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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2012

Jess Baker

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Atacama Crossing (2012) blog posts from Jess Baker

09 March 2012 06:06 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Thank you sooo much for all your blogs and emails; they are wonderful.  Nice to know I am not writing into an abyss!  :)

 

Yesterday, brought out the best in team work as again, we traversed across amazing scenery.   Greg and Ron demonstrated a great partnership in their run/walk splits, and Matt just kept moving forward, focused.  It was impressive and moving, to see the team putting in everything they had. 44 degrees were recorded, and everyone was clearly in pain - even Roger had a low point.  It was everything that an ultra is about; the mind transcending the physical. We finished strong, surprising everyone, including ourselves with 10.5 hours.

 

Even more impressive is the tough superstar British lass, Clare.  The worse feet I (and the medics!)have EVER seen, and she battled on and on and on. At about midnight they stopped the weather because of a thunderstorm (it was AWESOME to view) and bought everyone back to the tents.  This morning they gave people the OPTION to go out and finish the rest of the course.  Clare, tears in her eyes, picked up her bag, cut out the top front of her shoe because of the pain and power marched the remaining 19km in.  Total and utter RESPECT.

 

Chill day today, Roger and I had a fun explore.  Tomorrow a final 11km towards pizza and beer.  What an amazing adventure and experience.  Last blog. Over and out. XXXX 

Comments: Total (4) comments

Posted On: 11 Mar 2012 02:26 pm

Hey lovely lady!!! Thanks for the mention and your very kind words. Not sure I truely deserve them as I know so many people out there in the desert were suffering!! Talking of awe - you Rog and the rest of the Born to Run team are a true inspiration to so many you have had an awesome week and the team work and commitment you all showed is truely amazing. You all played a massive part in helping me achieve my goal - to beat the Atacama - we came we saw we conquered, so THANK YOU so much for everything (including the elbow ;-) - good luck with the rest of the challenge hope to see you in Oz - Go Team ´Born to Run´xx

Posted On: 10 Mar 2012 10:01 pm

Congratulations Jess to you and your team. An awesome result! Thanks so much for writing your blog, it has been great to share the experience.

Posted On: 10 Mar 2012 12:46 pm

What is there to say after all of the details that you give each day?? It is wonderful to read and great to hear that you are all doing so well. 3rd woman overall.. and that is keeping with the team. Fab fab FABULOUS! Gooooooo Jess! xx

Posted On: 10 Mar 2012 10:07 am

Jess, just reading your blog is so inspiring! Who says you don't have the words to express?!? It sounds like such an amazing adventure, and you are all doing so well. Great to hear you're looking after each other and actually having FUN. Big congrats, and enjoy the last little bit. And enjoy that pizza and beer!!

07 March 2012 07:02 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Another beautiful day with a lovely breeze.  39km; 6 hours.  Another stunning canyon (Valley de Jere I think!).  For a while there was no-one in sight, and it just felt wondrous running a steady gentle downhil toward the abyss.  Absolutely LOVED it.  Then kilometres and kilometres across what can be best described as a sea of crunchy cauliflower; the infamous salt flats.  Where does a girl pee decently on this? :)  Greg and Ron are starting to tire, but my gosh, I am impressed with their determination.  Matt's feet have come good and he is battling on like a quiet trooper.  Roger, as always is my entertaining play and sing buddy on the trail. Tomorrow is the biggy, 73km,  canNOT wait, it is going to be CARNAGE!! :)    One of our tent members is struggling, and we all have our fingers crossed that he will make it. Thanks for all your blogs and emails, they deliver a fantastic smile!  XX 

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 09 Mar 2012 11:34 pm

Hi Jess, Just back and can see you are killing them. Not surprised at all. Keep it up and can't wait to hear all about it.

Posted On: 09 Mar 2012 10:07 am

Salt flats huh? No need to bother with electrolytes then! As always ..not a negative in earshot from you..betcha can't wait for a con carne! Semper sursum!

Posted On: 09 Mar 2012 01:06 am

Hey Jess, your journey this far has been incredible & you have all done so very well, what an amazing experience!! I have been tuning in every morning & every night to follow the teams progress & still find it hard to believe. Go team Born to Run, you are almost there now, thinking of you all. Lea Dyer, huge supporter from Sydney Australia.

Posted On: 08 Mar 2012 10:17 pm

hi quick message from hotel (greg) you dont need to go to calama to get your documents the hotel have done it!!! Adam

Posted On: 08 Mar 2012 10:08 am

Carnage!? Your speciality! Go Team Born to Run!!

Posted On: 08 Mar 2012 09:33 am

Hey Jess you are such an inspiration. I am sure that you smashed the 73km. What an awesome experience you are having. I look forward to reading more blogs on your running and seeing you when you get back. Miss you so very much. Love Brooke

Posted On: 08 Mar 2012 05:36 am

Dont be timid ;-), carve up the 73km stage. Awesome effort team keep it up. Look forward to reading the reports. By the way Six Foot Track has been cancelled due to heavy rain and safety concerns.

