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Kyle McCoy

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Atacama Crossing (2013) blog posts from Kyle McCoy

01 January 2013 12:15 pm (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Almost three years ago I finished the Marathon des Sables, the single most difficult week of my life. It was an amazing experience. Since then I've kept a close eye on RacingThePlanet's 4 Deserts series, whereby I can have the opportunity to run in Antarctica (so long as I finish 2 of the other 3 desert races).   My plan is ultimately to run the Atacama Crossing in Chile, the Gobi March in China, and finally "The Last Desert" in Antarctica. 

This March I'll compete in the Atacama Crossing in Northern Chile. The race is a self-supported (carry all your own gear) 150 mile ultramarathon across the Atacama desert - the single driest place on earth. Interesting facts about the race are here: www.4deserts.com/atacamacrossing/quick_facts 

My goals are two-fold: 

1.       Raise money for the USO Northwest (an organization which I'm very close to as a result of my time in the military and support I witnessed first hand while traveling).

 

2.       Finish in the Top 10 overall

 

On this blog, I'll keep you updated on my training and my gear selection (after all, you need to count in grams and ounces instead of pounds for a 150 mile race). :) 

Thanks in advance for any and all support! 
Kyle 

P.S. None of the money I raise will go toward my expenses of the race (after all I love doing this stuff).

Comments: Total (15) comments

Reena Mehta

Posted On: 15 Dec 2013 02:40 am

Hi Kyle I need some advice on the type of shoes. I am planning on running next year. I have used Saucony for the last two decades or so and just yesterday got Brooks Cascadia 8 which fit me very well. I have wide feet. Looks like you have used these shoes too. So I am hoping my decision is good. Can you give me some feed back. Regards Reena

Aaron C

Posted On: 11 Mar 2013 05:35 pm

Nice work! When you get back we will need to celebrate! Maybe, watch some March Madness!

Clint Daniel

Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 03:18 am

Awesome job. Hope to see you at finish line. RLTW. Class 7-94.

Katie Chamberlain

Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 03:39 am

Kyle! You are amazing. It's been a treat to receive updates on your current adventure via Katie each day. I'm nearing the end of my own "marathon" as you are running a double and reaching your final stage. Chris and I are waiting to welcome our little guy into the world any day now. Your strength and endurance gives me inspiration and hope this week! Good luck. Keep it up. -- Katie Chamberlain, Seattle

Drew Rie

Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 06:59 pm

You're doing a great job Kyle! Many thoughts and prayers out your way as you fight the good fight both mentally and physically. This experience will be one that will give you strength for years to come. You will savor it and others will grow stronger from your victory. Cheers and Go ZAGS!!!-Drew

Tom Crawford

Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 03:14 am

Kyle, an amazing job and you are making us all very proud in the USO NW. Loved the video today and watching you navigate "low tide". Keep up your great job...Tom

Nick DeCock

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 06:57 pm

My first comment: what is wrong with you? My second comment: you are my hero My third comment: kid, you better win. top 10 is for a winner and 9 losers. My fourth comment: bring me back some souvenir dirt/dust Good luck you maniac. And remember, when going thru H*ll...keep going. NDC

Jo Anne Hume

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 04:43 pm

Just a little news from home - Gonzaga was voted #1 in both college polls - first time a Washington school has done that! Now, back to the desert - but feel free to hum the Gonzaga fight song while running, We're pulling for ya - top ten!

Laura Schlehuber-Melton

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 08:18 am

Kyle you rock! So proud to call you family!

Drew Rieder

Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 10:48 pm

Kyle, you're a rock star, buddy. ZAGS never quit! Thanks for representing your alma mater so well. Many good thoughts, prayers and Zag mojo headed your way, friend. Blessed to know you. Finish well and see you soon back in the great state of Washington! -Drew

Jerry Tone

Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 04:33 pm

Way to go Kyle! Youdaman! Having been to the Atacama region before, we know the conditions you are experiencing-wow. What an incredible undertaking-we're pulling for you!

Deana Daniel

Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 04:04 am

Hey I know you have no idea who I am, but I checked out your blog. My brother Rich Malcolm is from the USA as well raising $ for epilepsy. We are a prior military family! GOOD luck on your race and what a great cause you are raising $ money for!!! God speed!!

Megan Lay

Posted On: 19 Feb 2013 09:52 am

Hi Kyle Just saw the tent list, and Tent 10 looks like a great mix. Looking forward to meeting you in just over a week, have a safe trip to San Pedro Cheers, Megan

Marcus Lee

Posted On: 11 Feb 2013 11:25 pm

Kid, You\'re an absolute lunatic. Will follow your blog and keep tabs on you during the race. Good luck, buddy!

Sam F

Posted On: 01 Jan 2013 12:19 pm

Great first blog Kyle. Those are both great goals. Do tell us more about USO Northwest and we will add to the charity section of the website.