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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2014

Ian Bond

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Atacama Crossing (2014) blog posts from Ian Bond

13 November 2014 08:48 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

When we started Racing To Rescue I wasn't too sure what the future was going to hold for this effort. I mentioned to Julie that my experience in the Atacama would do one of two things: make me -- or break me. Meaning: I was either going to come away from the experience completely shattered and never wanting to do anything like it again, or I would use it as a springboard of opportunity to maybe try and do some good in the world...Read more. http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014/whats-next-for-racing-to-rescue

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25 October 2014 10:17 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

At the end of the fourth day, the salt flat day, I was fortunate to run into American Grand Slammer Chris Calimano as we were coming into checkpoint three. After getting watered up, and with only a few easy kilometers to go to the finish, we decided to spend the time chatting as we walked it in. I had come off of a rough third day after Heather was forced to drop, and Chris was pretty much over the salt flats; so walking in with good company seemed to suit both of us just fine...Read more. http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014/Equipment-Review-Atacama-2014-Part-2A

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19 October 2014 11:29 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Now that the dust is starting to settle, and the mind is beginning to clear from my recent experience in the Atacama, I want to revisit some of my earlier equipment choices. Read more...http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014/Stats-and-Equipment-review-Atacama-2014-Part-1

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joe m

Posted On: 27 Oct 2014 02:42 pm

yep the party was too short... and too many people to thanks and congratulate, and you were certainly at the top of the list! Your story is so inspiring no doubt your family is proud of you! Please keep me posted Best wishes!

Ian Bond

Posted On: 25 Oct 2014 10:20 pm

Joe!! Dude I was looking for you at the awards thing to get your email, but things were crazy. Congrats to you too man.You were strong all the way to the end.

joe m

Posted On: 20 Oct 2014 08:47 pm

Brother Ian!! congratulations on a marvelous finish - bravo! Best wishes from Canada, and continued Success! I hope our paths cross again. very best, Joe [email protected]

15 October 2014 07:36 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

We finally made it home. Content would be the word that best describes how it is that I am feeling at the moment. Content, humbled, and inspired. Read more...http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014/thank-you

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Ian Bond

Posted On: 07 Nov 2014 10:16 pm

Thank you Samantha. It was an experience beyond words.

Sam F

Posted On: 16 Oct 2014 07:25 pm

Ian, it was an absolute honour to have you and Heather join the Atacama Crossing - your story is amazing. I hope you have read the feature we did on you guys, but if not: http://www.4deserts.com/atacamacrossing/rtpactp.php?SID=3

10 October 2014 03:15 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Just a quick check in. The long march is done crossed the finish line at 11:00 last night, 15 hours. Extremely happy with that result. I have hesitated saying that this was the hardest I have ever done, but, after yesterday it is safe to say it is. I will try to hop on later after processing some more through the day. Love you all.

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muriel janes

Posted On: 12 Oct 2014 01:14 am

I thought I already sent something today, but it must have not gone through. Yay, Ian. You did it. Love Muriel

Kenwyn Bond

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 09:59 pm

Way to go Ian!! I'm so proud of you! Big hugs for you and Heather!

gary farrall

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 05:50 pm

I'm so proud of you! Was praying for you all the way to give the power and strength to cross that line!! You did it my freind you did it!!!!

Larry Bond

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 02:44 pm

Wish we were there in person to give you a big, congratulatory hug! Well done, Ian! Must be so much going through your head at the moment. Will be happy to see you soon. Everyone is so proud of you! Love, Mom and Dad

08 October 2014 01:27 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Well crazy times, Heather had to drop yesterday. It was emotionally rough, but it was the right decision. I missed last night, it was a hard day. We are now 100 miles in after finishing the infamous salt flats today. I

Comments: Total (9) comments

Kris Ewing

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 11:49 pm

A HUGE Congratulation’s to you Ian on this outstanding accomplishment. Santa Barbara Ewing’s send much bravo and cheer you AND Heather’s way…

muriel janes

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 10:32 pm

You're almost there. YAY! Love you, Muriel

Kenwyn Bond

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 03:41 pm

I'm so proud of both of you! I'm also sorry to hear about Heather. My prayers are with you both :) Keep on truckin' Ian! You got this!

ann bennett

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 07:22 pm

Heather and Ian so proud of you both. praying and sending love... know it will all work as it's supposed to. heather, we love you, ian do it for both of you

Monica Bond

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 01:41 pm

Hi Ian: Dad\\\'s in total awe at how you have turned yourself around. We both know that you have it in you to finish this and we are so proud of you! Be safe. Love Mom and Dad

