Newsletter
Online Store
Login
RACE INFO
RACE INFO
RACE INFO
Atacama Crossing Blogs 2013
7
PostsAtacama Crossing (2013) blog posts from Vikki Bester
09 March 2013 07:19 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
So after only a short stage today I finially crossed the finish line!!
8.2km's in just over an hour and I am thrilled to say I have completed the 250km of the race this year. The conditions today were not too bad at all. We started at 10am which meant a bit of sitting around this morning. I had managed to eat all my food the previous day so the only thing I had left for breakfast was a race gel- which didn't go down all that well!!!
The stage this morning was mostly on a dirt road into San Pedro. Although it was hot I chose to only carry about half a liter to keep my pack weight down and enable me to run home. To turn the corner and see the finish line, with the local crowd cheering, was amazing and something I won't forget in a long time.
It has been tough and I certainly had moments where I didn't think I'd get through! It was all worth it though- the pain, the heat, the food....all of it!
After the race was a celebratory beer and pizza with the other competitors which was the perfect way to end the race!!!
All that is left is for the final awards dinner tonight held in the middle of San Pedro. It will be great to enjoy a non dehydrated meal with everyone and finally be able to let our hair down and celebrate!!!!
To everyone who has been following along at home in Australia and across the world thank you all so much. I have been blown away by the support I've received from everyone. I will send each of you an email over the coming weeks and hopefully catch up with everyone very soon.
I'll also be downloading all my race pictures on my blog in the next few days so if you are interested please go to www.desert-running.com and have a look.
Vikki
X
08 March 2013 09:56 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
It is now Friday here and I managed to finish the long day before midnight yesterday. I think just over 15 hours!!! The scenery was beautiful and very very different in each different stage. We started in a salt lake which meant starting with wet feet! Continuing on into rough crusty mud/salt before heading off down a long dry dirt/sand road. It was along this road last year that I had to pull out and although I didn't find the exact place I was definitely looking for the familiar sand dune that I was throwing up into.
From the dirt road we headed across more salt flats before reaching this enormous sand dune that we all had to head up. After 6 hours it was tough going, but like many of you have said, it was just one foot in front of the other.
Funnily enough I can honestly say that for the first 12 hours I felt fantastic. I was taking some pain meds (first day taking them) which seemed to do the trick. Pain did kick in around 9pm and so the final couple of hours were definitely agonizing. As far an blisters I have 2 still and they did not give me any issues yesterday at all. My ankle joints however, are a little worse for wear. My feet are swollen a little too - which I imagine is completely normal and definitely wont stop me from getting through tomorrow.
Another huge help was German who I was with all day. Definitely doing this day with someone else is a huge help especially when the sun goes down and it is dark and cold.
I have to be quick today because there is a line of people waiting to send blogs home.I'll be home in no time at all with plenty of stories to tell. :-)
Barnsy - I have officially run out of food and about to start begging...which also means your comments about pumpkin wontons is just cruel. Can you deliver???
Love you all...and by the sounds of it you will all gets some work down now that the race is almost over.
Miss you all...
Vikki
x
Comments: Total (0) comments
06 March 2013 03:22 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
The most amazing part of my day has been coming in to read my blog & email comments! It has just put a huge smile on my face and made me appreciate how lucky I am. An email from Elton John & an updates on the Dow Jones - I'm certainly popular and up to date!
As far as racing the highlight of the day was definitely finishing 64th! Although the conditions today suited me much better. Leading into checkpoint 1 was uphill and across rocks which allowed me to set a good pace (these legs are good for something). From CP1 it was mostly downhill and along tracks so I put my head down and got into a rhythm. By the time I got to CP2 I was feeling good. the 14km's through the salt flats leading up to CP3 was tough going. Last year I had my amazing tent mate Veronica to push through this with but this year I had to tackle it by myself which was much much tougher.
I think I made it to CP3 just in time to salt, sun, eat & drink....which is take some salt tablets, reapply my sunscreen, eat an energy bar and fill my bottles back up. It was also a good chance to empty my shoes of all the sand I was collecting along the way. Today I had to empty them at each checkpoint because of the sand that was continually filtering through the ends of my shoes.
