Newsletter
Online Store
Login
RACE INFO
RACE INFO
RACE INFO
Atacama Crossing Blogs 2010
6
PostsAtacama Crossing (2010) blog posts from Greg Layton
13 March 2010 11:17 am (GMT+10:00) Brisbane
Morning all,
Day 5 arrived with the prospect of 75km without break and with the camp already trying to recover from 4 huge days across crusty and horrifying terrain, spirits were tentative but still resilient. I had finally acclimatised and recovered sufficiently to take the start line with Glen and it was good to reunite the team. The first 15km was across the most horrible salt flats hopping across broccoli shaped clumps the entire way. it took nearly 4 hours and we were bloody happy to see the end of it. The next stage was about 15km pretty fast with both of us hitting a good pace running and walking and making it quickly.
Stage 3 was tough across more salt flats and rarely good footing and then up a massive sand dune and across moon like landscape before decending into Stage 4 which was a 13.5km sandy canyon. Glen and I split forces with my extra energy allowing me to kick on a bit faster.
So we powered off into the late afternoon and reached the 55km mark in OK shape. Main issue arising was a hip which had started to send shooting pains up my leg that was stopping me in my tracks. No way, we were stopping this far our though.
Anyway, darkness arrived in about 10km to go which was thru a winding canyon on yet more sand. The finish really couldnt have been any further on. I was exhausted, sore as hell, blisters popped in my shoes etc etc...great feeling to cross the finish line. Think I was 51st. Glenny was about half an hour later.
Credit has to go to the big man. He has defeated probably the toughest race on the ultramarathon calendar and under the toughest of circumstances. he gets my award as the toughest bulldog ever. On ya Glenny!
Unfortunately no medal for me this time around. While disappointed there really wasnt much I could do about it. My body just didnt adjust...funnily enough...after 210km in the last 5 days, I now feel stronger than day 1...weird.
Today we wind 10km into Atacama for the glorious finish. Then relax time!
All the best and we will see you in a few days.
Greg
Day 5 arrived with the prospect of 75km without break and with the camp already trying to recover from 4 huge days across crusty and horrifying terrain, spirits were tentative but still resilient. I had finally acclimatised and recovered sufficiently to take the start line with Glen and it was good to reunite the team. The first 15km was across the most horrible salt flats hopping across broccoli shaped clumps the entire way. it took nearly 4 hours and we were bloody happy to see the end of it. The next stage was about 15km pretty fast with both of us hitting a good pace running and walking and making it quickly.
Stage 3 was tough across more salt flats and rarely good footing and then up a massive sand dune and across moon like landscape before decending into Stage 4 which was a 13.5km sandy canyon. Glen and I split forces with my extra energy allowing me to kick on a bit faster.
So we powered off into the late afternoon and reached the 55km mark in OK shape. Main issue arising was a hip which had started to send shooting pains up my leg that was stopping me in my tracks. No way, we were stopping this far our though.
Anyway, darkness arrived in about 10km to go which was thru a winding canyon on yet more sand. The finish really couldnt have been any further on. I was exhausted, sore as hell, blisters popped in my shoes etc etc...great feeling to cross the finish line. Think I was 51st. Glenny was about half an hour later.
Credit has to go to the big man. He has defeated probably the toughest race on the ultramarathon calendar and under the toughest of circumstances. he gets my award as the toughest bulldog ever. On ya Glenny!
Unfortunately no medal for me this time around. While disappointed there really wasnt much I could do about it. My body just didnt adjust...funnily enough...after 210km in the last 5 days, I now feel stronger than day 1...weird.
Today we wind 10km into Atacama for the glorious finish. Then relax time!
All the best and we will see you in a few days.
Greg
11 March 2010 06:15 am (GMT+10:00) Brisbane
Day 3 welcomed us with a foot smashing 15km or so across crusty salt flats. It was boring and painful mostly. In an effort to keep my body in the race, I took a break at Check Point 3 just trying to get my body temp down and things stable. It worked mostly, however, after this was a 3.5 hr battle across soft sand dunes, uphill shale and loose rock. Its fair to say that this cost me big style. After making it into camp I was simply ruined after 3 days of compounding heat stroke. I spent most of the night in the medi tent trying to re-hydrate and take on food. I got no sleep at all and come this morning I had to pull pins on Day 4. Apologies to all. I was just in no shape to safely take on one of the toughest legs of the race. I have spent the day re-vitalising with the hope of re-joining in the morning. Disappointment doesnt really do it justice as I cant properly complete the race.