Julie Bond

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 07:08 am

Oh honey, I\'m so sorry to hear about Heather! I know you can still do this. We are so so proud of you, and all the runs you have done to train and condition on your own, perhaps this is what God was preparing you for. You are sorely missed, but every moment we know that you are being called to a higher purpose through this challenge. I must have looked very silly today while running through the Phoenix airport from one flight to the next, with just minutes between landing and boarding as I headed home on the final leg from my trip to Raleigh this week. I was grinning from ear to ear, despite my mongo laptop in my backpack and my duffle bag dangling beside me, because I was thinking of how much harder your trek is than what I was facing. I can\'t wait to hear all about the details of your journey, and see where this all takes you. Love you!

Julie Bond

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 07:07 am

Oh honey, I'm so sorry to hear about Heather! I know you can still do this. We are so so proud of you, and all the runs you have done to train and condition on your own, perhaps this is what God was preparing you for. You are sorely missed, but every moment we know that you are being called to a higher purpose through this challenge. I must have looked very silly today while running through the Phoenix airport from one flight to the next, with just minutes between landing and boarding as I headed home on the final leg from my trip to Raleigh this week. I was grinning from ear to ear, despite my mongo laptop in my backpack and my duffle bag dangling beside me, because I was thinking of how much harder your trek is than what I was facing. I can't wait to hear all about the details of your journey, and see where this all takes you. Love you!

Mike Patterson

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 05:23 am

Awesome, soninlaw, keep the faith and relay our love to little sis.

Mark Soler

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 03:09 am

You got this one! Focus and it's yours!

06 October 2014 04:06 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Rough day today. 27.something miles. Heather twisted her knee right off the bat during the river section, and it really made for a long rough day. We are hoping that will some rest and some foam rolling it will be better tomorrow. This more a race of attrition, and many have either dropped or been pulled. The atmosphere in camp is ample reward for getting it done. People aren

Comments: Total (6) comments

Larry Bond

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 12:54 am

Hi Son, Glad to see you're still hanging tough. Now that Heather has had to pull out, do you still get to see her in the evenings? She hasn't blogged since she dropped out so we don't know what she is up too. Every things the same here, and thankfully the weather has cooled off somewhat. So keep trucking. Love Pop

muriel janes

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 09:58 pm

Go Ian! we are rooting for you Love Muriel

Monica Bond

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:10 pm

Hi Ian: Although you have not commented yet on the third day\'s trek, we have already read Heather\'s blog and know that she has pulled out of the race. Hopefully you will go forward and finish the race. That\'s what she, and all of us, would like to see you do. Good luck! Love, Mom and Dad

Julie Bond

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 01:08 am

We are missing you so much. Glad you had fun on the sand dune, and pray that Heather's knee gets better quickly. Keep up the good attitude and keep putting one foot in front of the other - there's a light at the end of this tunnel...a brilliant beacon of hope that you can strive toward. Much love!!! xox P.S. the dogs are seriously missing you

Muriel Janes

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 02:26 pm

What you guys are doing is amazing. Love you, Muriel

Larry Bond

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 01:59 pm

Let's hope that this second day will be your worst one and that Heather's knee will pose no problem today. Mom and I are proud of you both. Stay the course! Love, Mom and Dad

05 October 2014 04:18 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Stage one in the books, and eager to start tomorrow. The morning started out extremely cold, so much so that we ran the first several kilometers in our down jackets and beenies. We started today at 10,880 feet and ended at 8,617, the prevailing hope in camp is that we will wake-up to warmer weather(although it is quite windy here). Tomorrow is the water day I guess even in the driest desert in the world they have a rather unique river system. The first several km are going to be spent in water, and going through water. The plan is to wear the Teva sandals through that section and then switch in to our shoes. Duel duty there, we will wear todays socks under the Tevas to get them nice and clean(well cleaner anyway). We finished today in 6 hours meeting our goal pace. The terrain was mild compared to the Santa Barbara mountains, and the temps only reached(in the time we were out) maybe 90. It

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Monica Bond

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 01:31 pm

Hi Ian. This will have to be real fast as we are leaving for the morning. So far what you and Heather have done sounds exciting! Please, take good care off your feet. Will have to write a longer email later but really enjoyed reading your blog. Muriel emailed me to comment. Have a good journey today. Much love, Mom and Dad

04 October 2014 03:21 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

After a full morning of gear check in(my pack weighed in at 7 kilos),and lounging around we left San Pedro at 3:00pm. Two hours on bus with our tent- mates we finally made it to base camp and got settled in. We are at about 10,800 feet of elevation. Looking forward to get on the move tomorrow, they said it

