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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2014
8
PostsAtacama Crossing (2014) blog posts from Rob Massy
10 October 2014 02:46 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
We made it through the long stage! Can I get a what WHAT?!!!
The long stage was 48 miles through some pretty tough terrain. A few miles of salt flats, mountain, sand dune, etc.
Started the day with Brett for a couple of hours, inia for another, and then pushed on solo. Super proud of the whole tent as we all finished. Third event in a row.
We are nursing our feet at camp which is the temp of the sun. Tomorrow is our last run and then it’s party time.
Many thanks for all of the notes of support.
Is it too early to call the dinner for Monday night? How about a giant serving of Brussel sprouts, some fresh fruit, cold beer, and home made pizza with sausage pasta.(full length sausages from the deli) discussions around camp have evolved from life changing epiphanies to what we would like to eat. I saw one guy stumbling around camp murmuring…….sausages……..sausages….. ok, that guy was me.
I found what I was looking for here and am ready to rock it home. I am recovering pretty well. My heels got tore up but that is about the worst of it. Quite an adventure.
I will put a call through tomorrow night. I cant wait to hear your voices!!!! Whoop whoop!! That includes Rosco!!
I am so proud of you guys. Thank you for backing me up on this crazy journey. I love you.
The long stage was 48 miles through some pretty tough terrain. A few miles of salt flats, mountain, sand dune, etc.
Started the day with Brett for a couple of hours, inia for another, and then pushed on solo. Super proud of the whole tent as we all finished. Third event in a row.
We are nursing our feet at camp which is the temp of the sun. Tomorrow is our last run and then it’s party time.
Many thanks for all of the notes of support.
Is it too early to call the dinner for Monday night? How about a giant serving of Brussel sprouts, some fresh fruit, cold beer, and home made pizza with sausage pasta.(full length sausages from the deli) discussions around camp have evolved from life changing epiphanies to what we would like to eat. I saw one guy stumbling around camp murmuring…….sausages……..sausages….. ok, that guy was me.
I found what I was looking for here and am ready to rock it home. I am recovering pretty well. My heels got tore up but that is about the worst of it. Quite an adventure.
I will put a call through tomorrow night. I cant wait to hear your voices!!!! Whoop whoop!! That includes Rosco!!
I am so proud of you guys. Thank you for backing me up on this crazy journey. I love you.
07 October 2014 01:24 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
I am writing this from my hotel room. After 81km in hot conditions, my legs felt great, my energy levels were high and I was happy just to be here. Unfortunately the blisters got the better of me and I really can't even walk. I got up, had breakfast, packed up camp and made it to the start line this morning, but even the hobbling around camp was eye-watering. I am devasted. There aren't really any words to describe my disappointment right now. Thanks to everyone for their mails and comments and for all the support on this crazy journey over the last couple of months. I am sorry to have let everyone down. I am not sorry to have been able to take a hot shower this morning though! See you all soon
Rob
Comments: Total (18) comments
Dawn Saye
Posted On: 13 Oct 2014 05:49 pm
It all starts with the decision to try! How would you have ever know otherwise!
Althought the outcome isn't what you imagined, the inspiration you have given should make you proud!.....
Jane Godfrey
Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 05:51 am
What an amazing journey! Can understand you must be gutted but you've achieved so much in the few days you were taking part and you should be very proud of that! Now enjoy getting back to you gorgeous girls. X
Mark Elkins
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 01:32 pm
Be proud Rob, you're an inspiration
Analiese Sidhu
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 01:11 pm
I read this out over dinner with Cathal, Fiona, Conor, mum and dad. Most of us oohed and ahhed in all the right places. Dad however was very worried you weren't wearing the right socks...
You should be so proud of yourself cuz! What an amazing feat to even get this far! Champion! X
Susan Love-Saranie
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 12:50 pm
Rob,
I am in awe of you and am cheering for you! Congratulations on all you accomplished! I'm sure you gained some knowledge through this that will help you the next time.
David Carr
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 12:28 pm
Mate, you did yourself proud! Months of training, getting your body and mind into shape and toeing the start line! A huge achievement! Really tough break getting injured is all.
You'll be back for another before long, I don't doubt it. Enjoy the desert and safe home.
