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Gobi March Blogs 2013

Peter Hill

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Gobi March (2013) blog posts from Peter Hill

08 June 2013 11:38 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I leave for Shanghai today and currently nursing a dusty head after quite a few beers and wine last night at the awards dinner. I will post a more detailed blog in a week or so for people who are interested in my learnings on gear and food etc but for now just wanted to mention the last 14km and finish yesterday.

The morning of the last stage I was told my Dan, a cool Canadian guy that he was in 27th and I was in 28th but it's all pretty tight in timings around the standings. Seeing as I was born on the 28th I just had to hold my position so just run very hard for the last stage alongside the beautiful Sayram Lake at 2100m up. It was such a good feeling seeing the kms count down on my garmin and when I saw the finish line and hear the cheers and drums the emotions started to take over. I can confirm that running very hard and panting but then starting to cry is pretty challenging, I crossed the line quite spent, got my medal around my head and high fives everywhere.

Such a feeling of achievement, that's why we put on the trainers and run until we can't run anymore :)

28th position for me at the Gobi March 2013, pretty amazed with it all and already thinking I can sneak into the top 20 next time, haha, we'll see.

It has been emotional, hasta luego amigos

Comments: Total (5) comments

Sharon Holley

Posted On: 13 Jun 2013 07:07 am

Holy Cow Hilly, 28th is awesome, there will be 28 cupcakes on your return!!!

Ryan Gerhardy

Posted On: 11 Jun 2013 03:55 am

Well done mate an unbelievable finish and some great insights into the challenged you faced. I am looking forward to a more detailed account over some well deserved beverages back in Sydney.

Helen MacGeachie

Posted On: 11 Jun 2013 01:28 am

28th - that's fantastic Eddie, massive congrats to you. Can't wait to compare toe nails with you when you're back - god I hope yours are worse than mine, I'm guessing mine will still be number one. Enjoy the week of meditation - no doubt you'll learn even more about yourself. Looking forward to hearing all about it and having a beer with you when you're back. xH

Phil Shinn

Posted On: 09 Jun 2013 06:54 pm

Can´t wait to share your stories over a bottle or two Pete. Love you. Phil xx

Sue Hill

Posted On: 09 Jun 2013 06:50 pm

Always a winner for me. 28th is pretty damn good. Love you xxxxx

07 June 2013 01:23 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Not sure where to start so I will kick off the rambles.......day 5 of this multi stage event is what it is all about, the big long day that you just have push through after munching back 4 days of tough running. The evening before there was an air of nervous anticipation and many people nursing an injury or hobbling along wondering how they are going to push through. A good canadian guy in my tent had blisters on his toes so bad he cut off his shoes and intended to march on through, massive respect to you Mark, legend. That sums it up, you accept it is going to be long so you just suck it up and prepare.

Sleep has been an issue, getting about 3 or 4 hours a night but the night before i drifted off about 9 and then woke with a jump at midnight to a huge bang of thunder and then we got nailed by a massive storm, rain started to come in the tent and all rushed to put our gear on our mattresses, almost looking like a load of hovercrafts on water :) The race director stuck her head in saying we are thinking about evacuating the site but fortunately the storm abated. I was so tired this was glorious news to me and was quite happy to sleep on my rocking hovercraft for the night! Anyway, first drama over and after my daily morning route of taping feet, eating my yum cereal and lubricating the crown jewels i was at the start line and pumped for my first 75km.

We started steady and covered the first 15km in good time before going into a very steap 20km. My running buddies were all looking strong and moods were high. Just before checkpoint 3 it started to rain and get pretty chilly as we started to head up into the Tian Shan mountains. Ah yes and my fricken strap broke on my right right shoulder but Welsh boxer dude helped out with an emergency op. Soon after checkpoint three and about 10km from the top i had to get out my survival blanket to keep warm and protect from the rain. Climbing the last 2 or so kms (not sure, was a blur) was brutal, my altitute training came into good use but the lashing rain, freezing wind and tough footing felt like something else. On reaching the top and getting extra water at the checkpoint, i smashed a GU for a quick sugar rush and ran as fast as i could down the other side to get warm again. At 2800m it was super cool and every step down felt better although i did keep my survival blanket on for the next 10km until the next checkpoint and must have looked like a futuristic batman flying down the mountain haha!

