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Gobi March Blogs 2012
5
PostsGobi March (2012) blog posts from Kevin Bass
15 June 2012 05:51 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Stage 5 completed...Enjoyed most of the day running with David. First part of the course was uphill, followed by a few sharp uphills and then mostly flat. My feet up to today were doing fine, but days of kicking rocks has taken a toll. Completed the stage today in 21st place with a time of 10:38, so I am very happy for that. Last night was uncomfortable, in addition to my body aches, my sleeping mat has a leak and deflates... oh well. Tomorrow is the last stage and I am cutting off the front of my shoes and convert them into running sandles. Beautiful campsite we are in, surrounded by huge white-capped mountain peaks. Thanks again to everyone for your emails. Special hello to my niece Alexa and nephews Noah and Luke who inspired me through the last miles and Melissa for putting up with me and my training schedule over the last year. On to Ironman California! Opps, what did I get myself into now? Today also happens to be my birthday...Happy Birthday to me; See you all soon!!
13 June 2012 04:36 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
After a really tough stage three, stage 4 was the most difficult. I can summarize by saying that the terrain consisted of 10+ mountain peaks, canyons and miles of ROCKY, dried riverbeds. David and I ran together today and had a great time coming in 20th place overall. The cliffs we steep and rocky...good thing my fear of heights is gone! Unfortunately 3 of the 10 tentmates dropped out of the race last night and it was sad to see them go. Stage 5 begins tomorrow...wakeup at 4am, breakfast, pack and 2 hr bus ride to the start of the 50 mile stage. I have numerous photos...today was unbelievable.
Thank you to everyone for your kind thoughts and words of inspiration. I am going to try and finish strong tomorrow as it is the eve of my birthday and I want to relax on day 6, before we have our short 13 mile run into the finish day 7. My racepack is still holding up, but my gaiters are trashed and my shoes are slowly becoming "convertibles" as the fabric continues rip. David and Rob are great and we are having fun. Cheers!
Comments: Total (19) comments
Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 11:57 pm
Happy Birthday Kevin! you have great results. I can\'t wait to hear your stories...Enjoy! Rochelle
Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 11:56 pm
Happy Birthday Kevin! you have great results. I can't wait to hear your stories...Enjoy! Rochelle
Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 06:30 pm
Happy Birthday Kev! After reading your latest post, I promise not to grumble about my 12 mile run at Murphy this weekend! Thank YOU for being an awesome inspiration!
Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 01:44 pm
Love reading the reports. Happy Birthday KayBee!
Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 01:40 pm
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, Kevin! Hope your body and mind will get some well deserved rest today. Wishing you all the best for tomorrow's last stage to the Finish Line, love, Mom
Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 08:44 am
Keep it going big Kev! Erin and I are sending our positive vibes from Tampa. How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time! Lastly, Happy Birthday! What a great place to celebrate it. -Erin and Marc
Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 01:20 am
You are doing AWESOME KB!! Samantha & I love the pictures!! Keep it up :)
Posted On: 15 Jun 2012 12:51 am
You are a rock star! Are there spiders in the latrines? Any late night "adventures"?
Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 11:24 pm
Wow, fantastic. Bravo x 100! And a happy birthday based on what I've read. I've decided you're not one of those folks who runs past me at Hyland....nope, you're that BLUR I see now and then.....clearly you run so fast that I'd hardly know you went by....and unlike me, you must not be bothered by the mosquitoes or ticks...they'd never catch up to you! Enjoy the last few miles....take care. Deb M.
Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 10:13 pm
Way to go son you are doing a great job and with a short run for the final stage you can turn it loose . Happy Birthday and think you gave yourself a wonderful present .You just need to tape you shoes and keep your pack together and you will have it made .Rest up and enjoy a nice B\'day
Love Dad
Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 10:07 pm
Great job on the loooong stage 5!
On the home stretch now.
No better way to spend your BD!
Send my best to David as well.
Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 08:26 pm
Well done, number 9, and Happy Birthday.
Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 06:30 pm
O M G!!! Kevin - you are amazing, fantastic! We just read the results for Stage 5 and you did it! Unbelievable time! Congratulations, son! What a birthday present you gave yourself!
Happy, Happy Birthday. Rest up a bit and finish the last stage. Lots of love and hugs! Mom and Dad
Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 04:54 pm
Hang in there Crazy Man #3... keep running like you just robbed a bank.!
Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 04:20 pm
Kev - Wow! You're an animal and doing fantastic! Melissa just let me in on your blog and I'm so impressed - hang in there for your "short 13 mile run" and enjoy your last few days of adventure!
Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 03:00 pm
Way to go Kevin!! And Happy Birthday!! We will have to go celebrate after you return. You can rock those convertible shoes out on the town.