Pam Barrick
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 11:51 am
It is a journey - one that started way before this week so there is much accomplished and much to be celebrated! Great job!! See you soon!
David Dyer
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:09 am
Rob,
You are my hero! Hope to see you soon.
David
J B
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 09:18 pm
Hard luck, mate. Chin up. Keep everything in perspective and enjoy the rest of your time there. It's only jogging at the end of the day. There's always next year... Nothing beats experience. JB
Merlyn Rasquinha
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 07:56 pm
Rob, Enjoyed reading your blog. It is nice to live through your experience in this exciting adventure. Sorry about the feet. hope they get better soon.
Ellen Chin
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 07:19 pm
We are so proud of you Rob, all my friends and family know who you are!
Laura Woodward
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 06:03 pm
Hey you've done amazing! 81k through the desert is such an achievement. Don't be too downhearted, and enjoy the rest of your trip. Hope your feet heel quickly xx
Lauren James
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 04:11 pm
You didn't let anyone down. We're all so proud of you for the effort you put into training and for staring down a challenge that many of us wouldn't dare take on. The fact that you showed up to the starting line after being lanced, bloody blisters and all says a ton about your determination and work ethic. Enjoy the rest of you time there knowing that you gave it your all and then some. Excited to hear about the amazing experience when you get back!
Jon Gannon
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 03:50 pm
Getting to the start line is the hardest challenge, and you did that!
Lift ya f'ing head high buddy, be proud of your blisters and scars and enjoy whats left.
Cant wait to catch up and regale in your experience.
Cathie Thomas
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 02:57 pm
I know you are disappointed but still can't believe you endured that kind of pain for as long as you did. I am proud of you and I will be sending Ira Glass your blog with the NPR shoutout. Let your feet heal for a bit before you think about coming home. Hydrate. You are still our hero!
Brian Jones
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 02:43 pm
I'm sorry to hear that those blisters cut your adventure short. Just attempting such a monumental challenge earns a lot of respect and admiration. I'm sure your training regimen for this event got you in some of the best shape of your life and that alone has its own rewards. While I was training for the Texas Super Spartan Race in Austin I got some blisters on my toes and heals and the following products helped relieve the pain and speed my recovery. Perhaps they might be helpful to you as well.
http://www.amazon.com/Band-Aid-Adhesive-Bandages-Multi-Day-Protection/dp/B000Y8W50G/ref=dp_ob_title_hpc
http://www.amazon.com/Band-Aid-Advanced-Healing-Blister-Cushions/dp/B000GCNBYE/ref=pd_sim_hpc_2?ie=UTF8
Rocky Jones
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 02:33 pm
Place this in the "for what it is worth" category. Just by showing up, you went so much further than most even dream of accomplishing. You are still the Extreme Sports Rock Star to us. Absolutely no shame in listening to what your body is telling you. Come home. You are missed.
Lauren Massy
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 02:21 pm
Ugh, I am so sorry to hear this, but I am soooo proud of you. It's not everyone who can run 81k through the Chilean desert for fun! You are an awesome athlete and are so tough mentally - what a pain that your feet couldn't keep up with you.
Enjoy the rest of your time there, soak up the beautiful scenery and the great craic. Can you also do me a favor and spend a little time cleaning up those pus-filled bloody hooves before you get on the plane :) Niamh and I miss you and can't wait to see you. xxx
06 October 2014 04:38 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
Made it to camp. It was a 44km day
Comments: Total (5) comments
Mark Elkins
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 01:24 pm
Who the hell are you and what have you done with the \'Irish Rob\' who turned up at Grizedale that day (wasted) back in 1996..?!
Mate what you are going through sounds extremely tough - even JB hasn\'t done something this stupid! - but I know you have the mental fortitude to stick it out. Guys back here and all over the world are wishing you well! Take care mate and we\'ll catch up on the other side. It was brilliant to see you last month by the way & hope you take this message in the spirit it\'s intended! X
Susan Love-Saranie
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 01:21 pm
Rob, Sounds like it was a tough day yesterday; but, not surprisingly, you powered through very impressively. We're thinking about you today as you take on Stage 3.
Cathie Thomas
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 11:32 am
Lauren is going to be really mad if you come home with just stumps. I really can't imagine this kind of abuse to your body. Did you really climb up that giant hill? Take care. I will pray for you feet.
