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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2011
7
PostsAtacama Crossing (2011) blog posts from Andrew Fedrigo
11 March 2011 06:36 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Made it!!!!!! That only took 17 1/2 hours. What a day. First section was through 15km of the Coral Salt flats. The most mentally challenging stage so far. Was pretty much a broken unit looking at 61km to go. Struggled big time. It's the crap food and severe lack of sleep that make this bloody thing so difficult. Lucky to be getting an hours rest. Race starts at 8am most mornings. It's amazing how long it can take to pack a fork into a bag. And what's the deal with the bag not getting any lighter??? 5 days in and it's still heavy.
I'm officially calling this the 'Atacama Surely Race'. It happens every time, you think around the bend that Surely the next checkpoint will be there. And NO it isn't. It's still that fricken oasis in the distance. Some of the feats of human dundurance here are just amazing. My hat goes off to the front runners for giving this a solid running effort where possible. More to that is the slower walkers who arrive at camp late at night and do it all again, straight away the next morning. The sun over here is demoralising and the're in it all day long, day after day.
It's like a scene out of a michael jackson film clip here at the moment. Bandages hanging off people left right and centre. The shuffle to the toilets is no faster than a Sushi train. I've conveniently got 2 open blisters between my big toes and a new massive one on my right foot. I lay awake this morning commenting on a tent mates technique in oozing blisters. Oh yeah, and I stink!!! It's hideous.
Finally got some sleep last night after the long stage. 4 hours of the most bliss time ever spent in a desert. Doing my best to eat. man it's hard. Keeping rehydrated with the electrolytes seemed to stem the cramps some what last night when I hit the bag. Delirium kicked in and I won't even go to where my mind was at mentally during that hour. Still pretty shagged. Word on the street is here that the final stage tomorrow is 10km and not 16km into San Pedro. Greatest thing I've ever heard.
So this will be my last post before crossing the finish line. I really can't say thank you enough for writing me during this journey. You're all very dear to my heart and I look forward to sharing this experience with you all. It's been a huge journey in mental fortitude and will power. It still seems surreal that I'm in a desert writing to you.
Bring on the beer and pizza.
Love,
Andrew
I'm officially calling this the 'Atacama Surely Race'. It happens every time, you think around the bend that Surely the next checkpoint will be there. And NO it isn't. It's still that fricken oasis in the distance. Some of the feats of human dundurance here are just amazing. My hat goes off to the front runners for giving this a solid running effort where possible. More to that is the slower walkers who arrive at camp late at night and do it all again, straight away the next morning. The sun over here is demoralising and the're in it all day long, day after day.
It's like a scene out of a michael jackson film clip here at the moment. Bandages hanging off people left right and centre. The shuffle to the toilets is no faster than a Sushi train. I've conveniently got 2 open blisters between my big toes and a new massive one on my right foot. I lay awake this morning commenting on a tent mates technique in oozing blisters. Oh yeah, and I stink!!! It's hideous.
Finally got some sleep last night after the long stage. 4 hours of the most bliss time ever spent in a desert. Doing my best to eat. man it's hard. Keeping rehydrated with the electrolytes seemed to stem the cramps some what last night when I hit the bag. Delirium kicked in and I won't even go to where my mind was at mentally during that hour. Still pretty shagged. Word on the street is here that the final stage tomorrow is 10km and not 16km into San Pedro. Greatest thing I've ever heard.
So this will be my last post before crossing the finish line. I really can't say thank you enough for writing me during this journey. You're all very dear to my heart and I look forward to sharing this experience with you all. It's been a huge journey in mental fortitude and will power. It still seems surreal that I'm in a desert writing to you.
Bring on the beer and pizza.
Love,
Andrew
09 March 2011 06:07 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Hey gang, Day 4 done. I'm hoping these blogs are going through. Just read a whole bunch of your comments. Absolutlely loving them. Today started out in dunes, then rocks, then more snad, then the infamous salt flats. Think of it as running across sharp coral for 14km. Really really tired, sleeping in the tents is real tough. 76km stage to do tomorrow. Finish line in sight aned going to power through tomorrow. 16km for the last stage doesn't sound like much but the 6km final stage today was nothing short of horendous. Bliwster update - yep I have more. A few broken people are hobbling into camp now. I think 21 at this stage have dropped out. Hoping my Aussie tent mate is OK. Yet to come in and time is running out. Today was agin brutal. Really reALLYy hot.
