Blisters, Vomit, and a Hero
 
apologies for the lack of a blog yesterday but things got a little bit emotional on day 3 for your chile runners...
 
Blister count - high
vomit count - 20 - 1 for rossco, lambo leads the way
IV drips - 1
 
day 3
 
It was all going pretty well, a brisk pace had the chile runners covering the first 6 miles in about an hour and a half, but it all went downhill from there... as we pulled into checkpoint 2 -a low point as lambo was sick for about the 4th time of the day so the medical staff put in a mandatory 30 minute stop on him, with blisters and the heat approaching, an emotional decision was made to release the whippet doddsy, and grandad cheets to run free on stages 3 and 4... Doddsy did incredibly well and managed to climb the leaderboard and finished 36th, cheets trundled in even allowing himself the luxury of a lie down in an irrigation channel for about 20 minutes... meanwhile back down the track ross the hero stirling who somehow has no blisters and no sickness and very little sunburn as he is covered head to toe in white lycra looking a bit like a popular form of contraception, and pukey boy lambo set off from checkpoint 2 with a further 14 miles to complete in the heat of the day with some sand dunes like out of the stars wars films - in lambos words it was a bit of a hang out...The sad decision to head of as individuals has proved to be the best decision as we are all finding our natural pace on the terrain, given the foot troubles and sickness. Waiting anxiously at camp Dodsy saw cheets stomp over the finish line and straight in to a man hug....followed by Rossco, who ran over the finish line at the top of a massive sand dune dumped his bag grabbed some water and ran back down to help out David "the machine" Lambert. Lambo went straight to the medical tent for an IV drip. The volunteer at the finish line was very supportive and commented "that was all a bit dramatic" the word rhymes with job... sadly steve - one of the beckenham boys who weve struck up a bit of banter with and is an honorary chile runner was withdrawn by the medical staff at checkpoint 3 due to some chronic blisters and having a few chunks cut out of his feet in the medical tent, we look forward to catching a pint with him on saturday
 
Despite not finishing the day as a team, we are still a team in banter and spent the evening keeping our tent mates amused with random banter and by also introducing the yanks to the thrills of pik pok on the iphone (or they may have been politely laughing).
 
Stage 4
 
With the state of the team, the decision was made for doddsy, rossco and stuart - another beckenham boy - to run together, meanwhile cheets and lambo, were to set off with giles another beckenham boy... the decision paid off as the hero stirling waltzed in in 15 th place, with doddsy about an hour later... cheets and lambo both finished, lambo even managed to run for the first time in about 2 days and was only sick 3 times so things are looking up for tmw. The run today took us over the most brutal terrain we have experienced out here, the salt flats, the best way to describe them is running on coral for 3 hours. Dodsy and Cheets suffered with their feet being destroyed but Rossco's size 14's smashed everything in front of them. cheets is the hero of the day considering the state of his blisters though which were torn apart over the brutal salt flats... but the team is all back in - many man hugs, high fiving, and bromance in the camp.
 
Despite the battered feet, blisters and sickness we are feeling strong and are looking forward to Beers at the weekend. We are all safe and sound and are very sorry to hear about the latest earthquake in the south of the country and we will make sure we stay in touch over the weekend about flights etc.
 
Tune of Wednesday: Bonnie Tyler - I need a hero
 
Tune of Thursday: Snoop Dogg - Drop it like it's Hot.
 
Keep the emails and comments coming they are keeping us plodding along, we probably won't be able to blog or read them until Saturday morning as we have a little 45 miler to see to tomorrow followed by the 10 mile finish on Saturday afternoon, lots of love from the desert, The Red Hot Chile Runners!

So after we blogged last night we found out that it reached 45 degrees during the run in the canyon that climbed 1000 feet.But saying that we got through it!
 
So today started with a bit of blister treatment and then we were off for 7 miles through a gorge including lots of river crossings and the inevitable wet feet. Towards the end there was a 500 metre run straight through the river. We didn't know there were rivers in deserts. Rossco was a hero and stood in the water helping competitors jump the gap. So we made it to the first check point with soaking feet and feeling pretty good, then reality struck. The next 6.5 miles involved a huge climb up a track to a tunnel through the mountain and a long stretch along a ridge with some amazing views (check out the photos on the website). The ridge ended eventually and there was a massive sand dune, which we ran down like 4 year olds on their first trip to the beach, needless to say this did wonders for the feet after them being soaking wet for a few hours!
 
