amazing event. Inspiring.
Respect to anyone who even sets foot out into the race. I'd imagine there must be some massive hygiene issues at the camp following a strenuous day of meandering in the desert.
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 09:31 pm
Thursday here in Cornwall and hopefully you\'ve finished the long haul, I guess it\'s all a long haul regardless of kms. Had phone calls from both your folks asking after you. Hope you\'re tucked up in bed now and looking forward to seeing that you have finished. Lol S& W
Posted On: 30 Jun 2011 12:47 am
Assuming that your super dooper foot taping technique took priority over blogging, given you are still going strong on the results tally - actually suprised not too many war wound descriptions on the blogs this year? I seem to remember nails being drilled etc in years past....... Kept it up & amazing effort - only a few kms to go & you are done
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 01:30 pm
DG
just seen your time for stage 3 and the all important A for active against your name. I don't suppose you feel it right now but have a good night's sleep and attack stage 4!!
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 08:10 am
Figures you would most enjoy the race when it's raining! Remember: "Just put one foot in front of the other . . ." Common quote, but in my head it Comes with a little song from a Christmas cartoon featuring the Winter Warlock. Just so you have something to look forward to, I'll be happy to sing it for you at the end of the race!
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:30 am
David,
i never imagined someone would compare running the Gobi with a walk in the Lake District, but if you have 1 day like that and it lifts your mood....wonderful! Keep it up and look after your feet...we're following from far away in Cambodia!
cheers,
jim
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:28 am
David, drizzly rain - what the heck - I thought you were supposed to be in the Gobi - hopefully not too wet so that you are getting blisters - but i am sure your super dooper taping will keep those at bay. A razor - whatever next?!!! So how many kgs of macadamia nuts did you bring this time?!! Keep it up - esp a little bit of running! Jo
Posted On: 29 Jun 2011 02:19 am
Glad to hear the weather conditions are working in your favour! I have sent the email out to the office again and received a great response. Keep up the excellent work - not too long to go now!
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 09:03 pm
Wont be as wordy as Alison as I need to get to bed..up early to drive to Cornwall. Glad to hear that today was more enjoyable. Finding it difficult with the time delay and connections your end to keep up to date. Went to 7oaks today, clearly Asia day with us the only gweilos being shown around! Keep up the good work, sterling effort and I hear that you are positively charming around camp. LOL S&W xx
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 08:57 pm
Why didn'twe kow that you were racing the planet again. Glad to hear that your feet are in a slightly better state than the planet! Surely there must be a bit of wildlife in your tent after a day of manic persuits. Keeping on the joke theme, we enjoyed William's version of the "what's black and white and red all over?". "A skunk in a blender!!" Don't suppose you have come across any of those in the desert, other than in the odd hallucination. All good here, thoroughly enjoying Sharon and William's company and shall be sorry to see them depart tomorrow. Will keep up to date with things in the Gobi and blog again shortly. Much love from us all, G, A, E and R & H in absentia (as opposed to Graham in dementure!!) xxxx
26 June 2011 08:04 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Now, when i signed up for the gobi i naturally assumed that deserts are flat, and that the turpan being the second lowest place on earth. so we have spent today climbing up into mountains and we are at 2200 metres. i dont think altitude agrees with me - either that or the lack of training. today was spent with a dry stuffed face, mild headache and little energy....however have managed to get through it and feeling a lot more chipper now that we are in camp and the temperatures are falling. think i was in at 8 hrs and change. For those in Hong Kong - Wubin was on fire and left me in the dust - coming in at 6 hrs 45 and looking as fresh as a daisy. The mountains are spectacular - but wasnt really in the best mood to admire them. I cant quite think of anything funny to say about today, so i will have to do a knock knock joke. <<knock knock. who`se there? knock knock WHO`SE THERE? Knock knock. WHO`SE THERE? woodpecker.>>
Comments: Total (15) comments
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 04:26 am
Sending you lots of chi (energy) throughout your journey David! What a fantastic (...a bit painful though) experience!!!! You can do it!!!!
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 04:26 am
Sending you lots of chi (energy) throughout your journey David! What a fantastic (...a bit painful though) experience!!!! You can do it!!!!
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 09:50 pm
go bro, go-we are all in Awe of your efforts-just think of that dewy green Cornish grass between your toes, refreshing salty sea air blowing in your face and a long, cold pint of beer in a few weeks time. You're FAB xxx S,R.J&S,R,T and A :o)
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 08:42 pm
Hi Dave, this is your dad from the old country, 9.30pm here & 4.30am there. I think you're mad but I'm proud of you. Q: What weighs four tons and is bright re? A: An elephant holding its breath.