Try to eat some food now. Looking forward to the next post after I've finished the long stage. Wish me luck.
Andrew.
Try to eat some food now. Looking forward to the next post after I've finished the long stage. Wish me luck.
Andrew.
Comments: Total (23) comments
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 01:37 am
Freddy, well done on finishing stage 5. The final stage will be a stroll in the park. I hope you got your footy tips in!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 01:30 am
UNBELIEVABLE! You're a star. Xo
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 11:09 pm
Hi Andrew, brilliant effort...this final leg will seem like a walk in the park. Hope all went well with your nutrition plan - I look forward to having a chat when you get back. Cheers for now and well done!! Rebecca
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 10:45 pm
Andrew - mammoth effort mate! 17.5hrs in one go - unbelievable, tomorrow's 16km is going to be so easy for you, I think you should do it twice :)
You must be meeting some amazing people - I saw some people had times of 24hrs....I dont know how they have it in them to keep going.
Good luck for the last stage
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 12:55 pm
Swinger, you have finished stage 6 - what an awesome achievement. I can't imagine what it would have been like to conquer that in the time you have done - well done. 16 km to go. Should be a walk in the park by now.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 07:37 am
awsome work freddy, your nearly there, keep going mate....
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:48 am
Hey mate
right there with you for the long stage - NOT! Fantastic work mate. Don't feel bad about the fact that our work has fallen apart since you've gone. Ali says she's missing you - go figure. Good luck with the next few days mate. You were a legend in my eyes even before you embarked on this adveture. Cheers Cots x
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 10:02 am
Hey Andrew,
You are doing super awesome (great english). Wishing you the best of luck for the long one tomorrow but just think how far you have come and how much closer to that finish line you will be tomorrow. Stay strong take care of those blisters and we will hear from you tomorrow when you finished the big one!! Sending lots of restful vibes your way. What you are accomplishing is nothing short of AMAZING. xox
P.S hope the other aussie made it in ok (let us know)
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 08:38 am
Loving the updates Andrew.... and the comments that follow :p
Jason has taken up the job of funny man :p its all so entertaining! haha love ya work - Good Luck with the next stage xx
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 06:57 am
Freddy, good luck for tomorrow. If a 65 year old potato farmer in Cliff Young can run from Sydney to Melbourne, you'll be fine. Just shuffle along. Just think of tomorrow as a job from the city to the Blue Mountains.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 06:56 am
Hi Andrew,
Congratulations on completing the foist 'arf-from now on, it's all downhill mate.During the second half, you don't have to bend it like Beckham
anymore.Now you can belt them like Benji.Go the Tigers!!!
All the best.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 06:40 am
Hey Bro, good luck for the long leg tomorrow, have you started having conversations with yourself yet?? I hear that is common place amongst ultramarathon runners, just make sure you don't get into any arguments... Lil Sis
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 06:39 am
Unit, well done pal. It appears there are some hackers on these blogs and I have some reported chafing issues. Anyway, good luck with yours as I am not running through sand. 76km sounds unbelievable and best wishes for it. Looking forward to tomorrow's update.
Perko's
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 06:28 am
Sorry I did not get to comment on here yesterday but you are doing so well not that I would expect anything else from you you have always finished what you started as far as I know any way so good luck and keep strong thinking of you best wishes Leonie and Paul
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 06:09 am
Well done but please look after yourself . We have seen a photo of you from the official website (but not your feet). we will be anxiously following the next stage. Love Mum and Dad
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 05:52 am
Hey Freddy, nearly there mate just keep at it and be strong
Mick
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 05:36 am
Freddy, I have blisters, chaffing and tiredness also. It was Sydney Mardi Gras on the weekend!!! You missed a fabulous weekend - we had a divine time with Phil, Brendan and a few big african american boys!!!! Remeber those guy?
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 05:30 am
Freddo, good effort buddy - not long now and you will sitting down to a big steak and pouring back some ice cold lager - how good will it be? Just keep on going mate.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 05:01 am
Freddy, you are indeed a trooper!!! Good luck on the big one tomorrow mate. We will all be thinking of you. Hang tough.
