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Brian Flemming

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Atacama Crossing (2013) blog posts from Brian Flemming

08 March 2013 02:51 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska

I decided to write one more time before bed this evening. The sunset this evening is amazing. Everyone is gathered around the center of camp telling stories from the previous weeek. There are 15 compeditior tents. I have obviously become close with everyone in my tent and have lucked out with great people. There are some characters in this race and luckily I dont have to share a tent wiht them. Patty- Its a bummer to hear that the kids are sick! It seems everytime we travel the kids tend to get sick. I bet they sure miss me. I sure miss you and them. I wish the flights worked out better to get me home sooner. It will be nice to rest a couple of days after this though before I come and see you. That way I will be back to normal; physically that is...LOL! I feel really good under the circumstances. I am amazed how fast my body has recovered over this ordeal. I really dont have much muscle pain other than the tendons in my ankles are sore from overuse. Yesterday was a challenge to say the least. I was really hoping to place in the top 50 in the race but had to walk most of yesterday after I twisted my ankle. I lost three hours of time limping rather than running in areas that I could have. Oh well, at least I am going to finish the race and am in good spirits. This has been an amazing journey. Would I do it again...of course. I am going to focus more on local trail races in the future. I learned a lot this week what it takes to be a good ulta runner. The body type and attitude towards fitness is very different than waht I am used to. I spent a couple of hours talking with the gent that won this race as well as the gent that came in second. Their bodies are simply machines made for running. They each have to weight no more than 120lbs and consider a 6:30 minute mile a jog. It is simply amazing that they both finished yesterdays 46.5 miles as if it was a walk in the park. Both of them told me they have trained enough to the point that they could probably run the same course tomorrow in the same amount of time! Tomorrow morning is a short 8.2KM. I am hoping to run all of it but I will see how my ankle is doing. My right ankle is completly black and blue and very sore. My blisters are not an issure really at this point. The med team here has been great throughout the race. Several of the doctors had shown me ways to treat them during the race. I would take my shoes off every hour or so on the trail and pop them through the bandages. This keep them from getting too big and I was able to manage. After several days of running, everything just seems to go numb. Extreme pain radiates through the body and it is how you deal with it depends on how your body reacts. Several people dropped out of the race not due to sickness but too much pain and broken spirits. I am simply blown away at the female athletes out here. They are much tougher than the men! The women hardly visit the med tent and tend to take care of themselves. I cant describe to any of you enough how hot it was out here. The terrain looked everything from Mars to pure white salt that was like coral walking over it. The air was still and the heat just bounced off the ground. The temps were over 100 degrees eveyday and the air was well over that coming off from the ground. It is so dry here that i hardly ever sweat during the entire week. I seriously felt like my brain was boiling at times. Besides having a stomach issue a couple of days ago that brought me to my knees literally, I have done very well. I felt very strong all week and am simply blown away how well I did under the conditions. I was reminded everytime I came through a check point throughout the week that I was from Alaska. The course officials kept using the fact that I came from Alaska as a reason why it is so important to drink plenty of water and be careful of the heat. Everyone kept telling me I must be insane for coming to this desert race from one of the coldest places in the world. I told them they were nuts for watching! Time for bed, the sun has set and its finally cooling off. Talk to you all soon. I will talk to you tomorrow Patty!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! LOVE Brian from the Atacama Desert, Chile!

Comments: Total (1) comments

Tom Flummerfelt

Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 02:18 pm

Hey Brian, Great job out there pushing through the sickness, blisters and and ankle and happy to hear you are relishing the experience. It is unique. Hard core to train 70 miles per week on a treadmill too. Atacama and the experiences you are having have me very jealous as it is still almost 5 months my race at RTP Iceland (ran RTP Jordan last year - pleasure of my own stomach issues on Stage 5). Enjoy the finish. Heal up Cheers, Tom MadAthlete.com