It was after 45km at checkpoint 5 they broke the news the stage will be cut short due to the storms and i only had another 7km to go due to some bad weather coming in. I did the last bit feeling almost sad i would not be going the whole leg but youhave to respect the call as some of the back runners were suffering and the weather was just getting nasty in the mountains. We then jumped on a bus and taken to a new camp of awesome yurts that looked the nuts and super warm, great blankets too and my freeze dried spag bol was simply the best thing I have ever eaten in my life, the warmth radiated through. The original camp was a no go due to the storm.

Today we have been chilling in the yurts and getting ready for the last day tomorrow, all that separates me and a beer (make that loads) is a 14km trot beside a beautiful lake, life does not get better. The scenery out here is nothing short of stunning and been great to clear the mind. Consider this baby done and dusted, even though it will be 24km shorter than the 250km beast I was expecting I am still massively proud and delighted to be injury free apart from one blister and a sore little toe............now then, just need to find another challenge to keep the mind happy :)

Thanks all so very much for keeping up with progress and the messages, such a treat at the end of the day.

See you all laters, this has been super :)

Comments: Total (4) comments

Helen MacGeachie

Posted On: 11 Jun 2013 01:21 am

Good work Eddie. One of the best things about competing, especially in an individual sport such as running is when team work comes into play, got to loves Welsh boxers handy work. Let me know when you want to run that 75km and I'll set the stop watch for you.

Tony Garrett

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 11:31 am

Never in doubt . Very proud of you Pete

Terry Hill

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 10:51 am

An awesome epic. Astonishingly fine participation. Catch up a few days after the many beers

Juyun Park

Posted On: 08 Jun 2013 02:56 am

Where to begin. I tried walking 5k this morning and almost had to crawl my way back home. By the time you read this, it will all be over and wherever you have finished you have run a truly amazing race. Can't believe it's finally over. You are brilliant and amazing and I hope you can tell from the comments how many people think the same. I won't be joining you for that celebratory beer but I have faith the day will come soon.

05 June 2013 02:01 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

The march of the two Petes continued today and we were also joined by Pete's mate Sheridan, an ex professional Welsh boxer (handy for any angry camels) and two Canadians. The plan was to keep a steady pace all day and keep some in reserve for the biggy tomorrow. The course started out well and we got some good pace over rolling hills beside snow covered peaks before it picked up through a steep mountain which took some time to get over. It was then some good periods of downhill on gravel roads before running through a village which was definitely the highlight of my day. Lots of people lining the streets to see all these strange people in tight fitted clothes and looking like crap as they pant away. I was using the extent of my Chinese to good use and was shouting out nihao like there was no tomorrow, too funny.
 
The weather is so variable depending on our altitute, valleys, mountains, plains etc. One second it's mid 30s and the next down to 15 almost. I'm sweating loads and my clothes are all crusty with salt, so good :) 
 
We finished just under 5.30 hours for today, I checked out the results and sitting in 26 place after day 4. Really can't believe it but to honest, the places will be decided after the big 75km tomorrow. I think I will do it around 14 hours (I hope) and then we get a rest day on Friday before 14km on Saturday. I really don't care about my final place I just want to finish and feel proud of this amazing experience. Tomorrow is going to be brutal, especially as the first 35km has an elevation gain of 1,600m up to 2,800m in total but we're going to take it easy, keep hydrating, eating and also have some banter along the way. I must say though, massive shout out to my running buddies here, it's mad how you go through so many lows and highs so the company is excellent to keep you going.
 
I can't say thanks enough for the messages, almost waters up the eyes but I think I'll save those for the finish line, fingers crossed!!!!
 
