Gobi March Blogs 2012

Mick Hogan

6

Posts

Gobi March (2012) blog posts from Mick Hogan

15 June 2012 04:41 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hola! Well, were do I start..... Sorry there was no blog after stage 4 but by the time I finished and got organised the cyber tent was closing and it was all just too hard.  So the last 72 hrs have been pretty interesting.  Like i was saying stage 3 really took it out of me and I was feeling quite ill at the end, breakfast before stage 4 consisited of a couple of mouthfuls of oates and not much else which isn't ideal when confronted with the terrain that was stage 4. Mountains mountains mountains. Unbelievable. I was with kate for a while, but like the mountain unicorn that she is she left me on the second hill and that was the last i was to see of her until the end.  Once the 20km of mountains was over I managed to make up a bit of time and they had to cancel the last 5km because of a swollen river which was, well, awesome.  I managed to get a couple of meals down after stage 4, which i then cleverly managed to bring back up so with a handful of chips for dinner I went to bed looking forward to the "long march". Breakfast yesterday was non-existant and the 2hr bus transfer to the start line was pretty ordinary.  Once again that voice in my head saying "stuff it, just go back to the hotel and have a beer and a steak" was pretty strong. but as fergus said, no matter how bad you feel there is always someone worse off thats gping to finish. And thinking that knowing my luck that would be a queenslander who supports collingwood and drinks light beer I thought no way. kate and fergus were bith really supportive and fergus's advice on how to approach the day worked perfectly. 13.5 hrs and 75km later i stumbled accross the line to the great news that kate and fergus had both completed the stage really well. kate coming in the top 8 of females - top 50 over all and fergus still about top 10. Unreal.  So here I am, sitting in what seems to be an oasis in the desert in a green pasture and trees with views of snow capped montains not too far away and its about 30+ degrees. I'.ve maged to keep a meal down for the first time in 3 days and lifes loking pretty damn good.  I just want to say a huge thankyou to everone who took the time to read and leave comments. I cant begin to describe how good it feels to read them and how much motivation is drawn from the belief that my friends and family have in me (and kate and fergus). You certainly do learn something about yourself out here. Big Hugs to all and GO NSW!!! (and hurry up kerry xo)

Comments: Total (13) comments

Posted On: 25 Jun 2012 02:55 pm

Good On Ya Mick! Well done and enjoy the glow of the after event high. I still don't think I could ever handle it, but good on you for pushing yourself to achieve such a massive march.

Posted On: 17 Jun 2012 11:04 am

WOOOOHOOOOOO!!!! What a super effort. Congratulations for believing in yourself. You deserve a beer or two. Take care and enjoy the rest of your adventure.

Posted On: 17 Jun 2012 10:07 am

Hey Hoges Glad to see you've gone so well. We all here at the Kinman house are very proud of your achievement is very inspirational

Posted On: 17 Jun 2012 10:02 am

well done on this massive achievement. Williams and I were wondering today if you were still alive? haha, since u hadn't put a post on the blog! I think u wouldn't of being able to live with ur self if that Queenslander/ collingwood supporter/ light beer drinker would of finished in front of u, and. ever hear the end of it!! C u back in Melb. in a few weeks and enjoy some quiet ales!

Posted On: 17 Jun 2012 09:47 am

Amazing Job :)

Posted On: 17 Jun 2012 04:54 am

Hey Mick...a wonderful result for all the effort! Can't wait to hear of your adventures! The photo of you and Kate rounding the bend with the boxing kangaroo flag sums it up! oi! oi! oi!

Posted On: 17 Jun 2012 03:21 am

Remarkable effort Mick! Look forward to hearing more details and hopefully someone took some photos.

Posted On: 16 Jun 2012 11:57 am

Another crazy hogan, an amazing effort mate hope you are enjoying the hotel and that 1st beer.

Posted On: 16 Jun 2012 11:02 am

Go Hogan! You are doing such a fantastic job. None of us could do it!!! Great Work, your amazing.

