RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RACE INFO

RTP Home

Atacama Crossing Blogs 2013

Jennifer Murray

7

Posts

Atacama Crossing (2013) blog posts from Jennifer Murray

10 March 2013 08:36 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

It's impossible to describe the emotion, the spirit and the camaraderie of these toughest of foot races. all those who completed this race have tested themselves to their limit and then some, nearly all claiming it to be one of the greatest experiences of their lives. The Atacama has some of the most incredible scenery I have ever seen and on Day 2, the stage going through the gorge with the multiple river crossings was something I will never forget - happily I was still in the race for that, but I only managed to get to the end of that stage - eight hours after setting off that morning. After the canyon we had a long slow climb in intense heat up onto a high plateau which we followed for a couple of hours before heading down a wonderful soft, steep sand dune where you could leap from foot to foot. I felt tired but great - then I felt completely drained and the doctor at the check point was'nt at all happy with me either - he pulled me out, and so ended my race as a competitor. But all was not finished, although I felt bitterly dissapointed, I enjoyed all the fun of the camp over the next few days and spending time with my sister Gillian who was a volounteer and cheering on her daughter Rebecca who amazingly was the fastest lady! It was the first ultra marathon Rebecca had ever completed , she took part in the Nepal one last year but failed to finish due to sickness. She trained hard for this one and had hoped to complete in a reasonable time - but to actually win was way outside our expectations. Then Blanca Fernandez, my team mate and fellow fund raiser for Macmillan Cancer Research completed gloriously with a smile for everyone. Thank you so much everyone for your kind messages of support and a very big thank you to all of you who have so generously given to Macmillan - it makes it all worthwhile. I would also like to add one final thank you to Mary Gadams and all her team for yet again organising such a great event. Theirs is the huge responsibility and it is thanks to all they have done that so many thousands of competitors have had the adventure of a lifetime.

Comments: Total (0) comments

04 March 2013 02:53 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Sadly I just didn't manage to complete all the stages today. I managed the first two - multiple river crossings through incredibly dramatic canyon, then along an open valley andup,up, up in sweltering heat to a high plateau, then finally down a long sand dune. It was 4pm, was utterly wiped out and nauseaus and we were only just over half way. All hugely dissapointing but I guess I have some relieved family members!

I've got great tent mates who are all doing well, but most espcially my niece Rebecca came in first of the ladies, so of course I have every intention of staing on and will give a hand to the volounteers and help my sister Gillian who is neoof them.

A vry big thank you to everyone for your support and encouragement, but I've done the safe thing - for onece!

Comments: Total (15) comments

kathryn friend

Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 08:37 am

hi jennifer: sorry to hear you withdrew as i know you would have been disappointed, but AMAZING to even do as much as you did... fantastic experience and lovely to be with your sister and Rebecca, what a STAR family! I'm sure it was fun to join the ranks of volunteers for a while and take in the full picture of this amazing feat! Hope to see you soon!!! much love xxx kathryn

John Pattinson

Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 04:45 pm

Fantastic to read your blog and well done on everything you've achieved. I saw Kurt here in Vegas and he was speechless to hear what you've been doing. Everyone at Robinson sends their love. J

Elaine Langdon

Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 04:32 pm

Hi Jennifer, Sorry to hear about not finishing the stage but I'm with your friends and family that its better to know you are safe and well and you should be so so proud of what you have acheived. You are an absolute inspiration and put so much of the world to shame for not having such a fighting spirit as yours. Well done again and see you soon Lots of love. Elaine.xx

Sasha Pattinson

Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 02:10 pm

Jeffa, I think you are amazing. Just so cool to even think about doing something so daft as running or even hobbling that far. I should think your dogs at home will be jumping for joy that they no longer have to hike for 6hrs at a time. I am sure you will be disapointed but you have done so incredibly well for too long and it is high time you restricted you hiking to just 20miles a day ! Terrific that you are there with Gillian to keep Rebecca all charged up. You must both be very proud pinning on "LEADER" badges to her. I am so envious of your trip - the scenery looks breathtaking. What tremendous memories you will have. Well done. Sasha

Wiliam Mather

Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 11:01 am

Hi Jeffa! - just got your link from Diana. You've done and are doing amazingly well! But I think there's quite a bit of relief that you are alive and well and able to enjoy all the beauty of the desert without having to run through it anymore! Great you can help out with Gillian - what amazing sisters I've got!!! - and can help spur on Becca. Have a wonderful time. Much love - Willliamn