08 March 2013 02:49 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska

It is just about 6pm the following afternoon. We started the stage yesterday morning at 8am. The day began by walking through ankle deep salt water which was great on my feet. Unfortunately I twisted my ankle pretty bad between Check Point One and Two and this made the rest of the day quite the journey. I was only able to run in small stages. The course was very long and incredibly hot of course. At check point Three the temp in the sun was 49C with 2% humidity! It seriously felt like running in a dry sauna. It took me a long time to finish. Both of my ankles are complelly swollen and black and blue. I still cant believe that I just finish 46.5 Miles in a single stage. Today has been relaxing around camp. Everyone is hobblng around and just excited about tomorrow. We only have a 8.2KM section to run to the finish in the morning. The rest of the afternoon has been taking pictures with one another and swapping info. It has been great meeting everyone here. I really cant wait to be done with this journey. There really is no way to describe what a 250KM race is like. It will take me sometime to process the past week. Tomorrow afternoon after we finish the last leg, there is a planned party with pizza. I cant wait for some real food. I am doing well. I have never felt so exhausted in my life as to be expected. I am sore from head to toe and feel like I have the flu to be honest but its just fatigue. I have stretched myself to the max mentally and physically and am thankful for being blessed with the oppurtunity and ability to finish this race. I cant thank all of you enough for your comments. The hours on the trail have gone by much easier thinking of all of the comments that you have sent me. It is quite difficult trying to describe the week at this point. I am completely spent and cant wait to get home to be with Patty and the kids. I look forward to catching up with you all. Patty- see you soon! I will call you tomorrow finally and actually speak toyou !!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Happy Birthday again babe! Its almost our 11th anniversary and am torn not being with you. I have a lot to make up to you after you enabled me to run this race. I will try to call as many of you as I can in the next couple of days. I have a Skype number so keep an eye out for a (206) number in the next couple of days. I will also email when I am back to civilization. The next time you hear from me will be on the other side of the finish line! Thank you all and God Bless!!!!!!!

