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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2011
11
PostsAtacama Crossing (2011) blog posts from Scott McMurtrey
26 March 2011 03:42 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
http://www.ikeeprunning.com/2011/03/atacama-crossing-race-report.html
12 March 2011 08:34 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
I'm done. I've completed the Atacama Crossing.
There were tears in my eyes as I crossed the finish line, then again shortly after when I found a spot in the shade as everything sunk in.
Thanks so much for all the support.
I'll be in Santiago for a few days, then back home to write a recap on my experience.
This will be my final blog on this page. Visit www.ikeeprunning.com in a few days for the rest of the story.
The world looks a little different today.
Scott
Comments: Total (15) comments
Posted On: 19 Mar 2011 06:45 pm
Congratulations on slaying this thing. It's impressive that you'd set a goal this high for yourself, let alone succeed.
Posted On: 14 Mar 2011 09:54 pm
I am SO impressed.. can't wait to hear ALL about it..
Talk about RUN HAPPY
Ed
Posted On: 14 Mar 2011 02:06 am
Congratulations man! Good on ya!
Posted On: 13 Mar 2011 12:52 am
Sending you a congratulations hug. Great job. Amazing.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 10:33 pm
Yay Scott! Congratulations!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 09:18 pm
Well done. I fully agree with all the other comments, including the hug. Great job and congratulations!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 08:45 pm
Congratulations on the completion of another major adventure! Glad you're my big brother! What an example!!!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 08:27 pm
WAY TO GO!!! That is AMAZING!
Look forward to reading more and seeing the pics.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 08:10 pm
wow. wow. wow. can't to read the rest.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 06:59 pm
Congratulations Scott !!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 06:47 pm
Congratulations on making it throught this journey. I'm so proud of you and inspired by you and happy for you! Enjoy the rest and the pizza and the site-seeing in Santiago. Can't wait for a full report. Seriously, this was like watching Lord of the Rings--we watched (kind of) this epic story unfold and we're glad it's a happy ending, but a little sad it's over. What am I talking about? With you, it's never over. Can't wait for the next adventure...
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 05:59 pm
Good job.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 05:53 pm
congrats just doesn't seem to fit after an accomplishment like this. i've got nothing though. actually i'm a little speechless! here is to some major celebrating!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 05:45 pm
Scott, I know that everyone is saying it and that this probably wont be any different, but seriously, I am so proud of your example of dedication and diligence. I can't wait to give you a hug...whenever that will be haha. Love you big brother!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 05:33 pm
Well done. I'm proud of you. What more can I say.
11 March 2011 06:35 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
Those who finished yesterday are rewarded with a full rest day. Runners were still coming in just before the noon cut-off time, some injured and most very emotional.
I'm still soaking in what happened last night. I wish you all could have seen the stars. I thought I had seen the stars before - I mean really seen them - but the sky here just blows away anything else. It's like looking at school children's finger paintings all your life and you think you've seen paintings, and then some random day you walk unsuspectingly into the Sistine Chapel.
My legs feel as good as they have all week. I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning's jog to the finish line in San Pedro. I think they're going to do a staggered start so that everyone can finish around the same time. The talk around camp today is what will be our first meal back in civilization. Pizza? Chacarero? Pizza? GUs and Clif Bars and freeze-dried meals are not the most popular source of calories around camp.
My tentmates are a good group - 2 Danes, 2 Chileans (a third withdrew because of blisters), 2 Aussies, and a Lebanese.
I've taken something like 600 photos so far. Most of them probably look alike to anyone else, but I think my intimate relationship with the Atacama will allow me to enjoy the nuanced differences of my desertscapes. :)
I'll post one more blog tomorrow when I finish the mostly ceromonial final stage.
I'm very excited. I'm very grateful for all the support.
Scott
I'm still soaking in what happened last night. I wish you all could have seen the stars. I thought I had seen the stars before - I mean really seen them - but the sky here just blows away anything else. It's like looking at school children's finger paintings all your life and you think you've seen paintings, and then some random day you walk unsuspectingly into the Sistine Chapel.
My legs feel as good as they have all week. I'm looking forward to tomorrow morning's jog to the finish line in San Pedro. I think they're going to do a staggered start so that everyone can finish around the same time. The talk around camp today is what will be our first meal back in civilization. Pizza? Chacarero? Pizza? GUs and Clif Bars and freeze-dried meals are not the most popular source of calories around camp.
