Top 5 things you might hear from competitors during the Gobi March (but shouldn't believe):

1) "I don't care where I place, I just want to finish..."

I was searching through papers last night at home and came across a small piece of cardboard I took to MDS in 2005. The idea was to write out a word, or a few words, to describe every day so that I would have some record of the race. Knowing that I wouldn't feel like writing

Do you know who he is?

I'm sure that I put in 35 hours a week in prep for races like

There aren't many days in a year where I ask myself, "Why the hell am I doing this?!" Ultra's (running and training) have become part of my everyday existence. I consider myself still a newbie in the sport of running - trying to learn as much as possible from local elites and others who have real ultra experience.

Don't get me wrong. The March is our focus right now and will be until we cross the line on June 24th. It's strange to be asking the 'What's next?' question already but I have a bad habit of climbing mountains to look over the edge and see another higher mountain to climb. And on it goes.

I also know that if I'm not thinking about the next mountain I am setting myself up for some post-race depression when I hit the line. For some, it's looking at a neighbours new BMW. For me, it's hearing about a new race or big idea. It's an obsession and I'm sure there is a medical term to describe this endless cycle.

On Friday I was approached by a friend with a big idea for a 'next'. Freakin huge idea that's been playing with my head all weekend. A 'not been done before' idea that makes me feel excited and terrified at the same time. In some ways I am just grateful to be considered for the project. Whether it happens or not, the fact that I can see a fluid transition between the end of the March and the possible start of the 'next' will help me get to sleep over the next six weeks.

I'd tell you but...you know the scoop.

As it's only 7 odd weeks out from the start of the race we are entering the 'peak' period of training. Funny thing is that I think all three of us are fed up with training. It seems to have been going on for months (it has). I am at a point where my legs are cooked - this weekend was 62k's in 2 days with a 40k 17lb pack run at sub 6 min/k pace. Signs of overtraining are evident so I've decided to say 'to hell' with this week and cut back on the kms. At least the intention is there. We all are fit but this is the time where everyone rides the razors edge worried that you might not be fit enough and worrying about getting injured.

Confession. I have skinny legs (photo proof of a recent track workout with our guest Coach Rumon Carter).

You only have to go 250kms once with a 23lb pack to understand that 'less is more'. I am a self-admitted 'crazy' about going ultra-light. There are probably others that are more extreme... I treat my body the same way and spent time weight lifting in the gym with the 'titanium' goal of getting light and strong.

I've spent this week working out the weights in

Before you start to read, find out more about our team at www.teamgobi.com

So soon?

Today was THE first time, the first noticeable time,