I've saved an absolute treat of a dinner for tonight, got myself some sweet and sour chicken with rice. I tell you, these freeze dried meals taste so good right now :)

Comments: Total (9) comments

Anne-Louise Rowe

Posted On: 07 Jun 2013 03:38 pm

Yay yay yay!!! :) I'm so proud of you!!! Keep it up!! :) It's so fantastic to hear you're killing it! It's mind blowing and so inspiring that you're out there completing this epic feat. I'm raising my my glass to you in a very English pub in London, wishing you were here to help me select the beer (I've chosen the wrong one! :) ). Good luck tomorrow. I can't wait to her about you crossing that finish line. Much love! A-L

Kelly Chow

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 11:38 pm

Pete you legend! You’re definitely a winner in my heart, regardless of the outcome :))). I’m sooo proud of you!!

Phil Shinn

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 09:40 pm

So so proud of your achievement, not just the run but the will and desire to have a go. Regardless of the outcome you are a winner already. Your blogs are so typical of you, the ability to see the fun even through the hardships you are putting up with. Love you mate

Anthony Hadley

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 08:41 pm

Good luck for the big one mate

Luke Hill

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 06:32 pm

You're absolutely rocking it Pete good work!! I didn't realise there was such a massive day, 75K is nuts I bet you're going to be sleeping well tonight. Keep up the effort as well man 26th place is fricking awesome I imagine you'll be having a few celebratory beers after this bad boy is over the rocking around in China. When you escape the clutches of the desert make sure you have a go on some baijo (I have no idea how to spell it but I think that's what it's called) just find the stuff that smells like horses and you know you've found the right bottle. Peace out bro

Andy Hough

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 12:40 pm

Hilly, If you are reading this then you made it. Well, a short 15k's to go after a rest day but as good as done. If you are not reading this then either the media blackout continues or one of the snakes got you! You are a trojan squire. Enjoy your well deserved day off! What's for dinner - freeze dried courgette, naan and peanut butter in red wine jus? Had a fairly challenging day on everyone favourite bollard company but i did think - it could be worse, i could be doing a 75k 'March' after 4 marathons. It's all relative. P.s. don't be a worry, bollards are fine.

Gordon McGuire

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 12:34 pm

Hilly, Truly awesome fella. 26th place going into the final day. You are a legend! By the time you read this I expect you'll be finished. What an achievement. Then on to some well earned rest, many many beers and some awesome feeds no doubt. I'll get the barbecue warmed up for when you get back. Hopefully you'll still have both eyes, don't insult him..

Juyun Park

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 04:40 am

Oh Peter.. every morning I open my laptop and come straight to this blog hoping for another post from you. If it weren't for this blog I don't know how I would have lasted this long from a bad case of the jitters and endless worrying. It makes me so happy to see you well and enjoying the journey. I am relieved, proud, touched, inspired, relieved some more, and really really proud of you. We enter the world alone and we leave it alone. And everything that happens in between, we owe it to ourselves to find a little company. We need help. We need support. We need love. Otherwise we are in it by ourselves. Strangers cut off from each other and we forget just how connected we are. Much thanks to Pete and his mate Sheridan for making your journey less lonely like you have done for me for almost a year. The road is long and in the end the journey is the destination. You are already a winner so don't think too much about the results and just give it your best. I can't wait to hear your voice again. Go Peter!!

Helen MacGeachie

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 02:22 am

Awesome work Eddie, sounds like you're having such a great time - glad to hear you're having the highs and lows - that's what it's all about, you've got to have the lows to appreciate the highs. You'll look back on this race and the highs will keep getter better and better. Hope your toenails end up like mine, actually I hope they end up worse, it that's at all possible. Enjoy xx

04 June 2013 09:02 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Day three smashed and another 36.5km in the bag. Weirdly felt the best so far and teamed up with Pete again who was great at setting the pace and we finished 25 and 26 positions for the stage, absolutely delighted. The course was magnificant, we started up some steep inclines before crossing some plains. Bit of trekking down some roads before heading up in the mountains (sooooo beautiful) for the most brutal climb, the course briefing said this was going to be tough but it nearly killed me. Cheeky buggers even took a picture of me at the top when totally spent, should be funny. I then smashed down a GU gel and Pete and I got some good pace down hill for the next 10km to finish.