Mark, Mel and Cooper.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 04:46 am
Good luck with the long stage. Will be thinking of you when at the Rag and Famish having a wet lunch. As for the South America girls, what is the deal with you Seiji. Anything you need to share with us or is it more a case of "what happens on tour stays on tour"??? And is Scott McMurtrey trying to turn this into the Atacama menage e trois. I suppose whatever makes you comfortable at night. Seriously, keep it going. Well bloody done.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 03:03 am
Mate, hope the advertising on the shirts are holding up. Expecting a few calls over the next few weeks. You seem to have this thing down pat. It all sounds like your taking it in your stride. Well done, great attitude. remember
" Accept all the challenges so that you can feel the exhilaration of victory"
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 02:56 am
in reference to Rob's comment...not so sure that telling the South American girls that you were crazy enough to attempt this marathon will win them over - then again they may think you are a super hero...tough call.... regardless, dont show them your busted feet!
Good luck with the next stage!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 02:34 am
Nearly there, good luck on the super long stage 5. Your sister and I wish you the best.
Just think of the stories you'll have to help with picking up the South American Girls.
08 March 2011 06:17 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Hello, interupting a double serve of 2 minute noodles which is going to take close to an hour or more to eat. A fellow tent mate mentioned in his blog that if the race finished today it would be without a doubt the hardest thing he's ever done. Agree with that c0mpletely. Today was brutal. I think I finished in 8 hours, really have no clue. The ground we wnt along was just too intense. Everyonne in camp is feeling the effects. One can only hope that I can get some rest tonight. Sleeping is a real mission in the tents on the hard ground. I don't know how it is that the Atacama Desert has every rock strategically placed to inflict maximum impact. Got some more blisters today, funnily enough. Unfortunately one of our Chilean tent mates has dropped out today. Apparently I have salt marks all the way down my face, thanks to a fellow blogger.
Righto, have to go and try and consume this food. I measured the amount of breaths back home it would take to inflate my air mattress. It was 11. Currently it's t 20+. Still people out on the course at the moment. Unbelievable.
Cheers,
Andrew.
Righto, have to go and try and consume this food. I measured the amount of breaths back home it would take to inflate my air mattress. It was 11. Currently it's t 20+. Still people out on the course at the moment. Unbelievable.
Cheers,
Andrew.
Comments: Total (18) comments
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 12:34 am
Your doing great Andrew almost to the finish. Keep it up
we are very proud of you Aunty Del send her love & bset wishes
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 10:39 pm
I have chafe in my bottom
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 12:07 pm
Hey Andrew,
Sounds like today was one of the hardest yet (according to yours and other Blogs). You got through it well done. Keep up the good work you are half way there and at least they haven't made you climb up the sand dunes yet :-P. Spoke to Betty today and updated her on everything going on (much easier than trying to give her the web address and explain how to get to your blog LOL) She said it sounds great and Kate's pics (she is sharing them on facebook) are amazing. Oh and she said harden up about the toenail (after asking several times if you will be alright to go on and if your in pain to which I answered you seemed to be coping ok)
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 12:05 pm
Hey Andrew,
Sounds like today was one of the hardest yet (according to yours and other Blogs). You got through it well done. Keep up the good work you are half way there and at least they haven't made you climb up the sand dunes yet :-P. Spoke to Betty today and updated here a everything going on (much easier than trying to give her the web address and explain how to get to your blog LOL) She said it sounds great and Kate's pics (she is sharing them on facebook) are amazing. Oh and she said harden up about the toenail (after asking several times if you will be alright to go on and if your in pain to which I answered you seemed to be coping ok)
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 10:25 am
Oh my! Well, hopefully u can look away from your nail-less toes long enough to take in the scenery. Just think- half way done and when you're finished, what a story to tell!!! X
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 09:52 am
Freddy, just so you are aware Tim Sheens has picked Matt Utai on the wing for the tigers this week. Geez if he can get a start you might be a hope for next season!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 09:39 am
Andrew, apologies for the delay in responding to your fan letters. You are an inspiration and you look great in the photo.
Ricki xx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 09:13 am
You are amazing.Reading what you are going through makes us so proud to know you.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 08:57 am
Hi Andrew,
So pleased you survived stage 3 with both your pinky and dinky intact.
Always maintain your pinky di and dinky di status whatever happens.
As Tony Abbott would say, even if shit happens!!!
Aussie, Aussie ,Aussie,
Oi Oi Oi.
P.S. Glad we ain't there.
Ken and Denise
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 07:58 am
Hey bro Craker effort today, Hope the old bones are not too sore. keep up the good work
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 07:53 am
Andrew, I have chafing after 18 holes. Keep going there is an end in sight. Maybe you should bum a smoke from your Japanese mate, it seems to be working for him.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:50 am
Freddy. Just something for the followers. Guys if you go into the following video under Stage 1 -
Startline of Stage 1 of the 7th annual Atacama Crossing
You will notice Freddy Bib number 35 towards the end of the video.