My tentmates are a good group - 2 Danes, 2 Chileans (a third withdrew because of blisters), 2 Aussies, and a Lebanese.
I've taken something like 600 photos so far. Most of them probably look alike to anyone else, but I think my intimate relationship with the Atacama will allow me to enjoy the nuanced differences of my desertscapes. :)
I'll post one more blog tomorrow when I finish the mostly ceromonial final stage.
I'm very excited. I'm very grateful for all the support.
Scott
Comments: Total (13) comments
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 03:47 pm
I think a Winter 50K is scheduled for next weekend. :)
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 02:29 pm
YAY YAY YAY! You can invite your peeps to an \'Atacama Crossing\" slideshow and go for 10 or 12 hours! Rock On - MOVE ON!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 02:23 pm
Great job, Scott! We knew you could do it. Have fun on that last leg. Can't wait to see pictures!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 09:48 am
!!! GO SCOTT !!!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 07:18 am
Scott!! So excited for you. Cannot wait to see the pics and read more about your amazing run!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 05:40 am
A well deserved rest day. Have an amazing finish tomorrow.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 04:58 am
awesome, finish well! This morning as I was running on boring pavement and in the rain, I tried to pretend I was running in the desert with a billion stars to light the way. It didn't work, lol. But it made my run more fun! Can't wait to see the pics!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 04:55 am
Dear Scott,
Many thanks for seeing my husband Sumanth through the tough parts of stage 3 - my heartfelt thanks! It's so heartening to know that help has never been far away in a land that is 10000 miles away from home.
Best wishes,
nandita
India
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 04:16 am
I am telling everyone what my son did this week.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 04:16 am
Awesome Scott! Run like the cheetahs of South Africa!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 03:11 am
Go Scott! Run like the wind tomorrow!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 03:01 am
Sounds like you've had a pleasant day. A well earned one of course. Good luck tomorrow!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 02:51 am
holy cow. i am so freakin' happy and thrilled for you i can't even stand it. wish i could give u a HUGE hug. wow. my friend. wow!
10 March 2011 07:24 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
I made it.
Today I reached my lowest low, and then the highest high of this entire trip followed.
I'm 50k into the day and only 5k from checkpoint 5, which is the overnight camp, and I can barely take a step. A dozen people pass me and all wish me good luck because they see how bad I'm hurting. I hobble into the checkpoint around 7:15pm and drop into one of the tents. I want to go to sleep and end this day. I take a couple gels and take my shoes off. I'm hurting as bad as I have all week. The course has been brutal. People are coming in and everyone is feeling the pain of being under the sun for nearly 12 hours.
I put on my socks and my shoes and I toss my pack on my shoulders. Headlamp on, I start toward the next checkpoint. Because this is why I'm here -- to test myself when I'm most vulnerable. I'm so glad I did. (tears in my eyes right now)
It's 8pm and the sun is setting over the mountains and I have 13 miles to the finish line. Temps drop about 40 degrees and a tailwind picks up.
"Scott," I told myself. "Run to the finish line."
The stars came out and I can't describe the beauty. I didn't turn my headlamp on because the sky was so bright. I took energy from the sky and I ran. I've never felt anything like it before. It was like my body was a part of the universe. I felt no pain or ache and I ran all the way to the finish line. I'm so happy to be alive.
Thank you everyone. I'm a short Saturday run from finishing the Atacama Crossing.
Rest tomorrow. And sleep now.
Scott
Today I reached my lowest low, and then the highest high of this entire trip followed.
I'm 50k into the day and only 5k from checkpoint 5, which is the overnight camp, and I can barely take a step. A dozen people pass me and all wish me good luck because they see how bad I'm hurting. I hobble into the checkpoint around 7:15pm and drop into one of the tents. I want to go to sleep and end this day. I take a couple gels and take my shoes off. I'm hurting as bad as I have all week. The course has been brutal. People are coming in and everyone is feeling the pain of being under the sun for nearly 12 hours.