Comments: Total (0) comments

06 March 2013 04:32 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska

Stage Four is complete!!!!!!!!!!!! What a day to say the least. i apologize that i have not been writing often. There are long lines for the limited computers. i have been spending most of my time walking around camp encouraging fellow compeditors versus talking about myself! The third stage that was completed yesterday was supposed to be the most difficult day of the race besides the long march of course due to the length. I was trying to make the Top 50 during Stage Three and really pushed myself as hard as i could. I didnt make the Top 50 but came close! All that matters is that i left it all on the trail! I am sure there is a lot of info on the website concerning the terrain so i will not bore you with the details. All I can say it this race has been so difficult to say the least. Today was a difficult day for me. I have been dealing with a very tight calf muscle in my left leg. It seized up on my right out of camp Three this morning! I spent a lot of time on the trail stretching and trying to workout the knots in my leg. It was pretty interesting watching my calf twitch. The pain was indescribable! About mid afternoon I got hit with a stomach bug and ended up heaving a half a dozen times while stuck in the middle of the salt flats. The weather was over 100 this afternoon and the sun beaming off the salt made the air 140 degrees. It was quite the experience being sick in those conditions. i am amazed what this race has taught me about my will and strenght I had no idea my body could take such a beating and my mental fortitude would keep me going as strong as i have been. Its amazing that I just finished my fourth muuntain marathon in a row! Tomorrow is going to be a challenge to say the least. We had a compeditor drop from our tent yesterday and then another one this afternoon. It seems that most people are dropping out not due to injury but their spirits are broken. This race absolutly destroys a person. The mental anguish is simply indescribable! Why am i here? LOL I am still trying to figure this out. I spend the multiple hours throughout the day thinking of all of you. My mind wanders from times at the Cape to being a kid growing up on good old Wilfred Rd. Without a doubt i spend most of my day thinking about my incredible wife and kids. This experience has opened my eyes to the blessings that God has entrusted me with. I have spent several hours on the trail crying like a baby thanking God for what He has blessed me with. I am amazed at His grace, blessing, mercy, provision, and love. My love for Him and all of you has grown beyond measure. I have taken so much in life for grantide. I cant wait to get home soon. I miss Patty and the kids beyond description. One good thing about this race is the crazy dreams i have been having! Last night Piper and Amaris were in Little Doughboy outfits and liam was an Umpa Lumpa. The three of them were driving around me in circles on unicycles sinking songs! I woke myself up a couple of times laughing in the middle of the night! Patty, I keep hearing your voice on the trail. Your kind of creeping me out actually! LOl Your voice is a constant encouragment. I think of you all day and wonder what you are doing, what you must be thinking, and even what you are eating! I cant wait to eat a home cooked meal. The freeze dried meals are getting pretty old by now. It was great to open up the computer this afternoon and finally read some messages from you all. It has been sometime sinceI have heard from anyone. Thank you all for your encouragement and prayers! I really look forward to reading all of your messages as soon as i get settled in camp. I have had my blood tested in Camp Two and Three for a Stamford University study of ultra racers and the good news is that I am staying hydrated and my electolyte levels are really good. my kidneys arepreforming well and besides today I have not been sick. It seems that a lot of people are dealing with sickness. I am not sure if iit is a bug or just people wearing their bodies down. After my three hour stretch of pukage this afternnnon I feel better. i was able to eat tonight and am going to spend the rest of the night trying to stetch. My feet are covered blisters. I thought I had a rock in my shoe this afternoon and took my shoe off only to find out that it was my toe nail! My feet look pretty sick but there is a great medical team taking care of everyone. my feet are doing quite well comparedto most of the people hobbling around here. Its quite comical watching people hobble around camp at night. the scenary here is amazing to say the least. They have set up Camp Four right on a salt lake surrounded by the Ande mountains. The stars here at night are breath taking! Tomorrow the weather is supposed to be as hot as it was today which is challenging I really have not takin many pictures of the tail because I have been focused more on my body than my camera. There is a CD that all the compeditors are given at the end of the race that will have over 300 pictures on it so I will be sure to make copies for you all. It is neat to here that some of you have seen pictures of me online. I had no idea that i was online. I hope you all find the website enjoyable. I bet this race is pretty neat to follow. Please continue to send me comments. You can comment to the blog post. I can read them at night when I get back. Tomorrow is really the final push. 80KM or so I think. The days really blend together as well as the miles. It just seems like it is never ending. My plan tomorrow is to go steady and stong and listen to my body. My goal is the finish line and there is a lot of distance from here to there. Please pray that my body holds up for the push tomorrow. I need your prayers for strength and a clear mind. I have found that the further the race goes on the extreme mental highs and lows come with less predictability and tend to last very long. I have had long talks with you Patty and the kids on the trail. You are what has kept me going and I love you more than the world! I cant wait to be in your arms again. I miss you and the kids so much my heart screams! i fall asleep each night thinking of you babe and wake up every morning with you on my mind. Thank you for allowing my to do complete this crazy adventure! I cant thank you enough. I apologize if this post is a ramble and long with poor grammer. the keyboard is very small and i have limited time to post. I hope this blog post is encourgaing to you all. Once again, I apologize for not posting much. It would be impossible to try to describe to you what this race has been like and am sure I will have plenty ofoppurtunities to tell you all about the race. I have the rounds to make at camp now. I like to spend the evenings being an encouragement to the fellow compeditors. i have witnessed to a few of them with some u success. Most people are so mentally anguishedand tired at night the chat tendsto be pretty superficial but you never know. The sun is getting ready to set over the Andes. i am looking forward to getting tomorrow started and underway. I look forward to seeing you all soon. Patty, please hug the kids super tight for me and give the extra kisses for me! I miss you sweaty and want to wish you a Happy Birthday! Sunday is our anniversary! I will be thinking about you all day tomorrow! Thank you all again for keeping tabs on me. My spirits arehigh and I am doing very well! Good night and God bless from the Atacama Desert, Chile! Love you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! PHIL 4:13!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Comments: Total (4) comments

