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Gobi March Blogs 2007

Mike Walker

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Gobi March (2007) blog posts from Mike Walker

09 July 2007 02:32 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Update:

Day 4 - Desert Slog:

It was a bit surprising how little today's 28 miles played on my mind. Not because it wasn't difficult but more perhaps because the big bad daddy of days lies tomorrow. Today's course was highlighted by a run through a Tajik village where all of the town

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 24 Jun 2007 05:42 pm

Congratulations! What an amazing experience you have had - thanks for sharing all the details. We are so very proud of you! Look forward to seeing you at home.

Posted On: 24 Jun 2007 03:55 pm

Mike, What else can I say except how proud of you we all are. You have earned the In and Out Burger and much more. Safe travels home, and we will look forward to celebrating your vicotory with you!

22 June 2007 04:44 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

First off I

Comments: Total (0) comments

19 June 2007 08:10 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Perhaps the most unbelievable place I have ever been. It was absolutely incredible. Words will not do it justice. I am hoping my pictures will. We drove 9 hours yesterday from Kashgar to our camp

Comments: Total (13) comments

Posted On: 22 Jun 2007 07:28 pm

i ran into Kelly downtown and she said you finished the big stage well! congrats buddy! the shorty today will be like a breeze. can't wait to see you when you get back. we'll go jog up gibraltar :)

Posted On: 21 Jun 2007 09:13 pm

Michael, only 48 hours to go and you will have accomplished one of the most amazing feats imaginable. Focus on all the kids you are helping as you head into the home stretch!

Posted On: 21 Jun 2007 09:02 pm

Michael, Keep up the great work! I am so glad you are doing this race, because now I follow your times instead of looking at the Giants boxscores. I was hoping you can find another race that can last through Sept. We are all so proud of you and everyone I work with now knows were the Gobi Desert is. Take care and travel safe. Matt

Posted On: 21 Jun 2007 07:45 pm

Nice work Walker! I know what you mean with the altitude. I climbed a flight of stairs at the office and just about passed out. Good luck man...we are all pulling for you.

Posted On: 21 Jun 2007 07:24 pm

Walker can you score me some camel Jerky! Run fast my man run fast!!!

Posted On: 21 Jun 2007 05:47 pm

You rock Mike! What an inspiration. I read Deyl's blog about you and had to come over and cheer you on. Great job for a worthy cause.

Posted On: 21 Jun 2007 06:09 am

"I may not be as strong as I think," the old man said. "But I know many tricks and I have resolution."- Hemingway "He was, above all, an explorer in the classic mold- utterly self-reliant, romantic, and just a little swashbuckling."- said of Shackleton "The desert is a vast world, an oceanic world, as deep in its way and complex and various as the sea."- Edward Abbey "Women and children knew deep in themselves that no misfortune was too great to bear if their men were whole."- Steinbeck Carry on friend.

Posted On: 21 Jun 2007 03:05 am

Mike, We're following you every day and reading your blog. We can't wait to see your magical photographs! We're all with you till the end! Love ya lots. Slavet Gang

Posted On: 20 Jun 2007 11:33 pm

Mike, just returned from hawaii. now I can follow your adventure extraordinare!!sounds fabulous so far. keep trucking and take a lot of pictures. best of luck...tom connie

Posted On: 20 Jun 2007 06:49 pm

Mike, I am a buddy of Deyl's and saw about your race on his blog. I thought running a marathon was hard - this is awesome! Best of luck. Steve

Posted On: 20 Jun 2007 03:21 pm

Walker, you are da man. So stoked for you and want you to know that we are thinking about you all the time. Even though I have one-up'd you on just about everything you have done, this one I will concede. " Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away." Melville

Posted On: 20 Jun 2007 03:14 pm

God Speed on the next few stages! Last night when we were about to fall asleep, i told Paige "wow, Mike is walking away right now." half asleep, she said "that's cuz his name is Walker." Probably not funny to you at all, but we laughed because we were tired and delirious.

Posted On: 20 Jun 2007 02:01 pm

Hello Mike (I'm Rob Wms. sister). Have been following your race and wish you well on your next stretch! Carol Arnold in Texas

15 June 2007 01:47 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Well I made it here. 36 hours door to door. It could not have gone more smoothly. I did have to chuckle on my last flight as the in flight emergency card was labeled - 737 "just in case". Just in case to me means a parachute!! I arrived at the hotel last night around 10:30. Met up with a couple of the race volunteers, had a walk about Kashgar, enjoyed a cold budweiser, and went to bed around 1:00 a.m.. I spent the day today walking around the old city of Kashgar and eating kabobs. We have a gear check in at 7:00 tonight and then we are off tomorrow morning to our first camp. We will head up toward the town of Tashkurgan and then veer off 60 miles into no man's land for our first camp. I spent some time speaking with the race coordinators last night and it sounds like it will be an incredibly challenging course. I just read Rob Roy's blog and it made me want to curl up and cry. If it is in fact that brutal then all the prayers will most definitely be needed. I try not to get caught up in all the rumor mongering beforehand as all it does is cause a great deal more anxiety. A flat 150 miles is challenging enough.