Highlight of the day was almost treading on a snake, it reared back and ready to strike but I pulled away just in time and then shouted snake at the top of my voice!

I think the reason I feel so much better today is getting my electrolyte, water and energy mix right. Ditched the salt stick caps as they made me feel pretty sick and getting real food like a clif bar helped loads.

The body is holding up and I'm really hoping I can make it through the next two days as the last should just be a walk in the park :) 42km tomorrow and 75km day after.....I'm clearly not even thinking about the latter!

There's so much to say really, loads of things I think about while on the course but after you are just pooped and just rambles emerge :)

Right, off to spear my blister again, little toe on the left not looking good either, I give that nail 2 days max. Oh yes, pumped about dinner tonight, beef hot pot! Awesome

Comments: Total (13) comments

Kelly Chow

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 07:12 am

Pete!! My thoughts will be with you tomorrow :). It will be an interesting leg, but I know you will give it your absolute BEST!! I think of you up there each day as I go about my mundane life in the office :(. Seriously not long to go .. enjoy remaining days/nights of magnificent scenary, epic sunsets and starry nights in the desert :)))

Tapan Verma

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 04:37 am

Amazing work Pete!! Loving the updates and cant wait to hear how you go today. Amanda, HVDL and I were talking about you last night while we shared a tub of Messina. What's for dinner tonight? Tap

Juyun Park

Posted On: 05 Jun 2013 04:36 am

You have no idea how surprised I was to see the results from the past few days. Don't get me wrong. I've always known your dedication to this race and had no doubt about your physical strength to back it up but Peter! you never fail to amaze me really. These are all trained and experienced runners we are talking about. The race alone is known to be the toughest, most extreme footraces on the planet! It breaks my heart to hear about your precious toenail but for once I'm going to push you forward and not act like an overprotective mother. Focus on keeping the delicate balance between physical exertion, nutrition and hydration and show us what is possible when human desire conquers everything else. You are truly an inspiration to me. Please take care.

Anne-Louise Rowe

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 09:38 pm

Woo Hoo! Go Pete! So glad to hear you're alive and doing well :) keep pushing!

Luke Hill

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 09:12 pm

Yo brohan, you're absolutely storming it good work man and hammering the positions as well that nuts and awesome work keep it up. I bet the food at the end if the day tastes awesome especially some tasty hotpot action. Don't know what happened but 2 posts have randomly appeared today, I agree with Andy it must be the media ban in China those crazy cats. Can't wait to see the picture of you absolutely knackered up a mountain sounds like you're having a whale of a time. Good work bro!

Eve Hill

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 08:41 pm

Hey Bro!! This sounds just amazing!! So wish I could be there to run this with you.. I would be your pacer and PT (Not I wish!! lol) You would defo kick my arse haha.. although I do feel our sibbling competitiveness would come into play and get my that bit further than being on my own. The scenery, people and the great outdoors sounds awesome.. Go for top 25 (I have a feeling you will do this) Your one fit cookie these days lol.. Cant wait to hear from you again.. love ya xxx

francesca hill

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 06:58 pm

P.S. Mince and rice?! Sounds horrendous, not too dis-similiar to hairy corn beef pasta! You should have cooked the snake! Xx

francesca hill

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 06:55 pm

Princess!!! So wonderfully proud of you I want to cry at every word you say! Giggled at the thought of you reptile dodging, I imagine you waving arms in the air shouting 'snake' in a rather camp fashion - "oooh, suits you matron!" In other news I cycled 13km today, I don't know what you're making such a fuss about ;)! Lots of love biggest hero brother Xxxx

Kelly Chow

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 03:39 pm

Awesome work Pete!!! Happy to hear you're well and the body is holding up :)) Enjoy dinner and look forward to next update.

