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Brian Jones

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Atacama Crossing (2011) blog posts from Brian Jones

07 March 2011 08:12 am (GMT-04:00) Atlantic Time(Canada)

 hi eveyone, its killing me to send this news back , but had to withdrew today. the knee swelled up over night, guessing i sprained it, and the treatment in the desert is nill, no ice etc, so you just go to bed and hope for the best. Woke up in the morning and decided to give it a shot, a little risky as we were going into a caayon, so it would be tricky getting me out if i really hurt it, but i descided to try at least. I hobbled along and a one point it actually started to feel a little better, but all the ups and downs crawling over rocks wading thru the current from the streams wasnt, good i actually fell in once. I Finally got to the checkpoint in about 3 hours,  i know the math and i wasnt going to be getting any faster, so had withdraw. Its pretty crushing, 6 months of training and preperation all out the window, jumping down off a cliff. this was it my final shot so to speak, so i just have to suck it up. Total bummer. maybe the big guy upsatirs is telling me something and im just a slow learner. i guesss its just not in the cards. So ill sook around tonight and gather up all the positives, Got to see another great country, met some great people and raised some dollars for Royal Road Elemementary and Rugby team. Game plan get to hotel tonight, and make arrangement to try and get home by friday and back o the snow.  oh yeh and ice the knee.

Comments: Total (26) comments

Posted On: 28 Mar 2011 11:11 am

Hi Brian, sorry to hear that you had to drop out. I never got the chance to thank you properly back at camp for the help & assistance you gave me during all the river crossings we took on day 2 if it hadnt been for you i may have also never made it across that finish line....Thank you once again...hope you recover soon

Posted On: 20 Mar 2011 11:55 pm

Hi Brian, It's a week since the end of the race and I hope you are doing well. I enjoyed your company in the tent for those first 2 nights and we were all sorry to hear that the injury ended the race for you. The rest of it was fairly punishing, and not as picturesque as the first 2 days. Recover well, amigo. Keep the wind at your back.

Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 07:22 am

Jonesy, just got back from my vacation, which makes me feel quilty next to your worthwhile endeavour. Despite the injury and withdrawal you are a great example to the young and old guys alike and the club is proud of your will, desire and success (a marathon in the desert is 1 more marathon than I will ever do anywhere). Simon

Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:47 pm

Hi Brian! Sorry to hear that. But you've accomplished more than some people would in a lifetime. Hope to see you in Freddy! We need to catch up.

Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:59 am

Hey Brian - Just got back to my computer. You are an amazing man and have shown everyone what endurance really is. You have gone where no man (from Fredericton) has gone before! Way to go Mister! Love you - Cathy

Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 11:22 pm

:( very sorry to hear of this injury. What a bummer, as they say. Hopefully you have got lots of ice and a tensor bandage by now! I might assume though that immobiliaztion of the knee, a wheelchair (esp in airports ) and crutches to rest and take the weight off would be a good idea for the trip home. Hang in there. Thoughts on good luck* /bad luck..... IF this helped avoid something worse then it is good luck. * but only IF... Right now it is totally bad luck. Take care and mend well. Your strong spirit is an asset. No one would ever call you a quitter, for sure.

Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 09:12 pm

Hi Brian. I'm sure you're very disappointed, but celebrate the positives.... you raised money for a good cause, and you had the guts to try something that makes me nauseous just reading about. Careful with the knee. Congrats!

Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 06:13 pm

Hey Brian, Hang in there...hope the knee isn't hurting too much. Have been doing research on Atacama and what a beautiful, extraordinary spot. Just to see it would be such a thrill. Cheers

Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 04:09 pm

Hey Brian sorry to hear about that mate- took me right back to the Gobi last year! i thought i saw you on one of the photos- total bummer! im planning to do this race next year- sorry missed you in bejing-had a massive barney with the girlfriend at the airport! suffice to say were no longer together- have to concentrate on getting fit-am fat and slow at present- anyway look after yourself and see you in a far flung desert in the near future (you know the man will never let you give up!!)

Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 11:10 am

X0

Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 11:09 am

Hi Daddy, I love you very much. I hope your knee feels better. River xo

Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 11:07 am

I love you Daddy. I hope your knee feels better :)

Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 02:59 am

so sorry to hear this jonesy. There will be more crazy adventures in your future though, this is just a little detour, I guess.

Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 02:22 am

God Bri, that is awful news. I can't imagine how disappointed you must be. But I highly doubt this is the end for you :) Congratulations on attempting another crazy race!

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 09:55 pm

Hey Brian.. Sorry to hear the news about your knee.. The terrain with the salt flats doesn't get any easier so you made a smart decision. There will be plenty more adventures to come.

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 09:09 pm

Boo urns. Well at least you attempted something most of us will never do. Hope the knee gets better. Cheers

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 08:20 pm

Really sorry to hear this Brian but we'll be glad to have you back in one piece. Travel safely home and we'll catch up next week.

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 07:44 pm

Hey Brian - So sorry that you had to withdraw but SO glad you listened to your body! Enjoy the rest of your trip - see you when you get back!

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 07:42 pm

William A. Ward said, “Failure should be our teacher, not our undertaker. Failure is delay, not defeat. It is a temporary detour, not a dead-end street.” The reward is never in the destination, but always lies in the struggle - you know the struggle well, and that is ultimately your reward - ice the knee, rugby season starts in 2 months...

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 07:26 pm

Best to listen to your body Brian !! From the sounds of it you did well to hobble through the rest of Stage 1 ! Enjoy the rest of your time in Chile ! Angela

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 07:10 pm

Brian, so sorry to hear that you have withdrawn, but your health is the most important thing. You'll need your knees for years to come! There are so many people in the world who wouldn't even sign up for a race like this, so huge congratulations for getting this far. Have a large drink back at the hotel and look forward to other exciting challenges Luce

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 07:08 pm

Hey Jones, sorry to hear that you had to drop out. When you get back we can hit the gym to get ready for Rugby season. Call me when you get back.

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 06:19 pm

Brian I watched you hobble thru stage one,Cant believe you even attempted second day . You made the best decision.Tons of respect for you Jon

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 05:49 pm

Dear Brian, Well down for hobbling a third of stage 1 and congratulations for being so sensible of giving up. There will be so many more challenges to prove yourself. Health and life is the most important. My husband Nick is still hobbling and I am just so scared for him. He is a stubborn donkey. Lots of love, dinah

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 05:39 pm

Hi Brian Sorry to hear that you had to cut the trip short I am hurting just thinking about your knee. I am sure that your wife and kids will be glad to have you home We also need you at the bank,ha,ha !

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 04:19 pm

hi Brian, I know you must be disappointed but you did your best and your health is the most important.; Let me know about your reservations. Love You Mom

06 March 2011 07:05 am (GMT-04:00) Atlantic Time(Canada)

hi everyone. well  I stuck with plan to  walk the whole way. Man nothing is easy. The sun, altitude, wind and terrian is just brutal. i jumped down off a cliff at about 20km and hyperectendedn my knee. So I got up limping had a little temper tantrum, took my bag off , slammed it down, sat there an assessed  the damage. ANSWER not Sure. I limped15 k, got mad, then teared up, then just hobled along step after step. 15 km in the heat of the day is a long time when your hobling along. so it the first day, and still determined to move on to tommorrow. never quite. i keep telling myself. lots of highs and lows. The canyon was the worst loose gravel and rock is not great for the knee. If i have to be the last person in so be it. The good news only two blisters and one broken toes nail.. Royalda the mascot got a sunburn, i forgot to put sunburn on her ;)  Anyway i little hurtin today. it s a tought week ahead> tommmorrow there is a 500 meter water crossing, and 10 k or wading thru chest high grass. Game plan tonight eat stretch recover and lighten bag it cmae in at 31 lbs, just way to heavy need to get down to 24 tonight. less food for later in the week, but have to get to end of week. Also wear my loyalist took around camp, lots of interest from the brits, english and kiwis. we all love  to chat about the game. Fingers crossed i have better email tommorrow. sorry about spelling sun , and windstorm currently hiitting my face and have trouble seeing the screen.
 
cheers thanks for the emial and supprot.

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 07:43 pm

You did everything you could, Jonesy, and you accomplished a lot in the process. Everybody back here is proud of you.

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:48 pm

I just read the update that you withdrew . . . I know you must be disappointed but yet again you are getting to experience and see parts of the world that few have the opportunity to. Take pride in what you have accomplished and take comfort that you have 2 little girls that are going to be thrilled to see you when you get home. There's the real prize.