It has been a real luxury to be able to speak to Kelly via my cell phone. It is amazing how the world has changed in the six short years since I was last here. Thank you to everyone for the nice thoughts and prayers. Dean enjoy that in and out....I think there is a good chance the kaboob I ate for lunch was dog. It was quite tasty though.

All the best - Mike

Comments: Total (18) comments

Posted On: 18 Jun 2007 10:48 pm

Hey Mike I think what you are doing is really cool and exciting. I hope you do very well. Love TJ

Posted On: 18 Jun 2007 10:26 pm

Your barely 12 min. behind Marshal Ulric. He has only completed 100 ultra Marathons, 9 eco-challenges and climbed the seven summits. Unbelievable, but he has never hiked rattlesnake canyon with Ganden on his back. Good job.

Posted On: 18 Jun 2007 10:25 pm

How was the 1st day!! too tired to type? :)

Posted On: 18 Jun 2007 09:46 pm

The Williams clan is pulling for you. Regan really wants you to win. It is really fascinating to read all the blogs and learn about your fellow racers. You are in good company and so are they. When you get tired, just imagine that you are Vince Young running effortlessly through the USC defense in the Rose Bowl. Refusing to lose. You will feel better. Keep going!

Posted On: 18 Jun 2007 06:55 pm

KEEP your chin up and Forget Rob's Blog...He's a BABY....U DA MAN...AND know that there will be endless Budweisers when you make it home. ROCK & ROLL MI AMIGO DML

Posted On: 18 Jun 2007 03:32 pm

You are a machine! Congrats on finishing Stage 2! You are doing an amazing job. Hope you have a restful sleep and know that we're all thinking about you. And happy belated Father's Day. We went camping which I can only imagine is like being in the Four Seasons compared to what you are doing! Bet there aren't any smores going on over there... Love you! JAMB

Posted On: 18 Jun 2007 02:34 pm

Michael, you are Superman! Loved the bit of wisdom from Proverbs that I read this morning: "The glory of a young man is his strength." Enjoy your strength, young man, for the rest of this race!! And a belated "Happy Father's Day" to you. You are a great athlete and a great Dad!! With our love, Mumu & Papa

Posted On: 17 Jun 2007 11:48 pm

Daddy- I got a question: Maybe when you are running you can stop for one minute and then go. I love you daddy. We all miss you. I can't wait for you to come back. Love - Maddie Daddy- Happy Daddy Dad. I love you Dad -Finnegan

Posted On: 17 Jun 2007 10:23 pm

Charge on Mike. Dig deep. All is well out here, Chip B. just had his 37th bday party yesterday. Gandon was prepping for his first baby-enduro swim. All the right reasons. love john and jen

Posted On: 17 Jun 2007 06:22 pm

Great job on Stage 1!!! Hope the Biore nose strips aren't slowing you down!! Remember, be considerate of your tent-mates and don't ask too many questions! Love, Pickle & Peter

Posted On: 17 Jun 2007 05:47 pm

We're thinking about you and praying for endurance and strength! Save some energy for Sahara :)

Posted On: 17 Jun 2007 04:56 pm

Good going!!! Anxious to hear what it was like. We're right with you in our thoughts. Love, M&D

Posted On: 17 Jun 2007 03:15 pm

Mike- Way to go! Stage 1: You killed it!!! How are your calves doing? Happy Father's Day! We love you -KJ, Mad's, Finn, & Ganden

Posted On: 17 Jun 2007 02:05 am

I think you are about 1 hour into the race-- I love you, thinking about you, and so proud of you!!! I just finished looking at the photos they posted from your drive to Tashkurgan-- Oh did that bring back some great memories. How many times did the buses break down??? ha ha ha kisses and hugs -Kelly

Posted On: 17 Jun 2007 12:32 am

Mike, our thoughts and positive vibrations are with you friend. At least you don't have to "carry out" poop. That's a bright side.... We love you!! R&D ps If you end up not breaking into the "I.C.E" pack Jen made for you, Dave calls dibs.

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 08:57 pm

I meant to tell you this morning to throw away all the other cards and just bring the Father's Day envelope with you. It will give you a little inspiration. I know you are trying to get your load a little lighter. We love you - xoxox -KJ

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 08:52 pm

Dear Daddy I miss you and I want you to come home right now. I want you to play with me when you come home. Love - Maddie

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 02:46 pm

remain strong, brother! if you need motivation during a challenging moment, just recall the way i take you yard everytime you throw that weak junk over the plate in wiffle ball. or the way i dunk on your grill in hoops. that should fire you up!!!! i know how much you hate being second best among your peer group! i'm glad you're seeing interesting parts of the world, and look forward to getting the full download later. last night i took gavin to the posse east for a cold beer, lemonade, and grilled cheese, and i was thinking what a good place it will be for the walker and andrew families to visit when you're out. very kid friendly with plenty tv's -- on which they put the giants games for me, of course. i texted a picture to your cell. (and by the way, the air conditioning, warm food, comfortable chair, and television aren't anything to miss. really. i could barely endure it!) take care, be safe, rock out, and keep the posts coming. fuego

12 June 2007 10:34 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I am quite literally making the final preparations for the race. I am set for a good 24 hours of flight time here at 7:30 tonight and that is not counting the layovers. I am very excited to get over and visit Kashgar again. I will have a day to kick around the old city and entertain some of the world's most fantastic street food.

