Feeling so thrilled/proud/elated/relieved right now - all 250kms of the Gobi March are complete!! The last day was a super fun 14km run around a beautiful lake - I felt strong and really wanted to run with all the flat ground so finished up just over 1hr 50mins. It was a really funny end as they had staggered the start so the really fast runners left after us, but me running throughout meant I was first to cross the finish line. The Chinese TV crews came rushing over to congratulate me on my epic victory and wouldn't listen when I kept telling them the champion was coming. So I gave an interview anyway :) I've had so many lovely messages throughout this race - emails and comments to the blogs - plus the phone went a bit crazy when I turned it on yesterday lol. I've been asked a lot why I did the race and what inspired me. I think its a coupe of things. If you put your mind to it you really can achieve anything - this has solidified that belief for me. My goal for this race was to finish in one piece, so I also hope that doing this inspires or encourages other women to be active - no matter how far or fast they go. Its also proved that you have the ability to help others in a big way - I can't wait to proudly hand over that cheque to the RiverKids foundation knowing that those 250kms will help children keep safe and taken care of. I've met so many amazingly inspirational people here - many I'm sure we'll keep in touch with for years to come. Holiday plans were made throughout the week and I think we're going to have a visitor or two in Bangkok :) Its incredible how uncompetitive this race is and how everyone pulls together no matter how fast or slow. Rich deserves a medal himself for the week he's had - knowing he was at the checkpoints and at camp was an incredible boost. It really motivated me to keep going throughout the week - I'm lucky to be with someone who has such a positive outlook on life with boundless energy to share x And to everyone who sent messages - that was really powerful stuff. It felt like each and every one of you was here with me - amazing how that energy powers people on. THANK YOU Not sure what the next challenge will be. The body will need a good 4 weeks to recover from this which I'm going to enjoy :) Thank you again for keeping me going xxx

So there’s a reason its called the Long March – that is by far the hardest thing I have done in my entire life – the physical part I was expecting – the emotional highs and lows were pretty extreme.

We started off at 10am, not on fresh legs I can tell you, temperatures hit 37 degrees and with the dryness it felt like we were in a desert for the first time this trip. A quick 7km gentle assent to the first checkpoint and the foot of the mountains. I was SUPER lucky to be walking with Alex Paul and John the Hong Kong crew – eye spy kept us occupied for about 20 mins (cloud, shoelace, boulder….). Then we started the 20km hike up which steepened with every step. Within that 20kms it was snowing, temperatures had dropped and we were on the face of a mountain hiking up to 2800m. No easy feat with a big pack I can tell you!

Turns out we are powerhouses on the uphills – not so much on the downhills with various knee/ankle/shin/you name it niggles and pain – Paul Alex and I made the call to stay together until the end which I was glad for later believe me (more to follow on that bit!).

We made the call to stop off at the 5th checkpoint which was about 46kms in and eat, recharge, refuel for 15 mins. There were tents set up for sleeping and rest but we decided to plough on through which was a wise move. The next 10kms involved much discussion around what we wanted to eat – Alex came up with a bacon and fried egg sarnie which is pretty much all I thought about for the rest of the walk! Paul introduced us to the chicken, ham and sweetcorn pizza combo which he raved about. I’ve been craving veggies and fruit – feels like we’ve not been giving ourselves what we need for the last week or so and immune systems are starting to close down with every step we all take.

Darkness hit at checkpoint 6 – Rich was also at checkpoint 6 so another HUGE boost in spirits just seeing him there and knowing that we ‘only’ had another 16kms to go. Only being the optimal word. The next 11 was up up and up. In the dark. And by dark I mean pitch black. With sub zero temperatures.

The craziest part was looking out into the mountain seeing all of these sets of eyes looking at you – wild dogs, horses, sheep, cows. All look pretty scary at midnight in the middle of nowhere. Again, glad to have the boys with me and by then we had picked up a fourth to our party, Fran who stuck with us too. That 11kms took us about 3.5 hours – hard up, and difficult to see around, just one foot in front of the other. Trying to keep warm and spirits up.