Jennifer Edwards

Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 05:58 am

I agree with Suze you are a total STAR to have started and got as far as you have-a great achievement. Enjoy the rest of your time and we'll start planning the next treck when you get back! lots of love Jen x

Melissa Barkes

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 11:07 pm

I'm sorry for you Jeffa that you didnt get to the finish line but we think you are utterly amazing to get this far. Enjoy the rest of your time out there. Lots of love Melissa and Jeremy x

potts phillpotts

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 10:31 pm

how bitterly disappointing for you but a Huge relief for all of us followers ~ what an incredible accomplishment though, even if just one day

Gunnar Fehn

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 07:49 pm

Sad to read, but I know. This is extreme conditions. Hope you enjoyed the part you finished! I remeber very well the river crossings in the canyon, and I gues you will too. Please send my best regards to the girl in the yellow leader shirt!

Cynthia Lao

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 11:14 am

Aww shucks! Take care, eat, hydrate, and enjoy the journey! Thinking of you, Cynthia

Jackie Phillips

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 11:08 am

Hi Jeffa, you are fantastic to have come this far. If it was for enthusiasm and fighting spirit, you'd have passed the finish line first! Enjoy the rest of your time and keep cheering your friends on and keep us posted....we're with you all the way. Jackie

Suze Murray

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 09:44 am

Oh mama bear - I can't stand it :( I know you'll be so ridiculously disappointed, but you are a total STAR. Just putting your foot across the starting line is more than brilliant. Hopefully now you'll stop ruining my weekends with comments like "I've just come back from a 6 hour walk with the dogs" as I appear in my pajamas at the breakfast table! More importantly, now you can sit back and enjoy the scenery, all the amazing camaraderie and take some kind of warped pleasure in watching everyone else's pain :) Have fun out there, give Bex and Gillian a big hug from me (so exciting reading Bex's blog)and see you when the dust settles. Love you mum Suze

Lulu Clark

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 08:30 am

Well done for trying Jeffa - amazing effort. With love from us both, Lulu and John

Lulu Clark

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 08:30 am

Well done for trying Jeffa - amazing effort. With love from us both, Lulu and John

Donna D

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 08:11 am

you have done so well......don't be disappointed with what you have achieved........I have some friends in the race mother daughter........so it has been great reading the posts.......

03 March 2013 02:42 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

It took Blanca and me eight and a half hours – the last three were LONG Scenery stunning but even that lost it’s glory by the end. The saving grace has been all the support, especially from all my tent mates and my sister –werethere at the finish to cheer us in. our tent are doing rather well,my niece Rebecca was the second lady in and Anabelle Hepworth was third and of the men,matt moroz was fourth – hoping todo better tomorrow – he had to make a major pit stop!

To all of you who have sent messag s, so many thanksand Bruno you wil be happy to know that BLANCA is Spanish, so can translate!

To all my fellow trekking ladies – I’ll be sticking to our treks in future.

Chris you will be happy to know that I am beingso well looked after by Blanca and all my tent mates.

Tomorrow is meant t be equally beautiful – I just hope I can recover enough to enjoy and finish.

And to all at macmillan Cancer Support – Blanca is a star and thoughts of all that you stand for help meon the long uphill legs!

Comments: Total (9) comments

john wardell

Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 08:47 am

Sorry to hear that you've had to stop. I think you've done the right thing as it is better to be safe than sorry, although you must be bitterly disappointed. Enjoy the views!!

Bruno Willmann

Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 07:45 am

Dear Mrs Murray, Great achievement...I don't even think I would have been able to walk more than 15 miles in such an inhuman part of the world... The Race of the Giants is just safer !! Landscapes must be awesome. Can't wait to see the picts. Rebecca is amazing !

emma phillpotts

Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 11:43 pm

hey fantastic Jeffa.....we are so proud of you

Aaron Ratner

Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 07:38 pm

Dear Jennifer - heard you had gone for a trot to a nice warm place by the ocean, where the air is dry, and for a moment thought you might be coming to Los Angeles. They do make Robinsons here, as I am sure you know...slightly faster way to cross a desert, as you also know. But never mind, que buena onda. Best of luck to you, Aaron