Onya mate looking good.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:36 am
Hi Andrew
Well done again. Look after those blisters and think happy thoughts.
Love from Dad and Mum
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 03:55 am
please call me Suzy from now on.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 03:27 am
I have gas and I am unwell.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 03:26 am
no text?
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 03:25 am
Freddy, sounds like you need some words of wisdom ' "the pastures are long and green". Not sure if I remembered that correctly but I hope that helps and inspires you through those long sandy days. Your ranking is impressive mate - keep it up - you are doing Parramatta Eels proud.
Have you started talking to yourself yet?
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:56 am
Head up mate. Just reading your adventure today suggests that you are still very positive. There is no doubt you will be the first Kings Langley Junior to be completing this killer of a journey. Mate, instead of looking forward to future stages you might be now thinking of the long haul ahead. You now know what to expect and it might be playing with your mind a little, so remember "Courage is the power to let go of the familiar".
Go get em champion.
07 March 2011 06:40 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Stage 2 done. You ripper. A tough day which lasted 10 hours. You think of so many things to say along the race and get to this computer and have nothing. Was a tough slog, again the scenery is out of control. You try and take as much of it as you can. Tomorrow apparently is one of the hardest. Conflicting reports as some say today was really tough. The sand dunes we went down were the largest I'll ever see. Waiting for the stage where they make us go up them. Surely they can't but you never know. Bweginning of today was through a long river canyon. We had to criss cross that for about an hour. Feet soaked. Looks like the first toe nail casualty is soon amongst us. Pinky on left to is on its last legs. Having a needle put through your toe nail is a breeze compared to the rest of the day. Sleeping at nights is no easy feat. Feeze dried meals are tasting better and better. I might add though that Skim milk powdeer does not tastel like skim milk. A number of people have pulled out of the race today. Tough going. And my Japanese mate from yesterday with the cigarette decided to spark one up during the race right in front of me. The guy's a machine with the largest back pack in the field. Complete with kites. Some great characters here and making plenty of friends. Sun going down, time for a sleep. Here's hoping. Loving the blog posts from you all.
Andrew.
Andrew.
Comments: Total (22) comments
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 10:39 pm
OMG what an amazing experience! The closest i'll ever get to the experience is reading your blogs so keep 'em coming, im living through you!
What do they set up at the camp site for you? is it just the tent? how many sleep in the tent? i saw the pic of you japenese friend, Seiji. I could tell it was him with the cigarette - nice to put a face to the name..
impressed that the internet works in the dessert, obviously not telstra!
Take Care, we are all so proud of you xx love elle
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 10:31 pm
Hey mate, I agree with perko, sounds like a whinge, 10 hours thats not even a whole shift at work... Haha. Well done champ. Be strong and just remember their is plenty of powder skim milk at home
Mick Canty
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 09:18 pm
So are you tempted to ask the Japanese dude for a cigarette? Who knows, they might be "special", hence his ability to work like a camel. And I hope you are going to do something memorable with the toe nail i.e. sign it and attach it to your pack. Good luck with Day 3.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 12:38 pm
Keep up the awesome work. Nearly at the 1/2 way mark on the leaderboard. Looks like some awesome views & also some damn hardwork. Keep going strong and hope the other toe nails manage to survive the next 4 rounds xo
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 10:58 am
Freddo, glad to hear you are going well mate. I bet after all that freeze dried tucker you are laying some serious "desert cable" OR is it the opposite? Poor bugger!. Keep on going and don't forget to say hello to your Japanese mate for me. Coley
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 10:17 am
Andrew,
Denise would like to dissassociate
herself from all Ken's comments about your little pinky, and especially,
about your little dinky.
Hang in there.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 10:08 am
WOOO HOOO GO COUSIN ANDREW !!!!
i know you can do it keep going strong , you are doing really well so far :)
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 09:58 am
Hey Andrew seems like your having a good time, you are doing really well. Good luck for the next round :)
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 09:55 am
Hi Andy,
Being on the rocks is much better than being all at sea.
As for your little pinky, make sure you look after it, and don't forget to look after your little dinky as well.