Stay strong we are all cheering for you!!
Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 02:01 pm
You are awesome kb jr!!! Keep wrapping your shoes with tape and maybe a new fad will begin. After looking at the photos- i am sure glad that i made you jump out of the hay loft- now that is really small compared to what you are climbing now!! The kids laughed at uncle when i told them you were scared to jump out of the loft and now they see what you are doing- "he grew out of that and i am glad!" stay strong and sing happy bday to yourself - we will cha cha cha
Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 03:12 am
So cool with how solid your results are! You are just getting stronger and stronger! You are gonna rock the 50!
Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 01:51 am
Hey Kevin, WAY TO GO! You're doing awesome! Must be all those hill repeats at Hyland! Can't wait to see the photos and hear the stories! Happy Birthday!
Jenny
12 June 2012 05:34 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Stage 3 completed... Today's stage was extremely difficult after a solid effort yesterday. Started the day in 28th place, but that didn't hold after today. Today was big hills and high elevation, and a brisk hike was all that I could do pull off today. Tomorrow's stage will be the really big hill and elevation day and should be the most difficult stage of the race...then on to stage 5 which will be the long 50 mile day. The body is holding up well, no blisters, minor aches and pains from weight on the back. Equipment failure...shoes falling apart and had to zip-tie a strap on my racepack as it was about to fall off. Overcome obstacles...keep the end goal in mind. Thanks to all of you that have sent emails...I am getting them, a day delayed, but getting them. All the best - Kevin
Comments: Total (15) comments
Posted On: 14 Jun 2012 02:45 am
Way to go Kev! 保持良好的工作
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 10:18 pm
Kevin, you are in 25th place! Amazing!Awesome! Hope your shoes and backpack will hold up. Stay strong - but play it safe. Your birthday is around the corner on Friday - while you will be battling the most difficult stages of the race. Best wishes for a good run today - you should be getting started in a couple of hours. Thinking of you always, Mom
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 09:41 pm
I know how much you like to keep up on the news. So here is some from the outside world.
The U.S. Anti-Doping Agency is bringing doping charges against seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, questioning his victories in those storied cycling races.
Armstrong, who retired from cycling last year, could face a lifetime ban from the sport if he is found to have used performance-enhancing drugs.
Armstrong maintained his innocence, saying: ''I have never doped, and, unlike many of my accusers, I have competed as an endurance athlete for 25 years with no spike in performance, passed more than 500 drug tests and never failed one.''
I am glad to hear that you have been getting my daily emails. I just read the one you sent back to me and your parents yesterday.
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 09:38 pm
Wow 25th place! U are doing so great and the boys are so proud of you. Luke can not imagine knowing someone who can do as well as you are doing- he said. He is praying for you :) Stay strong and hope all equipment stays intact till the end.
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 09:27 pm
Congrats on your accomplishment so far, awesome job Kev ... I really enjoy reading your blog. Thank you for taking the time to keep us updated!
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 07:19 pm
go go go! Can't wait for stage 4 report, what an amazing adventure!
liz
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 01:51 pm
Hi Kevin. Really enjoy reading your blog. Thanks for taking the time to keep all us lazy folks updated. Keep up the great effort.
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 01:42 pm
Equipment malfunction- use your mcgyver skills! at least it is your pack falling and not "your pants on the ground, pants on the ground...." song. That is comment from your fav triple singing group :) Keep pushing..we know you can finish and you are doing awesome!!!
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 01:03 pm
Kevin - sounds like you are good spirits and doing really well! Can't wait to hear more about it when you are back. Let's celebrate your race! Patty
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 11:18 am
You are a rockstar Kevin....keep on keeping on big guy.
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 05:10 am
You're making me all prud..'n stuff K-man.
Be smart..and manage your body wisely.
And....have some fun!
Markets holding up...so no worries back in the states... ;-)
Wish I were there. Really.
Maybe next adventure.. ;-)
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 03:54 am
Your situation would make a great duct tape commercial! Tomorrow: up-n-up.....hoping your feet work like shiney silver wings ( at least part of the time!!!!) Deb M
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 03:16 am
Awesome Kevin! My 8 year-old son Kyle and I are reading these together. He is worried about your shoes! Keep us posted. Keep up the great work!
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 02:34 am
Kevin, You are so inspiring. Sounds like you are doing great and working through your shoe issue :) Sending you strength, and continued good health as your race continues. Bestest, Kim and Rick
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 01:04 am
You are doing fine really prod of you. The training is paying off and with the exceptions of the shoes you are doing fine.Everyone is pulling for you and you are going to be just fine .