After the second check point we started to suffer a bit as we crossed "Death Valley", the surface was sandy and rocky, making moving pretty difficult. The sun was getting hotter and to make things worse Lambo was struggling to keep any food or fluids down and the sick count was going up and up!
 
The long plod continued across the sand and it got hotter and hotter. We found some shade and stopped for a blister check, Dodsy's were looking pretty impressive, but you can't really complain about blisters when people are out there for over 12 hours and some were suffering pretty badly with the heat. We finally made it to check point 3 and filled up our water bottles and started the last 7 mile leg across a treeless plain with searing heat. The team of Chilean girls came out of nowhere and stomped past us, but we manned up and crossed the finish line a few mintues before them!
 
The campsite is by an amazing lake and we would loved to have had a swim, but the water is 7 times saltier than sea water, so we  had no choice but to hit the tent for some R and R. Cheets proved that he really is prepared for any eventuality as he provided alka seltzer for lambo and gave his spare pair of sun glasses to an Australian.
 
All in all a tough day, lasting about 8.5 hours. So it's a fun evening ahead, lancing blisters, eating dried food, wet wiping all over and trying not to offend our tent mates.
 
Quote of the day: Local Chilean "Only 1 kilometre to go guys". Turned out to be more like 5, cheers for that big guy!
 
Tune of the day: Human by The Killers.
 
High point: The river crossings in the gorge and the sand dune.
 
Team blister count: 8
 
Team puking: 5 all by Lambo.
 
We hear that the website for the race is good, with lots of photos and videos, so check it out. We hear that the truth has been revealed on the internet and Cheets really is our father! Good times!
 
Got a 25 miler tomorrow, so the fun continues. Thanks for the support from home, keep it coming!

The end of one epic journey and the start of another.
 
So it took us 96 hours to get to San Pedro de Atacama (including the 24 hour delay in London), this included 3 flights, a 13 hour drive over the Andes reaching 4800 metres altitude, 2 punctures, 3 border controls, 1 hitch hicker and plenty of banter! Needless to say we arrived tired and starving. We spent the drive over the mountains in the company of a competitor who is being filmed for Oprah Winfrey in the US, so we might be making guest appearances on TV.
 
The race started this morning after a 2 hour drive to the first camp site (an amazing location in the middle of the desert), spirits were high, as was the altitiude so breathing was a bit of a mission. We packed and repacked our kit a few times and the average kit weight is about 11.5 kilos, without the 2 litres of water we have to carry between check points. The 22 mile stage took about 6.5 hours in extreme heat, the organisers very kindly saved a mammoth hill for the last few miles in a gorge with no shade and no breeze at all. This was the hardest part of the day, but we got through it and enjoyed the downhill run/stroll in to the finish. We had one blister stop with Dodsy needing some Cheets first aid, the team blister total is 4 and counting.
 
We are resting up, eating as much as possible and wearing some rather fetching tights (not because they assist recovery, but because they feel good and look pretty damn special). The sun burn has been limited as we were covered up for most of the day and turned up at the start covered in sun cream looking like ghosts, as you know tracing paper Stirling and Strawberry Blond Dodsy are not friends with the sun! Lambo kept us all in check pacing wise and his moral taps worked a treat and Rossco's little leap and shout of yes when we saw the finish summed up all our feelings. Cheets is as organised as ever and felt it was necessary to check the team's sock stratergy after we had all been asleep for 2 hours!
 
So day 1 is over, despite us getting lost 3km in to a 250 km race, on to a full marathon tomorrow with the river crossings (fun, fun, fun).
 
Quote of the day: "Dodsy this is all your fault" not even from a team member.
 
Tune of the day: Easy Lover - Phil Collins
 
High Point of the day: The start and the finish and reading all your comments and emails, thanks everyone, they make what we are doing a little bit easier.
 
Right we are off for a meal in a bag. The RHCR!!
 

The plan was all coming together so smoothly yesterday...

Cheets had arrived at Heathrow airport about 12 hours before the flight, lambo had negotiated public transport from suffolk into london and met doddsy and rossco at the studio juice headquarters. A few goodbyes, talk of beers in london in a couple of weeks and some banter and then it was an hours tube ride to Heathrow and terminal 4, little did we know what lay in store...

Cheets was already there all stashed up having spent the afternoon packing and re-packing and stealing some poor old ladies' chips but all in all the group was in high spirits...