Glenny has pushed through on day 2 and 3 and has managed to stay in considerably good shape. The man is a dead set legend and harder than nails. He just came over the line finishing day 4 and looks the goods from here I reckon.
Will write more after the 75km leg tomorrow. Looks very intimidating from here at the moment.
We heard there was another earthquake down south...it hasnt effected us.
All the best
Greg
Glenny has pushed through on day 2 and 3 and has managed to stay in considerably good shape. The man is a dead set legend and harder than nails. He just came over the line finishing day 4 and looks the goods from here I reckon.
Will write more after the 75km leg tomorrow. Looks very intimidating from here at the moment.
We heard there was another earthquake down south...it hasnt effected us.
All the best
Greg
Comments: Total (16) comments
Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 10:41 am
Been following your progress and am in awe.... you are living your dreams... Stay well and nail that last stretch! Jill Semenikow
Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 01:00 am
I can understand you would be disappointed mate... but just consider most people following your progress are inspired and amazed at what you are doing. I for one find it hard to walk to work from the bus stop so what you are doing is mind blowing!!
Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 12:58 am
Have been through some troubles too GL and you have been a great support. Just doing 1/100th of what you have done is amazing!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 10:01 am
Hi Greg
Must have been a very tough call but agree with everyone else that it was the wisest choice...amazing that you made it thus far given the conditions and the heat stroke!! best wishes for whatever you can still do without causing long term damage!
Wilhelm
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 09:56 am
Brave effort buddy, no amount of training can fully condition you for those extremes, you did the right thing not pushing on and risking far more serious damage.
If you do toe the line for the long stage, please do so with the upmost caution, as the damage to your liver/kidney fuction will have been massive, (take it from someone whos been there!!!)
i wish you will in your efforts mate, but just plod it through.
all the best john
pass my regards on to glenno hes going great guns.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 08:53 am
Have been thinking of you all day....I hope a day of rest serves you well. So proud of u, no matter what happens. It is truly amazing what u have even done so far xx
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 08:29 am
Hey Gregy, that was an unbelievable effort. It is really sad that you could not finish the race, but not many could have thought to even compete in the race, so I think it was a monumental effort. We all in the office are really happy for you.
We hope you have a great time for your time left.
TEAM DET
Cheers
Nishi
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 08:23 am
Hey there... hope you're feeling a little recovered now. Pleased for you that you could still make that decision. Good luck for whatever more you can do. It really does sound quite impossible to me! Take care. Love from us...
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 08:03 am
Ah mate bad luck, keep on trucking. Commitment is never in question! You made the right call buddy... respect
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 05:34 am
Hi mate, have just come home from the airport to your news. Feeling for you mate but like all setbacks - they only make you stronger. Thinking of you for tomorrow if you are able to make it. Don't worry if you can't - no dignity lost just enormous pride in your efforts.
Much love
d
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 03:45 am
Mate, what a champion effort. Like the others have said there's absolutely nothing you can mentally do to overcome heat stroke. We all know you would have given your all, and then some, so don't be too bummed. The whole office as been behind you and checking on your progress each day. Rest up and return in one piece...
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 03:19 am
Chin up son!
Sometimes you gotta listen to what your body is telling you, even if you don't like what it is saying.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 03:18 am
I know you must be very disappointed but I'm glad you decided to stop. I want you back here in one piece! No amount of will power can prevent or stop heat stroke once its started. Wish u all the best for the next leg, glad u have a mate at your side. counting down till i get to see u!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 02:58 am
Hi love, what an amazing ordeal, we had been feeling so concerned about you as it sounded like you were at the end of your strength.....so relieved you took the break. All here with you in spirit and cheering you on no matter what......... tomorrow will be hugely challenging, its hard to get our heads around the conditions you are experiencing. Love M&D
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 02:44 am
Hi babe, i cant imagine your devastation at having to make that decision... we are thinking of you. You made the right decision and we are still so proud of you and your efforts!! Love you babe (tess still thinks you're the best runner in the world!!) xxx
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 02:39 am
Mate,
Sounds really tough, you made the right decision though, you will feel better about having 1 day off rather than having to pull out completely, hope you are feeling better and up for the challenge tommorrow.
all cheering for you here.
chin up your doing well
09 March 2010 06:31 am (GMT+10:00) Brisbane
Little did Glen and I realised how badly we would be effected by arriving so late and fast at altitude. After a night at 3200m in the freezing cold we headed out at 8am this morning. Both of us noted that our lungs were burning on normally simple runs and after the first stage of the day we were subjected to a run/walk strategy that was dominated by walking.