My body is holding up ok. I have two blisters, one on my big toe and the other on my little toes. Manageable at this stage and certainly far better than a majority of feet here. My calves are extremely tight as well. We have been walking on soft sand for at least 10-20km's per day... I am holding a nightly stretch session in my tent though - which I'm looking forward to tonight. Other than those couple of things I'm pretty much holding up... I am dehydrated - but so is everyone at this stage. I'm hydrating like crazy each night when I get into camp hoping to catch back up on the fluid I haven't been able to replace during the day. Pretty much the only thing I do all day is drink!!! I'm getting through about 2ltrs between checkpoints and another 3lts overnight (around 11ltrs per day) half of which has electrolytes added.
The campsite tonight is picturesque. We are right on a salt lake and the tents are all lined up for a beautiful sunrise. I'm off now to eat some dinner and get some sleep... I've just got to make sure I go back to my tent with an hourly update. I'm also going to get in on the South African boys at 8pm because they have informed me that they have gotten hold of some lollies! It is going to be a big day tomorrow and I need all the strength I have... I'm not looking forward to it on the most part but know that this is what I've come here to get past. I'm aiming for a finish tomorrow so I will be going slowly slowly.
The next time I write fingers crossed it will be with good news...
Vikki
x
Comments: Total (16) comments
Sergio Sergio
Posted On: 12 Apr 2013 03:08 am
You are truly an inspiration. I love rindeag about your experiences. I now know that I am not the only crazy person who enjoys spending a day walk/run a 24 mile trail feeling terrific and using it to quiet some inner demons.
Oliver Bosshard
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 03:20 pm
Hi Vikki, very well done, the 'Big March' is done, now it is just a last short leg to the finish line .... I knew you can do it, proud of you, well done!!! Much love, Oli
natalia watkins
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 02:05 pm
Fantastic Vikki, hope you're back at camp relaxing and wondering how to tape those toes together for the last hobble into the finish. The photos look amazing and I can't wait to follow in your footsteps next year. Nx
Rhi Crowe
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 01:23 pm
Bester! So so happy to see you got through the big one! Absolutely best thing to see. You are incredible. Now not much to go so make sure you have it all sorted and you get back to us safely!! So proud of you and all that you have done. See you for Cambodian soon xox
Penny Minges
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 01:15 pm
I could not wait another minute for your posting - So happy for you on your completion of the long march!!! While u must be shattered, there is that other part of you that must feel ecstatic and relieved. You did it. What a huge accomplishment! Cheers to you, Vicki. You did it again.
Mike Traub
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 01:05 pm
Hey Vikki. Well done. Looks like you came in around 15 hours for the big day. No problem! Congrats again. You are a champ. Enjoy marinating in the heat and flies for the day and then crossing that finish line tomorrow.
Colin Suckling
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 12:48 am
Hey Vicki,By the time you read this,l know that stage 5 will be done and dusted. WOW you have shown some determination. We are so proud of you and hang on every word in you blogs. Just amazing.
“Life has no limitations, except the ones you make”
Colin
By
Christina Johns
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 12:12 am
I read a book to Peyton last night called the little engine that could. I told her that the little engine was like her Aunty Vikki in her Marathon to which she laughed and babbled something that I couldn't understand - I'm sure it was positive thoughts! We're all very proud of you and looking forward to catching up when you get back. Big hugs and drooly kisses (those are from Peyton)xo
Sandy Suckling
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 10:54 pm
Hey Vikki Dean is right the place has gone to meltdown we are all too busy following the race.... Woot Hoo...even the temperate is in meltdown the hottest autumn on record we are going for in celebration to you.... we in a heat wave dedicated to you... go girl can't wait to read you are in safely...go Vikki our star... xx
Dean Tulloch
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 09:35 am
Vikki. The state of Victoria has gone into meltdown. Ted Baillieu has thrown in the towel. Was apparently spending too much time following this race and bang - he is out. First the Pope, now Ted - the effect you are having! So pleased to see you in such good spirits after Stage 4. You can just sense you are in pretty good shape. Now the big one. The 75 bananas. You seem measured. Drinking plenty. Balancing that electrolyte and sodium. All seems on track. One Stage at a time on the big one. Now Vik - sometimes what is in front of us can indeed seem overwhelming. Life is like that. What is around the corner? The one thing you can be sure of?....THIS is your moment. Shine.