David Carr
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 11:21 am
"Each week on our show we bringing you a collection of stories based on a single theme. This week, Rob's Blisters"
Laura Woodward
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 05:56 am
Ouchy Mr Massy! My feet are quite achy after chasing after two kids all day, but I don't think I shall ever complain again! I really hope a rest overnight has helped them and you can do something that at least stops them getting worse. You are doing amazing! X
05 October 2014 04:14 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
Stage 1 is done. Our first night in camp passed pretty uneventfully. The tent floor was not very even so I spent all night waking up and rolling myself back up the hill onto my very comfy camping mat. The whole camp woke up really early and seemed to follow the rule
Comments: Total (18) comments
Analiese Sidhu
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 10:10 pm
Rob, you are amazing! Loving the updates and telling everyone to follow you from this side of the world. Sending you lots of mental strength as I know you don't need the physical! Keep going and keep making us feel extra guilty for that piece of chocolate and no exercise we did yesterday.! X
Colleen McMillen
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 09:17 pm
Wow- Rob is this so crazy impressive! Congrats on getting through day one! Also....with all that you covered (the setting, the people you are meeting, the blister, Niamh's first steps) I still want to know more about this curry. Not sure what that says. Look forward to reading more about this adventure!
Ellen Chin
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 08:43 pm
I'm reading your lengthy blogs (thank you by the way) and hearing about you chatting it up with a new friend. Sounds just like Rob. Things are much quieter at the office without you. Hang tough my friend.
Mike Baron
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 07:19 pm
Hang tough Rob, I'm sure there will be good days ahead for you!
Mike Baron
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 07:19 pm
Hang tough Rob, I'm sure there will be good days ahead for you!
Diane Longoria
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 05:14 pm
What an adventure you've had already! You know this is NOT my idea of a "vacation" (LOL)!
You are doing great and we are all cheering for you here at SJP. Stay safe and keep moving.
Jon Gannon
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 04:27 pm
Way to go Rob! I told you it would be fun ;-) lol...
Remember pain is temporary and unless they tell you your foot will be lost, the blister will drain and the skin will heal...might hurt like a bitch, but you've paid a lot of money for this pain, so buckle up and enjoy the ride.
I always found than once the adrenaline kicked in the pain was more enjoyable. The hard part is always those first morning steps! You know you've got this, 90% mental - 10% physical.. so even if your body breaks down, you've still got good odds ;-)
To finish is the goal.. crawl if you must (I did)... enjoy every moment, and leave it all out there!
Very very jealous!
Brian Jones
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 04:15 pm
Good to hear from you Rob. The adventure continues! Hang in there and keep your eyes on the prize (the finish line). You know I love quotes so I searched my files for an inspirational one to send you given the obstacles you're facing. Here it is:
“If I were asked to give what I consider the single most useful bit of advice for all humanity, it would be this: Expect trouble as an inevitable part of life, and when it comes, hold your head high. Look it squarely in the eye, and say, 'I will be bigger than you. You cannot defeat me.”
― Ann Landers
Virginia Ramirez
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 03:46 pm
Rob...I finally sat down and read through everything and now feel a bit guilty that I was "so busy" that I didn't have time to read this before now! You are freakin' incredible!! If you ever find yourself in your own thoughts with nothing constructive to think about, here are a few things to ponder...1) How many actual bow-hunters are there in Texas (and how many are females! :-) ) 2)Why is there such a fascination with Buc-cees? 3) How are those folks ever going to survive at WFT without me (Rob) there???
We miss you and we are all cheering for you!
Student update: We have our finalists coming in on the 14th...our top 2 want US as well! Glad you will be back for their Houston visit!
Rona Shannon
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 02:41 pm
I told my husand about your trek, he asked if you were the overachiever type. Of course you are - keep up the good work, this will be a story for the ages.
Kimberley Axon
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 02:39 pm
Hi Rob! Sounds incredibly hard and when you return I want to see you eat that curry at work and still feel the same way about it :) Keep Trucking on!
Kim Fournier
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 01:40 pm
Sounds like you are doing great! Keep strong, if anyone has the determination to finish it's you. We are all pulling for you.
Eyre Massy
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 01:30 pm
Your feet have never been your strong point bro. It's no wonder you have a weird preference for mine!!!