Tam airlines check in was a little bit chaotic - which given the circumstances in Chile was nothing to worry about - but when we were nearing the front we were told that we wouldn't be able to make it to santiago as only 20% of all flights are making it in and out of the chilean capital, so we were moved to speak to the ticket office to explain our situation...

After a bit of deliberation the flights were changed to Buenos Aires, and we headed back to the check in queue - only for the lady behind the desk to come and find us and explain that she had in fact re-booked us, but had also put a 24 hour delay on to our trip... Rossco was the first to break, and most of us swear that we saw a teddy fly out of a pram somewhere, cheets took on the role of mediator, lambo suddenly appeared with 4 flapjacks to keep the sugar levels up and doddsy - well, doddsy just laughed and mugged us all off...

An arduous tube ride and a 16 inch pizza later (ross and cheets - schoolboy error opting for the 12 inch) and a new plan was being worked up with the dulcit tones of call of duty in the background...

so with 9 hours before we're due to depart - we are now booked on a flight to sao paolo (brazil), to meet a connecting flight to buenos aires (argentina), to then catch an internal flight to salta... which is near the chilean border and will leave us with the simple task of crossing the andes to get to the startline at san pedro before sunday - easy...

the race organisers have confirmed that the race will start on monday now - with all competitors travelling into the desert for the start on sunday night - the monster 70 km 5th stage looks as though it will now have to be completed in a shorter time as the race will still take place over the full distance with the finish line in san pedro de atacama still expected  on saturday 13 march...

Thought for the day - Always try and squeeze in an extra 4 inches... it's a family blog we're talking about pizza...

stay safe - hopefully the next one will be from the desert so we can mug off the americans in our tent...

The red hot chilli runners continue preparation in the cold and wet that seems to be the norm but we will arrive raring to go. The kit list is being ticked off and these next few weeks are useful to test blister treatment, favourite foods (....and gels), testing footwear, finding ways to save on weight and compiling the important i-pod playlists! Audiobooks too are a good way to go too - Lance Armstrong, Ranulph Feinnes (hilarious) and Dean Karnazes (secrets I learned running 50 marathons in 50 days!!)

I thought about spending the weekend only eating race rations to prepare myself more but once the sunday roast and apple crumble was on the menu I abandoned that idea!!

We are back to strength now Lambo is home and spirits are high. Beach prep post race already being planned..........its about priorities!!

The Chilli Peppers

Saturday saw our first of three big events, all ultra marathons. Myself, david and cheets all met on friday to do some planning and get our trip underway. In my mind, this was the beginning, the training had started a long time ago but it felt similar to a marathon build up, just alot more...

We had entered the country to city ultra marathon, a 45 mile endurance race. We set off it hammering rain and a few inches of snow in places. The melting of the snow had caused mild flooding and conditions were very wet under foot. some parts meant you lost a whole food into the muddy mess. After a few miles the feet were soaking wet and we just ploughed through he puddles and soft patches.

We settled into a good pace and stayed comfotably with the leading pack. 12 miles in and nature struck meaning a short break, after which we settled in for a long stint. We began to pass the miles and were encouraged by how we felt. We are using the events to test nutrition and kit, both of which are going to be the difference between finishing and pulling out in Chile, has to be spot on.

Within an hour or so we began passing more runners and feeling good. We hit the 30-mile mark and were surprised how we felt, the training was finally paying off. Dont get me wrong, it wasnt easy but we were unsure how we were going to feel as we had never surpassed 26 miles. The early 30's were comical and as we hit the canal path that led to the finish, we upped the pace, passing a lot of other runners. By now the ipods were on and we didntg notice as we each took turns to lead. In hindsight we probably went too fast but it was a good few miles.

For here on in we deteriated and learnt of difficulties that will become commonplace. The legs began to stiffen and hot spots started to appear.

The last 5 miles were a real test, pushing hard to keep momentum and the bend in the legs but they carried us through.... We crossed in 9 hours 9 mins. We were delighted. Our aim was to finish, that we did.

Things we learnt from the race.....
- focussing on time rather than distance, taking the challenge in small chunks, an hour at a time. Incentives, energy bar in 30 mins etc.
- having kit readily available and to hand where possible
- nutrition. Makes such a difference and can really liftt you when need be.
- stride pattern. I changed mine when legs became sore and this helped. Varying it can help loosen muscles when fatigue hits in.

Next up, the pilgrim challenge, two day event covering 66 miles. Will be interesting trying to run with sore legs!

Hope all the training is going swimmingly. Were looking forward to meeting you all in March!