I put on my socks and my shoes and I toss my pack on my shoulders. Headlamp on, I start toward the next checkpoint. Because this is why I'm here -- to test myself when I'm most vulnerable. I'm so glad I did. (tears in my eyes right now)
It's 8pm and the sun is setting over the mountains and I have 13 miles to the finish line. Temps drop about 40 degrees and a tailwind picks up.
"Scott," I told myself. "Run to the finish line."
The stars came out and I can't describe the beauty. I didn't turn my headlamp on because the sky was so bright. I took energy from the sky and I ran. I've never felt anything like it before. It was like my body was a part of the universe. I felt no pain or ache and I ran all the way to the finish line. I'm so happy to be alive.
Thank you everyone. I'm a short Saturday run from finishing the Atacama Crossing.
Rest tomorrow. And sleep now.
Scott
Comments: Total (27) comments
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 01:13 am
Way to go Scott! You are doing great! Is your nickname really Squirt? :-)
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 12:19 am
Just amazing Scott! It is no secret we are all proud of you and thoroughly enjoying your experience through your eyes. Can't wait to celebrate your success back in Pullman!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 10:27 pm
WOWZERS! And more WOWZERS!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 08:10 pm
Your writings are as real as I have ever read from your post. I am hanging on every word. Keep moving forward. So proud of you.
Tears in your eyes....tears in my eyes! GO SCOTT!!!!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 06:30 pm
Wow. Just wow. You're almost there.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 06:11 pm
Between your posts and some of the videos I've been watching of the race all I can say is WOW!! What you have done is an amazing accomplishment.
...Mike-Tales of the Runner.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 05:29 pm
Your updates are incredible. Thank you for posting them! I can't really think of anything else to say, but "wow." So, wow, Scott!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:39 pm
You're last blog brought back memories for me and made me tear up. Congratulations Scott on a job well done!!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:17 pm
You're amazing, Scott! Keep going, I know you can make it!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:05 pm
So very very inspired by your courage & sheer determination. (Tears!)
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 03:47 pm
Congratulations Scott..a job well done. Absolutely loved your blog as it is so true!! Now for your reward...crossing the finish line in San Pedro & PIZZA!!!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 01:58 pm
I am so proud of you! I am so happy for you! There is no stopping you now!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 12:44 pm
Wow. Mom called me pretty much in tears telling me you made it. This journey has been so amazing to follow and to read about. Thank you for inspiring all of us to push a little further, to take one more step, to find the energy to RUN to the finish line!! You're amazing. And you're MY brother!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 06:18 am
I am in awe of the transcendent moment you are so lucky to have encountered. Regardless of your tired state your eloquence is still there. No doubt that, as this week comes back to you, over the rest of your life you will raise your head knowing that you beat this desert and inspired those around you. Thank you.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 05:50 am
So I just read Mom's first post and realized I said almost the same thing as her. Scary. I must be her daughter. But seriously dude. You're awesome. I love you, squirt.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 05:48 am
Oh my gosh Scott! Amazing! I'm crying now. I'm so proud of you! You are such an inspiration. I'm so happy for you.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 05:23 am
Oh wow! You have come a long ways and you are amazing! Congrats on your feat!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 05:12 am
Tears in our eyes right now for you!!! So proud of you! Way to go! We're looking forward to the finish line pictures!
Starry, starry night....
PS please bring back some of that non-precipitating weather.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:22 am
A sensitive person would cry as she read your post and tried to type one back to you...
And I'd tell her to "buck up" and write a calm response to one heck of a guy.
Congratulations, Scott. I can't tell you how happy I am for you. Sleep with a smile on your face.
So,so happy for you!!!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:20 am
That is awesome Scott!!! The cooler weather at night must have brought back fond memories of Pullman. :) We can't wait until you get back so we can hear all about your trip!!!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:16 am
Scott, I knew you would make it! I just knew it! SO awesome, man! And a run under the stars to cap off your longest day? It truly doesn't get any better than that! We'll see you soon, The Amazing Nova-Scotia!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:07 am
Your words brought tears to us...for you are discovering the elegant universe. We wish we were there to share the beautiful scene, and your pain and joy.
