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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2014

Stephen Kodish

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Atacama Crossing (2014) blog posts from Stephen Kodish

10 October 2014 02:32 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

I came in before midnight last night so just under 16 hours on the course. It was a long, hot day and the heat was brutal…I remember packing my red flashing light before I left and thinking that I’d only have to use it in case I had to be out on the long day longer than 12 hours after the sun would go down…not thinking it would ever take that long to go 77 km…well I put it to good use and running/hobbling under the full moon was pretty cool. Got to see full moon rise in middle of the desert.

Today people are caring for themselves around camp – the blister and foot care look like a triage tent. Last 10k tomorrow just to round out the last 250 km.

What a race. Not feeling completely satisfied so already thinking about what next might be around the corner…maybe gmos should be next!

Cheers everyone
steve

Comments: Total (1) comments

Sachie L.

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 03:03 am

You kicked a$$! You really are a true inspiration! Just a short trot to the finish line now where cold beers and I hear pizza? await you! Enjoy babe, you deserve it! And as for gmos, we can make that happen if u come back with me at the end of the month ^_~ Love you Sxx & FN

08 October 2014 03:04 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Got my head down pushing on

Comments: Total (11) comments

Jules Beren

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 03:58 pm

What a champ.

Matt Lopez

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 02:44 pm

Good work dude. Looking forward to catching up in Lima with some four hour energy.

Patrick Diaz

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 01:55 pm

Way to go Steve-o! You're a f'cking animal! Keep on moving on...

Patrick Diaz

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 01:55 pm

Way to go Steve-o! You're a f'cking animal! Keep on moving on...

Bonnie Fontaine

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 01:50 pm

Way to go Steve! Glad to hear you felt strong on the 4th stage. Keep it up. Thought of you last night at a class at the gym when my hip was hurting and I realized that my pain was nothing compared to what you are feeling so I sucked it up. Stay strong and hope today goes just as well for you.

Scott Kodish

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 12:56 pm

Great work on that stage! Get moochie going for the final stages and you'll be passing everyone! Almost there man, you got this!

Randy Coughlan

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 10:03 am

Way to go man! Hope those gaiters were useful on the salt flats. Hopefully those steroids kick in for the long haul so you can keep on crushing it - you're almost through it! Beers on me when you get back to Boston!

Damo D

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 06:31 am

Nice recovery mate. You're one stage closer to some beers at the end. Keep it up - use the BPs if you have to. Damo

Andy Mcv

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 04:55 am

Awesome to hear you in high spirits dude!

Michael Bacon

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 04:46 am

Massive recovery in that post dude!!! Cracking effort... Grit and God damn Determination!! Let's close this one out now brother!

Sachie Lee

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 03:17 am

So incredibly proud of you! You are killing it! Just one more big day to go then it'll be a walk in the park to the finish line \^_^/ wish we could be there to meet u but capital grille and beers to celebrate when u are back! keep going strong bf…crank up the Boss and will keep my fingers crossed that the steroids kick in. Love and kisses FN & Sxx

07 October 2014 01:58 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

My knee is swollen like a balloon

Comments: Total (6) comments

Alan Bailey

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 11:31 am

The gods made the desert so a man could find his soul.. and have an excuse to pop tylenol like candies!! Seriously impressive mate, youre in a hell of a fight let's finsh this thing!! Cheering and fist pumping for you!!

Damien Dunn

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 02:16 am

Let's go kodish. Get this thing finished . Do it for Darren.

The Dashwood

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 08:52 pm

Steve-O - Pain is temporary bro. This is who you are, so just keep on keeping on. Don't worry about time cause you're still faster than all of us watching in envy in cyberspace. Cheers dude - you can do it.

Scott Kodish

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:39 pm

Keep pushing man, you are doing great! Only a few more stages and you are there. We are all cheering you on!

Patrick Diaz

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:38 pm

Pick your head up and keep moving forward mate. You're doing fine - now finish this race...

Sachie Lee

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:13 am

OMG that sounds horribly painful :( it worries me to hear about your knee and really hope it's nothing too serious. Don't worry about your time babe, we are all rooting for you and no matter where you stand, you will never let us down. You're amazing for pushing through! Ganbareeee!! Sending you tons of love and encouragement Sxx & FN

06 October 2014 04:35 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Today was brutal. I managed to get my electrolytes and water in check so no nausea or cramping today; however, the ITB felt like someone was pushing a screwdriver into it. Needless to say running was tough. Ive tempered my expectations a bit as a result. I did get a pick-me-up when I treated myself to the Boss

Comments: Total (7) comments

Andy Mcv

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 12:44 am

Sounds tough, but hang in there! A real one from Voltaire: What most persons consider as virtue, after the age of forty is simply a loss of energy 

Bonnie Fontaine

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 03:51 pm

Thinking of you Steve as you push forward. Doesn't sound like an easy trek at all, but if anyone can do it, you can. Hope your IT band holds out for you. Good luck in your next stage.