The lethargy just made everything difficult and its fair to say that we battled all day today. The highlight came with a 5km uphill section in 45 degree heat without a breath of wind. We both ran out of water and were saved by some crazy local bus driver who handed over two much needed bottles of water. It was harsh - harsher than anything Ive ever run in...now I know what its like to be roasted in an oven.
Both of us battled with dehydration from here to the end and we slowed up siginificantly in order to preserve the body for future days. It all culminated with one of the more spectacular scenes about half an hour after we finished. There was a very tired grego lying down sucking up some much needed rest when he bounded off his mat, out of the tent and produced two quite impressive power pukes...the result of rehydrating too quickly.
Anyway itsabout 7pm now and we are both feeling a little better now. We will be fine by tomorrow to crack this place.
Pain is your friend til the end.
Greg
The lethargy just made everything difficult and its fair to say that we battled all day today. The highlight came with a 5km uphill section in 45 degree heat without a breath of wind. We both ran out of water and were saved by some crazy local bus driver who handed over two much needed bottles of water. It was harsh - harsher than anything Ive ever run in...now I know what its like to be roasted in an oven.
Both of us battled with dehydration from here to the end and we slowed up siginificantly in order to preserve the body for future days. It all culminated with one of the more spectacular scenes about half an hour after we finished. There was a very tired grego lying down sucking up some much needed rest when he bounded off his mat, out of the tent and produced two quite impressive power pukes...the result of rehydrating too quickly.
Anyway itsabout 7pm now and we are both feeling a little better now. We will be fine by tomorrow to crack this place.
Pain is your friend til the end.
Greg
Comments: Total (14) comments
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 12:32 am
Mate doing a phenominal job, keep up the good work!!
Dont forget the theme song mate when the times are getting tough "RUN TO PARADISE!!"
Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 07:58 am
Hey Babe, you're doing fantastic honey!! Dig deep - just 3 more stages!! Had m/tea at work to raise money today - managed to raise $150.00 for the cause! Tess had more words of wisdom "watch out for tigers uncle greg and keep running 'really faster' "!! not sure what else to say after that!! xxxx
Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 05:06 am
i can't believe how much everyone seems to be enjoying you power spewing. Well...I am no different. bahaha
Power on big fella. Never quit.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 04:37 am
I have seen the Gobi video.....wow hang in there
Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 03:36 am
Hey He-man,
We here at work have endured months of working around your dirty bike, smelling your filthy shoes, having your sweaty clothes draped everywhere around our office, so now it's your turn to put out !!!
Suck it up & power on.
Mandie, Cougar, Backdoor & KT
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 11:37 pm
Hi mate, just had Allan in for a look at the map. He bought his atlas in so we coul;d find it ! He is keeping a close eye on you !! Said to work harder !!!!!
Will keep him up to date..He is very interested. Showed him the oldest competitor. His response: why aren't I walking to Lorne ??
Love
dxxxxx
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 11:05 pm
Just had a look at some of the pictures on the website. What an amazing place! Keep strong and hope it all goes well today.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 09:46 pm
Hi mate, This is being written just before you finish stage 3 - just got update that all are thru' CP3. Good news. You are inspiring everyone so keep on keeping on !! Very proud and not a little concerned at times - power puking ????? Not good...Look forward to the finish.
Much love dnm xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 07:13 pm
Keep going old man Greggo! Your little entries are just as exciting as Ultra-marathon-man so just focus on the lucrative book deal that is your's to secure when you triumph at the end! You may need some hair dye for an impressive book jacket though ;)
Stay strong my friend and remember that pain is simply weakness leaving the body!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 10:57 am
Wow! Finally you feel how the rest of us do going for a run - who would have thought? :)
Keep moving those legs, lots xxoo
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 07:52 am
Hey Babe,
Wow!! Tough one!! DIg deep honey - we have every faith in you!! "Go Uncle Greg - youre the best runner, and your handsome" from the kids (that last bit from Tess!) Having fund raising m/tea tomorrow at work so will pass on your blog messages and try to get some sympathy money!! xxx
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 06:57 am
Lol power puke hey Greg! Would you like a cup of cement mate;-) keep going, love the updates!!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 04:14 am
Wow. Power-puking. Makes the Gobi look like nursery school. Feel better.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 04:02 am
Stiff upper lip mate! You can do it!