All the best Freddy.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 09:40 am
Hi Andrew you are doing so well as for the toe nail at least you lost yours in an interesting way where as mum's was not so compelling . Keep going strong we know you can do it.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 06:38 am
I can't believe your over there doing this race. Is there any good looking women in the race..would like an update.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 06:34 am
Well done mate, a massive effort and proud of ya. look forward to following your blog and stattus on a daily basis. See if you can get your mug on more of the races website photos for each stage. Good luck for stage 3 and the rest of the race.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 06:08 am
Congrats on another stage finished mate. Have decided to name the baby when he arrives Freddy jr in your honour! Actually, better run that past Ali first. Good luck for the hard slog tomorrow.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 05:51 am
Hey Andrew, what happened to the high tech socks? At least Shank's Pony (your legs) is still pulling its weight. Rest up, stay well and see what tomorrow brings. Be sensible, love Mum & Dad
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 05:19 am
Freddy,
Massive effort mate. Congrats on finishing stage 2. Sounds like you need to get some of those walking poles, just to look heaps cool. Go for the fluro colours so they get noticed!
Take Care,
Mark, Mel & Cooper.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 04:21 am
Wow! I thought you'd conk out after day 1! Ha! Impressive. Can't wait to see your nail-less toes.
Seriously, you are kicking ass- keep it up. We are all in awe over here!.....Sienna says keep going uncle Freddy!!!!
Xo
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 04:15 am
Run freddie Run, you are doing amazing...cant imagine doing a marathon everyday, but you my friend are living the dream. Keep it up.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 04:13 am
Andrew, great to see you are moving up the leaderboard. Why haven't you got walking poles like the other punters. Maybe that will stop your toenails from dropping off. Keep going, each day is a new goal and another achievement.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 03:54 am
Andrew, I think you should lighten your load by putting some of your stuff in the Japanese Guy's bag - he probably won't notice :)
Good luck for tomorrow!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 03:08 am
Nice work mate. looking like your getting into it champ. Good to see your still positive about it all. You make it out to be easy but i am sure it is not. Mate - "Celebrate what you've accomplished, but raise the bar a little higher each time you succeed"
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 03:04 am
Hey bro, great to hear you are still going strong. losing a toenail or two may actually improve the appeance or your hideous looking feet . Cant wait to see how the rest of the race goes.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 02:46 am
Hey mate, is that a whinge?
Great news you got through stage 2 - I kept updating the net to see when you were finishing and I figured today must have been an especially tough one.
I found two action photos of you on the atacama website - thought this run would get rid of your double chins?
06 March 2011 07:00 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Where on earth do you start. Well good news is that I have finished stage 1 in just under 7 hours. 35km today across hell. The terrain under foot was brutal, nothing but rocks and soft gravel. Feet have turned out OK. I'm not going to jinks it as I have one starting to form on my little toe. Camp one last night was bitterly cold. We started this morning at 10,600 feet and finished up today at 8,600. Myself and a Japanes guy were at a similar pace, and I've just seen him sitting by the camp fire having a cigarette. What the hell??? The scenery is just out of this world, unfortunately most of the time you're staring at your feet. They have nice rocks over here. Tomorrow is 45km I think. Really don't care as it's all a long way. Came into this wanting to run a fair bit, that got knocked out. Just being able to finish this thing will be unbelievable. Big hits for the day were a tourist family i9n the middle of nowhere saying that we only had 1km to go. If I ever see them again tehy will be in massive danger. ! km my backside. More like 5 and up hill through a stinking hot canyon. As I write this there are still people arriving, amazing. They,ve just spent close to 13hours in torture. Really wanting to give you more r5ight now but I have an exciting date with a porta loo. Can't wait. Forgiv4e spelling mistakes. Fading fast.
Andrew. p.s. thanks for you blog comments. Great to hear from you all back home.
Andrew. p.s. thanks for you blog comments. Great to hear from you all back home.
Comments: Total (14) comments
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 01:46 am
Andrew,
Well done mate.....stay tough and hang in there - super effort indeed.
Cheers,
Broady.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 01:34 am
your entry is cracking me up! hang in there. you are doing great!!! take it all in!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 10:06 pm
Well done mate. Mate, everywork for the team on the road we come up with a quote so we have decided to post Freddys quote everyday. So Freddy's quote of the day is -
The best way to predict your future is to create it.