Groan........!
Lve, Dad & Eve
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 02:12 pm
You finished and that.s the main thing, so well done. It sounds as if you've been on the woodpecker with that sort of joke, best keep to water!!
Hope stage 2 is more enjoyable. Saw photo of Wubin and as you say looking good.
lol S&W xx
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 07:58 am
加油!
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 05:57 am
Uumm alltitude sounds fun .. anyway I'm sure tomorrow will bring some other sort of misery ... but seriously looks like you came in pretty well yesterday, stay and think of lots of all those "Lance" quotes .... I mention to DK that I'd have a nice cold beer tonight and would think of you guys ... albeit very briefly!
Cheers
Ali
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 05:28 am
Good luck, David! You'll need it this time around now that you wont have the same support as you had last year from your tentmates!
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 04:23 am
DG,
just remember that there is always a pot of gold at the end of every rainbow!
surely the exercise class held mid-flight on Shenzhen airways would have put you in good stead for something?
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 03:35 am
Hi David - I hope you are winning friends (but not with your jokes!) - stick to dishing out macadamia nutes - or maybe you don't have 2kg of nuts this time which is why your pack is so much lighter!! Hope you are feeling a bit perkier after day 2. Keep it up! Jo
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 02:58 am
David, are your buns tight?
Here's a joke:
Did you hear about the gay bank robber?
He tied up the safe and blew the guard.
Mr Brush
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 02:46 am
Thinking of you David and sending all my best, I hope a mild headache is the worst you have to deal with (!)
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 01:59 am
DG, if you survived 1st day at altitude with a mild headache only, you'll be fine for rest of trip! Re Knock, knock, glad to see that my Belgian sense of humour (or should we say lack of) is giving you some light relief... Hope today going well. Look fwd to next update. All 'same same' in HK office.
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 01:42 am
The hazards of training in HK! Mtns starting from sea level - not exactly the best form of alitude training thats for sure......hopefully today you will get back into your groove going through the valley. Ive been looking for a picture of your natty gloves. Alas, no photographic evidence as yet.
Posted On: 27 Jun 2011 12:29 am
Hi David, Seen the results from Day 1 .... keep it up, you're doing really well! Chin up and remember to take it easy over the first few days. Wish I was there with you! Good luck!! Nicky
25 June 2011 09:22 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
We have arrived at camp one 3 hours outside of Urumqi and in a fantastic spot with views of distant snow capped mountains. There has been plenty of food, so i am pogged. The race check in at the hotel was going well - my bag weighed in at 8.5 kg -which is a lot lighter than i was in australia....however i was pulled up for not having the obligatory long fingered gloves - mine being fingerless. As i was wondering what to do to get the needed gloves i noticed the hotel concierge was wearing some pretty natty white gloves. short conversation later and i was the proud owner of a white pair. the flight up to urumqi was not the most exciting...mainly as i forgot to bring any book....so i had to find a book in english at shenzhen airport. In all of the airport there were only 2 english books, and both were by Dale Carnegie (self improvement from the 1930s). So i am now reading <how to win friends and influence people> which will be very handy in the desert. The only other entertainment on the plane was the group exercise class led by the stewardesses mid flight. The first day tomorrow will be in the mountains so should not be too hot (i hope). Shazz n Will - hope you are having fun in UK - love to all. Hope to be blogging tomorrow after day 1 and with feet and sense of humour intact. Toodlepip.
Comments: Total (3) comments
Posted On: 02 Jul 2011 02:11 pm
Oh dear, never have been good at communication! But we have been following you, David. Bloody fantastic I think! I couldn't possibly walk with a Wubin Metronome! 11hrs of the sand dunes must have been really hard....so I guess Sat today you are on the finishing stretch....very well done. The white gloves are obviously a winner....... Love S &N
Posted On: 26 Jun 2011 12:23 pm
Well, David, I expect to hear great things from you this race. Firstly, with your newly acquired natty white long sleeved gloves, you could be poised to take over the lead in this years desert fashion stakes. Secondly, Im assuming your pack weight is considerably less than 8.5kgs now after your airtime reading surely you have a couple of friends carrying a few items on your behalf?!?
Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 09:28 pm
Should have had gloves made in Shenzen,honestly what were you thinking of? Hope you get a good night's sleep and get off to a good start. All love S & W xx
22 June 2011 10:23 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I cannot stand all this waiting around pretending to be concentrating at work, so will be very glad to start the trip up to Urumqi this evening. Was happy to see when I woke up this morning that the stormy weather in Hong Kong has abated, so nothing to add any delay. When I signed up to do the Gobi I was told that it was one of the driest deserts in the world, in the rain shadow of the Himalaya or some-such meteorological baloney. It was promised as hot, for sure, but without the humidity of HK. Naturally they have just had the heaviest rainfall in 30 years, so I had better repack my snorkel and flippers. Could be worse – when doing RacingThePlanet Oz last year many competitors from Europe had trouble getting to the event because of Icelandic Ash clouds. Having just read the blogs from those trying to get to Gobi from Australia I see they now have the same problem…since when did Australia have volcanoes? An airborne gift from Chile I am told. Extending the random thought link it was in Chile for Atacama 2010 that they had a bad earthquake just one week before the event. So, as I say, it could be worse. Enough babbling – I have just got to re-think what goes in the hand carry, and what goes in the hold – as that which goes in the hold will doubtless get lost somewhere between Shenzhen and Urumqi. Looking forward to meeting everyone up there and especially the tent mates – hopefully we will work some form of translation between Mandarin, English and Turkish.
Comments: Total (5) comments
Posted On: 25 Jun 2011 09:28 am
Finally managed to get on line and you're at the start. Hope the gloves hold out. Obviously with you all the way. S&W xx
Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 01:21 pm
Just hope when you're on the trail you don't wish you were back in the office. Oh, guess that is pretty unlikely. Have a good time and try not to make DK and Joe look too bad!
Posted On: 24 Jun 2011 02:53 am
Can you buy 152 umbrellas,large size,in hot pink while you are in Urumqi. Also, aim size 10 gumboot. Thx
Posted On: 23 Jun 2011 12:59 pm
charades....you brits are great at those arent you? Im sure 'my feet hurt' 'I am likely to keel over if i dont eat in 3 seconds' and 'you are really starting to smell' can all be acted out quite easily to cover all the aforementioned languages!
We will be watching for you online Mx
Posted On: 23 Jun 2011 07:30 am
What's a little rain - it will keep the dust at bay. Have fun - your tent won't be as fantastic as Australia - but I'm sure everything else will be awesome. Hope you don't get soggy nuts!!
10 June 2011 07:15 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I am raising funds for the Children's Surgical Centre in Cambodia on the GobiMarch 2011. The CSC is a great organization and every $$ raised will be well used. Please follow the below link on FirstGiving to see a short video on CSC and to donate:
http://www.firstgiving.com/fundraiser/davidgrosse/thegobimarch2011
Only 2 weeks to go, so it is time to taper. Although i think you are supposed to be fully trained before you taper. Hey ho.
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 18 Jun 2011 02:18 am
David, just noticed your name on the Gobi list .... great to see you heading back for more stupidity. Hope all is well .... I hear the weather forecast for the Gobi is dry and sunny with lots more dry and sunny so should be a pleasant stroll! Good luck and don't forget to stock up on lots of inspirational "Lance" quotes. Cheers Ali
20 April 2011 03:29 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
"Only 2 things are infinite, the universe and human stupidity, and i am not sure about the former" - Albert Einstein
After an extended period of prevarication I have finally signed up for Gobi 2011. I am working on the basis that my frightening lack of training will be resolved magically over the next 2 months. And that muscle memory from RTP Australia will kick in, together with my somewhat obsessive foot care regime on the march. The memory of abject pain and misery has faded, but the joy of having no contact whatsoever with the work CrackBerry remains. I will once again be raising funds for CSC in Cambodia and will pull together sponsorship details soon.
Comments: Total (5) comments
Posted On: 28 Jun 2011 05:16 pm
david hope all is going well. i am sure you are having fun!!
Posted On: 08 Jun 2011 05:34 am
you are dead to me ( post tentmate rejection ceremony)...be afraid...be very afraid
Posted On: 08 Jun 2011 02:37 am
You will do fine! The muscle memory will serve you well.
Posted On: 19 May 2011 01:03 am
im going to put a scorpion in your sleeping bag and tie your shoelaces in knots
Posted On: 20 Apr 2011 10:23 am
Hi David, good luck. You'll find the deserts with a lot less humidity than the Kimberley. Mary
Comments: Total (3) comments
Posted On: 04 Jul 2011 02:42 pm
Posted On: 04 Jul 2011 12:50 pm
Posted On: 04 Jul 2011 12:05 pm