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:47 pm

Way to be a trooper Brian. I hear your pain. Walking is brutal. Stay strong and you'll get there. Keep it up!

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 02:03 pm

Brian: Stay focused. Finish....Long Slow Distance. Proud to call you my friend. DP

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 01:45 pm

Sounds like a rough day, take care of yourself. I am proud of you. Hope today is better and the knee holds up. Love you. Mom

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 01:13 pm

Sorry to hear about the injury. I am sure that you will recover and move on. Stay focused.

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 01:06 pm

Hey Brian - glad you got through stage one! I am sure that you are pushing your way through stage 2 as I write this - GOOD LUCK! You can do it! We are all thinking of you!

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 01:03 pm

Keep pushing Jonsie, you are a warrior! We had some good numbers out for our 7k run on Saturday, and your first day in the desert makes me realize how soft I am for stopping 3 times on the bridge run. Stay focused and keep us posted. -Matt

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 12:38 pm

Wow. You're a trooper. I think what you are doing is awesome. Some day I want to do something challenging too, just to say I could do it. Hang in there!

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:38 am

Sounds like a rough first stage... you can do it!!!! Stay to the game play. Read your cue cards.

05 March 2011 03:50 am (GMT-04:00) Atlantic Time(Canada)

Well today its off to the desert, fingers crossed next blog will be after stage one tommorrow. So off to be an egg in the frying pan so to speak. As well im pretty sure my new best friend will be pain hahha. feeling pretty good today , nomal jitters but just glad to get things underway. thanks for all the support, definately gives me strength over the long , hot days. . will chat tommorrow. bri

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 12:58 am

We see you got through day 1! Keep up the great work! Cheers

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 12:52 am

Good Luck Brian! We're rooting for you here at home.

Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 12:09 am

Good Luck Jonesy, I know you will do awesome out there, just keep your head up!

Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 08:33 pm

Praying and thinking of you!

Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 01:16 pm

Best of luck Brian! I can't imagine going that far in a race through a desert!!! We're all wishing you well. Cheers, Alan

Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 12:10 am

Best wishes for a successful outcome, Jones. Shake out those first day jitters tomorrow & crush this thing :)

Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 11:05 pm

Had 9 Loyalists do 9 kms in a show of support and solidarity for you in Freddy Beach Today - Enjoy the "Frying Pan"

Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 07:30 pm

I was in spin class with Katie this morning, Jonesy and when I started whining about my legs being sore I laughed thinking of what a wimp I would sound like to you! Happy travels into the desert!

05 March 2011 03:13 am (GMT-04:00) Atlantic Time(Canada)

thought id write tonight instead of in the morning things may be a bit busy. today i went into town took some photos of some shops and picked some presents up for my ladies. Walked around for a couple of hours. the air is still heavy, so this afternoon i decided to go for a 45 minuite jog, wow that was a good lung burner , kind of feels a lot like like asthma. glad i did it thought, lungs worked extra hard so hopefully got some extra blood in them. Got back and had a nice hot bath, and cleaned up and now feel pretty good. This place is unbelievable dry however, no wonder its the dryist place on earth.I drank like 6 litres of water today and my mouth is constantly dry. On my jog decided to climb up some trails and climbed a small mountain. There was a tourist booth at the bottom, anyway ran to the top with my ipod on, at the bottom there was some man yelling at me. I guess i was suppose to pay to go up the mountain. he wanted money and of course i didnt have any so just played stupid said no ablo esponial and put my ipod back on and starting running back to town. A little faster then noRmal pace I might add. He was fairly chubby so i didnt think he would overtake me, so i kepT trotting and could still here him yelling even thought my ipod was cranked. yikes. Anyway guilt got he better of me so when i got to the hotel told reception about it and they had a good chuckle. Said that guy was crazy and yells and screams all the time, and its only like $1 dollar to climb so not to worry about.it. so thats a relief. Tommorrow off to registration at noon, and then to desert at 3. Plan is to take a pizza with me for supper. one less freeze dried meal. may even get a couple of sandwhiches for breakfast, better then a bag of pouridge living the dream. thanks for the emails. they are like magic for the soul. ps I love you forest and river xo

Comments: Total (5) comments

Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 11:25 pm

Best of luck, big dog! Remember safety 1st.

Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 11:03 pm

Happy running; wish we could share some of this snow with you.

Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 03:51 am

The girls are always thinking of you. This morning the first thing out of Forest\'s mouth was \"Do you wish Daddy finishes the race?\". She is also very excited about the smartboards for the school. You are doing a good thing. Raena

Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 03:50 am

The girls are always thinking of you. This morning the first thing out of Forest's mouth was "Do you wish Daddy finishes the race?". She is also very excited about the smartboards for the school. You are doing a good thing. Raena

Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 11:42 pm

I'm proud of you already. Good luck on Sunday! Third times a charm ... Love, L.

04 March 2011 04:39 am (GMT-04:00) Atlantic Time(Canada)

hi everyone, happy friday. Yesterday was pretty low key, breathing was a little slow and energy down, probably from jet lag and altitude. Seemed to be better today. Yesterday went into town and bought a legionaire hate. got some sun, and packed and repacked my bags. nothing too exciting. Got a look at the salt flats yesterday, yikes they look impossible to traverse, without a lot of pain. it looks like hard coral for as far as the eye can see. look like it is hard to walk on let alon run. hate to trip and fall, as im thinking you woud get a nice gash. Glad i brought the ski poles and lots of vaseline for my feet. the unevern ground will create some doozy blisters. Last night went for some pizza with some fellow competitors, so that was nice. Today more packing and repacking, may actually go for a little jog and get some blood in lungs and achilles which has been unusually sore.  then I have to change rooms. Tommorrow is the big day. I think we do equiptment check around 12, then on a bus and climb another 3000 feet to camp one. Sleep in tents and race starts on Sunday at 8. Suspect i will be movin pretty slow with altitude and backpack will be pretty heavy.  thanks for all the support.

ps Yes I do have ROYALDA the royal road elementart school mascots little cousin. She is strapped tightly to my nap sack, also have my loyalist tooque as well, to represent.

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 04:28 am

the comment about the loyalist toque made me smile, Jonesy! Excited to hear how getting in the desert tomorrow goes! Keep up the positive attitude!

Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 11:30 pm

Hi Bri, Good luck Sunday . Things are going smooth here. The girls are going to spend a couple days withme this week. I am looking forward to it. Will be praying for you Be sure to listen to our body.. Love Mom

Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 08:32 pm

Hi Brian, Glad to hear Royalda is safe and secure. It all sounds pretty amazing.Take care of yourself. Cheers

Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 02:58 pm

Be sure to have lots of long chats with ROYALDA :). Kick butt !!

Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 12:56 pm

Have a good one Brian! The achilles pain is a nervousness manefestation. No doubt it will go away once you get moving. Don't forget to kiss your toenails before starting. Roy

Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 12:52 pm

All the best Brian - will be thinking of you on Sunday.

03 March 2011 04:17 am (GMT-04:00) Atlantic Time(Canada)

 Well two hour fight to Toronto, 8 hour layover in Toronto, 11 flight to Santiago, 4 hour layover there, 2 hour flight o Catama and a little over 1 hour bus ride. finally arrived.  So I can say I slept like a rock. Always amazes me I actually get here. This is the third continent. Africa, no engish arabic, no alphebet or numbrs. China, no english, chineese, no alphebet or numbers amd chille, a little more english and alphetbet and numbers, but still i amaze myself sometimes i actuall make filights and stuff.  ; ) Pretty jet lagged. hotel is cute, in the middle of desert, no tv for entertainment.  little huts with low level lighting. Sunny and looks like its going to be hot. Game plan today is take it easy to looking around, maybe get a message if possible. town is 7500 feet up, so legs and lungs are pretty heavy. One of my bags came late but did get here so am now pretty realxed that everything is here.  qick update for now, keyboard is missing half the letters so trying to type from memory, amazing i acutually know were the letters are haha

cheers Bri 

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 12:27 pm

And now the battle begins... "Do not pray for easy lives. Pray to be stronger men." John F. Kennedy No Retreat, No Surrender - I'm not sure you even know what those words mean - good luck

Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 10:35 am

Glad you made it safely. All the best!

Posted On: 03 Mar 2011 09:23 pm

Hi Brian, Glad you got there in one piece. Forest told me that some of your equipment did not arrive. I hope Little Royalda made it safely. Cheers,

Posted On: 03 Mar 2011 08:45 pm

Glad you & your gear got there alright! Good luck, Jones; pin the ears back & go!