Posted On: 08 Mar 2012 05:23 am

Hi Jess, I'm 1 of Matts god-parents, have so enjoyed reading blogs & veiwing pics'n'videos. So in awe of your determination ... GO GIRL!!!! ... oh & the rest of the team also, all the very best The Chivos

06 March 2012 07:31 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Not much time, but enough to say another AAWESOME beauitful day! Can;t beat waking up every morn to just go and run across spectacular epic dry expanses and hardcore sand dunes!  I am sooo liberatingly DIRTY!!  :)  Some of the team members are starting to stuggle a little, but the focus is still on, and not a bad word or moan said.  36 degs today apparently.   Some teeny tiny beautiful yellow flowers that stand out in the dryness.  One of the fun British people has had to pull up  :(  .... but will we see him for beers at the end!  Starting to see some awesome emotional finishes - just one now 20 secs before cut-off carrying her Indian flag high as it is handed to her.  Still blister and chafe free! Back starting to ache, but legs doing me proud.  Hugs to everyone XX

Comments: Total (4) comments

Posted On: 08 Mar 2012 02:12 am

Hey Jess, so happy to see your great results. The big shoes are going OK! You will eat up the long stage . Keep inspiring your teammates!

Posted On: 07 Mar 2012 11:11 pm

Hey gorgeous - dropping you a note from a wet and bleak Sydney- looks like it's 8pm and it's 10am - you ain't missin' nuthin' here! Glad you're holding up really well and having the awesome experience you hoped for. Love, hugs and kisses on the lips from your Apps-Knox Fan Club No 1. S xoxoxox

Posted On: 07 Mar 2012 04:02 pm

Hi Guys HOpe is all going well. Whilst my joureny on this event was cut a bit short can i just say it was a honour and a privilege to share some time on this event with you. You are all truly inspirational and i wish you all the best of luck in the rest of this event never mind the other 4! I can't stress enough how hard this event is and how much pain you go through to do this i withdrew at day 3, i ask everybody reading this blog to dig deep and give as much money as they can. I have seen them arrive back in the tent after 6 or 7hrs toiling through desert, salt flats, massive sand dunes, temperatures over 36deg, clearly in pain exhausted almost collapsing, and suffering but ALWAYS qith a smile on their faces. I look forward to meeting you at the finish line. Dr Adam Brownhill

Posted On: 07 Mar 2012 07:08 am

Hi Jess, I have been following the teams progress every day & am cheering you guys on all the way. What an incredible experience & fantastic achievments for team Born to Run, well done & good luck for the next stage. Love reading the blogs & checking out the photos & videos. Keep up the good spirits & take care, Lea.

06 March 2012 02:04 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Hey guys,

 

Thank you soo much for your messages of support - they mean loads.  Today was just totally awesome.  I felt so alive and strong.  Muddy creek crossing, then up to a ridge to reveal views of an amazing canyon - the Valley of Death.  The highlight though was a MAAAD charge down the most exciting sand dune - wahooooo!  Then across some crunchy mud/salt flats.  34km today in 5 hours.  Collarbones bruised, but attached some sanitary pads to my backpack straps.  Less than conventional but have made the WORLD of difference! No bruises, no chaffing, no sore muscles...yet!  Everyone else going well in the team too.  Roger is writing a much more poetic blog than myself, so maybe check that out too: Roger Hanney.   Big fat Chilean smiles. XXX

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 07 Mar 2012 01:52 am

Fab video online of the team in the tent at the end of the day. Everyone seems rather subdued. Can't imagine why!!! Delighted to hear that your unconventional method of avoiding backpack rubbing damage was working. Brilliant hint from your army friend. Can't wait for the next installment from Team Born to Run. xx

Posted On: 06 Mar 2012 06:39 pm

Steve's comments yesterday had me in stitches!! what an adventure Jess! Go team born to run!!!

Posted On: 06 Mar 2012 05:38 pm

Awesome! It sounds as though the team can rise to any challenge it's set! It's hugely impressive.

04 March 2012 08:57 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

There's something wrong about being sat in the middle of the desert and writing a blog.   My preference would be not to,  but then as I ran along today in such whoop-inspiring vistas, I just felt lucky, so lucky.  If Team Born to Run would like me to write a blog, write a blog I shall.  I think another reason I do not like writing blogs, is that I don't feel I have the words to express just HOW amazing it is.  Imagine windy rock canyons with stunning rock formations to the left, the right, the front and behind. Imagine running free across a plain of beautiful "nothing", with hazy snow capped mountains in the far distance. A good warm-up of 33km today with heavy packs.  The team worked well together.  We've experienced some awesome sandstorms, and had to weight our basic tent down with rocks.  12 in a tent.  One British couple who are motivating gigglefits.  I am so happy.  I can't wait for tomorrow.  

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 06 Mar 2012 06:23 am

Go Jess and team Born to Run. We are cheering you on in sunny Sydney ;-).

Posted On: 05 Mar 2012 06:39 pm

you might have stunning rock formations but I have the motorway to the left, the sluggish River Ely to my right and the city sprawling ahead!BUT I'm only doing five miles AND the sandstorm looks unlikely! Enjoy all of it Jess!

Posted On: 05 Mar 2012 11:30 am

Woop Woop, not supporting you in person this run but certainly in spirit. Missed you on Saturday morning in the rain.

Posted On: 05 Mar 2012 10:33 am

Hi. Jess. Wait all day for these blogs as a connection to the team. Love them. Please keep them coming. It all sounds so awesome. Good luck for stage 2.

Posted On: 05 Mar 2012 09:33 am

Go Jess, you are a real inspiration. Good luck to you roger Ron Greg and Matt. Thinking of you and your next run in about 2 hours time. Go Born to run.

Posted On: 05 Mar 2012 06:27 am

Go Jess and Team Born to Run! I knew you would be in your element!

01 March 2012 06:09 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago

3100m off-piste ascent from sand to snow.  5500m altitude crazy on Mount Toco in San Pedro.  Favourite quote comes from Matt Donovan, "I keep drifting in and out of consciousness"!  And the event hasn{t even started yet...  :)

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 03 Mar 2012 06:27 am

Go Jess!