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Monica Bond

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 07:59 pm

Hi Ian: Read your horoscope this morning and the crux of it was to "go at your own pace and your own rhythm." Can't get more then specific then that. Muriel has been following your race and is quite impressed by the whole thing. We are so proud of you. Hang in there and take care of your blisters! Love, Mom and Dad

Julie Bond

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 06:43 pm

Everyone is asking after you both, and sending love and prayers. Glad to hear from you - can't wait to see some of the terrain you mentioned. Hopefully you'll have a chance to get some pics when you take a rest and refill water along the way. One of Kylee's friends said yesterday, "Ohhh...I hope he wins!"...I just thought, 'he already has!' as I smiled and said "Yeah, me too".

Julie Bond

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 06:43 pm

Everyone is asking after you both, and sending love and prayers. Glad to hear from you - can't wait to see some of the terrain you mentioned. Hopefully you'll have a chance to get some pics when you take a rest and refill water along the way. One of Kylee's friends said yesterday, "Ohhh...I hope he wins!"...I just thought, 'he already has!' as I smiled and said "Yeah, me too".

01 October 2014 12:49 pm (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Twenty-four years ago today I was looking at four days and a wake up until I was going to be landing in a desert six thousand or so miles from my home. I was twenty-one and gainfully employed with the United States Army, needless to say, the purpose of that visit had quite a different meaning than the trip I am now set to take. Read More... http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014/four-days-and-a-wake-up

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22 September 2014 09:47 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

2,000 calories per day X 7 days racing = 14,000 total calories required. Now I'm no mathematician (even with the new easy to use core curriculum) so I'm just going to round this up to the nearest big ol' pain in the butt. http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014/a_little_of_this_and_a_little_of_that

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18 September 2014 08:10 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

16 days and a wake-up until race day, 12 days until we leave. Pretty exciting stuff. We will post updates to this page, as well as to our blog at http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014. Also, we would like to remind everyone that one of our main objectives throughout this journey has been to raise money, and awareness for the good folks at the Santa Barbara Rescue Mission . After all, without a steadfast loyalty to their calling I would not be here today. To find out more about how you can support this worthy organization hit the donate link on our Racing To Rescue homepage. http://www.racingtorescue.com/home.

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16 September 2014 08:36 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

20 Days to go, and I finally feel as though I actually have some control over everything needed for this race. I've made some last minute equipment changes, all of which I hope will help to enhance my overall comfort during my time in the Atacama. It's a matter of balancing weight, functionality, and need versus what I might want. Time to suck it up. http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014/Atacama_Equipment_Part_4

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15 September 2014 04:06 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Things I have come to learn over the past year and a half or so, while training for the biggest athletic endeavor of my life, include these few nuggets. Not all miles are created equal, don't get complacent, and never take the usual for granted. http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014/not_all_puppies_and_rainbows

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09 September 2014 02:27 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Julius Ceasar, after crossing the Rubicon river upon finalizing his decision to march on Rome with one legion of soldiers, was reported by historians to have said "the die is cast". Of course, I am not crossing the Rubicon, nor am I a Roman general with a penchant for mass murder who is willing to pull out all the stops in the name of honor and glory. But,...http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014/approaching_the_rubicon

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05 August 2014 09:36 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

61 days to go until we toe the line at the 10th edition of the 4Deserts Atacama Crossing, 56 days until we catch a flight to Chile. Exciting for sure. http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014/61-day-update

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28 July 2014 01:24 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

Just hit 70 days on the countdown clock, and with the exception of a couple of things I seem to have everything pretty much in order. I may be slightly understating by saying a 'couple of things

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14 July 2014 02:36 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

As the time quickly winds down to the October 5th, 2014 start of the 10th annual Atacama Crossing in Chile, I'm taking the time to review the equipment I have accumulated over the past year or so... http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014/atacama_equipment_part_1

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Ian Bond

Posted On: 01 Jul 2014 05:20 pm

Thank you Joe. Looking forward to it.

Joe M

Posted On: 01 Jul 2014 09:39 am

Hey - great reviews on your blog site. See you down there! very best

14 July 2014 02:36 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana

In the 4deserts series (specifically the Atacama Crossing) each competitor is required to have the ability to carry 2.5 liters of water with them at all times. The method, and configuration is left up to the individual to figure out. It could be all bottles, a hydration reservoir, or a combination of the two. You just have to have 2.5 liters. http://www.racingtorescue.com/atacama-2014/atacama-equipment-part-2

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