Rhi Crowe
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 09:13 am
Oh I am just reading barnsey's post so now all I can think about in the pumpkin wontons. I was there the other night, so delicious! Meet you there for a celebration dinner!! So it's now the long day, but don't think about it in its entirety, just get to and through each check point.. There's no need to be a hare, slow and steady like the tortoise. I cannot wait to see the update tomorrow, probably as much as you looking forward to our messages. Take care out there Bester, much love xox
Annette Bester
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 08:33 am
Hi Vik. This next stage will be the hardest for you but i know you can do it. I hope you get to eat some lollies......they could make the difference....ha ha. I am so proud of you and love you very much.
Bei Hu
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 08:03 am
Do you know that was by far the most positive blog I've read today? Well done, girl. You just keep going like that and moving up the rankings. So have you named the blisters yet? They deserve some respect
Clive Pilkington
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 06:35 am
Good luck for tomorrow Vikki, I'm enjoying your updates and keeping and eye on your progress. well done.
Cheers
Clive
Penny Minges
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 05:48 am
Congrats on another day down. I hope the sunrise was beautiful and sending strength your way mentally and physically for the long one. Way to go, Vicki. You are a star!!!
Christie Barnes AKA BFF
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 04:21 am
Great news Bester! Now for the moment- cant wait to open my computer tomorrow and hear all about how you have smashed it!
Oh and for my own breaking news- Cambodian man last night was very excited to tell me that they now have little windows on the take away box! Yep you can see your pumpkin wontons... I nearly didnt wait til I got back to start eating. Apartment is good- stayed last night after a 9.40 game- there is still power which was great! There was one more thing i wanted to tell you... cant remember... now all I can think of is wontons!
Love ya long time BFF xx
05 March 2013 02:18 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I'm so happy to report that I am back at camp after another tough day - sore and tired but in pretty good shape.
I am sitting in the Cyber Tent reading the emails and blog comments from everyone whilst watching an amazing sunset. Perspective!!! Dean - your emails and comments make me laugh so much. You are 100% right in everything you write and also SO incredibly helpful.
Today went exactly as I have thought leading into the day... The first 18km's went pretty quickly and I came into CP2 about 77th...From there it was a long 10km's through crusty salty mud and small sand dunes. I put my head down and just powered through - knowing that I needed to get out of the heat as quickly as possible. I arrived at CP3 in ok shape and placed about 75th which was perfect. I decided to stop there and re-hydrate, eat some food, reapply sunscreen (I am a little burnt from yesterday) & empty the sand from my shoes.
It was after CP3 that things got extremely difficult. The conditions were brutal - not just hot but also terrain. Slate rocks & sand dunes that seems endless... The course was the same as last year but it didn't make getting through it any easier. All in all the last 12km's took me three and a half hours. Pure agony!! The physical and mental fatigue was really hard to push through. I developed a couple of blisters and had no energy to even stop and untie my shoes. I think for the most part I was confident of finishing but it was just hurting so bad. There was one moment that I sat and cried for about a minute - until it got too hot to sit in one place!!
The final 50 meters into camp, although extremely difficult, was also so so so good. Again I was met by my amazing tent mates M & G who helped me with my pack, water and spraying water over my face and neck to cool down.
Scott S - thank you so much for your advice! I definitely used the water to cool down today and it was perfect! Keep sending the tips through :-)
Mark - great to hear from you. Hope you are well!
Dean - Only one word needed... INSPIRATIONAL!
Rhi - funnily enough I am known in my tent as the news breaker. For some reason I have all the inside knowledge and if I come back to the tent without 'breaking news' I am sent back out to get some.
Barnsy - your messages always either make me cry or laugh! Are you doing any work? Your kids must be loving it!
Sculley - She Pee is so far unused! WANGGGG
Bei - believe it or not I had the most bizarre dream about Justin Bieber last night!! How weird is that!?? I was out to dinner with him and he was drunk and being a fool. haha...