Love Dad and Janie
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 03:55 am
Scott, you rock my world man. I'm with mom, I don't even know what to say. If only all of us could keep going when we feel we've hit our wall. You seriously are a strength to me and all who love you.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 03:55 am
That's awesome. Congratulations. I'm proud of you.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 03:44 am
speechless.
you are an inspiration. :)
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 03:41 am
Scott, you did it. Wow. Can I wrap my arms around you and hold you for awhile? And I get to be your mom.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 03:29 am
OH, MY GOSH, SCOTT!! I CAN'T BELIEVE IT! REALLY. I DON'T EVEN KNOW WHAT TO SAY. OH, MY GOSH!! I AM SO PROUD OF YOU! I LOVE YOU, SQUIRT.
09 March 2011 03:42 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
Every painful step, each piercing pain, all the throbbing bones of my body -- reminders that I'm alive. Reminders of why I'm doing this. Reminders of the beauty I'm finding within myself.
The salt flat section was like a 9-mile field of corral. That the best I can describe it and I don't want to talk about it anymore. :)
I'm exhausted and have very little energy to write.
I have my first blister, but it isn't bad. Many others have feet covered with all imaginable blisters, and it's costing a lot of them the race. The first of our tent dropped out late yesterday because of blisters that made it too painful to carry on. I've always been lucky with blisters, and I've felt lucky so far in that regard.
Tomorrow's stage is 46 miles, and we basically have two days to complete it. For those who don't want to run through the middle of the night, there is an overnight camp. I imagine that many will utilize this. I might as well if it gets extremely cold, though it might be warm enough while I'm moving. I'm not sure how often race results are updated on the website, but if you are following me tomorrow and it goes into the next day without me finishing yet then I probably opted for a sleep at the overnight camp.
Everyone around camp is proud to have finished today's stage, but there is definitely an unease about tomorrow's stage. My legs are so sore that I'm not quite sure how I will manage tomorrow. But my heart is in it and I will do all that I can to finish.
Thanks for all the support. I know that I'm not running this alone.
Scott
The salt flat section was like a 9-mile field of corral. That the best I can describe it and I don't want to talk about it anymore. :)
I'm exhausted and have very little energy to write.
I have my first blister, but it isn't bad. Many others have feet covered with all imaginable blisters, and it's costing a lot of them the race. The first of our tent dropped out late yesterday because of blisters that made it too painful to carry on. I've always been lucky with blisters, and I've felt lucky so far in that regard.
Tomorrow's stage is 46 miles, and we basically have two days to complete it. For those who don't want to run through the middle of the night, there is an overnight camp. I imagine that many will utilize this. I might as well if it gets extremely cold, though it might be warm enough while I'm moving. I'm not sure how often race results are updated on the website, but if you are following me tomorrow and it goes into the next day without me finishing yet then I probably opted for a sleep at the overnight camp.
Everyone around camp is proud to have finished today's stage, but there is definitely an unease about tomorrow's stage. My legs are so sore that I'm not quite sure how I will manage tomorrow. But my heart is in it and I will do all that I can to finish.
Thanks for all the support. I know that I'm not running this alone.
Scott
Comments: Total (19) comments
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 03:10 am
I know you are gonna make it, buddy! stay strong. remember to keep soaking it all in..this beautiful adventure you are on. even the painful moments. you inspire so many of us!!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 01:48 am
I am following you man!!! You are doing awesome. I ran 13 miles today and have 3 blisters from it!!! I thought about you today when I was pushing up a hill and wanted to walk. I thought, "Scott is in South America running across some crazy terrain and he hasn't given up yet". So pushed through. Thanks for inspiring us all.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 12:25 am
Scott, you are SO awesome! I believe in you and will always admire your need to prove what your body and mind are capable of. Your example will always help those around you aim higher! We all love you and are cheering you on during this adventure. Keep moving!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 10:38 pm
"But I have promises to keep./ And miles to go before I sleep./ And miles to go before I sleep" -- Frost
“The men who learn endurance are they who call the whole world 'brother.'” -- Dickens
I used to carry this quote around in my wallet:
"The power of one is above all things the power to believe in yourself, often well beyond any latent ability you may have previously demonstrated. The mind is the athlete, the body is simply the means it uses to run faster or longer, jump higher, shoot straighter, kick better, swim harder, hit further, or box better." -- Bryce Courtenay
Too serious? How about this one:
"The only thing that sustains one through life is the consciousness of the immense inferiority of everybody else, and this is a feeling that I have always cultivated." -- the inimitable Oscar Wilde
When you can't turn around and go back, your only choice is to go forward. But that doesn't make it any less brave.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 07:55 pm
LOVE your dads comment. Finish this.... my money is on you. Living the dream one step at a time. there is nothing you cannot do.