See you tomorrow champ.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 09:26 pm
Hi Andrew well done hang in there think pleasant thoughts Jan and Rod
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 08:58 pm
Champion effort. From now on, anyone I ever hear of complaining of having to move the Cortina to get to the Torana to drive to the shops, I will remind them of this bloke I know who once ran across the desert just to get to the next porta-loo. But keep it up, we are thinking of you back home.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 12:05 pm
You are doing so well Andrew. For every bit of pain (I am sure there is alot) keep in mind what you are achieving it amazing. As for the people who told who had 1km left I think you should toss them down the rocks (give you something a little more interesting to watch lol). Keep up the good work xoxo
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 09:54 am
Freddy, we're super excited to see your first blog. Well done buddy on getting through day one of 7. Sounds like you have experienced some fine hill runs which make the ones we used to do at football training look 2nd rate. It's taken you to do this to finally agree with me that hill runs rock!! Keep up the good work mate and we are all thinking of you.
Mark, Mel and Cooper.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 07:31 am
Freddy, top work mate. Keep it going! Ben.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 07:29 am
Wow you actually ran through the desert... This whole time i thought you were running off on a drinking trip Good luck all the best xox Little Sis
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 05:52 am
Well done you are a little crazy I think but this is your thing so keep going strong like I know you will.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 04:30 am
Andrew, great effort good luck for the marathon tomorrow, I can taste the beer for you if you like. You'll deserve a few come the end. Haynesy & Claire
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 04:28 am
Good luck Andrew! Hopefully the port-a-loos are clean; you've endured enough for one day. Im very impressed; I thought our 20km school walk-a-thons were torture. Cheers, Mick Bragg
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 04:02 am
Go! Andrew, go! We've been waiting anxiously for that time to go up on the board. You have stamina. Pace yourself! Love Mum & Dad
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:09 am
Freddy, well done mate. A huge effort and another 6 days of bashing the body ahead. Well done pal. Perko & Beck
05 March 2011 05:20 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
G'day all,
Finally made it into camp for the first night before the race. Scenery is out of this world. Have managed to stomach the first freeze dried meal. Altitude is interesting in the fact that the brain cells work slower than usual, not an easy feat. The past week in San Pedro has been great to meet with a whole bunch of fellow competitors. Not feeling so crazy after all, this is a unique bunch and happy to be part of it all. Most of the talk is about blister prevention, so the first thing I do when I walk out of the tent is cut my toe on a stick. I blame the altitude for the lack of coordination. A fellow runner had us clocked at 10,900 feet on the bus on the way up. Even our bus refused and conked out. Pretty amazing toilet stop, standing in the middle of the Atacama Desert looking at a volcano and relieving the copious amounts of water the dry heat is sucking out of your body. Good way to introduce yourself to the tent mates. You some what feel you've lost the plot when you're up in the late hours of the night popping holes in 50gm packets of energy bars to try and reduce the amount of space in your backpack. Believe me, you times that by 15 packets and you get to fit in an extra tea bag. Life's taken a weird twist. There's a Japanese film crew here for a big show back in Japan, game is now on to become famous by doing something stupid. All suggestions are welcome. Please note that the way this blog system works is that they print out sheets of all the comments received at the end of the day and everyone can read what has been written to you, I know that this has opened the doors to a few back home to stitch me up. All I ask is be gentle. Cheers all, 35km to go on the first stage tomorrow. Will be taking it pretty easy. The air certainly is thin. Time for some 2 minute noodles and discuss how to compress a freeze dried meal.
Andrew.
Finally made it into camp for the first night before the race. Scenery is out of this world. Have managed to stomach the first freeze dried meal. Altitude is interesting in the fact that the brain cells work slower than usual, not an easy feat. The past week in San Pedro has been great to meet with a whole bunch of fellow competitors. Not feeling so crazy after all, this is a unique bunch and happy to be part of it all. Most of the talk is about blister prevention, so the first thing I do when I walk out of the tent is cut my toe on a stick. I blame the altitude for the lack of coordination. A fellow runner had us clocked at 10,900 feet on the bus on the way up. Even our bus refused and conked out. Pretty amazing toilet stop, standing in the middle of the Atacama Desert looking at a volcano and relieving the copious amounts of water the dry heat is sucking out of your body. Good way to introduce yourself to the tent mates. You some what feel you've lost the plot when you're up in the late hours of the night popping holes in 50gm packets of energy bars to try and reduce the amount of space in your backpack. Believe me, you times that by 15 packets and you get to fit in an extra tea bag. Life's taken a weird twist. There's a Japanese film crew here for a big show back in Japan, game is now on to become famous by doing something stupid. All suggestions are welcome. Please note that the way this blog system works is that they print out sheets of all the comments received at the end of the day and everyone can read what has been written to you, I know that this has opened the doors to a few back home to stitch me up. All I ask is be gentle. Cheers all, 35km to go on the first stage tomorrow. Will be taking it pretty easy. The air certainly is thin. Time for some 2 minute noodles and discuss how to compress a freeze dried meal.
