Gobi March - Start of Race Day 1

Race briefing started at 0730hrs in front of the stage. Team Tri-Seekers received its biggest blow this morning when Steven broke the news to Lam and myself that he would not be able to run at all as he had accidentally injured his right knee the day before. We could tell that he was really disappointed and worried that he might not be able to finish the race. He urged both of us to continue and race individually. After much consideration, we decided that Tri Seekers would run as individuals. However, we would keep a lookout for each other through the whole event.

By 0800hrs sharp,the sound of the gongs and drums pierced the tranquility of the desert area. The race has started. I opted to stay behind first as gain more running space coz of the narrow path. After 1km, we encountered our first river crossing. Earlier we were told that we would be facing more of such crossings throughout the day. Darn, what a way to start with our feets soaking wet! By then, Lam and myself were running at a comfortable pace, crossing the rivers and settling in the mid pack. I decided to push ahead after 10-12km as i could feel the heat was rising and i felt slightly "burnt" from the sun. I left Lam with Pauline and i went ahead, hoping to find another comfortable running pace. By the 2nd checkpoint (20km), i was feeling dehydrated and could feel cramps in my legs. In my mind, i was thinking it was no good to feel this way in such an early stage. I knew i never do well under hot weather conditions. I tried to drink the electrolyte drink as much as i could and ate the gels too. However, i still feel lousy and bloated. When i hit the 3rd checkpoint, cramps were everywhere. I had to restort to walking from 30km onwards. I could not even run as it would averggrate the cramps. I was praying and wanting that this stage to end quickly. To add matter worse, my pack was heavy (15kg)and my sleeping bag was slipping off constantly. It did not get better with the sun scorching on my exposed skin ( Big mistake, i was wearing short sleeved tee). It came upon a time where my mind went blank and every step i took, i was not bothered what was ahead. I was looking down on my feet all the time. This continued until i reached a village and gathered that we could be near the finishing. Not until we have to continue for another 2.5km, did i finally saw the stage 1 finishing line. I just picked up whatever strength i had in me and just ran across the line. Was just elated to end Day 1. Time taken was 6 hrs 21 minutes.

Now is the time to eat, rest, soak my feet in the cold water stream and email Sharmaine.