GO SCOTT!!!!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 07:30 pm
You are doing the hardest thing you'll ever do. You have already achieved so much and every step you take inspires and impresses me. I did have the thought: what if all your ultra marathon running helped make you the world's greatest desert walker? So walk my friend, walk like the wind.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 05:46 pm
WOW...First blister after all that you've gone through! You're doing great....keep it up!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 05:22 pm
Scott! You are an inspiration for us all! I am so proud to call you my big brother...even I weigh 50-100lbs heavier :(. Ally and I love you! Keep strong and enduring. Love ya!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 04:54 pm
Hey Scott! I haven't commented yet, but I've been following your blog and telling all my friends "So, I know this crazy guy. . .".
You can do it!! "Begin at the beginning and go on till you come to the end: then stop," Alice in Wonderland.
I don't really have any wisdom of my own to speak of so I leave you with this: You are a total badass!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 06:16 am
You know how proud I am of you. And when your heart is in something, I know that it will turn out well - I have no doubts that you will finish. Congrats on your accomplishments so far.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 05:17 am
Scott!!!! We're so excited for you! Just think--all you have left is what I have to run is what we drive into work and back in a day--a mere Potlatch to Pullman commute! Piece o cake! Go for it--we're so excited for you--again, the pictures of all the others are amazing--get in the way of the camera, will ya? :-)
I suppose it's getting routine to run a marathon a day so they've got to mix it up and have you run two marathons in a day!
Go for it! Stay strong! We're with you!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 03:36 am
You've made it this far...you might as well finish. Love Dad
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 03:11 am
(they've been posting the results and photos really quickly! It's impressive.) --- ok so now is the moment of truth! I've no doubt whatsoever that you're going to finish it "upright and smiling". But if you find yourself in a rough spot, remember what Scott Dunlap said in his blog post about The Wall, the Pit, and the Abyss: "the abyss is the great mirror, the reflection of your soul, and my God, it's full of stars." Go get it!! :)
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 03:08 am
You're doing great---so inspiring. So glad to hear you've only had one blister. I keep reading posts from other runners about their blisters and other ailments and shoe problems. Sounds like you're holding up okay. I can't imagine running 46 miles. And after what you've already accomplished this week? Crazy! Good luck! We're still thinking of you and wishing for the best. I guess when you read this you'll only have a 10k left. Enjoy!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 03:07 am
you are the baddest a** out there, scott!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 02:45 am
OK, I am like Melanie. I have all your tabs up (blog, breaking news [even though I also get that via email], and another for pictures, etc. They will stay up until you are finished. All day I sit down and go through all the tabs. Go for the extra day if you need it. I love you, squirt.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 02:25 am
You certainly are not running this alone. There's a huge virtual cheering section rooting for you.
We look forward to hearing from you after you've finished leg 5.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 02:19 am
Scott, I think that as long as your heart is still in it that you'll make it to the end. I'm so proud of you. So happy to be your sister (cheese!). Keep on truckin' along! I love you! Oh and by the way, I'm not getting very much accomplished this week because I'm glued to my computer looking through race pictures and updates! :)
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 02:15 am
Good luck tomorrow. We'll be waiting to hear about the epic day (or two).
08 March 2011 05:59 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
If my feet had hands, then they'd strangle me.
Today's course threw the most brutal terrain at us so far: sharp and brittle salt flats; sharp and brittlier shale slabs that were so brutal it seemed like each next step was going to be the end of my shoes; sharp and piercing sun; more sun; and (near) never ending sand dunes that made me want to go back to walk on the shale.
Though volcanoes looked over us all day, I spent most of my time watching the ground about two feet in front of me. I walked every step, a decision I made before the stage started. Crossing the finish line in San Pedro on Saturday is my only goal at this point. And with each stage, though I'm miles closer to the finish, each step becomes that much harder.
I've finished half the stages and approximately half the distance. But the next two days will be the toughest yet. We get a course description each morning, and each checkpoint is broken down into terrain descriptions like "moderate" and "difficult" -- the next two stages (including the epic 46 mile stage that everyone around camp is seemingly afraid to even talk about) are given "extremely difficult" labels on several of the sections.