Posted On: 16 Jun 2012 05:18 am

You're a wonder you are. How about you and your success in this first desert race. I keep hearing undertones of when/where the next one will be, we wait to be informed. Congratulations on a wonderful achievement in all spheres, mind, body and soul. Am very proud of you and it seems that although there were some fairly horrible times, you generally managed to keep a sense of humour and a dose of reality. I feel the presence, and advice, of Fergus and Kate was very helpful and that in turn helped them along the way too. It's a great result.I hear pizza and beer will be present at the finishing line, I hope that being beer free for quite some time hasn't spoilt your taste for the amber gold! Enjoy the trappings of civilization with bathrooms, beds and choices of food as you set out on the next part of your adventure.Looking forward to your commentary on this extraordinary experience. BIG hug and much love to you. Mum xxxooo

Posted On: 16 Jun 2012 02:32 am

On hearing the fantastic news I couldn't help but go to the fridge, steal one of your beers and have a shandy. This Collingwood team you talk about seem to be quite good and I've just joined their tropical Port Douglas branch, as they have been up here on a three day training exercise. On another note you'll be pleased to know my training is going great guns and I'm now going to sit down and watch "Marathon Man" I feel like I'm in the zone. Congratulations to all on a top job. Sorry we can't call you uncle yet, but you know Carlton players are always last...er late.

Posted On: 16 Jun 2012 01:26 am

Great effort mate glad to see your going to finish, just making sure you know both carlton and the dragons lost ha ha ha, enjoy your celebration beers when you finish and I will have a couple when you get back and I am sure you can enlighten me on pushing through pain barriers lol see you when home

Posted On: 16 Jun 2012 01:24 am

Great work young Michael. You have done an awesome job! Mind you, rest assured there will be a Collingwood supporter ahead of you somewhere - in such a strong field of committed people, there must be, but you have still done very well - and none of that light beer stuff!! No doubt you are looking forward to finally getting back to the hotel for that beer and steak, but the wait will make it all the more enjoyable. Great work. Love Auntie Kerry

12 June 2012 05:46 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

In the words of kevin Bloody wilson "I've had an absolute #&$% of a day" haha. Todays theme was up up up rocks rocks rocks. 35km with about 3000ft in ascent. Just to make things interesting they also threw in some ups and downs.  But I'm actually feeling better in a way today then I did yesterday. I had a minni emotional and physical breakdown at one point about 23km in but it was the best thing that could have happened. I dont think I can hurt any more so I've learnt to accept it and just keep walking.  That and pain killers haha.  My back/shoulders are feeling better but I've got a blister the size of a 50cent peice on my right foot and I spent most of the day dry wreching as I walked, (and since i've been back in camp) so all i can think is it's only really two more sleeps to go till the big stuffs over. tomorrow is promising to be even harder than today though so It will certainly test everyone.  China's one time zone policy to go along with it's one child policy means the sun doesn't go down untill about 11pm so sleep has been difficult to come by although it's promising to be freezing tonight so we might all just go into stasis untill it warms up in the morning. Highlight of the day was probably spending the first hour getting pointed at and laughed at by the locals in my pink hat and bright green zinc lips as we ran through the village and I also finished with kate again today (holding onto that lead haha) Looking forward to seeing "heavens gate" tomorrow. Thats about it I think, except I heard today from a local nomad that the greg ingliss try was a no try and nsw were robbed. he said a few other things too but i probably shouldn't write them..... GO NSW tomorrow. irraspective of the outcome qld cheated and the ref should be sacked. I'm off to put some of my food in kates bag now to try and slow her down so i can increse that slender lead (which in reality is closer to 3 minutes...... 8 seconds my ass)  I was planing to put something in fergus's bag but i fear it wouldnt help. He's doing fantasticaly and looking strong. By By shepperds pie!!

