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Jack Fierstadt

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Atacama Crossing (2023) blog posts from Jack Fierstadt

23 September 2023 08:59 pm (GMT-04:00) Santiago

Well we finally made it to Camp 1 this evening. We are in a very beautiful canyon and the sun is beginning to set. I spent the last hour getting setup for this evening and getting sorted for Stage 1 tomorrow. I just finished up an interesting dinner and will begin hydrating as the RD announced at the briefing that there will be a bit of a heatwave this week. I sure hope my heat trading in SoCal this summer as paid off. Starting tomorrow at a little over 10,000 feet will be a challenge but my plan is start slow and try to pick up the pace depending on the heat and condition. 

My Race Dedication this race goes to my beautiful wife Cathy. We have had some challenges the past year including Cathy having her lower spine reconstructed several months ago. Despite her surgery and recovery she NEVER complained once about by rigorous training schedule. After completing many RTP races, eight to be exact, I faltered in Namibia in 2021.  Despite many many training days for this race and being unsure of myself at times Cathy always responded with positive thoughts, gestures and love. I thank her so much for always being in my corner. Thanks honey……I love you,
 
I have many others to thank and I will get there in the coming days. I can barely read the keyboard in the dark now. I promise to do my best and be smart out here.

Comments: Total (4) comments

David Brock

Posted On: 25 Sep 2023 12:20 pm

Jack. You are an inspiration to your fellow 60 year olds. Praying for continued strength and stamina and cooler weather.

Howard Cohen

Posted On: 24 Sep 2023 11:42 pm

Hey Jack. Let’s us know what happened in the first stage. See you made it 12 hours in and stopped at check point 2. Wanna make sure you are ok. I’ll keep checking the blog but also give me a call when you get coverage. H

Lori Fierstadt

Posted On: 24 Sep 2023 11:24 am

Best wishes and vibes as you set out today. One step at a time 🏁🏃‍♂️👟🇨🇱💪🏻❤️.

Jeremy Huey

Posted On: 24 Sep 2023 05:33 am

Good luck out there and stay hydrated! We are all watching you virtually and living vicariously through your adventures! Very inspiring, Jack. 🏃‍♂️ 🌎 🎽🌏 👟🌐 💨
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19 September 2023 09:05 pm (GMT-04:00) Santiago

Tommorow I depart for RTP Atacama 2023. It has been a long road to show up ready to go and I hope I can conquer this course again. It is hard to believe that the first time I finished this difficult race was 2007. Since that time I have completed many other races but I had a major issue in Namibia last time around. I really focused on my training schedule this year and ran through a very wet winter for California and trained, on purpose, this summer in 100 degree plus days spending hours on the trail. Please send all of your good thoughts my way as I apprecaite all of them and your encouragment often keeps me going when I feel the next steps will be difficult. I very much look forward to connecting with other competitors that I have known throughout the years and support personnel that always welcomed me with smiles as I arrived at checkpoints. Jack

Comments: Total (3) comments

Vanessa Fierstadt

Posted On: 24 Sep 2023 05:32 am

That’s my Dad-e-o! Been tracking you since your flight to Santiago and love reading your words as you prepare for this epic adventure. So proud of your determination and grit. You inspire me to always keep moving. I know you trained well..now go kick arse! Love you! Nessa

Stephen Johnson

Posted On: 20 Sep 2023 04:20 pm

I have enough years and hiking miles under my belt to understand that even training to dare to take on this challenge is almost super human! I will be cheering you one stage at a time!

Lori Fierstadt

Posted On: 20 Sep 2023 08:10 am

👋🏻 Jack! Sending all my love and best vibes to you as you begin the race. Looking forward to following you. Take care. Be safe! 🏃‍♂️💪🏻 Love, Lori 🇵🇹
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