Sue Hill

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 01:04 pm

Pete, I am totally amazed at you!!! So proud and can't wait to speak when we're back from our hols. Keep going and don't upset any more snakes!!! Loads of love xxxxxx

Amanda Cunanana

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 11:44 am

Woooooop! Go Pete! So proud of you and keep the stories coming! Take care x

Andy Hough

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 11:37 am

Hilly! Keep going my son. Doing fantastic. We some how missed stage 2 - some kind of media blackout i suppose! So i thought you'd 'only' done two stages but turns out you are three down and halfway there. Bonza. Watching the socceroos. 0-0 at half time. As usual it's pants! Keep it real. Don't let the blisters win. Go Trojan.

Meredith Hough

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 11:16 am

Pete!!! Wonderful work so far my friend, even with graphic blister descriptions!! (Don't hold back, I can take it! :-) ) Sounds like such an amazing place. Enjoy dinner!

03 June 2013 08:30 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

So today was tough, no big inclines like yesterday but lots of open plains with ups and downs, we followed the Altai mountain range to our right which was awesome but the vast open way was certainly tough. It is pretty mad how many highs and lows you experience throughout the course of the day, for the first 20km I struggled, probably due to the tough day 1 and sore body but then was so much better in the second half and did some good running. Much of this I owe to a brit called Pete (legend clearly) who caught me up and kept some good pace and company. He is an ex army PT and completed 6 racing the planet events so had some good tips. Funny bugger too and before we knew it we were at the last checkpoint and only had 10km to go.
 
41km done and dusted and two days down. This is tough but really is such an experience, the beautiful scenery, great people and personal journey is worth every minute. He who dares Rodders, he who dares :) Our camp today is in the trees and by a river, very cool and even got to wash all the salt off my face! Got my first blister too so just speared the bugger and let the juices flow, happy with the feet overall and feeling good still. Looking forward to tomorrow, a cheeky 37km with a tricky stage over the mountain, should be amazing.
 
Just checked out the placings from yesterday, man I got in at 25!!! That is awsome but is very unlikely to be my final position so I will just enjoy it for now :)
 
Thanks for all your messages, so good to read the posts and thanks very much, really helps.
 
Until next time, off to rest and prep for tomorrow.
 
For takeaway tonight we have a classic English dish of savoury mince and rice, what a delight!!!

Comments: Total (0) comments

02 June 2013 02:57 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Day one hello and goodbye :) 42km of hot hills, sweated buckets and all my clothes are covered in salt! Feeling okay but clearly a long way to go, shoulder in a bit of pain due to my heavy pack but there will be lots of pain throughout the week. Started at 8am next to some beautiful mountains and was so excited and happy to get going. The route was awesome, through deep valleys, mountains and grass lands. I used my poles throughout and nearly took an early victim when I stabbed a Swiss chap who proceeded to swear quite a lot, sorry bud :)

 

I was sporting some rather lovely yellow gaiters that covered my trainers and wore my spangly orange oakleys…..I was getting some very interesting looks from the local shepherds as well as some mean looking camels. I even got asked to pose for a picture with two policemen, clearly they thought I looked hilarious and they were quite right! There were two parts of the stage that I was suffering due to low water and a bit of dehydration. You get 1.5 litres every 10km or so but it was so hot (not sure actual temp but hot!) so was lapping it down and had two 4km periods with no water. Felt pretty dizzy and was struggling to keep down the GU gels so had to slow down the pace and walk for quite a part of the day.

 

I think I finished around 6 hours 30mins, not sure my actual position but pretty happy that I didn’t go too hard on the opening day….not good when you have another 208km to go. Very funny ending too as the big German and I kept on overtaking each other in the last 5kms, I was leading but quite buggered going into the last km home. Side by side but then the German made his move and legged it, my first thought was bugger it, I’m screwed and he take the finish……..but then I motored to the end will arms in the air to take it. Very funny, got to do it I guess although he tagged his timing chip before me so the official winner in this instance, haha, until tomorrow.