Posted On: 03 Mar 2011 08:29 pm

Glad you made it. Get some rest and good luck.

Posted On: 03 Mar 2011 05:07 pm

Brian, glad to see your there and safe, hope u have a blast doing this . ps your a crazy man

Posted On: 03 Mar 2011 04:03 pm

So glad to hear you made it safe & sound-and all your luggage :)

Posted On: 03 Mar 2011 12:57 pm

Glad to hear that you arrived safe and sound!!

01 March 2011 07:22 am (GMT-04:00) Atlantic Time(Canada)

God please help the Air Canada staff get all my bags and me  to chilli. On time and with all my luggage :)

Comments: Total (4) comments

Posted On: 03 Mar 2011 01:25 am

Hope Air Canada came through for you and that you're safely on the ground by now. Stay safe and good luck.

Posted On: 02 Mar 2011 08:15 pm

Hope you arrived safely! Keep the blog posts coming! Good Luck Bri!

Posted On: 02 Mar 2011 04:10 pm

Amen !

Posted On: 02 Mar 2011 03:03 pm

Hey buddie, did you make it on time??? Hope so and in one piece. Remember, no pain, no gain. Although you don't need me to tell you that. All the best to you.

21 February 2011 05:39 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

 Ok starting to get pumped up. I think I have everything, just trying to do the packing logistics. Most on my training this time around has been on treadmill, so wont miss the 4-5 hours on a machine. My poor treadmill at home has really been taking a beating. Last night in fact smoke was starting to come out of it, so am taking some pride in the fact that I beat the treadmill.  Arrive in Chilli , San Pedro Wednesday night.

cheers

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 01 Mar 2011 06:53 pm

Good luck Jonesy, we will need to have a few cold ones when you get back.

Posted On: 01 Mar 2011 01:14 pm

Seriously. You need a manager and it should be me. I can get you the best desert races. good luck buddy. We will be watching and reading.

Posted On: 01 Mar 2011 01:10 am

Walking through all this snow must have been good practice for the adventure that lies ahead, Jonesy! Congratulations on taking on another challenge - you're one heck of a Loyalist!

Posted On: 01 Mar 2011 12:07 am

Hey Jonesy, great to see you taking on another crazy adventure race. I envy your will to take these challenges on. Best of luck on this one, can't wait to hear how the experience goes!

Posted On: 24 Feb 2011 04:08 pm

You Busted the Treadmill - now you have to bust the salt lakes, lava flows and sand. If anybody can do it I know you can, remeber no rides from helpful camera men this time. Go Jonesy Go

Posted On: 23 Feb 2011 01:31 pm

best of luck Brian

13 February 2011 06:11 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

  So got up yesterday for planned 5 hour hike/ran, weather forcast was not to encouraging, - 23. Yikes that is cold even for me. Well got moving, its easy to jog when its -23 :). however with so many layers on, running on snow and ice ,  its more of a shuffle. About two hours in it started to snow, which usuaully means things are warming up , yeh.   Anyway things are not that bad, finally I came to a hill, running on snow coverred sidewaks etc, is much like running in the sand in the Sahara. Back to the hill it looked pretty steep, but didnt seem too bad, then i hit a patch of ice and the fun broke out, I leaned back, then foreward ,then back again , pretty impressed with myself that I kept my balance for like a 30 foot slide, then hit a rut so i lean back, then foreward, but this time when i leaned foreward the 30 pound back pack went up and foreward, which drove my head stright down to the ice, I managed to get my hands out to protect my Brad Pitt good looks :), but went head over heals three , maybe fours times. Well I layed there for about 10 seconds wondering if anything was hurt, but nothing was. Just dusted myself off and carried on. When a tree falls in the  forest does anyone here it ?? Same thing if you have a classic wipe out , unless of course you blog about it :).  anyway feels like im training for Antartica not Atacama. I'm sure my body will be extra messed up the altitude change and 60-70 Celcius temperature change :). Can't wait.

Did manage to break a couple of toe nails, so I guess thats two less to worry about./

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 28 Feb 2011 06:53 pm

Good Luck...............keep warm

31 January 2011 09:49 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

 Ok signed up and in for Atacama 2011.  Can't wait. This blog is more of a test . Chat later

Comments: Total (0) comments