09 March 2010 05:52 am (GMT+10:00) Brisbane
Buena Vistaing, Beating Death, Getting back up again
Well, I;m as cactus as an atacama llama.
Today we started off strong and were put through 15km of river crossings to kick off proceedings thru to Rio Grande. After this we were forced into a 5km climb to the top of a massive ridge with incredible views of the lush river valley that carves through the desert.
After this we traversed down a massive sand dune and into the aptly named Valley of Death. Both of us felt strong at this point and we had made exceptional time in extreme conditions. After making it through the valley of death in 45 degree temps again we both hit the wall. Holy toledo - it almost stopped us in our tracks 5km from the nearest check point. We kept our wits, slowed down and rested and made it to the next check point. I was nailed and had to crash out in the shade of the tent for over an hour, revitalising and trying to get myself ready for the final leg.
Anyway, I joined two other cripples on the final 10km across rolling sand and scrub.
The atacama is easily a full step up from Gobi. Already Ive had two bouts of exhaustion, blisters, muscle cramps, throwing up - everyone is feeling it. Well, you know what they say, its not how you get knocked down, its how you get back up again. This fight aint over yet.
Spirits are pretty good and we are in pretty good health sitting around the camp tonight.
Take care
Greg
Well, I;m as cactus as an atacama llama.
Today we started off strong and were put through 15km of river crossings to kick off proceedings thru to Rio Grande. After this we were forced into a 5km climb to the top of a massive ridge with incredible views of the lush river valley that carves through the desert.
After this we traversed down a massive sand dune and into the aptly named Valley of Death. Both of us felt strong at this point and we had made exceptional time in extreme conditions. After making it through the valley of death in 45 degree temps again we both hit the wall. Holy toledo - it almost stopped us in our tracks 5km from the nearest check point. We kept our wits, slowed down and rested and made it to the next check point. I was nailed and had to crash out in the shade of the tent for over an hour, revitalising and trying to get myself ready for the final leg.
Anyway, I joined two other cripples on the final 10km across rolling sand and scrub.
The atacama is easily a full step up from Gobi. Already Ive had two bouts of exhaustion, blisters, muscle cramps, throwing up - everyone is feeling it. Well, you know what they say, its not how you get knocked down, its how you get back up again. This fight aint over yet.
Spirits are pretty good and we are in pretty good health sitting around the camp tonight.
Take care
Greg
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 08:44 am
Hi there. Maybe you could add some seasoning to your arm and enjoy a roast out there next time! Impossible to imagine from here. Photos are amazing. xox
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 02:15 am
Hi champ, Stage 2 sounds like it was a tough one. And stage 3 doesn't look any better. Anyway cheering for you every day and night. All good here. Much love
dnm xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
07 March 2010 06:21 am (GMT+10:00) Brisbane
After a mainly pain free journey we arrived in San Pedro to Atacama just 18hrs before we had to leave for Camp 1. So we find ourselves at an altitude of about 3200m in a spectacular valley surrounded by peaks made of deep red mud, carved out by erosion creating jagged edged mountains all around.
Once again we find ourselves mingling with inspiring and crazy ish competitors and volunteers. Its quite surreal to be all the way over here in this truly harsh environment ready for what is considered by many to be the hardest of the ultras in the world. The terrain is intimidating - dunes, rocks, canyons, desert plains and salt pans changing every few kms.
Anyway, one final rest and then we get into it just after dawn tomorrow.
Rest hard.
Greg
Once again we find ourselves mingling with inspiring and crazy ish competitors and volunteers. Its quite surreal to be all the way over here in this truly harsh environment ready for what is considered by many to be the hardest of the ultras in the world. The terrain is intimidating - dunes, rocks, canyons, desert plains and salt pans changing every few kms.
Anyway, one final rest and then we get into it just after dawn tomorrow.
Rest hard.
Greg
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 09:39 am
JHey Greg well done on getting but that was the easy bit,Have fun and enjoy the scenery but beware it gets worse the salt flats are murder. take care and cheers
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 10:07 pm
Hi babe, Congrats!! 1st stage done! just read updates, this is what they told us re stage 2: "Tomorrow’s stage includes a river canyon where competitors will have to wade several 100 meters through freezing water, before climbing up a ridge from which they will launch themselves down a massive sand dune into the Valley of Death. Tomorrow’s stage is a total of 41.8 kilometers." You sure you thought this through properly!!?? Good luck babe - knock em dead in the Valley of Death!! xx
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 09:54 am
Hey Greg
I hope you are having a great time. Your intern is missing you ... he thinks you are a great boss but you have left him for the deserts of Latin America.
