Michael Dee's Gobi march for KIPP

I'm inspired by what Michael Dee is doing – right now, he's in the most brutal day of his 155-mile, seven-day race through the Gobi Desert.  Even if it's only $10, he deserves your support!  Here's an update:

 

KIPP supporter Michael Dee is currently participating in a 155-mile, seven-day foot race across the Gobi Desert in temperatures exceeding 120 degrees, carrying 22 pounds of food and equipment along the way. In his own words, Mr. Dee's participation in this extreme event "symbolizes the unique spirit and character of the KIPP students and the challenges they overcome every day with no excuses.  It simply takes an outrageous effort to equal the cause." At this moment, Mr. Dee is persisting through the most difficult part of the Gobi March -- a 60+ mile trek through the Turpan Basin.  That's the equivalent of a double marathon in one day!  We wish him all the best, as he provides for KIPP students a true example of perseverance. Mr. Dee is writing a blog throughout the race, and yesterday's entry included a wonderful piece of advice for KIPPsters: "The only two steps that matter are the first step and the next step.  By repeating that continuously, all your dreams will come true."

"Gobi a Hero" We are honored that Mr. Dee has selected KIPP as a beneficiary of his race.  To make a contribution, click here.

Michael Dee's Blog Click here to read Michael Dee's daily reports from the Gobi Desert.

Thanks for all you do to support the mission to build a better tomorrow!  Sincerely,   The KIPP Team & Family www.kipphouston.org 832-328-1051 P.S. To visit any of our campuses throughout Houston, please contact the Development Team at getinvolved@kipphouston.org.

 

Here's an excerpt from Michael's blog:

 

Tom'w is the big day in the Turpan Basin, 100km/60+mi. Its 4pm here now and its hot, no air con out here at the Uigher Museum. My guess is tom'w will take at least 24 hours and maybe 30. We have heard the finish is very difficult with some huge sand dunes. The good news is that we will be going through the night which will take the edge off. I can't even imagine this as the Atacama long day was only 75km/50mi. I may run some in the morning to get some mileage done but the heat and dark will reduce us mostly to trekking or a slow jog. Basically it's just one foot in front of the other, hydrate, eat and don't get lost. And the best news of all....STILL NO BLISTERS!!!! All my experimentation on footwear, socks and lubricant is paying off. Duke/NUS students will benefit for years from my studies on blisters   :-)
 
Polished off my beef jerky as my main recovery food and tom'w will be fueled by trail mix, lots of mango, Cliff bars and Bali peanuts...um-um. All your messages of support are greatly appreciated including the world update. Any news on the oil spill? Why was China downgraded? Is my backup plan Brazil still in contention? These and other topics I'll have much time to ponder tom'w. In case you wonder what I think about while I'm out there I'll tell you...It's all of you who are family and friends and colleagues. To have a full day to be by yourself (I run alone most of the time and can't talk while wheezing anyway) is great. Today was Shelly day and I thought about all the things we've done together, 6 hours was not enough. Yesterday was Mom and Dad day and boy I did pick some great parents. Life at its best is full of positive people providing support, friendship and love and I am blessed with an abundance of each. Every now and then a negative e-mail slips into our lives and there is only one response...delete.
 
KIPPster Gobi Lesson #4
By my crude math I'll be taking close to one million steps in the race, if I thought about that I never could have started, just too daunting. The only two steps that matter are the first step, and then the next step. By repeating that continuously all your dreams will come true.