Dad
11 June 2012 05:30 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I need to start this blog with a Happy Birthday to my wonderful mom! Hope you have a great day, love you and see you soon! Today was the most interesting landscape...the soil was red with rolling hills, which we got to know well. The day was long and more difficult than yesterday, and like yesterday, ran most of the day with David...we stopped for a few great photos, so I hope they turn out. The temperatures soared later in the run, and I was reduced to a fast walk, wondering how long it was going to take to walk the final 8 miles in....at the final checkpoint, I loaded up on water and then we climbed up and up. Once I finally got to the top, it as a LONG run down into the valley...I would say I ran 45 minutes downhill, wondering the entire time if I could keep up the effort. I finally caught up to David and we ran in together. Tired, but a solid effort and great day. Body holding up well, but tomorrow is another day...hopefully my shoes hold up - the are falling apart:-) That is a problem for another day...thank goodness for duct tape. Until tomorrow...
Comments: Total (5) comments
Posted On: 13 Jun 2012 12:08 am
Great run for you in Stage 3, Kevin!Amazing and awesome! Hope you are doing well in the difficult Stage 4 race today. Of course, you are constantly in my thoughts. Good luck, son, and all the best to you and your fellow runners (David and Rob,especially.) Love, Mom
Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 09:35 pm
Hang in there Kevin! We're all exciting to hear about your next day's journey!
Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 07:53 pm
Awesome job Kevin... keep pushing... looks insane, should be good stories when you get back.
Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 03:23 pm
Kevin(u r now my offical crazy man #3) #1 is David, #2 is Rob Bennett. sounds like you know what you are doing because you are doing an awesome run. i also love duct tape... I keep it with a shovel in the trunk of my car .. ya just never know what ya may need that stuff for. Godspeed. Eileen (david's assitant)
Posted On: 12 Jun 2012 02:10 pm
So glad to hear an update from u. Oh no about the shoes. What happened? Hopefully the new ducttape shoes hold up - I guess you can save the shoes and send them back when you get home and tell them your shoes need new treads. Keep us updated and way to go! The triples are proud of their uncle! :)
10 June 2012 04:54 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
First day completed!! The race began with a 32km stage that took us out of a nearby village we were staying outside of, then we followed miles of gravel roads and ran down some riverbeds. The valley we are in is almost entirely surrounded by snowcapped mountains, absolutely incredible. The rest of the landscape is rocks and gravel...lots of rocks and gravel. People are very curious, but very friendly. Spending the day in a village, sleeping in a new village this evening. Had a nice run today...looks like we are heading into the elevation with the toughest stages being Stage 4 and Stage 5. Off to take a nap, I will write again tomorrow.
Comments: Total (12) comments
Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 08:54 pm
Awesome Kevin! What a great way to travel remote China; running fit and strong! I can't wait to hear about the stages to come!
Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 07:00 pm
Nice work. Keep up the good work. Good luck.
Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 06:41 pm
Awesome race, Kevin, great time for Stage 2 run!!! Wow - we are so impressed. Stay strong.... Just saw your photo taken yesterday - both you and Dave running side by side looking strong and confident. Good luck to you and your friends! Can't wait to have you back and hear all about your newest adventure.
Love and big hugs, Mom
P. S. Love your birthday cards!!!
Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 06:15 pm
Nice work! I believe you just might be one of the guys who flies past me on the trail at Hyland ! Wishing you light, solid footing on the gravel - take good care. Deb M
Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 03:09 pm
Great Job Kevin!
All that training is paying off!
Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 02:24 pm
Sounds like you are spending a lot of time staring at your feet with all that gravel talk. HA! Keep up the good work! You have the mental toughness! How are the temperature fluctuations?
Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 02:10 pm
Great job Kevin! Your Mom and Dad kept us entertained last night looking at pictures etc..and you came in 28th yesterday!! Even
Lee is impressed! :-)
Jeanne & Lee
Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 01:52 pm
Sounds like the scenery is a little better than Highlands park! You and David are in great shape after stage 2...Good luck tomorrow and in the later stages!
Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 01:25 pm
Wow, Kevin, great running time! Had my birthday dinner here and impressed the neighbors with Gobi Desert stories, results and photos. Keep it up - but stay safe. Can't wait to see today's results - but probably not until tomorrow - a day behind.Always on my mind and in my thoughts! Love, Mom
Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 12:53 pm
Great job KB! What you are doing is awe-inspiring!
Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 03:08 am
Way to go Son,you are doing just fine.Everyone here is pulling for you. Dad
Posted On: 11 Jun 2012 01:43 am
Way to run stage 1!!! Finished 35- very proud. Hope you are holding out for stage 4-5. Keep putting one foot in front of the other and soon you'll be crossing the.... desert :)
Comments: Total (5) comments
Posted On: 17 Jun 2012 12:05 pm
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