To everyone else - again - thank you and I appreciate the support. It means the world to me...
Vikki
x
Comments: Total (9) comments
Dino Imbriano
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 11:50 pm
Vikki.....reading these blogs always makes me nearly cry....As a distance runner myself I can't believe how hard it must be walking through never ending sand dunes and then having to walk through water crossings - I would just crumble having to walk/run with wet feet for km's on end! Just keep putting one foot in front of the other and think about all of those things you love doing - The Holstee Manifesto! Good luck for the next stage!
Sandy Suckling
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 10:01 pm
Hey VB oh that is catchy perhaps a beer is about what you want right now...you go girl dont you dare give up now dig deep its tough out there but you are so close to Victory.... take a moment and imagine how good that feeling is to cross the finish line. I remember in Gobi you throwing your shoes in the bin and said you would never do another... but the taste for another challenge has taken you back to the desert... so I am sending all my strength to get you through that long stage look up at the stars as we are all there watching you... go Vikki you are a star... keep up the food keep up the water sip sip sip.... Sandyxxx
Scott Bester
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 05:49 pm
Sis, the big one's coming (and be done before you read all these posts) so huge congrats. I'm sure your living up to the "aunty stinky" label. look after those feet and keep on trucking away. Gigi wants to know something (in her own words) "Why is aunty stinky running in the chilly deserts?" doesn't quite get the concept or the reasoning why her amazing aunt would be doing something like this. I tell her that you are a very strong and dedicated person who once she puts her mind to something, nothing gets in her way. We love you very much and are praying for you. Keep it up, nearly there. We love you.
Rhi Crowe
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 11:23 am
Here we are again! Another day, another successful completion, actually you smashed it out there today! But you know I don't care about that, so just keep walking, one step at a time. Keep your mind active...Bieber really?! Now I am worried about your mental health :-) I am not at all surprised that you are the gossip queen, and no doubt if all else fails you will just start making up some rumours to spice things up a bit. Have fun and hear from you again tomorrow :-)
Dean Tulloch
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 09:04 am
Ah Bester.....all the people back home in your corner. Annette - your daughter is amazing isn't she? Do you know how she practically saved someone from Stage 4 in the Gobi? She did. I was there. It is getting to that stage of the race Vik when you need to dig in. Grab some socks, wet them, and put your drink bottles in those socks - tis like a stubby holder and lowers the temperature of the water and electrolyte and will cool you down some. Failing that, look for a pub on the trail, you may have to go off route for a while. Try to put your ipod on SEN - KB is changing the rules again and Malthouse not happy. And Gil McLachlan has started a Charter for crying out loud. You strap those feet. You eat that astronaut food. You stay warm at night and you be that spark that lights up that trail. Yes the feet are sore, but the WILL is strong. And your MIND is strong. Run your own race..and you will live your dream (not the Justin Bieber one...) steady as she goes.....
Christie Barnes
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 05:59 am
Yay!!! Another one down! You are a machine! 12kms... Even if I was just starting now it wld take me more than 3 hrs- and I don't have a pack or those conditions!
Um and look at u- always going further- I said to make top 84 but no you had to smash that. So now I expect 73... Lets see you smash that out of the ball park!
Anyway here comes your day you have been waiting for- keep that head down and one foot in front of the other- I know you will do it.
Stay strong and positive Bester!!
Love you long time xxxx
Annette Bester
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 05:22 am
Hi Vik. You are doing great. I know the next stage is going to be tough but you are strong.......in mind, will and courage. Love you. Mum
Bei Hu
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 04:41 am
No, Easy! No tears. Think of all the sodium and water you lose when you shed those. That poor English kid lost in Queensland for three days would have saved them for sipping later!!! Now if you have to cry, do it the model way. Only move your lips, no tears, hence no mascara and eye shadow running all over your face. Great job on day 3! You dreamed about Justin Bieber? We need to have a good talk!
Penny Minges
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 04:02 am
Vicki! Congratulations on another day down and by the time u read this, #4 will be history, too. I remember when we met up on Day 4 in the Gobi and then ran (walked) into that damn fence! haha - well, there may be lots of 'fences' out there, so breathe, drink and go around them- you have got this!! You really are an inspiration, Vicki. Be strong-I was going to tell you to keep your head UP although many people keep telling you to keep your head DOWN...haha...inspiration can be confusing. As always, just be smart and stay hydrated and have fun!!