Jim Flemming

Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 01:11 am

Brian, As with the rest of your loving family, I have been glued to your progress whenever possible throughout this amazing race. I have been especially affected by your personal aspects concerning your relationship to you family and how the race has affirmed your commitment to Patty, Amaris, Piper and little Liam. You cannot imagine the emotional effects I have endured throughout you progress. Not only have I experienced great joy but anguish and worry about your progress and safe return. Each day proved to be a confirmation of your ability, strength, resilience and determination. A reflection of your personality that is truly admired on my end. Your personal relationship with God has also been inspiring to us all as I am sure you have seen from family posts, and I am positive the Lord has provided you a safe journey so you can return to your loving family. We are all so proud of your achievements during this race and can't wait for your arrival home. Save the toenail....it belongs in the Flemming Family museum. Good luck tomorrow on a short run and an amazing end to an amazing experience. Thank you Brian for allowing me and your family the opportunity to join you during your incredible journey. I wonder what your brother Mike is doing next year? I love you too Mike, just wondering. Than again, maybe you are just a little bit smarter than your wild and crazy brother :-)

Brian Summers

Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 10:56 pm

Brian it has been awesome to hear your progress through this entire journey. The end is in sight and I know that you will stay strong mentally and physically. You are by far one of the strongest people I have ever met, and it has been amazing to see the man you have become since the crazy days at 121 E Lake. Your journey is an inspiration to many including myself. I know we haven't talk since college, but I am glad to call you my friend and my brother. Stay strong and push through to the end.

Kevin Harvey

Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 08:08 pm

As i write this you are close to finishing the last stage. You have been an inspiration to many of us over here in the middle east. I have looked closely at EVERY picture posted and always shout to the fellas here "Thats one of my guys!!!" So I shout from over here,"Keep on!" Atacma Crossing? Bucket list... Check!" Peace be the journey.

Patricia Flemming

Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 05:20 pm

I love you and am so thankful this post finally came through!! I was wondering when I would hear from you. Saw another picture of you at the finish of the march. You look incredible. Piper said you look old. Haha! We are all so proud of you. I saw that picture and just cried and cried. I'm so happy God has kept you safe and sound. Please write again. I love hearing from you.

02 March 2013 02:54 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska

i am writing from camp one of the Racing The Planet Atacama Crossing! This morning all 150 compeditors checked in with the race organizers. Each of us had to have all of gear examined to insure that we had the required gear and proper calories of food per day. After check in, we were weighed in, signed our lives away and were provided lunch. After lunch we were bused and hour and half outside of San Pedro de Atacama to Camp One. Camp One is surrounded by mountains and is simply stunning. The desert here is incredible! The weather has been in the 90's but there is no humidity. The elevation at camp is 3123 meters above sea level. It was a good idea getting here a few days before the start of the race to adjust to the altitiude. I am well rested and very excited to get started with the race. Apparently the race course was changed a bit this year and it is supposed to be the most difficult course they have had yet. There are a lot of river crossings and deep sand so managing blister is going to challenging. It has been great hanging out with so many elite athletes from around the world. I have recieved a ton of advise. Most of my conversations with everyone seems to be about Alaska. Everyone wants to know what it is like in Alaka. I sure miss my family. I am really looking forward to getting home to see the kids and Patty. Wish me luck! I will write again after stage one! God bless! Phil 4:13 I can do everything through Christ who strengthens me!

Comments: Total (6) comments

kevin harvey

Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 11:07 am

NICE JOB!!!!! still watching the race at stage 5.

Jeremy Pletnikoff

Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 11:35 pm

You are a machine. Sushi is on me when you get back.

Ethan Wells

Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 06:21 am

Enjoy every minute of this experience Brian!

Jamie Burke

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 06:09 am

You're a machine!!! Hang in there buddy! Amazing times!

Kevin Harvey

Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 03:54 pm

All his strength, through you. Watching with great excitement and sending all my good thoughts and heavy prayers to you. See you back in the pole.

Nikee Kramer

Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 11:11 pm

Wishing you the best Brian. Praying your feet remain healthy. May the Holy Spirit encourage you all the way.

25 February 2013 03:10 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska

Please check out www.facebook.com/teamflemming for information as to how to email me and follow me during the race!

Comments: Total (0) comments

21 February 2013 10:45 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska

My wife and I planned to attend the race together this year. Unfortunately, my wife will not be able to attend as a volunteer. I will be still running the race. This changes our travel plans a bit. I will be on my own : (

I will be in Santiago on Sunday and leaving departing Santiago on Wednesday evening March 13th. I have nothing planned from Sunday afternoon through Wednesday evening. I would appreciate some suggestions of things to do and places to see while I am in Chile. 