Buena suerte y quiero que tienes un viaje fantistico y my exito.
Hasta pronto mi amigo.
Paul (Pablo)
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 08:49 am
Bring on the first stage. Will be keeping watch - and Wilhelm will be keep jealous! xox
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 08:49 am
I guess u r on the start line right now....so you should be one day down by the time u get this! Just remember the days will end no matter how tough it seems.Go and get 'em big G!! Missing you like crazy already xxoo
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 08:40 am
Hi Greg
Just got this blog site from Leena! Good luck you crazy man! We are all wishing you the best. Looking forward to hearing about your progress. Keep safe and enjoy your surroundings! Deserts can be intriguing places. Ever been to Death Valley in USA? Whoops that sounds terrible! Hope you know what I mean. I think I'll stop now before I get myself into any more trouble saying the wrong thing!
Sue X
Sue
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 06:36 am
Glad to hear you made it Greg (aka the Silver Fox!) good luck for day 1 from the SDM team.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 05:05 am
Woooohoooo! You made it!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 05:01 am
Go for it mate, we are all cheering for you back here.
good luck.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 04:24 am
Hi babe, Glad to hear you are both there safe, hope you have a great 1st day. Look after yourselves as best you can! Love you xxx
04 March 2010 05:57 am (GMT+10:00) Brisbane
Morning All,
Well, our thoughts go to the people of Chile after the earthquake and troubles since. Its a major disaster and the race will now begin a secondary fund raising effort for the victims of the natural disaster.
Unfortunately for Glen Hunt and I it means that we now dont even leave Australia until Saturday morning and will arrive in Calama some time on the day before the race begins. Its beginning to feel a lot like tha amazing race. Flight cancellations and changes are the norm and there is no guarantee that we'll get flights all the way at this stage...we may end up having to bus or drive some of the distance.
Anyway, we're prepared physically and mentally on all other fronts...not much more to be done now but get there and put in the hard yards. Glen is a tough old bulldog and I'm lucky he'll be there when the going gets tough.
We'll post something everyday on our blogs and look forward to hearing from you. You can email us along the way and we'll get a little spreadsheet with all your messages.
Take care
Greg
Well, our thoughts go to the people of Chile after the earthquake and troubles since. Its a major disaster and the race will now begin a secondary fund raising effort for the victims of the natural disaster.
Unfortunately for Glen Hunt and I it means that we now dont even leave Australia until Saturday morning and will arrive in Calama some time on the day before the race begins. Its beginning to feel a lot like tha amazing race. Flight cancellations and changes are the norm and there is no guarantee that we'll get flights all the way at this stage...we may end up having to bus or drive some of the distance.
Anyway, we're prepared physically and mentally on all other fronts...not much more to be done now but get there and put in the hard yards. Glen is a tough old bulldog and I'm lucky he'll be there when the going gets tough.
We'll post something everyday on our blogs and look forward to hearing from you. You can email us along the way and we'll get a little spreadsheet with all your messages.
Take care
Greg
Comments: Total (9) comments
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 12:40 pm
You have come along way Greg and you have a long way to go. Love every minute of it. Especially the pain.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 02:29 am
Awesome effort Layto, wishing you the best, truly a demonstration of mind over body. Hope you enjoy yourself and learn plenty from the experience.
All the best from the three of us just north of you.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 09:41 pm
Hi Gregie - so great to get up to the news that you and Glen have both finished stage 1. Hope you are both ok. The terrain and atmosphere sound so amazing. Proud and praying M&D
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 01:13 am
Be careful!!! Thinking of you both xoxo
Posted On: 07 Mar 2010 10:52 pm
Get there son! Get there!
Good luck you two crazy bastards.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2010 10:38 am
Greg, have fun and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime, but come home to us in one piece.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2010 05:54 am
Greg - God bless you. Thanks for keeping me in the loop. You are an amazing man, and I am blessed to know you. Please keep me posted. Matt
Posted On: 07 Mar 2010 03:10 am
best wishes Greg - keep safe and embrace the experience!
Posted On: 06 Mar 2010 12:01 am
Mate, travel safe and good luck. Sounds like just the adventure that you're ready to tackle!
Comments: Total (6) comments
Posted On: 17 Mar 2010 03:13 pm
Posted On: 15 Mar 2010 07:33 am
Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 09:32 pm
Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 10:08 pm
Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 09:07 pm
Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 08:47 pm