04 March 2013 03:48 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Another long day finally done and dusted – literally!
I’m glad that I had a few hours rest before I came to write this blog because it would have been very very different.
The day in reverse is as follows…
Crossing the finish line at 5pm completely spent and looking up to find German and Mauricio waiting to grab my pack and sort out my water. Thank goodness because I honestly didn’t have the energy to even speak.
The 11km’s of the last stage was almost unbearably hot and dry and I couldn’t seem to consume enough fluid. From checkpoint 2 it was all about putting one foot in front of the other. It is incredible how many times I just wanted to stop and rest… I know that I’m supposed to think about making it to the next CP – but my head only wants to think about the fact that im not even through Day 2 and I am in pain. The last 20km’s took its toll on my foot also which is getting so tender. I haven’t had to take any pain medication but think tomorrow I will definitely be dosing up!
On the other hand the first 20km’s were AMAZING!!! I came into checkpoint 2 in 71st place and was feeling fantastic! The water crossings were so much fun. All in all I think we were in the water at least 20 times in the first 2 hours. Freezing & fast flowing water in the most amazing canyon. Then following the water we climbed back up the mountains until we were overlooking the entire valley. My niche is definitely walking up inclines (clearly my legs are built for it) and I definitely felt the most comfortable during that. When we hit the top of the ridge we then headed down the most amazing sand dune – which I’m hoping there are pictures of. Like last year it was fantastic and I think I went from top to bottom in about 2 minutes… It was fun until it flattened out and my legs started it burn!
Thank you to all the people who have sent me emails – they are so great to read at the end of a long day. In fact I spent most of the last 11km’s thinking about everyone back home and hoping that I’d have something to read when I get back to the camp. Fair to say I was thrilled to know that I crossed the line today in 77th (which is just my daily position not overall). Hopefully that keeps me in the top 100 which I was hoping for.
Mike – not doing a top 10 this year…instead I’m doing a sexiness scale! You’d be impressed with my voting so far.
Penny & Sandy – your comments make me smile and give me the energy I need to keep going… thank you
Scott – give Gi a huge hug!! Tell her one day she can do one of these with me! J
Rhi – while on course today I thought of the perfect thing I’m going to pick you up in San Pedro when I get back there.
Off to bed now…rest and recovery time.
Vikki
Comments: Total (9) comments
Annette Bester
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 05:04 am
Wow. You are doing fantastic. Its all " downhill from now" ........ Look after yourself....or let your roomees do it for you.
Love you. Mum
Sandy Suckling
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 11:11 pm
Geez girl you are rocking couldn't wait to check in this morning and see how you were going.... as I say to the grandkids I think I can I think I can hey you know you can... you go girl... just look up every now and again and check out the scenery it is an awesome place you are so lucky to be there the peace of the desert arhhhhhhhh so nice....... go Vikkstar go go go...xx
Michael Traub
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 08:32 pm
Well Day 3 was definitely the roughest for me last year so you are now through that, especially those last few ks. Just keep moving and take care of those feet.
Are there any Japanese cheerleaders to get you pumped up in the morning? If not, I suggest you lead them!
Bei Hu
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 03:48 pm
Hi, Easy. Sorry day 3 will be over by the time you see this. So glad to see you doing so well in the first two days. Looks like a really tight race and rough day 2 with some people taking 11 hours to finish. You chicked so many boys in their prime! That said, try to enjoy the adventure and forget from time to time that it is a race you will have to finish, if you can. Maybe it will make things just a bit easier when the going gets tough. I always am amazed how little sleep I can survive on in the desert. Four hours I am a happy bunny. I'd be cranky as hell in civilian life with that little sleep. And the less stressed I am about getting enough sleep, the better I sleep. Sending you all the good vibes from cold Hong Kong. Meanwhile in the world, Justin Bieber is getting loads of hate email for being late for his concert ....
Adam Crawford
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 02:00 pm
Hang in there, you are awesome!