And the sleep deprivation. There's a point when you are worn out and can sleep through just about anything. Then there's the point past that were you are so sore that getting comfortable while laying on rock is impossible. I slept only 3 hours last night. That makes about 11 hours since Friday night.
I imagine that I will cry if I make it to the finish line. 111 racers started on Sunday. 15 didn't make it past stage 2, and there's news that several more have already withdrawn today (there are still a few hours on the cut-off clock as I write this).
Thank you for all the comments -- they are an uplifting part of the day.
Tomorrow's course is being called "The Infamous Salt Flats." Supposedly, today was just a short preview.
I will stay strong.
-Scott
Today's course threw the most brutal terrain at us so far: sharp and brittle salt flats; sharp and brittlier shale slabs that were so brutal it seemed like each next step was going to be the end of my shoes; sharp and piercing sun; more sun; and (near) never ending sand dunes that made me want to go back to walk on the shale.
Though volcanoes looked over us all day, I spent most of my time watching the ground about two feet in front of me. I walked every step, a decision I made before the stage started. Crossing the finish line in San Pedro on Saturday is my only goal at this point. And with each stage, though I'm miles closer to the finish, each step becomes that much harder.
I've finished half the stages and approximately half the distance. But the next two days will be the toughest yet. We get a course description each morning, and each checkpoint is broken down into terrain descriptions like "moderate" and "difficult" -- the next two stages (including the epic 46 mile stage that everyone around camp is seemingly afraid to even talk about) are given "extremely difficult" labels on several of the sections.
And the sleep deprivation. There's a point when you are worn out and can sleep through just about anything. Then there's the point past that were you are so sore that getting comfortable while laying on rock is impossible. I slept only 3 hours last night. That makes about 11 hours since Friday night.
I imagine that I will cry if I make it to the finish line. 111 racers started on Sunday. 15 didn't make it past stage 2, and there's news that several more have already withdrawn today (there are still a few hours on the cut-off clock as I write this).
Thank you for all the comments -- they are an uplifting part of the day.
Tomorrow's course is being called "The Infamous Salt Flats." Supposedly, today was just a short preview.
I will stay strong.
-Scott
Comments: Total (23) comments
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 02:03 am
You don't know me; I'm a friend of Lisa's and she posted this blog on her blog. All I can say is WOW. I cried just reading your blog. It's very inspiring and I, too, look forward to pictures. You're amazing!!! I'll pray for you. : )
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 09:05 pm
We are following you and are so proud of you! Keep a positive outlook and remember the end is getting nearer all the time. Prayers go out to you.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 08:18 pm
Everyone in Pullman is cheering you on! Finishing this amazing challenge will just make every other challenge in life seem that much easier... you're doing great :)
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 07:48 pm
I frequently read your blog & know that you have done many amazing things. Each difficult experience and race and training run has prepared you for this day. You are amazing & I am so impressed!!! Keep up the good fight !!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 06:28 pm
I've been checking in on you daily. Offering up prayers for healing over your achilles and an abundance of endurance to go all the way! You ARE doing this! As many have said, you are an amazing source of inspiration!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 06:04 pm
If you cry at the finish line, we'll all be crying with you. You can do it, Scott. I've never doubted.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 05:16 pm
Scott, you're a writer! Even though you are so tired your words form perfect descriptions of the experience. We feel like we're right there. You're doing an amazing thing. Thank goodness you have great shoes! We're all sending you all of the positive energy the third floor of the CUE can muster...om, om, om........
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:48 pm
Stay strong, Scott! You are an inspiration to us all to keep on running. You are awesome! -KO
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 01:26 pm
"Most people never run far enough on their first wind to find they've got a second." -- William James
"A fight is not won by one punch or kick. Either learn to endure or hire a bodyguard."--Bruce Lee
You're doing great, Scott! Keep it up. We know that you can make it to that last finish line. You're strong! You're powerful! You're going to make it!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 06:34 am
"Desire is the most important factor in the success of any athlete." (Willie Shoemaker) Onward! :)
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 05:40 am
The pain is a good tool for remembering, and these days will stay with you. "Put one foot in front of the other" from the Rudolf cartoon always worked for me in difficult times...