Comments: Total (20) comments

Posted On: 19 Jun 2007 05:17 pm

Mike, I am in Cabo San Lucas doing the Cabo March. It starts at 10pm each evening and ends at 2am each morning. I am holding up o.k., but the beers are really pulling me down. I miss you and know you are doing great. Your times are unbelievable! You are suppose to just finish the race, not try and win it! You remain in my prayers. Finish Strong!!!

Posted On: 18 Jun 2007 05:11 pm

Dear Michael-- I just ran 35 miles on bare feet yesterday. How was your day? Keep kicking ass! xoxo G

Posted On: 16 Jun 2007 03:16 pm

dear mike, we love you. we hope you win the race and we are encouraging you and are making you lots and lots of presents. love, regan (and robert)

Posted On: 16 Jun 2007 01:09 pm

Bet the adrenaline is starting to pump! Pray you get a good pre-race night's sleep or had a few winks on that 9-hr. bus ride! Yeah, sure!! Blessings on your 1st day on the trail!!! What an adventure! Hugs, Mumu & Papa (Part of your large & enthusiastic cheering section!)

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 09:25 pm

Sounds like things are off to a good start. Yesterday & today have been hot here- 98 F so we can sort of imagine hot hot it is for you. You know how much I like heat! We're holding positives thoughts and even said a prayer or two (per your instructions!). Take care of yourself. Love, M&D

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 05:53 am

Mike, I just finishe the In and Out double double and we are now heading to Tommy Burgers on Rampart. Can I get you a chili cheese fry? Just remember what Martin Luther King said...... "It is always the right time to do what is right"! You are the hero of the family, buy I must be honest with you and tell you the standards are pretty low! You are in my prayers.

Posted On: 15 Jun 2007 02:05 am

We can't believe the support you have from your friends and family. As we're eating our b.b.q. tonight we wonder what strange things you may be eating. Take care Michael and we'll keep in touch. Love you, M&D

Posted On: 14 Jun 2007 10:17 pm

Mike Who is that guy??? I think he was in one of my recent nightmares! You are much better looking!! Good luck in the days to come! Our prayers are with you! Laurie :)

Posted On: 14 Jun 2007 08:39 pm

Mike, I am on my way to In and Out Burger and was wondering if I can get you a double double? The Gray Family is praying for you everyday and we know this will be one of the greatest experiences of your life!

Posted On: 14 Jun 2007 03:36 pm

Way to go, The Don!!! We are thinking of you and so excited for you--you'll do amazing!! Hope you get your caffeine fix and make some friends out there! We are sending you good thoughts. Can't wait to hear all the stories! Pickle & Peter

Posted On: 14 Jun 2007 06:11 am

Michael, I'm getting more and more concerned about your photo! With love, Your Mother-in-Law

Posted On: 14 Jun 2007 03:21 am

Walker, Don't get any sand in your butt!!! Love Lenny (at Papa's in Denver)

Posted On: 13 Jun 2007 06:06 pm

Aloha from Maui. Good luck on your trip! We'll be following your progress.

Posted On: 13 Jun 2007 05:20 pm

Hi there, We're thinking about you all the time and know how much you are anticipating this adventure. We'll be with you all the way and will be anxious for our Kelly updates! Love you lots. Mom and Dad

Posted On: 13 Jun 2007 05:08 pm

Daddy- How are you? How are you doing? I miss you daddy. love - Maddie

Posted On: 13 Jun 2007 02:54 pm

roger, you pick up that satellite phone if you want to chew the cud and get Giants updates - phone lines are open at all times. the andrew family will be thinking about you and your journey and wishing you the best. and keep your head on a swivel, guy! i don't think CalTrans regularly fixes the potholes out there!!!!!! fuego

Posted On: 13 Jun 2007 06:21 am

Enjoy every minute of this amazing adventure! Larry says "Don't trip!" -- but he knows I'll be prayerfully covering every mile & each step!! Go for it Michael! And our love goes with you ~ Mumu & Papa

Posted On: 12 Jun 2007 08:56 pm

We are so proud of you Michael! We'll be keeping track of you and wishing you little pain and lots of fun! We think you are amazing for commiting to this and going for it! Lots of love from the Slavets.

Posted On: 12 Jun 2007 08:49 pm

I'm guessing the resemblance will be more more similar upon your return. Good luck! What an amazing experience. I'm in awe. We're tracking your progress on our globe. Brady wants to know if you will be able to watch the Giants game while you are running. Love you lots!

Posted On: 12 Jun 2007 08:30 pm

Mike nice photo though I'm sure the FAA has you on a restricted list somewhere. Good luck say hello to your imaginery friends on Day 4! Pedro