Jungle Jungle

Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 07:06 pm

Dear Jeffa - wonderful wonderful news of your first day - can one say pace yourself ....or not? The whole thing sounds beautiful and breathtaking but sleeping and eating arrangements makes me feel a little bit nauseous - you are our LEADER and everyone sends you massive applause - keep going Jeffa we are routing/tooting for you...J

kathryn friend

Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 04:31 pm

well done jennifer... WOW a whole day completed!! what a star... LOVE justin's post. so funny. it reminds me of how we all called our houses after the maclehose and organized the hot bubble baths to be ready and waiting as we walked in the door! not to mention the champagne on ice! am thinking of you minute by minute and can't wait to hear all the stories....hope tomorrow is a breeze, and hope you have enough to eat in your 6 kilo pack! i've just been to physio... aaaah! told him i need new wiring, plumbing and a new surface! he thought that was quite amusing! much love to you.... hang in, courage, courage!! xxxx

Brita Morse

Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 04:08 pm

Brilliant Jeffa, we are rooting for you here in Rome, LOts love, fingers crossed, watch those knees .... Brita/Jess/Jordy/Pietro and the dog, Toby ..... xxxxxxxxx Love to Rebecca and lots of luck

Jackie Phillips

Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 04:00 pm

Hi Jeffa, we are behind you and Blanca all the way...fantastic that you came across the line together. What at team. You're just fantastic. Keep 'er steady and you'll be on your next trek in no time! Best, Jackie x

justin murray

Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 11:37 am

Mum, ah there you are. South America is it?! And there I was calling Onslow Gardens to talk about the price of fish only to track you down in the Atacama desert. Good, nothing like the odd change of scenery to keep the spirits up. Trust all is well and the porters are doing a good job with your kit. Stay focused on the hot bath and bacon and eggs that are waiting for you at the end. On second thoughts, cancel that, I think that's best left till Stage 4. Until then, good luck, enjoy the moments and pay no attention to the hares! Speaking of which, does anyone know what got into Bex; she's gone off like her hair is on fire.

02 March 2013 04:46 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Here we are at our first campsite. it's 6.45pm,the sun is shining, lotsof wind and getting cool. .great 70's music blaring out. .everyone on great form - mostcan't wait for tomorrow, the restare a little nervous but also raring togo - i'm in the latter category!
We ae ten in our tent -I found myself with a large holeunder my sleeping bag - happily a lovely man came with a shoveland managed to push a whole lot ofgrravelly, stony sand in under the flap - lotsof dust, but better off thanmy poorn iece Rebecca who foun her state of the art blow up mattress has a hole in it.There's a long queue for te boiling water - my freeze dried food tonightis scrambled eggs, potatoe and peppers -followedby my lst bit of fresh fruit - a banana.
We take off at 8am tomorrow - I expect to get into camp about 11 hours later! tomorrow's message may be brief.

Comments: Total (0) comments

01 March 2013 01:38 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Excitement building! I woke up far too many times thinking about things undone,things to do. Decided to wear a different shirt (you wear the same one for the whole race) so that means I have to move the Four Deserts  and Union Jack badges - and find my sewing thread. I forgot to print out the mandatory forms that have to be handed in tomorrow -prinicipally wavers of all responsibility. quite difficult copying and printing them on the hotel computer 8all in Spanish) misssion accomplished with the help of the charming hotel manager. Everyone is so friendly and lovely here with Ölas´and ´´Bon Dias´s to everyone you meet or pass inthe street.
Needless to say the weather is glorious - not a cloud in the sky and happily not as hot as the Sahara where we melted in temperatures peeking in the high 40C´s.
I do need to get the weight of my back pack down, I don´t think my poor old knees can manage 9 kilos - and that is without the water.
We move to our ´Race Hotel¨´ (free) in about an hour so will be meeeting up with even more competitors - already met up with all our fellow tent companions and quite a few others - had a great supper in town last night -18 of us.
A very big thankyou to my latest charity supporters. I will be writing to you all personally when i get home - and oh so hoping over the finish line.

Comments: Total (2) comments

Elaine Langdon

Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 10:51 am

Hi Jennifer, All the best for the next few days. Sending you loads of love and strength. You're absolutely amazing and inspirational and I know you will sock to them out there. Keep strong and keep us posted on the knee. lots of love from Elaine x

Bruno Willmann

Posted On: 02 Mar 2013 08:12 pm

Dear Mrs Murray, I wished I could help you translating the docs in Spanish as I speak this language fluently ! Anyhow, we'll follow you every day on this amazing trek...Just think about having some well deserved rest at Régagnac in a few weeks...Look after yourself and go smoothly.You're the best! Love from Bruno and family.