Dean Tulloch
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 10:59 am
Bester. On Fire. Ah the heat, the altitude, the rocks and the rolls. Don't forget Melissa Ethridge. U r doing a superb job. You have now taken over my entire week - productivity is shot. Remember - you have trained. You have character....and you are no doubt lighting up the trail. Andrew Demetriou needs your help though. Trying to send Buddy to GWS according to Robo (ah, the journalists....) Can't blame the AFL, I bet they are all glued to this website. We are all rooting for you back here (for our US friends, it means we are 'barracking' :~) ) take care of those feet..and keep on a drinking......going to run a marathon this weekend in your honour !!!! go get em tiger.....
Rhi Crowe
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 09:06 am
Awesome effort today!, I think you should just think about the first 20km they sound so much better than the rest!!
Wow and what is his name that you are going to pick up for me in San Pedro - Marco, Antonio - don't keep me in suspense :-)
Time to dust yourself off, rest up and get ready for more foot movements tomorrow.
So proud of your effort so far. I am chilling the wine already for your homecoming xx
Christie Barnes
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 05:31 am
Me again! You know how you told me I could do the walk... um the snorers, blisters, food... just to name a few... oh and the 9 hours of exercise a DAY... NOT a chance!
Rach and I are just sitting here... eating popcorn... on our miniture chairs... Rach has a little blister on her pinky... maybe she should tape it up?!
Oh and im tired from my um... 1 hour of teaching today!
We are both sending you our good vibes for stage 3!
85... we are so happy! We are expecting top 84 tomorrow! xxxx
Christie Barnes
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 04:35 am
BFF! You are bloody incredible! ive just found your blog now and you are already have 2 stages down... easy peasy!
2 down.... tomorrow is hump day and its all down hill from there! :) Keep walking, smiling and remembering what an amazing thing you are doing!
Love your guts! xx
03 March 2013 03:57 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
So the day started nice and early (4:30am) due to some extremely loud snorers in the tent. Even with ear plugs and a sleeping tablet I managed about 4 hours of broken sleep. Tonight I will either be exhausted enough to sleep or I will be spending the night outside the tent under the stars!
Being up that early does have it's benefits and I definitely had plenty of time to do all my preparation before the race started. My routine is basically get up, pour water into my freeze dried breakfast (this morning it was muesli with yoghurt) and sit by the campfire slowy eating. Following this is feet taping - and by taping it is literally each individual toe - and re-packing of my pack to make sure everything fits and is comfortable. All in all this takes about an hour to an hour and a half, which was exactly how long it took this morning.
I've been sitting here now for 15 minutes trying to think about how to describe my race today and the best way might be 'up and down'. The first two checkpoints went quickly and smoothly. It took me about 3 hours to cover the first 20km's which I was really really happy with. I actually made my way into CP2 thinking that I'd really like to be under 120 (position in the race). To my complete surprise I cam through at 85 and was the 5th female!! Fair to say I was blown away (but might have a lot to do with the few famales participating this year). I guess from this point though I started to struggle a little with my hydration and food intake. For some reason I was having real trouble stomaching my electrolyte mixture and having to rely on my water only. Very quickly I started to slow down and when the course hit a 6km hill climb I wasnt sure I would actually make the checkpoint - which seems to get further and further away. I actually remember catching up to Ronnie last year on this hill as she had to take some time to recover at the top...I felt in much much worse shape! By the time I did make it to CP3 I had to sit downfor about 15-20 minutes and sip on my water and take some salt tablets. Running through my mind the fact that last year ended so badly didnt help - I guess the only consellation was the fact that I can fix dehydration a little easier that a septic gallbladder.
I completed the final 4km very slowly and very conscious that it was only day 1! Crossing my mind during this last stage was definitely why on earth I was back here and trying to finish this race. In fact, I believe I spent a majority thinking of all the places I'd rather be and the things I'd rather be doing.
I have heard rumours that it did hit over 40 degrees out there in some places and i'm not surprised at all. Knowing this and also knowing that it is supposed to be over 40 again tomorrow I have been trying to hydrate for the last few hours at camp as well as take salt tablets and electrolytes.
