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The Last Desert Blogs 2010

Kenneth Perry

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The Last Desert (2010) blog posts from Kenneth Perry

21 November 2010 05:16 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Let us just be perfectly clear, for those that may be reading the RTP stage updates….. I did not withdraw from the race! It was encouraged by one of the MD’s that I SHOULD withdrew do to the fact that I had frost-bite (or at the least the beginnings of it. The story heard from the MD when I suggested a few more minutes of thaw, and an extra set of warm socks (which was a required item…. You know since we are in freaking Antarctica)… was that I has taken too long at that check-point.
 
The format for this stage was 9 hours, while running as many miles in that time period. The”loop” was about 14 K (roughly 8 miles). I was nice and toast warm both on my feet and upper-body, in fact making sure that I was shedding and donning layers as needed (before needed)…. But when I fell face first into creek that was hidden with a snow bridge, soaking my feet and gloves, that clearly setup the scenario.
 
So without getting to far into the story, suffice it to say that The MD’s were probably right, as even at this time I have no feeling in either of my big toes….. or much feeling in my fingers…..What you may have read that Mark Jaget and I withdrew because of issues with the “cold” is bullshit. Of course cold is an issue… We are in Antarctica.
 
There will be abit of aFB and Youtube blitz upon my return…. Count on it!

Comments: Total (14) comments

Posted On: 27 Nov 2010 05:20 pm

I'm not that stupid to risk losing toes over a race. The issue was that on day one (after being completely submerged in water) it would have been a disqualification had we gotten into out dry bags.... Which is why Mark was disqualified. Interestinly, however , for the rest of the race you could have and use whatever you wanted From your dry bag.... Continued...

Posted On: 27 Nov 2010 03:37 am

And that should have said "write" not "right" in my last post. I can actually spell, usually. Unlike whatever jackass from RTP modified your post.

Posted On: 27 Nov 2010 03:36 am

I am so disgusted with RTP for adding words to your blog that you didn't right. What a bullshit organization. I hope with all my heart that people stop spending money to race with these jerks. It's shameful what they did to you.

Posted On: 27 Nov 2010 01:07 am

That's weird- check out the change in capitals in your last posting. It looks like your blog was hacked: >So without getting to far into the story, suffice it to say "that The MD’s were probably right, as even at this time I have no feeling in either of my big toes….. or much feeling in my fingers"…..What you may have read that Mark Jaget and I withdrew because of issues with the “cold” is bullshit. < See my quotations- that looks totally hacked and like someone is trying to change your story, Ken. It also doesn't fit with what you have told us, your friends. I can't believe someone would do that, and I think you might have a case against them. My best wishes to you in your travels home. We love you and hope you can get over this horrible experience. Love, Rachel & Scott.

Posted On: 27 Nov 2010 12:44 am

I am still flabbergasted by everything that has happened. Including discovering that someone has gone in and edited Ken's blog to say something he did not say. This organization is dreadful. I just can't comprehend the lies, misinformation and outright cruelty imposed on Ken. Bad, bad organization. I don't know how these people sleep at night.

Posted On: 26 Nov 2010 11:18 pm

Ken did NOT write that part about the MD's making the right decision. I asked him about it because it casts doubt on everything else we've heard...but HE DID NOT WRITE IT. Isn't there a law against hacking someone's blog and writing lies??

Posted On: 25 Nov 2010 11:32 pm

Oh Dude sorry to hear the challenges you've faced. We'll kill it at the death race next summer where you may or my not still be pulled out do to cold conditions! Talk to you soon.

Posted On: 24 Nov 2010 05:48 pm

Ken, if I would have been there, it would have been my turn to help you out as you did for me in the Atacama. Talk with you when you get back home. Best regards, Rodney

Posted On: 24 Nov 2010 04:33 pm

I'm sorry about what happened at the race Kenny. I know your frustration must've escalated after reading the "breaking news" on withdrawal. I'm sad you couldn't finish this time around, but am glad you'll get to keep your toes! I'm sure Wendy requires you to return home with all your digits! Great effort, Kenny!

Posted On: 24 Nov 2010 03:52 pm

Hey Kenny...dude, that's a tough situation and I known u gotta be majorly bummed! But keep ur head up buddy because it sounds like it was obviously out of ur hands. I'm still a bit hazy on whether ur pisses that u were forced to stop, or because of the wording used to describe ur stopage?? It obviosly sounds like ur toes are still messed up, and so it was probably a good call as god knows how much more damage would have occurred after more stages!...and dude, nobody in SoCal wants to see a toeless guy walking around on the beach, no matter how good the story!!haha Either way it sucks no doubt, but ur a tough bastard and everyone knows that so don't think ur legendary status has diminished at all! Just think, in 2 yrs, u can be the only nut case to go to Antarctica AGAIN to correct a bogus dnf!! You can prob get a discounted entry for it, although i'm sure getting home is the only thing u care about just now! Anxious to hear from u when u return buddy!!!

Posted On: 24 Nov 2010 02:51 am

Well written informative post Ken.. I look forward to the "movies" and posts.. You, my friend, are the man!

Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 12:49 pm

Kenny - really sorry to hear what happened - I know you must be gutted. I have only read your blog and the facebook comments, but it sounds like the medical staff made a tough call on the ground. No matter what was officially posted at the time, your blog outlines what happened and it appears to me a clear medical decision. I don't know what my reaction would be in that situation as a competitor, but I do know as a former race director of other races that the medical team have a responsibility to all competitors and staff alike - no matter how much is paid to enter. Safety comes first in any extreme race and it's their judgement organisers and competitors must trust. If they had said carry on to a competitor, knowing they potentially had the early stages of frost-bite, then they would not be doing their job. If the feet are recovered enough now, I hope you are able to continue and make the most of the unique experience in Antarctica and run some further stages. Hope to meet you at a race someday. All the best Rob

Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 05:25 am

KC, You will forever be a Hero to us and we love you very much. I hope you can get some wonderful pics and video to fuel your personal fire. Be safe. love, PICS

Posted On: 23 Nov 2010 03:53 am

Ken, you are awesome and it is pure bullshit that they forced you out. I hope your toes return to normal soon and then you can start kicking a few asses.

10 November 2010 10:56 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

It's amazing how quickly things happen, as a date gets closer. This has been a busy week, with Wendy and just getting home yesterday from a great trip to New York City to run the marathon. Today is also our 22nd anniversary, so the trip was also our present to each other. At this moment, I am taking a break from sitting in the garage doing what we have all done time and time again- going through all of our gear and hopefully packing it for the last time. Surely this is a much easier process, for the competitors of the Last Desert don't have to cram 7 days worth of gear and food into the smallest pack we can get our hands on. Of course there are other items that are required for this race, that weren't for all of the others. Mainly stuff I may ever use again, like down parkas and polar sleeping bags. Of course spending that much money on gear may motivate me to do other things where I will, in fact, use them again. Today, I have also been a sewing fool, getting last minute modifications done. I hadn't planned on it, but did get another pair of shoes after tips from past LD runners. The most important sewing project was to patch up a hole in my boonie hat. This hat has been with me through the three other deserts, and I felt that it simply had to make this journey as well, even if I can only wear it for a short while, I will end up with two large bags that I will travel with to Ushuaia. All of my gear, plus gear for friends that have no access to it where they live. So if the airline looses my luggage, it will be more than just me that gets screwed. I, as well as all of the other runners I'm sure, are quite excited about what is to come very shortly. I am looking forward to spending two days in Buenos Aires before the race. I've never been there, but understand it is an incredible city. Unfortunately some of my friends weren't able to meet there, but I'm sure it will be a great time. I guess one good thing about traveling a few days early, is that my gear will catch up, if it does get lost.... I know that these people that do these races are just as obsessive about lost gear as I am.... They can lose it for a month on the way home.. no worries... but please please please, not on the way there! Okay! Now a trip to the stores for some last minute items. Small stuff, but important stuff. My next blog will be from the Drake Passage enroute to the bottom of the world. Wow! It's time!

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 12 Nov 2010 06:12 pm

So excited for you! Can't wait to follow your blog throughout the journey :)

24 September 2010 11:47 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

The desert. As I have reiterated to my friends, and even to people that may stumble across a (very rare) blog that I may write, I am a fan of the desert. There is a beauty to the Earth. That beauty is full of variation from the Oceans to cities. Cities such as New York, Paris or Hong Kong. These are modern cities. So, how about Teotihuacan? How about Giza? The engineering, and construction of cities is a remarkable accomplishment of mankind. But, no matter the beauty, it covers our Earth. Even vegetation covers our Earth. I have always thought it interesting that this time of year, throngs of people congregate in the North East of the United States to witness something, that is very beautiful. The changing of the leaves. There is an exquisiteness of green turning to reds and yellows. However, the desert does that every day- twice a day, in many cases, all over the world. There is a very good reason that the Painted Desert in Northern Arizona is named as such. Many deserts are named for colors. Leaves generally do not turn from green to purple in a day. But that is what happens amongst the strata of our Earth as it rotates beneath the Sun. Colors that do not happen in the biological world. To few, I think, see the beauty in that. I

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 11 Nov 2010 03:30 am

You'll also be carrying all of us tucked in your speedo, metaphorically speaking, that is. Thanks for sharing. Warm positive waves Dude.

09 August 2010 04:26 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

So, how to train? I live in the perfect place to train for the

Comments: Total (5) comments

Posted On: 02 Sep 2010 10:25 pm

SAME DILEMMA HERE IN HONG KONG! Itll be fantastic tho and what an experience. Im just praying no sea sickness on the way or while we rockin around when we get there. Im a sailor but i know how choppy to expect it to get?!

Posted On: 29 Aug 2010 12:20 pm

Yuo're welcome to Norway to train, Ken!

Posted On: 13 Aug 2010 02:50 am

Seriously. I'd love to do the last desert someday, but even when I get to that point I won't have a clue how to train for that cold stuff. I won't even leave my house without a sweater when its below 70. And when it gets down to 60? I bust out my 15 year old Uggs.

Posted On: 11 Aug 2010 10:28 am

Hi Ken, good luck on the Last One. It will be awesome.

Posted On: 10 Aug 2010 12:02 am

WhooHOOO! Let the fun begin!