 

It’s now rest and recover before we do it all again tomorrow…….for dinner tonight it’s chicken korma with rice, yes, curry night Sunday :)

Comments: Total (6) comments

Ryan Gerhardy

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 09:02 am

It will be fun running on a belly full of curry on day 2. You were lucky it wasn't an authentic vindaloo! Keep up the goodwork and stories.

Helen MacGeachie

Posted On: 04 Jun 2013 05:49 am

Nice work Hilly. I'm just back from Mark's funeral, it was such a lovely service, loads of very funny stories as you can imagine - a real testament to the amazing man that he was, he will be missed so much xx

Luke Hill

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 09:00 pm

Yo man, I was pissing myself reading that last bit I can imagine you guys fighting for position then hammering at the end absolutely knackered, the dehydration must of been a killer. Sounds like such an awesome terrain to power around I bet the locals were lording you up with the orange sunnies. Good luck for tomorrow man and I bet the curry tastes absolutely awesome after all that hard work. Peace out bro!!

Andy (John) Hough

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 01:19 pm

26th after day one. Your a nutter. Well done mate and keep it going. Key thing is to finish, not the placing though (as you well know). All going well at DTT toweres. All your jobs on track (i'm sure you are thinking about them while trecking without water!) although busier than expected. Good luck for stage 2. According to the website it's a couple of k's shorter than today. Go Trojan

Meredith Hough

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 07:54 am

Pedro! Good to hear you're safe and sound after the first leg! Absolutely amazing work so far, those hills have got nothing on their namesake... Hope the curry hit the spot and will look out for you in the photos. MJ. x

Juyun Park

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 04:19 am

I was a total novice and certainly new nothing about the requirements of ultra running in extreme races. Until I met you that is. It was when I started reading what was needed to actually compete an event such as Gobi March that I realized it is not for the fainthearted. Following your journey I'm actually inspired to challenge myself and not just fight to recover but fight to see how far I can go. If I decide to do so you better coach me through :) Take care of yourself for me.

01 June 2013 04:38 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

After two day of generally being sleepy and head bobbing at airports and on planes, I made it to the host town of Bole all the way out west in China (didn't even get pulled up at customs asking why I had loads of bags filled with white powder.....honestly guv, it's just a protein shake!). It's a pretty interesting place being so close to the Kazhakstan and Mongolian borders, lots of communist style buildings and construction going on just about everywhere....9% GDP growth country there you go.

Had a very chilled day yesterday and was fortunate enough to meet some of my tent mates. Beast of a german dude who I think has a direct lineage of Erik the Red and a chap from Ukraine who used to be a professional swimmer. There such a good buzz around the hotel, about 150 of us and lots of banter going on, just can't wait to get out there :) One thing is that I feel super humbled, so many ultra-runners and athletes, will be awesome running with (behind) them.

Competitor briefing and equipment check this morning so the nerves starting to set in. My  backpack came in at 12kilos which is way too much so took the decision to ditch my nut collection that I was so proud of putting together. I had about 20,000 calories for the week so could definitely spare the food......hopefully the move is a wise one, will be great when the pack gets lighter each day.

We head out to camp 1 in a couple of hours and they also gave us the course notes.....f*ck me dead, not only will I be running 250km but how about you chuck in an elevation gain of 6,800m!!!! Yes, I got a rumbling feeling in my stomach when I read that and what's even better is on day 5 where we smash out 75km, it will all be uphill, getting up to 2,800m.......Pete, you said you wanted a challenge buddy so this is it :)

Okay, this is me and will write again after stage 1 which starts in the morning, a cheeky marathon and yes, all up hill, bring it!

Until later

Pete

Comments: Total (9) comments

Kelly Chow

Posted On: 03 Jun 2013 01:35 am

Pete you make us proud. You're doing so well!!! Keep it up :))

Ryan Gerhardy

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 11:51 pm

Enjoy the grind Pete and aim for the top half of the table. I look forward to reading an update from your first leg.