Up to the top and when you switched the headlamp off the sky was breathtaking – soooo many stars up there that we don’t normally see back home. Lucky Andrew the Medic up there was also a part time astrologer and pointed out the milky way and other constellations as we mentally prepared for the last 5km of steep down hill – not easy when you’ve been going for so long and your bod is screaming for you to stop, take a nap and eat a pizza or four.

We finished at around 330am after the longest day ever. Lots of tears over the finish line in pure relief to have made it through something so difficult. It really is amazing how far you can push yourself. Don’s wise words were in repeat through the day in my head ‘remember your body can do 30% more than your mind thinks it can’. Turns out he was right.

So too were all of the amazingly inspirational, funny, loving words from everyone by email and on this blog. They were in permanent repeat as we went through the day and it made me even stronger knowing there have been so many amazing people behind me supporting me through. Quite incredible how powerful that support is I can tell you and I feel incredibly blessed to know all of you.

Today we are at camp on a stunning blue sky sunny day by a beautiful bright blue lake with a range of snow capped mountains behind. Its really quite spectacular. Everyone is in incredibly good spirits – astounded that we’ve all made it so far, pushed ourselves so hard.
Its rest and reflect day.

One more day to go!!!! Lucky this one is only 15kms to the finish line. Right now I feel ten foot tall and bullet proof so bring on the 15kms xxx

Wowzers – that has to be the hardest thing I have ever done in my life (until tomorrow). The word being used around camp is ‘brutal’. 49kms today – rolling hills for the first 20 then some very (very) steep inclines for the next 10kms then down hill for 19kms. Funny thing is the last 19kms were by far the hardest.

A bit of knee pain today – we’re lucky to have a sports doc as one of the medic team who worked on it for about 15mins at our third checkpoint and then another 30mins tonight at camp.

I’m not alone- Rich made the comment that its like walking through some world war two hospital in camp tonight- bits falling off people left right and center – lots of people in pain. It’s a little quieter than it has been on the other nights that’s for sure.

I was super lucky that one of Tim and Chiggs’ buddies Alex stuck with me throughout today otherwise I would have come really close to dropping out – a bit of a low day as this crazy race takes its toll.

There were some funny moments – one as we took on the last 10km in a village and people kept running up and handing me babies – I think maybe good luck to have a photo taken of your baby with a western female??? Not really sure but it sure did make me laugh. Plus the scenery is breathtaking – absolutely beautiful.

Tomorrow we don’t start until 10am which means 2 more hours later than normal – well needed rest to mend and try to recover before tomorrow ‘the long march’. Its going to be a tough one.

A bit beat tonight so am off to eat some food and lie down for several hours. Thank you all again for the amazing messages – another BIG boost from all of you xxxxx

Did someone say desert? Felt a little more like Scotland today! The weather came in last night – temp drop plus a LOT of rain. Made it super hard to get out of the sleeping bag this morning. I was sleeping on a slope and kept slipping down to the bottom, at one point trapped inside so hard to get out of anyway lol. The good news is that my kit is SUPER warm – so I’m getting really good sleep despite the snorey folks (all boys of course because us girls don’t snore).

The departure this morning was cold and wet – but I felt super strong – today was the day to start running again. The first 12kms were steep up up and up on some really muddy tiny tracks. I hiked up with two fab ladies from Vancouver who kept me giggling the whole way up. It started hailing when we made it up to checkpoint one and the temp dropped again – took the time to open up the bag and get gloves hat and the poncho. Now – I’ve never worn a poncho so set off not knowing it had sleeves. Picture me walking through the mountains looking a little like a weeble – 2kms later I found some sleeves which made running much easier. I laughed for about the next 5kms.