27 February 2013 07:09 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I´m jinxed with these blogs – I´ve written five literary masterpieces and none of them have gone through. I hope the race isn´t going to be as tough as this. We want to go and see the sunset behind the snow capped volcanoes this evening (tough life) but I´m running out of time.

 

Firstly a big thank you to all my lovely friends and those I don´t even know who have given so generously and to all those who are planning to do so to my chosen charity, Macmillan Cancer Support. It´s so easy to give, just click on http://www.justgiving.com/Jennifer-Murray2

 

The waiting is nearly over, come Saturday morning we all have our packs checked then we get bussed to our first camp site. We are told the elevation there is a little over 3,000 meters, so it´s going to be cold. I shall probably be walking around the camp wrapped in my sleeping bag as I´m trying to get my weight as light as possible. I laid everything out on my bed today, binned all the non essentials, tried to pack everything in my 25litre back pack – failed. Ruthlessly binned more snacks reminding myself that nothing tastes yummy after umpteen hours and miles; repacked and managed to fit everything in –just. I hope I´ve got it  below 9 kilos and that is without the mandatory two and a half liters of water we have to take on at each 10kms check point.

 

Why am I putting myself through this?!! The challenge, the camaraderie, the excitement and of course my charity. I´ve escaped freezing London town to be here in what has to be the world´s most stunningly beautiful desert – the mountains, the colours, rock formations, dried river beds and of course the snow capped volcanoes.

 

I will TRY and send another blog before take off.

 

Comments: Total (1) comments

Riitta Hanninen

Posted On: 01 Mar 2013 03:12 am

Jennifer, I can confirm that your blogs are coming through, it's a pleasure to read them. Just wanted to wish you best of luck for the week ahead. You're such an iron lady, it will be great to follow your go. Enjoy the Atacama Desert, good luck! Riitta (RacingThePlanet team)

11 February 2013 04:23 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Last week I staggered through a killer ten hour, 3,000 vertical feet hike in Ethiopia and now appreciate why there are no other RTP Atacama competitors anywhere near my age. We were six stalwart ladies on that hike, ranging in age from 57 to my 72. The day had been scheduled as an OK 5-6 hours downhill trek from 3,600 meters. We somehow all made it up and down narrow, loose grit tracks, across two rivers and ending up, wiped out at 2,400 feet, oh and the temperature was 38C. The downside was it brought back all the agony of my three previous RTP attempts ( I failed to complete in Namibia and Nepal but managed the Sahara in 2009.) The upside was that I didn

Comments: Total (6) comments

Jane Merrill

Posted On: 01 Mar 2013 12:24 pm

Cheers to you. You are very much in my thoughts as I saunter gently through the tree lined paths of Kensington Gardens. My amazing friend - you are very special

kathryn friend

Posted On: 01 Mar 2013 07:34 am

hi jennifer: thinking of you so much.... HOPE all goes well on your first day... can't wait to hear more... your pack can only get lighter, right??? magic to be in the beautiful desert... courage, courage!!! much love, kathryn xxx

kathryn friend

Posted On: 26 Feb 2013 03:51 pm

hi jennifer: thinking of you SO much and will be sending positive vibes from cape town! i hope there is more ecstasy than agony and you have no problems with knees, sleeping bags etc. Can't wait to hear more news when you are under way! COURAGE!!!! you are amazing!!!!! lots of love, kathryn xxx

Joanna Murray

Posted On: 25 Feb 2013 09:02 pm

NAI NAI!! I am so glad that I have finally had time to write you a little message of encouragement! I have no idea where else to do it, so hopefully you will see this! You must be exhausted already, but think about the feeling you'll get once you've finished! Don't give up! I am thinking about you all the time! I love you nai nai!

Jane Mackenzie

Posted On: 25 Feb 2013 03:47 pm

Jeffa hope you have arrived freshly ready - the website have misspelt your surname as MUTTAY as in MUTTI but we can find you......!!!

Megan Lay

Posted On: 11 Feb 2013 10:00 pm

Hi Jennifer That sounds like the perfect per race preparation . I am in complete understanding about the need to wind up before you wind down!! After reading your blog I of course had to check your bio. You have achieved so much , and must be a great role model for your grandson ( who I'm sure will enjoy lunch with his unconventional grandmother). Good luck for the race and I'm looking forward to meeting you in a few weeks. Cheers, Megan