Randy Coughlan

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 03:14 pm

Sounds like tough going so far but you've been battling through it - keep it up man! The pack is only going to get lighter each day, so just take it one step at a time. Hope stage 3 is a good one!

Michael Bacon

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 02:46 pm

Solid work dude... You are one tough b4stard man!! Hang in there buddy ;)

Patrick Diaz

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 02:25 pm

We finally found your blog! Was that Voltaire or the wise words of Skillet? I think the latter. Anyhow, proud of you for pushing it thus far. Doesn't sound like a lot of fun out there. The good thing about the IT is that it won't break, it will just create some serious pain that may break you. Keep pushing on brother - at least you don't have to starve yourself! Keep moving forward!!!!!!

Scott Kodish

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 02:21 pm

Nice work so far man!!! Get some Hall & Oates on deck for the next stage, followed by a little Fleetwood Mac and you will be cruising!!! You can do it!

Sachie Lee

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 04:46 am

Well done for completing day 2, otsukaresama! I'm glad the Boss helped push you the last leg of the race...will have to learn to appreciate his music more now ;) stay strong and keep going babe, you're doing an incredible job! Looking forward to tomorrow's update. Ganbatte! Lots of love from FN & I xoxo

05 October 2014 01:54 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Day 1 is over. It took 5 years to forget the ultra in Gobi and 5 miles today to remember. Today was pretty disappointing but hopefully first is the worst, as was the case in Gobi. After about 14 miles I started cramping pretty badly in both legs and it made walking even tough. The last couple of hours were pretty brutal as the sun was noon high and I was already dehydrated. I managed vomit twice before getting to checkpoint 3 where there were then only 2 miles left but I had to spend a good 25 minutes in the checkpoint till the cramps subsided enough to be able to run again. I dropped a lot of spots in those 25 minutes obviously. Ill have to sort out my electrolytes better for day 2 which is 27 miles. To make matters worse here was a 5 mile uphill section near the end of today and a staff member told everyone it was only a 1.5 mile hill

Comments: Total (1) comments

Sachie Lee

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 03:20 am

sounds like a brutal first day and a merciless finish! so proud of you for completing it and we hope that you get a chance to rest well and rehydrate for tomorrow. you're one day closer to your goal! Oyasumi and ashita mo ganbattene!!! FN is fast asleep on your pillow and misses you dearly, but also wishes you the best of luck. Lots of love Sxx

04 October 2014 03:15 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Just arrived at base camp and am feeling as ready as im going to be at this point. The old IT band is still a real bother and I feel like a cat playing the piano trying to use my IT brace, while using the foam roller and managing the anti-inflammatory medicine. Pack weighed 10.5 kg during check in

Comments: Total (4) comments

Nancy Kodish

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 02:14 pm

Hey Steve, Hi from Kuma and me! Day 1 running is over and we hope you had a good run and that the IT band was not too bothersome. Remember to ice and take the pain/anti-inflammatories as directed. Don't forget lots of water and electrolytes. I know that with your determination, fitness level, and true grit that you will do well. We are always in your corner, wishing you and best, and sending you our love. Be safe, work hard, and enjoy this incredible experience. I love you...Mom

Nancy Kodish

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 02:14 pm

Hey Steve, Hi from Kuma and me! Day 1 running is over and we hope you had a good run and that the IT band was not too bothersome. Remember to ice and take the pain/anti-inflammatories as directed. Don't forget lots of water and electrolytes. I know that with your determination, fitness level, and true grit that you will do well. We are always in your corner, wishing you and best, and sending you our love. Be safe, work hard, and enjoy this incredible experience. I love you...Mom

Nancy Kodish

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 02:14 pm

Hey Steve, Hi from Kuma and me! Day 1 running is over and we hope you had a good run and that the IT band was not too bothersome. Remember to ice and take the pain/anti-inflammatories as directed. Don't forget lots of water and electrolytes. I know that with your determination, fitness level, and true grit that you will do well. We are always in your corner, wishing you and best, and sending you our love. Be safe, work hard, and enjoy this incredible experience. I love you...Mom

Sachie Lee

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 10:47 am

Ganbatte!! Fluffy sends her love too :)