More selfies and pics with the locals – yes pops, had more time today to play charades with the locals – I continue to amuse them which makes me laugh every time. Ran all the downhills today and felt great – pretty steady on the uphills which should come out in the placement. The weather started coming in again and so the course was cut short at checkpoint two meaning we completed only 25kms today. The camp also changed to this really cool small teeny village of yurts in the middle of the mountains – dry and warm with nice sunshine as we’re out from the hills. Everyone’s spirits are up – lots of fun and giggles as we recover stretch and get ready for tomorrow.

So tomorrow…. Hmmmmm…. Well because today was shorter we’ll be making that up tomorrow which will 49kms and pretty steep. Followed by day 5 which will be just under 70kms. Then the last day which is under 20 so it doesn’t really count ha ha (!)

Rich did some ‘sweeping’ today which meant he did the entire course with another volunteer. He had a great day – took it all completely in his stride J It was awesome being at the finish line to cheer him in for a change.

So many awesome messages – two of my tent buddies were laughing that I had 46 and that was a lot to scroll down to get to their names so thank you thank you all.

Nick and Suz – I can’t believe you’re off to JLP. VERY VERY jealous. Dad, I’m very proud of you for making it to blog post number one J I remember when you were in the Falklands – we used to play chess via post lol – thank you to you and mum your messages are really making me chuckle and keeping my spirits up. Wendy – wooo hoooo I made it to breaking news! I feel like a real celeb J Myka – I’m still laughing about being a Gandolf lookalike. And Emma – you ROCK. Big congrats on the first 10km J

Thank you all of you for the super amazing messages – its so motivating and I know will keep me going tomorrow through another lonnnnnng day.

Big hugs from ‘the desert’ xx

39kms today which takes us up to 87kms so far. Today was GREAT for the calf – super long and super flat – not the most motivational of courses – lots of getting through big flat open plains – a little uneven underfoot but I felt super strong and managed to finish in a pretty good time vs yesterday which was a bit of a rock bottom day. Spirits MUCH higher today – have decided that laughing at all these little things that go wrong is the best way to go and just enjoy the ride. And so I did J

Today I was really lucky to hang out with other competitors for the first 30kms from India, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore, Italy, Belgium, Mexico and even Scotland lol. Super nice time with all these guys who have these amazing stories. I also used today as a ‘selfie with the locals’ day – some amazing pics and taking the time to meet the locals (me communicating by means of charades, them mainly laughing) was super fun. The last 10kms I was off – feeling super strong and powered by some incredibly cheesy top 40 music from the past 12 months.

Got to camp tonight and it was super cold and wet – amazing how the temperature and weather switches so quickly. Spent the first few hours in a sleeping bag warming up eating those doritos (they are my new favourite food). There are now huge fires built and everyone is warming up getting ready to eat before bed – think I will sleep well tonight and probably not hear the snorer in the room who sounds a little like a lawn mower.

THANK YOU again for the AMAZING messages – first to Mum and Dad – its amazing to have you guys here with me in the desert xx All my fab amazing friends from CWT – you guys rock J Vera – especially thank you for the work update lol ;) And to all my buddies thank you for the super funny and motivational messages – Pagey you make me laugh and also super jealous with your updates from your super exotic exciting adventure – really wish I was there right now!!!

Right off to have some freeze dried noodles around the campfire – yum xx

I had a textbook day today – and more textbook of what not to do. Despite ALL the advice – the inner super competitive me was a little too tempted to get a little running in during the first 10kms, I jogged along for a nice easy 6kms and then while walking over extended the calf again – ouch!! Visited the medic who strapped me up and gave me the all clear to carry on. Was bummed out for a bit but then started thinking about all the amazing people I know personally and at work and things they have overcome – was a grounding moment. Then spent the next 10kms replanning race strategy as its going to be verrry different now. Don’s advice on how to use the poles properly worked a treat – Ross, your training on uphill technique has protected the calf all day so thank you guys, nutrition changes up as does hydration. Got all of that down pretty well today.