Thank you in advance and I look forward to meeting you all! Safe travels!!!!

www.facebook.com/teamflemming

Comments: Total (3) comments

Sandra Slate

Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 06:12 pm

We are so proud of you! We know you will make it through. Woody and I have enjoyed watching you through your journey! We will see you when we get back to to AK!

Carlos Albert

Posted On: 25 Feb 2013 01:08 am

Brian, Im racing as well and live in Santiago, if you want we could meet tuesday with another 2 friends tht will be racing as well, call me @ 569-6589-4543

Megan Lay

Posted On: 22 Feb 2013 08:54 am

Hi Brian, Sorry to hear your wife will no longer be attending - it is difficult to leave a young family (mind you it does get easier). Will see you in Sam Pedro in just a week Cheers, Megan

17 February 2013 06:20 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska

I finally have all of my gear together. I have started to enjoy tapering. I think I over trained a bit and have suffered some hip flexor discomfort because of it. My wife and I have been updating our Facebook page for the event regularly. We are excited to meet all of you in San Pedro in a couple of weeks. Safe travels everyone! www.facebook.com/teamflemming

Comments: Total (0) comments

09 February 2013 12:20 pm (GMT-09:00) Alaska

I found the perfect solution to protect my face from the sun, a Mexican Wrestling Mask! (recent picture of me taken in Sayulta Mexico) ****PICTURE BELOW****


Comments: Total (3) comments

Patty Flemming

Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 06:10 pm

Hey you! Awesome first stage babe! You are doing so amazing! Keep up the great work. Can't wait to hear how stage two went!

Faisal Alnakib

Posted On: 09 Feb 2013 06:04 am

Nice one! But I think a legionnaires hat and a buff around the neck would suffice ;p if I see anybody wearing a wrestling mask on the course I'm giving them a wide birth ! Might super fly me off the rocks or something!

Faisal Alnakib

Posted On: 09 Feb 2013 06:04 am

Nice one! But I think a legionnaires hat and a buff around the neck would suffice ;p if I see anybody wearing a wrestling mask on the course I'm giving them a wide birth ! Might super fly me off the rocks or something!

07 February 2013 10:56 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska

This is a helpful website for US citizens traveling to Chile for the race:
http://chile.usembassy.gov/tourist_cards.html

Comments: Total (0) comments

04 February 2013 03:16 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska

I have spent a lot of time trying to figure out which gator options to use, if any for that matter, in Atacama. I finally figured out the best option that worksfor me. Check out my Facebook page for details and pictures of my gator project. I hope this may be a help to some of you. (BTW the Injinji socks work best for me)

https://www.facebook.com/TeamFlemming

Comments: Total (2) comments

Brian Flemming

Posted On: 05 Feb 2013 05:55 pm

Alina Thank you for your comment. I am aware that the netting in my shoes are going to be an issue with the sand. I am more concerned with keeping debris from piling into the tops of my shoes. Do you find that most competitors wear gators that cover their entire shoe? What do you think the percentage of people who do not use gators at all?Thanks for your "like" on our Facebook page!

Alina B

Posted On: 05 Feb 2013 02:36 am

Brian - Nice work on the gaitors! One thing to keep in mind is that sand can come through the mesh of the shoes, so you may want to test this before the race (any sand in Alaska?). Love your Facebook page, by the way!

26 January 2013 01:57 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska

Check out our new Facebook page about the Atacama Desert Crossing 2013! https://www.facebook.com/#!/TeamFlemming

Comments: Total (0) comments

23 January 2013 06:50 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska

I have been training pretty hard for awhile now. I am excited more than ever for the race. This is my first ultra. I am fortunate to be able to bring my wife along. She is volunteering for the race and is excited as ever. All of the compeditors should be jumping for joy because of this. My wife is one of the most compassionate, loving, caring, and fun people in the world and anyone she comes in contact with is incredibly blessed. 

My wife and I are coming to Atacama from North Pole, Alaska (not kidding). We live in a small town just outside of Fairbanks, Alaska. Alaska is one of the most beautiful places in the world to live. The population in Alaska is approx 600,000 people and the state is 20% the size of the entire continental United States! Thats roughly one person per square mile! One of the challenges of living in the interior of Alaska is training for events like Atacama. The winters are long, dark, and cold. The temperatures in the winter time average around -17C/0F to as cold as -55C/-65F. I have not ran or trained outside because of the cold. 

