Last night we were in Ulan-Ude, family home of our guide. I skipped dinner and stayed in the local "comfortable two star" hotel to nurse my stomach and sleep.

Today was our last day in Russia and might have been our last day on earth. Team Silver was minutes from the exchange point where I was to begin running when the right CV joint on the van failed. The transaxle separated and the right wheel collapsed. Our driver somehow kept his cool, despite several skids on and off the sandy shoulder and left and right of the centerline to avoid oncoming cars. We almost tipped over. Each of us sat in awe as the drama unfolded. When we came to rest we immediately realized how lucky we were. None of us were injured. We huddled together to gather our emotions. The team was picked up by the pilot van. We left Alexey with his van to wait for the repair person. Apparently there are no such things as tow trucks in Russia. They fix and maintain cars on the road side. I had been wondering why I saw so many oil deposits, car parts and mechanical items on the road shoulders and now I know why - these are their "roadside garages."

The scenery changed dramatically as we approached the Mongolian border, more arid with the forests and trees replaced by thorny and scratchy bushes. In the distance are the mountains. The land is vast and goes on forever without communities in sight. It was a beautiful sunny day. I ran first.

Later the team split up for shuttles to the Mongolian border where we crossed together with staff and other teams in a bus. It took over three hours to get through the border, first on the Russian side, then on the Mongolian. It felt as if I had to show my passport a dozen times. We said goodbye to our Russian guides and drivers and were united with our Mongolian fleet. Team Silver has Tymka from Ulan Bator as our guide and Muugii as our driver. All the guides and drivers were introduced at dinner tonight, every name unusual. We had a delicious meal and are all so very excited at the change from Russia.

What we've seen thus far of this country is beautiful. Expansive views of distant mountains beyond extensive grasslands. There are cows and goats wandering everywhere. We have a day off tomorrow and will be driving the six hours to Ulan Bator where we will spend the night and next day until we run at 3pm. Our vehicles are very small so the logistics of fitting everyone in with all our stuff will be challenging, particularly trying to stretch before and after runs. We hope to have continuing dry, sunny days so that we can spend lots of time out of the car.

Water is life. Pass it on!