Comments: Total (21) comments

Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 11:57 am

Hi Hogan,I have enjoyed reading your blogs and checking out the photos, what a AMAZING experience!I am amazed that you have the energy to get on the computer after running across the desert.Well done, you are nearly there, you should be so proud of yourself! After checking out the photos, it has inspire me to start saving for my next trip (trust me, it will not involve any running!). Enjoy the remaining of your adventure and enjoy your holiday. Take care!!

Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 11:43 am

Mick you are a champion! Keeping going buddy! Love the blogs! Xx

Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 09:33 am

Mate the blues absolutely bashed Qld, all the Qld players and supporters have been crying over the result. Petro got put fair on his arse trying to attempt a tackle in the first hit up, back to tackling bags at training for that beginner. Chin up son, power on through.

Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 08:46 am

Mick:Brilliantly done! My ealrier congratulatory note was still just a little on the anxious side, so I am very glad to get the confirmation through that it really is done and dusted. I also think it's quite good news that your nephew has waited a couple of days so that you will always be able to tell him "I was an international sports strar before you were born!" Congratualtions again from the European branch of the fan club! Alan

Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 08:34 am

Mate seriously you are without a doubt a LEGEND. I honestly take my hat off to you. It wasn't that long ago I was fixing 332 steps that a rather larger, beer/pie swilling Mick (the other, other Mick) snapped when he rested his slightly heavier foot on one. Bro you have endured and dedicated yourself to this and you've given a hell of a lot more inspiration to a heap of people you probably don't realise. I have no doubt it's a tough gig but I know you get on famously with yourself and therefore are in good company!! Now I'm just shitting myself cause when this awesome effort is over, it's beer time it's REALLY going to BEER time. Nice work mate. Take care.

Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 05:24 am

Hey Mick Awesome effort so far, not sure how long to go but goodluck for the finish. Sorry the blues suck arse. Simon go the Hawks!

Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 03:03 am

Mick...you are a legend indeed and no doubt will be in for a good roasting from the Hangar community when you return! A marvellous performance. I got to thinking that Sahara is not that far away and with a few more trips to Exmouth...and regular 16km runs hime along the beach ... ;0) Am a bit lost for words...not because I ever thought you'd give up but because I had a deep sense of what it must have taken to summon the effort to not only finish but to finish as strongly as you did. Alan was most astute in picking your top half overall finish. You should be rightly feeling very proud of yourself indeed. No more words..the effort stands on its own ...Great stuff ...consider yourself given a big hug!luv Dad

Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 02:23 am

What more do we expect from you? Wonderful achievement and result Mike. I imagine you must be pretty stoked at this time and planning the next one!! Great news that the looong march is complete and just the little one tomorrow to round it off. You have done wonders and I'm very proud of you. Looking forward to your stories of the stage and hoping you have pulled up ok. Love you lots. Mum. xxooo

Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 12:28 am

My dear beer deprived sibling. I have no words. Top effort. You managed a better finish than the Blues against West Coast last night... they came from behind early to lead by 3 points at 3/4 time, but then lost by 10. Final score 10.19.79 to 10.9.69. Dad was a bit scared to tell you but I reckon after what you have been through you can handle it. Well... I'm hoping it's not the proverbial camel's straw, anyway! Thanks for sending up all my stuff - it arrived on Tuesday ship shape. One step closer to you clearing the Toowoomba cobwebs and setting off southbound on your next adventure! It's a corker of a year for you, young man and I am looking forward to seeing what happens next. Rick is very stoked for you also and is looking forward to being your training partner for the next race. He has graduated from watching "run, fatboy, run" to scooting about the tiled floor in socks on one crutch to get up some speed and build his endurance. Thankfully he hasn't fallen and done it again since last week's repeat, so I've stopped calling him Brittany. For now. In other news Molly Meldrum returned to work at channel 7. He's a little concerned at the miracle combination of his doctors and also staying off the booze for the last six months.. he has stopped "umming" and "aaahing". He reckons if he loses his hat then his whole act has gone out the window! I'll scoot for now, Dad and Rick are about to get home from their morning jaunt about town. I hope you are ready to enjoy your little saunter to the finish line and the rest of the day that follows. Will write more later when I can xxx

Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 11:42 pm

Just saw your results! Well done on completing Stage 5!!! What an amazing achievement. What a feeling :-)

Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 02:52 pm

Hey Mick! Arrived in Cairns OK. Kez met me at the airport since Ric was teaching a class for the afternoon. She looks absolutely radiant! The doc is quite pleased and unfazed that the little bloke is taking his time (is that genetic?!) Measurements of his current size indicate that at the present rate of growth he will be ready for the Carlton rookies training squad next year!... I re-read your Stage 3 blog and got the feeling that there might not be a Stage 4 report. I have no doubt that stage 3 was the beginning of your 'long night of the soul' and stage 4 just compounded this. I am in awe of the fact that you would then front up to Stage 5! This is a quest, a deeply personal quest and I am sure you will come out of it physically and mentally stronger and indeed more confident than you have ever been in that you will have a far greater appreciation of your own limits. Relatively few people ever take the trouble or have the courage to thest their limits. You , Kate and Fergus are in a select group. Am very proud of you. Go the Blues! luv Dad

Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 01:23 pm

By the time you get to read this the worst of the March should be over. You have been doing wonderfully well and I am so proud of your tenacity in sticking with it. I wince every time I think about your blister and wish I could make it better. You have certainly seen marvelous sights and scary slopes so I think the stories will be colourful, loud and believable. Dad is in Cairns and I will go up in a few days. It seems we are waiting on so much at this time; Marches to conclude, baby to be born and Qld to take the next Origin game and the series. Wouldn't that be great??? The photos have shown us some glimpses of the pain and the joy accompanying the group as each person pushes along, trying to push their body, soul and mind along paths that are difficult. Facing having to give up, and that sometimes isn't an option, or push along the best way possible. I think you have been terrific and I look forward to reading more about this day and stage . Love you. Mum xxxooo

Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 01:19 pm

Well done Mick, it's good to see that you are going hard at the challenge just like everything you do. Hang in there mate, there will be plenty of cold Tooheys waiting for you when it's all over. I admire your strength and determination, you are a champion!

Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 09:05 am

Mick I do hope you're not too knackered after stage 5 to find this --obviously posted against the most up to date blog I could find! Today is the day you graduate: from probationary international sports star to genuine, proven, been there and bought the t shirt, earned the certificate international sportstar! Finishing at all would have been pretty awesome, but based on your progress so far, I'll be very surprised if you haven't finished in the top half of all starters at your first attempt. Bearing in mind that starters have to be pretty comitted to get themselves to the race in the first place, this is worth a lot more than being in the top half of a standard marathon, where semi-interested folk can just turn up and have a go. This is serious stuff! I'm sure you'll feel that giving up all these beers (rumour has it, enough was saved to fund the trip?) was worthwhile...but that means there is a lot of catchinmg up ahead of you. Unless, like Fergus, you are unfortunate enough to get yourself hooked on this sort of thing... Congratulations again from the European branch of your fan club.

Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 10:53 pm

Good work so far mate, only a couple days to go.....When things get hard mate just picture Stewart streaking away from six queenslanders to score under the sticks, or a Josh Morris in and away to wrong foot Inglis and score in the corner. It was a fantastic victory and NSW were by far the better team. All the best for the next few days mate.

Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 10:18 pm

Hey Hoges been great reading bout your run good on NSW Winning

Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 12:18 pm

Update: NSW 16 def Qld 12. Don't worry...be happy :-))

Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 11:54 am

G'day Mate...as you read this the State of Origin circus will have subsided for another couple of weeks. Obviously there's an ideological split in the Asian community re. the Inglis "try" ... lots of comments here also from We Wun Tooo, obviously a Queenslander! Miserable night in Sydney -it's also raining 16:6 NSW favour 20 mins to go. Far more importantly, Carrazzo and Scotland have been declared fit for the game against the West Coast Eagles on Thursday night in Perth... great stuff! Update now 16:10 (Inglis try in the corner...went 'upstairs' for a decision...again Thurston converted now 16:12 17mins to go.... Heading to Cairns tomorrow AM to give a hand in anticipation. Hope you getting plenty of fluids and calories... Am sure you have the mental resiliance to feed and balance your stamina... luv Dad

Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 09:50 am

I would laugh at u too with that pink hat and zinc!! haha. sounds like ur doing it tough. Just dig deep mate, ur doing awesome just by being there. off to work tomorrow and put up with Williams, ill put in ur share of abuse towards him. keep up the good work

Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 08:28 am

Mick:The European section of your international fan club remains in awe of your ability to stay marginally in front of Kate (an experienced and well honed competitor). We mainly put this down to your unflagging sense of humour, keeping you going when weaker mortals would wilt. By the time you read this you will know you are only one big push to the summit. We have every confidence! Alan

Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 07:18 am

Talking about Shepherd's Pie, you have just given me a good idea for Tea! You're doing very well young Mike, I reckon those times without a beer are proving their worth. What an amazing experience you are having and just imagine what the locals are learning about Australians!! The mind boggles. It's great that you and Kate are company for the hard slog /s and there was a great picture of the 2 of you running along the Poplar Boulevard and giving the thumbs up. That must have been one of the more comfortable times of the day! Trust this last stage leaves you enough energy to wrap up the march in a way that you can thouroughly enjoy Have been enjoying your writings of the days and your perceptions, very insightful. Love you lots and very proud of your participation in your whole hearted way. Bless you. Love Mum xxoo

11 June 2012 05:20 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well I'm not going to lie, stage two sucked.  Started off beautifully with pretty good terrain that follwed the hills and through some farm land.,..

and then it began to suck, The first checkpoint was 7.5km and I was feeling strong and keeping a good pace. The next 22km however where over rocks rocks and rocks and hills hills and hills. The last 10km was a tarmac rd and all down hill which was exceptionslly hard on the feet so I walked the last 10.7km, singing at the top of my voice in parts to take my mind of things!! I take back what I said yesterday about looking forward to the challenge of a hard day hahaha.  Tomorrow is meant to be mostly the same as today with stage 4 heaps harder again so i plan to just take it easy tomorrow and save energy.  The legs are holding up and actually feel pretty good but the feet and shoulders are killing me. Highlight of the day, other than the view while baking in the sun only to see snow coverd mountain ranges in the distance was Kate and I finding eachother in the last few hundred meters and gettinng to cross the finish line together.  Thanks heaps for all the messages!! keep 'em coming!!! Big hugs to everyone!!!

Comments: Total (9) comments

Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 12:53 pm

Keep up the awesome work.. I hope all goes well tomorrow. Love to Kate and Fergus too. W x

Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 07:48 am

I'm going to have to wait patiently for that big bear hug from the Bundy Bear himself.

Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 07:46 am

Mick This is the UK branch of your international sports fan club calling in. If you're still fit after two of these days, I'm sure you're good to go for many many more! I'm wondering if the singing is early practise for karaoke-ing in Marrakesh? Do you regularly perform in public, or is this something best kept for a secluded desert? When you perform, can we expect the pink hat to be much in evidence? I am very much looking forward to this! Alan

Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 04:15 am

Well done!!! Next time you need to think about something maybe you can help me make up good world news? (you don't know me, I'm Kate's friend ;-) )

Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 03:28 am

Not the singing Mike, I hope there weren't any locals around at that point. I don't think they would be able to understand you so that wouldn't be so bad! Loved the fact that you and Kate came in together, that's my kids. The pink hat came up nicely in one of the photos from stage2, very very happy you are slip, slop and slapping. The zinc cream is a winner, as you are xx. We are still awaiting movement from the north and I imagine you will hear us shouting all about it when it happens.There has been some rain and windy weather during the last couple of days. Toowoomba had 7-17 yesterday, a little cooler than what you are experiencing in your fun run.Hope the feet ease up for you. The runs up and down on the Range must have really helped you for the climbs and descents. Take care Darling boy, we are very proud of you. Love Mum

Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 03:21 am

Nice one hoges you are kicking ass bro, sounds like an epic adventure already. Its like negative a million here at work and been busy as. Jeff has given everyone the flu, so u will be pleased to know that he has been wearing ur helmet and earmuffs. I would probably burn them when u get back haha An image to keep u going through the long kilometeres is Jeff nude dancing waiting for the hugs you promisedhahaha, Your doing great hoges keep up the good work.

Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 01:55 am

Great effort... interesting lyrics no doubt...something from "House of Pain"? Can only imagine what the locals are thinking. Great effort to sync with Kate...and let her take an 8 sec advantage on the day... always the gentleman :-) Mind you, you both did exceptionally well re. the rest of the field on the day ...they were obviously all feeling it as well. Running as a team can produce results greater than the sum of the parts! By the time this comment is complete you are some 4 hrs into Stage 3.... keep on truckin'!

Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 01:34 am

Good to see your going well I am very surprised your shoulders are sore as you had to carry butters around for the last 5 years at work so they should be use to it

Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 01:10 am

I'm sure Monty python got a workout across the range... Great blog mate, I'm with you all the way... From the Comfort of my couch in Coogee!! And just remember.. "you are a cinemaaa... I could watch you forever!"

10 June 2012 05:10 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

    Well that’s day one over with. They’ve had some rain in the area which forced a route change due to a swollen river crossing and also a 10km reduction in length of the stage, so we ended up only doing 32km.  which is lucky because I had an especially bad day with the fluids – only taking on about 1.3ltr for the whole stage. I’m feeling ok and peeing properly but I definitely faded towards the end of the stage.  The fact that my packs weighed in at 11.5kg (13 with fluid) didn’t help either….. at least tomorrow it will be lighter.  Other than that its all good. Were staying in a local village tonight in the houses so its nice and comfortable but the highlight was the little kids running up and down the road for hours on end, running over the finish line with as many competitors as possible….. The circus has arrived!!!!  tomorrow is expecting to be hot and long which im actually looking forward to in a weird way so lots of fluids for Mick!!! …wont make that mistake again! I hope everyone is well  and if someone could wright an abusive comment on carltons facebook fan page for me for losing AGAIN it would be appreciated!!! ‘till tomorrow!

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 12:55 pm

I couldn't believe it when kate told me there was another crazy hogan. Good luck mate you are doing a great job.

Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 12:55 pm

Glad to see you took the competitive opportunity to beat your sister by leaving her, ill, on the side of the road.... she apparently had all the fluids you were lacking! Good luck for tomorrow - you're going to need it when Katy Mary takes her revenge and whoops your pink hatted ass! There is nothing else to report from planet limbo...at the rate your nephew is moving, Carlton will have won the flag before we get to meet him! Love you oodles and hope you take better care of yourself tomorrow - lots of fluids - it's hot outside! xxx

Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 08:59 am

Well done on day one Mickos. Hows the knee? I'll write an abusive comment on Carlton's fan page for you, then I'll copy and paste it and put it on Essendon's page! Keep up the good work.

Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 08:58 am

Great desert racing King... waiting to hear of your next triumph. Good luck with your electrolyte balance

Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 08:10 am

Am very relieved you seem to have survived your first day even accounting for the lack of fluids. I think it's wonderful that you are there to keep an eye on Kate and I trust that all has gone well today. I have seen a couple of pink hats in the piccys. Is pink the new black? Am very proud of your participation and enjoyment of the surrounds you find yourself in. Keep going and enjoying each step you take. Love you lots. Mum

Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 02:09 am

Hey - well done. Check you pack tomorrow in case Kate has added rocks to it!

Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 12:36 am

I don't now what the big deal is about the pink hat. You always wear pink hats and pink shirts and leather pants and a cowboy vest. Hey good time for the first leg, make sure you stay ahead of those Kiwi's in the rankings. Go hard son.

09 June 2012 05:18 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well. We've made to camp one and are being entertaind by the local population with a Gobi version of Zorba the Greek.  This is all very surreal... we're bassically in a canyon about 600m wide and it just seems to go forever. The landscape is nothing short of spectaculally beautiful in it's brutality and I.d be lying if I didn;t have a very minor panic attack on the bus (as we skirted the side of a canyon with about 2ft of road between life and a 200ft drope putting on so adiuo) thiking that maybe this wasnt such a shit hot idea after all hahahaha, but that was quickly replaced with awe once again.  I'm really looking forward totarting tomorrow because if i have to wait around any longer im going to lose it. i dont think ive ever been this excited in my life!!!  Well i'm off to watch the horse show the locals adios for now,keep the comments coming and i'f your lokking for me in thr photos or video im number 74 and i'm wearing a pink hat.

Comments: Total (5) comments

Posted On: 10 Jun 2012 10:56 am

Maaate! what a start! all that pounding of gravel tracks up and down the Great Dividing Range is obviously paying off. I pondered your choice of blog photo...having read your blog entries thus far however, and your wide-eyed wonderment as perceived by Kate: It's appropriate!! :-) Goodonya for having a go - I'm so enthused I've opened a beer in your honour. Luv Dad

Posted On: 10 Jun 2012 09:16 am

Hi Mick, I\'m a friend of Kate. Just dropping a message to say: well done on day 1!

Posted On: 10 Jun 2012 09:16 am

Hi Mick, I'm a friend of Kate. Just dropping a message to say: well done on day 1!

Posted On: 10 Jun 2012 08:45 am

Mick: You have now joined the ranks of sports superstar with an international following!! Alan

Posted On: 10 Jun 2012 06:12 am

Can't wait to see how the pink hat survives and is put to future employ with the 'love kit' ensemble...

01 June 2012 04:33 am (GMT+10:00) Brisbane

Hola wonderful people! At last here is the promised link/blog! I've just got home from my tour at work and it's only a few days until I fly out again. I'm indulging in a works burger, chips and profiteroles for dinner. After all, I wouldn't want to go over there too light..... I need something to burn. Over all my training over the last 9 months since making the decision to compete has gone pretty well. I've lost a couple of months all up to various knee complaints - no doubt on a large part due to my tendency to over train - but getting in some 35+ km weighted trail runs over about a week last month, and some talks with a great sports physio has me feeling pretty confident in my bodies ability to cover the distance. I can't wait to catch up with my sister Kate and future brother in-law Fergus who are also competing and have been an endless source of advice and wisdom, both having previously competed in these sort of events. As much as I've learnt, I guess you always feel like you should know more. I've no doubt still got some reading to do but it kind of feels like the last few hours before an exam, where you feel like you should do more, but deep down you know it probably wont make any difference. At the end of the day you play the way you train. I just want to say a huge thanks to everyone who has supported me and taken an interest. Rest assured, I'm not going over to do my best, or try my hardest. I'm going over to finish......... I didn't give up beer for the last few months not to! Cheers. Mick.

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 05 Jun 2012 01:06 am

Way to go Mick! Good luck and stay safe.. Totally inspiring!

Posted On: 03 Jun 2012 04:06 pm

I hereby certify that the photograph on the right is a true and accurate likeness of Mick Hogan while sober... See you in a couple of days!

Posted On: 03 Jun 2012 01:06 pm

I can only guess from that profile picture is that you were stunned to see Dan Williams going for a run or even doing some work!!! haha