I was out for just over 10 hrs today – weather was beautiful and the scenery is just stunning – Dad, Mum – I’m remembering to ‘look up’ frequently J Took a few selfies with the locals, an old chap on a motorbike kindly offered me a lift lol, and lots of time spent chatting to other competitors – some really cool fun people here so its helped to make the day go really quick.

Rich was on station 1 today so perfect timing for the calf appraisal – and then back at the finish line. It was soooo nice to see him there – really thankful that he’s come all this way to be here with me. We had another date night tonight – ok so freeze dried food isn’t exactly fine dining but kinda cool in this makeshift camp in the middle of nowhere surrounded by all of this amazing scenery listening to cheesy music.

Tomorrow is just under 40kms and nothing too steep which is great. By the time I finish I’ll be one third through. Woooo hooooo

Even more amazing messages again overnight – what a boost!!! Thank you so much guys – they’ve kept me giggling away through today and will do the same tomorrow. Feeling lucky to have such a great support network.

Right – cybertent closing down so off for some doritos and a cupasoup before bed – yum.

Big hugs from the desert x

So here we are!  Camp number 1 is pretty cool – weather took a turn for the cold and wet and so we’re staying in this teeny tiny “village” (a couple of huts) for the night – pretty glad for the shelter – its nice and dry J  We were welcomed with some local ladies dancing and singing for us which was pretty surreal – as well as lots of local bread and fruits – yum.

The weigh in went really well – first round the pack weighed 11kgs – second just over 10kgs.  2kgs lower than in training which rocks.

Rich also survived desert survival training and is raring to go – think he’s going to be busier than me!

SOOOOOO many messages already – OMG – thank you soooo much – a real boost as we get ready to go tomorrow.  The cyber tent is pretty cool actually – nice and warm, funky music playing – send me more messages so I can hang out in here more ;)

Distances for the days have changed due to the weather – tomorrow is now nearly 49kms which will be tough.  That does mean the long day will ‘only’ be 67kms which is very welcome indeed.

Right – off to have dinner with Rich – a little date in the desert lol

More tomorrow – wish me luck xx

..... and we nearly didn't! A small error on my behalf - we ended up at the wrong Shanghai airport very early yesterday morning. Hmmmm.... working in the travel industry should maybe have had be better prepared for that one. I blame the pre-race nerves... I've been a bit of a klutz this week. Luckily I work for the best travel company on the planet and our fab amazing super team in China had us rushing across Shanghai to the 'right' airport in time to get another flight they found at the last minute. Believe me there aren't that many to choose from so this was a big deal - it also made us feel a little like being in the Amazing Race :) So yesterday was Shanghai to Urumqi to Bole. Each trip getting more remote, more foreign. Have met lots of super nice competitors already - some VERY serious athletes here - several competing in all four of the 4desserts races this year (!!) and then a bunch of newbies just like me. What else? Its really dry here! Wow, what a change from Singapore and Bangkok. About 30 degrees today - its going to be super important to stay hydrated - may not feel it as much as I'm used to. Took me 2 hours to pack the rucksack today - check in tomorrow to see how heavy it is but it feels like about 11kg. Went heavy on food - I intend to be the only competitor to put on weight during the race ;) Rich has been in desert survival training all day - hopefully he has one or two tips to share when he gets back this evening. Now its just waiting, keeping calm, keeping fed and watered. Next post will be from day one (yikes) Here we go......... 250kms anyone?

well I'm not quite sure how we got to the last three weeks but here we are!  Testing out everything including the blog to make sure kit, blog, food, hydration and body are all working well in the last couple of weeks.

Fab to connect over the weekend with some old school buddies who happen to be doing the race also - nice to connect after what's been 20 years.  Certainly a lot to catch up on.

The last couple of weeks are going to be focussed on staying strong, fit, healthy and mentally not freaking out!!!

Go Gobi!!