Your comment about waking up in the cold, sleeping in until the last minute, trying to get dressed in bed and then being late made me realise that you haven't changed a bit since boarding school...being cold (obviously all the time), staying in bed until the last minute, getting dressed while still in bed and then sprinting down the stairs half dressed and late for breakfast!!! Enjoy stage 2
Susan Love-Saranie
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 01:29 pm
Rob, Congratulations on completing the first leg (and, the second leg by the time you read this). It looks lovely there. I'm looking forward to seeing more pictures. We're cheering for you here in Houston!
Robin Johnson
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 12:47 pm
Rob, sounds like you're having a great time, hope you carry on enjoying it despite the blisters! All the best from Becky & I Singapore.
Pam Barrick
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 12:06 pm
Now that you have experienced the first day - you should settle in great! Have a great day and enjoy the view!
Lauren Massy
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 11:19 am
oh my. That blister sounds scary! Glad you found someone to talk to - that sounds like the key to distracting yourself. That, and looking at all the beautiful scenery. The pictures on the race website make it look incredible. Get close to the photographer today! Don't worry about missing a few of Niamh's steps - she's still just practicing. She starts her first week in toddler class today. I'm sure the walking practice will continue to ramp up until she's walking 44k like her daddy!
David Carr
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 06:35 am
Solid start mate - nice one!
It may be hard to imagine but I'm as jealous as hell of you being there!
Hang in there, its only pain.
d,e,e
04 October 2014 03:26 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
Well, I made it to camp 1. It is amazing up here. The terrain is shale and small rocks. I spent quite a while moving lumps and bits from the piece of earth that is to be my bed tonight. I have some nice, chatty tent mates. It is pretty tight so I imagine we will know each other pretty well within the next couple of days. The view here is fantastic, visibility is about ten miles and the sky is the most amazing color blue. I made myself a nice hot cup of tea, much to the envy of my tent mates who didn
Comments: Total (6) comments
Brian Jones
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 11:11 pm
Rob: I have also enjoyed reading your blog entries to date; keep them coming. The late Joseph Campbell, American professor, writer, speaker, anthropologist, and mythologist once said, "What we are seeking is an experience of being alive." I'm confident you have found that type of experience...again! I'm excited and nervous for you and really looking forward to seeing some pictures and video of your adventure and hearing some stories when you return. - Brian
I
Laura Woodward
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 06:48 pm
Hi! I thought you were a crazy fool - but wow, sounds amazing, what an experience and something to remember for ever. Will be following your progress and can't wait to see the photos.
Laura x
Lauren Massy
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 05:53 pm
hellllooooooo! Love your posts! Hope you have enough tea to make it through the week after we spent the last few weeks borrowing from your stash! Hope you're getting my emails. Like Will's play by play for Sarah, Jon Gannon is whatsapp'ing me his own play by play. He tells me to prepare myself for a long week of his messages about the race :) your girl is great- lots of park play dates in this beautiful fall weather. She says daddy every once in awhile, so I'm sure she's cheering for you in her own little way x
Rick Thomas
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 01:11 pm
Rob: how are you filing these stories? Are you in a google fiiber hood with a Mac book air in your rucksack? Brilliant,
Will Rucker
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 01:06 pm
You made it. Day one should be under your belt by the time you get this. Sarah is really enjoying my play by play on where you should be, what gear/food you have, and deep discussions on your choice of gaitors. Looking forward to the wrap up.
Cathie and Rick Thomas
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 01:04 pm
Love reading your stories. I can just see you with your tea. Can't wait to see how your first day goes. Be careful out there. Keep your feet on the ground.
02 October 2014 12:06 pm (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
I have arrived in the desert town of San Pedro de Atacama. It was a bit of a long trip to get here. I left Houston on a flight to Lima, Peru where I then transferred to a flight for Santiago, Chile. Bad weather caused a couple of hour delay, but we landed safely in Santiago in the early dawn sunlight. I cleared customs and immediately found myself in line at Starbucks surrounded by a bunch of others who were obviously there for the same reason I was. We immediately got chatting - about all the geeky running gear, running clothes, race strategy, nutrition strategy stories that Lauren has banned me from talking about at home! It was great. I have immediately made some new friends. We all cleared the airport together. I was worried about getting all my stuff here and not having anything confiscated at customs... Freeze dried meals apparently look a bit funny in a bag x-ray, but the guy only barely even noticed me as I happily made my way out the the sunny desert air.