A huge subject for debate. Blisters. I have heard such an array of advice, treatments and old wives tales.

Training has really picked up and I have persevered with the cold weather and snow. In fact there is something quite liberating about running early in the morning, -3, dark and crunching snow/ice below your feet. Some odd looks as you pass the eager office junior on his way to the tube. I think it must be the bobble hat! I have taken two spectacular tumbles and lived to tell the tale. I have slowed a little as I could see an injury coming and I would curse myself for being such a fool.

My only problem (other than struggling to keep up with Dodsy) I have had is a large blister on the arch of my right foot. I have always been told not to burst them so I went out and put up with it with the aid of a compede. It just got worse so I decided for some self surgery. Armed with a hot needle and some tcp I went to work, removed the fluid. I then donned flip flops so that it dried out and my next run was bliss. Obviously I wont have the luxury of wearing flip flops during the day so im just wondering whether anybody had some advice?

I think im going to tape the feet for the event. Will be trialling this on our two pre-race events, 1-day 45 miler and a 2-day 65 miler. Im hoping this will show me the way....

Anyway, wishing everybody a Happy Christmas and I have the new year is going to bring an adventure of a life time! March will be here in no time.

Ross

Yesterday saw our team (except our afghan contingent) get together for the first time in a while. We had planned an hour session at the Altitude Centre with Richard Pullan.

It was the most useful hour of training I think I have ever done. It really showed the effects of altitude and how it effects your body. His wealth of knowledge also gave you reassurance and an insight into how each individual reacts to such strains. It was also interesting to push your body that hard in a short space of time.

It also gives you a measurable target, returning in 8 weeks time will show how we have adapted and then begin a series of sessions using the equipment.

We are yet to get our results but it was already worth the money. Cash being the biggest restricting factor in this training regime!

Whilst there we met a fellow competitor, great to have a chat and hear what somebody else is up to.

So... tonight I finished work and went for a yomp through the streets of London. Amusing time and sights, which entailed too much christmas cheer, love and santas running down the road with me.

5.45am, another wrestle with the quilt - I was losing for 15 minutes but eventually pinned it down and was up and away to the gym for 6.30. Set up my atacama playlist tunes and off into the dark and icy winchester air. These are the days that will make it all worthwhile. Love the team enthusiasm, just hoping Rosco saved us all some of his birthday cake.

Team meeting next week, probably in the outdoor lycra section of Ellis Brigham and off to Holland and Barret for some cherry juice after!

Good times ahead.....

Couple of quick questions for fellow runners:

I'm considering running for charity, and I don't know where to get started.  What are some of the others of you doing to raise money for your charity? 

Also, I'm not out to 'win' the race... just to finish.  I'm wondering if any of you have heard of crossfit (and crossfit endurance), and if so, do you think that would be sufficient training for the event?

Altitude:   What are you doing to prepare for the altitude?  (I don't think I'll have the ability to get above 3K feet before the race.)


I'm very excited about this race!   I am woefully underprepared!

Rich

Waiting in lycra and lumo top at the train station for Rossco bought some strange looks but made me think about the feat were going to be undertaken in 3 months. Also much better option than christmas shopping! Man hugs all round and we were off..... Its far away from the salt plains, wet, muddy and a slight chill but we mulled over the challenge and the problems we will be presented with during the trip. - Sock strategy - Hill approach - Team Dynamics - Foot taping - Weight of kit Most importantly, what were going to do in the days that follow the trip! Beers, sun, sand... no runners! Covered 9 miles in a comfortable time.

Well, we have finally made it onto the blog. Surely that means that we are halfway there already...

Will be adding a lot more in the coming days but an update on the team below.

David (Lambo) is currently serving out in Afghanistan, 3 months into a 6 month stint. He is doing a top job and looking forward to his return... He has been managing to train, including a marathon with the US Marine Core.

David (Dodsy) is on his way down from Everest base camp having learnt a thing or two about altitude sickness. He managed to summit Kala Pattar and a visit to base camp.
Top man!

Richard (Cheets) has been stomping around the depths of Hampshire, suffered a minor set back with an injury but is working hard to overcome that. Off for a long 'yomp' on Saturday with yours truly.

Ross (Me), managed to use Egypt trip as a training week. Good to get back to back training. Made friends with the local mountain and got strange looks whilst running in the days heat.

Our sponsorship efforts have begun and Mencap have been very supportive. We look forward to raising some much needed funds...