Andrew.
Comments: Total (4) comments
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 02:08 am
Freddy, parra beat the pies, benji marshall got arested and liverpool smashed man u. Good thing your in the desert I'd say! Keep at it mate and be strong
Mick" hindmarsg" Canty
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 01:55 am
Freddy, i am walking from my desk to the toilet. WOW, what a view. Paperwork and computers. Really trying to find the strength to just get through that pain barrier of the last 5 metres.
Trust me mate, no matter how much pain you are in you will always be in a better place than the sound of keyboards and the smell of someones left over dinner steaming out of the office microwave.
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 08:39 pm
Did the toe need to be stitched up? This is the experience of a lifetime for you, enjoy it, have fun, make great mates, take lots of pictures, test yourself to your limits but please make this experience the one and only one. Come home safe and well. All our love, Mum & Dad.
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 03:40 am
Got my first challange in Nepal at the end of the year.
I will be keen to see how you and all the competitors progress.
Good luck !
Paul
Perth, Australia
26 February 2011 05:20 am (GMT+10:00) Canberra, Melbourne, Sydney
Three days till departure to San Pedro and loving it. Putting the final touches on all my equipment. This week has been a case of culinary roulette with sampling a few freeze dried meals for the race. Found two good options. And if I ever find the chef for some of the others I tasted, I will slap them (hard!).
It's been an amazing ride so far. I've never learned so much about nutrition and correct techniques for training. Running with a backpack seems natural, scarily so. I struggle just as much without as I do with these days, weird. If you had mentioned ITB 6 months ago I'd have thought you were trying to sell me shares in a Scottish bank. And who'd have thought that a fly spray can would help fix it?
Fitting all my equipment into my back pack seems an impossible task. But hey, if they can fit 21 Malaysian students into a Mini, I'm sure I can figure it out. After visiting numerous sports and adventure gear stores around Sydney, you get used to the blank look on the retail staffs faces when you ask in depth questions on how a certain product will work in the driest place in the world for 7 days.
Now I've got the blog up and running I'm super excited to be thinking ahead of when I'm in the middle of the desert doing the same. The encouragement and support of family and friends has been a blessing. Thank you all for providing more inspiration than you'll ever know. I'll be doing my very best to keep you posted along the way.
It's been an amazing ride so far. I've never learned so much about nutrition and correct techniques for training. Running with a backpack seems natural, scarily so. I struggle just as much without as I do with these days, weird. If you had mentioned ITB 6 months ago I'd have thought you were trying to sell me shares in a Scottish bank. And who'd have thought that a fly spray can would help fix it?
Fitting all my equipment into my back pack seems an impossible task. But hey, if they can fit 21 Malaysian students into a Mini, I'm sure I can figure it out. After visiting numerous sports and adventure gear stores around Sydney, you get used to the blank look on the retail staffs faces when you ask in depth questions on how a certain product will work in the driest place in the world for 7 days.
Now I've got the blog up and running I'm super excited to be thinking ahead of when I'm in the middle of the desert doing the same. The encouragement and support of family and friends has been a blessing. Thank you all for providing more inspiration than you'll ever know. I'll be doing my very best to keep you posted along the way.
Comments: Total (9) comments
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 05:17 am
Good luck and enjoy every moment. You are an inspiration.
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 12:50 am
Good luck Freddie,
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 12:09 am
Good luck Freddy.
Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 10:44 pm
Hi Andrew good luck were thinking of you
Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 08:05 pm
Good luck Freddy!!, what an experience.
Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 04:12 am
Good luck, best wishes & safe journey from all the Braggs & Machins
Posted On: 03 Mar 2011 02:56 am
See, I DO read your blogs!! Good luck my friend...hope training went well on the plane.
Waiting for the stories.....stay warm!
Xo
Posted On: 02 Mar 2011 07:03 pm
Have fun, stay safe and good luck!
love
Mum & Dad
Posted On: 01 Mar 2011 10:17 pm
Good luck champ. with you all the way.
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