Tomorrow is another day and although I cannot say i'm looking forward to it I am looking forward to getting through it (slowly and safely). I will be taking it easy - even if that means finishing last with the sweepers.
Thanks to everyone who sent me through emails using the Racing The Planet site. Of course they mean a lot and definitely make me smile at the end of a long day. I've been told that donations have tipped over the $2K mark which I'm so happy about.
Also a big hello to everyone at home and all my friends from previous races who I am thinking about... :-)
I look forward to updating everyone on Day 2 tomorrow after I cross the finish line.
Vikki
x
Comments: Total (6) comments
Scott Bester
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 05:03 pm
Vik,
You are the best. We love you, especially Gianna. When i told her you are racing again, she wanted to know how "Aunty Stinky) was doing. Ha Ha Ha.
Keep your head up and battle through the mental aspect. You are physically able to get through it i know, just get your head in the right place.
Love you lots. Keep going!
Mike Traub
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 04:37 pm
Hey Vikki. Good start! Just take it 1 cp at a time and you will be fine. You're strong, I have no doubt you'll do great. Do you have your top 10 already picked out? Say hi to you know who...
Penny Minges
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 10:11 am
Rushed in to check your blog - congrats on a difficult day done! Can't tell you how proud I am of you back in the race. You have got strength and stamina....Awesome, awesome, awesome!!!
Sandy Suckling
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 07:43 am
Go Vikkstar go go go you are my hero..... all positive energy coming your way hold on here it comes... check in tomorrow awesome start... Woot Hoo x
Annette Bester
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 07:28 am
Ist day down. Glad you got through okay. Take care of yourself and stay safe. Will be thinking of you. :-) Mum
Rhi Crowe
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 07:01 am
Glad to hear you have made it through day 1. Was thinking about you all day so it was a relief to see the results come through. Take care of yourself and will be waiting for more results tomorrow xxx
02 March 2013 04:45 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Equipment check all went smoothly and race bib collected. Bag weight ended up at 8.5kg's which I'm really happy with - it will get even lighter before the start line tomorrow after I have eaten breakfast and changed into my race gear.
After all the official checks were completed all 149 competitors boarded buses to be taken to our first campsite - which is where I am writing this blog from. I am actually freezing as the wind has picked up over the last hour or so- we are also at 3,200m altitude so cold is "normal". Although it is much much drier than last year when we arrived to rain and flooding!
Everyone at camp is in a great mood. A majority of the discussion is around pack weights because there was a competitor who is carrying a 17kg pack!!!! Incredible... There are also quite a few nervous competitors (me included) who are keen to get the race started in the morning.
The course looks exactly as it did last year and is around 35km's. There is a tough uphill section that is about 4km's long - but then ends in a 3km downhill into the final check point.
My tent is going to be interesting and I have already picked up a little Spanish from the 3 Columbian competitors. It may be a cozy night tonight if the temperature keeps dropping and with 10 people in the tent there is not much room anyway!!!
We were allowed to bring a regular meal into camp tonight so I'm about to head off and enjoy that now before heading into my sleeping bag for hopefully a few solid hours of sleep. The only thing standing in my way at this point in the rocks that are under the tent... With my small sleeping mat not much of a barrier tonight unfortunately.
I also wanted to say a huge thank you to all my friends from previous races who may be reading this! I have had so many wonderful messages and I know you all know how I'm feeling right now. For all those who have donated over the last few weeks I know who you are... :-)
AND...to all the worriers (you know how you are), I promise to stay safe and do all the right things. I am looking after myself, I am hydrating as much as possible, I have all my good luck charms & I am thinking of you all.
I will email as soon as I make it in tomorrow.
Vikki :-)
Comments: Total (9) comments
Nidhin Nidhin
Posted On: 14 Apr 2013 03:59 pm
Brandie Brandie
Posted On: 12 Apr 2013 01:32 am
Beck Pike
Posted On: 11 Mar 2013 09:27 pm
Sandy Suckling
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 03:47 am
Dino Imbriano
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 02:59 am
Christie Barnes
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 11:10 pm
Dave Young
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 09:39 pm
Dean Tulloch
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 08:35 pm
Rhi Crowe
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 08:22 pm