Juyun Park

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 08:57 am

You were in my thoughts all day today. I have faith in your physical strength and determination but still.. I can't help but worry about you Peter. Rest those legs for me and have a comfortable and a rewarding night. You make me so so proud.

Andy Hough

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 06:56 am

Heavy nuts. Classic. Currently sat in a coffee shop on a wet Sydney Sunday arvo getting live updates. I'm disappointed that you didn't win the first stage! Go Trojan!!!!

Kelly Chow

Posted On: 02 Jun 2013 06:11 am

Pete, I hope the first leg of the race went well. I admire your courage. I truelly think you're as amazing as the many athletes out there. I can't say I've been in your shoes before but .. great things happen when you get pushed beyond your limits :))) You'll discover incredible things about yourself. I can't wait to see the transformation :)

Anthony Hadley

Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 10:24 pm

If you're throwing out the nuts you'd might as well get rid of the cockroaches while you're at it. Enjoy the first leg. Hads

Kelly Chow

Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 09:56 pm

What a shame you cant take those nuts :( The whole race sounds completely mad. Can't wait to read more about it. Gooooo Pete!!!

Luke Hill

Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 03:43 pm

I just saw that work are sponsoring this crazy event, maybe I can get you some supplies sent by ten afterwards?

Luke Hill

Posted On: 01 Jun 2013 03:41 pm

Man that sounds so awesome yet ridiculously terrifying at the same time. Can't believe you're so calm about rocking out an uphill marathon!! Good luck dude and can't wait to read what the first leg was like. Peace!!!

17 May 2013 06:18 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

With basically only a couple of weeks to go it's really starting to sink in that I will soon be running in the Gobi.

Word cannot explain how delighted I am to be heading out for what will be massive challenge and an incredible adventure. What makes it even sweeter is having successfully regrouped and refocused after having to withdraw my entry to the Atacama Crossing due to a stress fracture in my femur. A super big thank you to my sports physician for some excellent guidance on maintaining my fitness and keeping strong through the recovery, I haven't felt any fitter. I certainly won't be a top-half finisher but will enjoy the 'stroll' and take in the experience.

Last big training weekend and then wind it down before flying out on the 29th. Will do a few more pilates classes and core work, oh, and practice packing up my gear!!

Really excited to get out there and meet everyone who's competing, it will live long in the memory :)

Comments: Total (6) comments

James Isles

Posted On: 06 Jun 2013 02:11 am

Pete, not seen your name pop up on the blog...hope you're well bud! Big day today -72km's today...bloody hell!!! I'm feeling the pain bro!!!

Juyun Park

Posted On: 31 May 2013 11:37 am

Since this is a blog for everyone to see, I will try to filter myself and not go haywire on you :) So I just looked up Bole and oh my...it's far up north from where I am. I still remember the first time you mentioned about this race to me. And now you are in Bole China feeling strong and determined. You have shown me and taught me so much about life but this will be a tough one to beat for sure. When this journey is over, you won't be the same person who walked in and I can't wait to be amazed once again. Get some quality rest and I'll be updating myself throughout the race. Take a good care of yourself for everyone back home and your silly friend in Seoul.

Helen MacGeachie

Posted On: 28 May 2013 07:21 am

Yo yo Pedro have fun in the Gobi, can't wait to hear all your stories on your return - I'll be pestering you each day you're away

Jamie Burke

Posted On: 27 May 2013 07:45 am

Peter! Looks like we'll be tent mates. Hopefully you're all rested up and ready to go! Looking forward to meeting you in 6 days!!!

James Isles

Posted On: 27 May 2013 05:11 am

Every credit Pete - excited to hear the daily updates but firstly want to applaud you on your efforts leading up to Gobi dessert run...you're a machine and absolutely 100% proud of you fella. A beer will be waiting for you on your return. Jim

Bill Chatband

Posted On: 24 May 2013 03:11 pm

Brilliant, Pete; really pleased about your recovery and determination. Looking forward to following your progress and discovering all about the Gobi Desert. Take care and very best wishes - Bill - on behalf of all your admirers in Southsea