Gobi Desert: The Mountains
Today was supposed to be 37K - but we ended up doing 39K - we're not sure why we did more than was originally told us, but we definitely felt that last 4K. The course was spectacular and very, very tough. Climbed from the start making our way up through rolling steep climbs to a long slog up stunning valleys, surrounded by craggy peaks and pine forests. Our high point was just below 10,000 feet and we had to work for every foot of it. The thought that kept me going on the steep pitches was that I knew I'd feel better once I crested the top and started down into the next valley. Five peaks later, on a mountain ridgeline, we topped out to a lovely descent on a wide track trail. We descended through a deep canyon and several villages, yurts, sheep flocks, following a river with views of snowcapped peaks and the valley below. It was breathtaking - once again I tried to capture as much as possible on film.
Mountain peaks and pine forests...
Photo Courtesy of Racing the Planet
I started out with my signature slow start and tried to hold my own in the mountains. Once we hit the downhill I opened it up a tad, thinking that we were close to the finish. The unknown last 4K was on very steep rolling terrain with a lot of forced hiking - a very tough way to finish a challenging day, but the scenery made up for all the pain and suffering. Each day is tough racing and each day I am amazed that I can get up in the morning off the hard ground and run.
5 peaks later...
Photo Courtesy of Racing the Planet
I felt a bit better than yesterday (relatively). I'm hoping my legs hold up as we have two more very hard days ahead - tomorrow being our 50-mile day. I'm a bit nervous about this long day, as an injury leading into this race has not allowed me the long miles. But as "someone" once said, "you can walk anywhere if you have enough time."
Lots of forced hiking...
Photo Courtesy of Racing the Planet
We are in another windswept campsite - I need to go and help stake down our tent or it may blow away!
Back at you tomorrow.
Terri
Mountain peaks and pine forests...
Photo Courtesy of Racing the Planet
I started out with my signature slow start and tried to hold my own in the mountains. Once we hit the downhill I opened it up a tad, thinking that we were close to the finish. The unknown last 4K was on very steep rolling terrain with a lot of forced hiking - a very tough way to finish a challenging day, but the scenery made up for all the pain and suffering. Each day is tough racing and each day I am amazed that I can get up in the morning off the hard ground and run.
5 peaks later...
Photo Courtesy of Racing the Planet
I felt a bit better than yesterday (relatively). I'm hoping my legs hold up as we have two more very hard days ahead - tomorrow being our 50-mile day. I'm a bit nervous about this long day, as an injury leading into this race has not allowed me the long miles. But as "someone" once said, "you can walk anywhere if you have enough time."
Lots of forced hiking...
Photo Courtesy of Racing the Planet
We are in another windswept campsite - I need to go and help stake down our tent or it may blow away!
Back at you tomorrow.
Terri
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2 Comments:
Terri, we are keeping up with you and are sending you some good vibes from Arkansas! Remember the redneck tater-shooter!
You Go Girl!
Pig Soooeeeee
Carrie and Larry
Hi Terri, I am so glad I come across your blog, it is purely inspirational stuff, I hope to be one day doing the kind of races that you are doing. Doing cool thing at cool places to use your phrase, keep up the spirit.
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