I am excited to meet everyone in a little bit over a month. I am just finalizing my gear, running like crazy (on a treadmill of course), and prepping for the great race. I would like to thank everyone that has contributed to the blogs. The blogs are incredibly helpful to say the least. 

Good luck training to everyone and see you soon!

Comments: Total (6) comments

Man-Su Kim

Posted On: 04 Feb 2013 02:47 am

Hi, Brian. I'm happy to know you and your family. My wife get an incurable disease. I hope I can complete Atacama race for her. I'm looking forward to meeting you and your wife. Hi, Ole and Rebecca. Great! I'm looking forward to you, your mother and Aunt Jennifer.

Rebecca Pattinson

Posted On: 26 Jan 2013 03:50 pm

Hi Brian I couldnt resist a quick comment, your blog is great (I must set one up myself soon). I did RTP Nepal in 2011 but got as far as 200km and then basically collapsed! So I hope I make it to the finish at Atacama. Two main reasons for commenting are that a) I have a house up in the highlands of Scotland, I am here now, so ok its not quite the NOrth Pole but I've been training in some seriously harsh conditions, not quite replica of the desert! But second and more important reason to say hi is that my lovely mother is one of the Volunteers, she is quite wonderful, aged 73 (by far the oldest), but such a fabulous person on every level, I will tell her about your wife being one aswell, I am sure they will get on very well (my parents live full time all year round in Highlands of Scotland!). Also my Aunt Jennifer (Murray), Mums sister, she is the eldest competitor, aged 72. So we are a bit of a mad family. Anyway good luck with all your training and looking forward to meeting you there! Best wishes Rebecca

Bradley Edmondson

Posted On: 25 Jan 2013 03:03 pm

Hey Brian! We are so thankful that you have chosen our ministry to receive the benefits of your hard work. It is truly a humbling partnership for us. We are promoting you down here in the lower 48! You can be assured that we are praying for you as you train, and will be praying for you as you race. I don't know if you realize what a huge blessing this is to us. The funds that you are helping us raise will enable us to buy much needed medicine and supplies, that we can in turn use to help bring care to people in dire need. Our aim is to provide Christ like compassion to them...I think your sacrificial giving and dedication couples with our goals perfectly! Thank you! Looking forward to reading more of your blog posts! By the way, the altitude mask looked tough!

Alina B

Posted On: 24 Jan 2013 08:33 am

Hi Brian - We're all looking forward to meeting you and Patty in Chile. No doubt you'll be great!

Brian Flemming

Posted On: 24 Jan 2013 01:31 am

OLE-Glad to hear from you! I am as happy as you are to know that there are other arctic dwellers out there. I am actually going to start tanning so to get some color. I am afraid after not getting much sun for several months that I would turn into one big blister without getting some color. I tried to run in the snow a bit as well but the extreme cold and unpredictable weather is a challenge. Its going to be -48C tomorrow night! Heres to running on the good old treadmill! Looking forward to meeting you as well!

ole norstad

Posted On: 23 Jan 2013 07:56 pm

Hi Brian, Nice to know there is other training in the dark and cold winter climate.) I am from Norway and the climate looks like your description, but it is not so cold... Had a lot of training in the snow now and that feels like sand , good training. But acclimatisation to hot climate may be an big challenge. Looking forward to meet you in Atacama , regards from Norway Ole N

20 June 2012 11:34 am (GMT-09:00) Alaska

I am pleased to announce that I have entered the Atacama 2013 race and am looking forward to getting to know more of the competitors that will be racing with my next year!

Comments: Total (2) comments

Bill Flemming

Posted On: 20 Jan 2013 05:24 am

God speed Brian! We will be following your progress each day.

Alina Brown

Posted On: 20 Jul 2012 02:37 am

Brian - We're looking forward to seeing you at the Atacama Crossing next year and reading more blog posts. Don't hesitate to email if you have questions! Cheers, Alina