My new friends and I all got in a minibus and made up way up to 3000m where the view of the driest desert on earth was incredible. I still have some anxiety rumblings in my belly, but knowing that I am here safely and I have all of my gear really made my first view of the desert amazing. I am really really ready to toe the start line at the weekend.
This evening my new buddies Paul, Charlotte and Ross and I found a very Chilean restaurant (mmm??) where we devoured pizzas and cokes. Tomorrow will be a day of rest and a little sightseeing before all the official race stuff starts.
Here we go...
Comments: Total (7) comments
Jon Gannon
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 02:48 am
Go Rob!
Aaron Sinnott
Posted On: 04 Oct 2014 10:45 pm
Rob, good luck mate - i will be having a beer as well and thinking about you slugging it out - your going to do really great. Let us know how you get on
John Raine
Posted On: 04 Oct 2014 07:49 pm
Rob,
I am sitting having an ice cold beer ( you wouldn't like it), and for some reason you popped into my head. Good luck, hopes it's going well. Yes, you are crazy!
Jeff and Jenn Beitler
Posted On: 03 Oct 2014 10:39 pm
GOOD LUCK!! We're rooting for you back in Houston!!! Beers and non-dehydrated food will be awaiting your arrival so we can hear all about the race!
Rocky Jones
Posted On: 03 Oct 2014 06:46 pm
Ready, Set, ... just don't loose your vittles on the tennies at the sound of the starter's pistol ... GO!
Pam Barrick
Posted On: 03 Oct 2014 12:47 pm
Thoughts and best wishes are with you! I am looking forward to hearing about your adventure!!
Jerry Shechter
Posted On: 03 Oct 2014 01:55 am
Pace yourself; finish the race. We will be following you and hoping that you stay healthy and run well. Jerry
16 September 2014 07:07 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
19 days until the race. It has been a long hot summer in Houston. I have bought and tested all of my gear. I have clocked up miles and miles of training. I have endured blisters, chaffing and sun-burn as I have experimented with clothes, sock and shoes. I have tried three different packs and settled on one that I think fits me best. I have suffered through some pretty horrendous taste-tests of freeze dried meals. I have travelled thousands of miles to run marathons and I have run more laps of memorial park in Houston than I can even remember. I have counted my calories and weighted my gear. I have caught the imagination of some, and bored many; with stories of my impending adventure. I am excited, I am nervous. I am as ready as I will ever be. I won
Comments: Total (6) comments
Jane Godfrey
Posted On: 03 Oct 2014 10:26 pm
Completely in awe of your challenge-good luck and we will be following your blog! Jane x
Arnold Frinks
Posted On: 02 Oct 2014 07:33 pm
All the best Rob... Just reading your introduction before the race has inspired me to get my running shoes out of the cupboard...!
Cathie (Karen) Thomas
Posted On: 01 Oct 2014 07:50 pm
I didn't know we were so instrumental in your race. Socks...who would have thought. Good luck and keep hydrated.
Paul Gostling
Posted On: 01 Oct 2014 06:24 pm
Will be with you every step of the way, mate! Look forward to reading the blog and seeing the highs and lows of this amazing challenge! 42.195km leaves me in pieces, huge respect for you doing 250!!
Kimberley Axon
Posted On: 01 Oct 2014 06:03 pm
Good Luck Rob, we are all rooting for you!
Sam Fanshawe
Posted On: 17 Sep 2014 12:41 am
Sounds like you are truly ready. Can't wait to see you in San Pedro, it's been a ooong time!
01 April 2014 09:54 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)
I am signed up for a 4 Deserts at last. Having watched some good friends finish a series of 4 Desert races over the last couple of years, I am now officially registered and super excited. I trained hard last year. I packed 6 half marathons into the last four months of the year. Then I took a couple of months off from running to give my legs a rest. Now now I am fully back into the swing of training. I have had 2 runs with a weighted pack to "test" it out and I realize I have a long way to go, but the summer is here and I have 6 months to prepare!
I am looking forward to meeting everyone in Chile and toeing the start line in October.
Rob
Comments: Total (0) comments