In the 1920’s, when George Mallory was attempting to be the first person to summit Everest, a journalist asked “why?”, and he replied “because it’s there!”

As we sit around camp today after completing the 5th long march stage, we are starting to discuss serious matters: after Saturday’s final run, once we arrive back to the hotel do we go straight to KFC or shower first. After 7 days without showering, another hour won’t kill us.

This has been an amazing adventure, I plan on writing a recap once I’m back and am able to reflect on the week.

Thanks for all the emails, messages, and support- it really provided motivation throughout the week.

@mom & dad – thanks for everything, couldn’t of done it without you both
@cheryl – I could feel your positive thoughts throughout the week, miss you
@colleen – we did it!

Thank you,

Chris

During today’s nearly 50K gruelling stage four, one of my mate’s from the Polish Team, Martin, was stopped in the middle of the mountain trails. He had his bag off and was unpacking – I pulled up beside him and asked “what’s up?”. He pulled out markers, crayons, and colouring books and said “it’s for the kids” –there were a few local families who were watching and he presented the gifts to the kids and they were ecstatic. The amazing part of the story is that most competitors, including myself, are counting every ounce/gram – and then there is this guy, who is just as competitive but sacrificing his bag weight for the kids. Absolutely touching – here, here to Saint Martin!

The last 10K of the stage headed through a very small town. All the locals came out and were cheering. At one point, a group of kids were running beside me and all laughing/smiling – I felt like Rocky, except was in China instead of Philly, and I wasn’t exactly sprinting, but you get the point!

As George Mallory said “the mountains are calling and I must go!” a brutal stage 5 begins on Thursday morning, consisting of almost 50 miles throughout the mountains, finishing at 9000 feet up (Colorado aint got nothing on Gobi).

@mom&dad – love the messages, missing you both! CULIEAP
@Cheryl – every stage I zone out and think about what type of goodies you baked
@colleen – already looking forward to lazy Saturday next weekend!
@siac – overwhelming messages, thank you so much! I will reply individually soon and looking forward to seeing you
@Cleary – thanks for the messages! Deb – let’s go rangers! Joe – looking forward to those Staten Island bagels
Will reply to everyone else once im back – thank you!

Because I can,

Chris
#13
 

Although we are running in China, these trails are definitely not part of the Silk Road! Stage #3 was shortened a bit because of the weather: rain, sleet and snow – doesn’t stop the US Postal Service but it was the right move for the race. Between the winds and getting pelted with hail – it was best for everyone’s safety (they will add the mileage to the next few stages).

Equipment and food update: equipment feeling good, I was able to store everything in my dry-sack so all items are dry. Food is still rather appetizing – Paul had extra tortilla wraps and combined with peanut butter and Nutella (from the Italian of course) it was a delicious breakfast! Still have a few sweets left and energy for the upcoming long march in two days. On my last pair of socks – I should be OK.

Health Update: as expected, banged up, no worse than anyone else though. Spirits are still high and looking forward to using today’s short stage to recover. Stage 4 will be slow and attempting to save energy for the long march.

@mom&dad – thanks for the emails – ill give a ring your Friday night after the final stage- miss you!
@cheryl – you should volunteer for Atacama, ya know since teachers get the entire summer off and every holiday too J
@colleen – ill know if you skipped ahead in Netflix or our DVR, you better wait for me!
@dilworth – mcsorleys after thanksgiving is a definite later this year…not great?!
@colleen pace – thanks for the message, I needed a laugh!
@peanuts – im glad that you concur that sprinkles counts as junk food
@chris - thanks for all the advice, let’s hope I have better luck than you on my return home from bole!
@dawson – thanks mate for the email and support. Remember, Leadville 2015!

Gutting it out in Gobi,

Chris

Always wondered why this race is called the Gobi March instead of the Gobi Sprint or Gobi Run – now I know why. Challenging course constant dry river bed crossings (climbing in and out of massive ditches) and rocky roads (unlike the ice-cream flavour, it’s not pleasant).

Anyway, the locals continue to come out and support the race. Their spirits and enthusiasm are uplifting – and they like to wait at the top of the hills so you are forced to run them so you don’t look like a chump. I ran the last ½ mile to the finish the stage with a local boy, who must have been about 8 years old – just when you want to walk, you end up sprinting next to a kid. We took a picture together afterwards and I wanted to show my appreciation since he paced me in at the end, and in typical New York fashion, I gave him Chinese RMB money – he declined though, absolutely amazing (I thought about giving him my last snickers bar but…)

Everything else is going well. Tent mates are good guys, having a lot of laughs (nice not to worry about any Aussies stealing your food – joking Mark, you are missed, join us in Chile).

@mom & dad – miss you!
@cheryl – thanks for the messages!
@colleen – miss you!
@slinky – you better be back in the pool training, our tri is 2 months away
@siac – thank for the motivational message J
@tom – donuts and pizza soon – hopefully the pizzeria doesn’t run out of pizza again!
@pj – don’t eat all the oreos!

Day 2 complete, getting ready for the mountain stages.

#13 Chris

All is well in Gobi, China. We arrived last night and because of rain forecast, the race decided to play it safe and put us up in mining town houses. Our concrete wall and floor room held the 20 competitors from tents 1 and 2. Ill YELP about it when I arrive home, it was a 3 star room, with WI-FI and running water – cable had HBO and I was able to catch-up on Game of Thrones – ah, that’s not really the case but it never rained and I was able to sleep under the stars.

Prior to heading out to the desert, myself and a few other mates skipped the welcomed lunch and stuffed our faces at KFC – forget carbo-loading kids, KFC is the way to go!

Race course was amazing, weather was perfect – we ran nearly 50K today. One interesting note from today was running near a bull around mile 20 (no, it wasn’t a cow, it was a bull!). I quickly tried recalling all my emergency training – Ive encountered bears, boars, mountain lions and coyotes throughout my running years but never a bull. Option 1: stare it down and let it know that im aware it’s there Option 2: charge it to let it know that im dominant option 3: wait for a Frenchie and keep him between me and the bull – option three is the winner!

I was a bit banged-up before heading out here so my goal is simply to finish and ensure my spot to the Antarctica race (need to complete this race). So it’s gonna be a slow week.

after 20 years, the Rangers are back in the cup finals and im no-where near a tv or internet so please keep me posted on the games. Let’s Go Rangers!

@mom&dad- thanks for the emails!
@colleen – miss you! Topper says hello!
@theHarps – thanks for the emails, see you soon!
@Dilworth – lets go nick or holy burrito?
@everyone else – thanks for the emails, ill write you once im back in the States. Please send Yankees and French Open updates (although, Ralpha will most likely again).

If there is one take-away from this blog, please remember to bet the farm on California Chrome! Can’t lose!

Chris
Lucky 13