A lot of people are walking the miles with you while you head on into desert.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 05:21 am
Hang in there, Scott! The pictures of your trip are so freaking awesome! We know that you're on a challenging course right now, but we've got some cold Ol' Milwaukee waiting for you in the fridge when you get back! Stay strong--you're half way through time wise. It's all downhill from here...right? Stay safe and have fun!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:27 am
Scott, hang in there. You can do it! You have come this far and like you said, you are half way through the whole thing. Not much more to go and the pack is getting lighter each day. :) I hear that Sadie really misses you and is anxious for you to come home!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 03:30 am
When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on. --Thomas Jefferson
If you really want something in this life, you have to work for it - Now quiet, they're about to announce the lottery numbers! --Homer Simpson
XOXOXO
Mike & Melanie
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 03:23 am
You are amazing, Scott! Hunker down and think about the chocolate chip cookies that will be waiting for you when you get here. You are so inspiring! We love you! MMz
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 03:22 am
You're doing great! Sleep is overrated. Keep up the awesomeness.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:43 am
You have already proven many times the mystery of "mind over body". What you will learn about yourself in the coming miles and hours will be the stuff that only poets can write.
Carry on with relentless forward motion! We are with you every step. Love, Dad and Janie
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:24 am
You're doing amazingly Scott, despite what must be immense anguish. Hang in there - every step is one closer to the finish!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:22 am
I'm proud of you Scott. If anybody can do this, you can. You're an inspiration to me to keep on running. I'll buy you a beer when you're back! Heck maybe even two! Keep on going.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:19 am
Scott, I don't know how you are doing this. I love you. MOM
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:16 am
I can't imagine how tough this is for you. Stay strong. You're an inspiration to us all.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:12 am
Oh Scott. You are doing such a great job. It is almost more admirable that you are walking these distances (take it from a person with a 6+ hour marathon time; people who run 2.5-hour marathons just don't know what it is like to be out there on the course for 6 hours!)
Keep up the positive thinking - you are strong...in mind, body, and spirit. My prayers are with you.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:08 am
Stay Strong Scott! I am so proud of you with each step you take. You have already accomplished soooo much! Keep on. Make it to the finish. I know you can do it. You are inspiring me more and more. All my best to you, buddy!
07 March 2011 05:55 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
The main motivation for getting to the finish has become the desire to eat my dinner, and in turn, lower my pack weight. Each bite of freeze-dried dinner, each gel and energy bar consumed, even popping a salt tablet, all become a little bit of pack weight reduction euphoria.
Camp life consists of finding shade, waiting in line for the computer, drinking water, and chatting with tentmates. Yesterday's entertainment was when Chilean police showed up to give the camp a look around. I slept better at Camp 2. Might have had something to do with being tired.
Today's run started with an amazing run deep inside a river canyon. There were dozens of water crossings, and a fun section where the only way to go on was to wade down river about 200 meters.
We climbed out of the canyon and up an old mountain road. (One of the bridges on the road was built, so we were told, by the Incans.) Near the top of the climb was an old mining tunnel that we went through. Then more climbing until we ridge a ridgeline with the most spectacular views so far: above the river canyon was a horizon completely filled with a volcano-lined mountain range. A couple of the volcanos were pluming smoke. There is beauty all around.
From the ridge we ran down a thousand foot sand dune. Very fun, but the sand stayed with me for the rest of the course After a few kilometers through sand, the last 15 or so miles were a long trudge under a sun that doesn't blink, and wind that never inhaled.
This whole ordeal is brutal. Not sure why I signed up for this. :)
But I'm alive for another day.
Keep running!
Scott
(PS They've been unable to download blog comments today, so if you left me a comment yesterday I haven't been able to read it yet. I hope to soon.)
Camp life consists of finding shade, waiting in line for the computer, drinking water, and chatting with tentmates. Yesterday's entertainment was when Chilean police showed up to give the camp a look around. I slept better at Camp 2. Might have had something to do with being tired.
Today's run started with an amazing run deep inside a river canyon. There were dozens of water crossings, and a fun section where the only way to go on was to wade down river about 200 meters.
We climbed out of the canyon and up an old mountain road. (One of the bridges on the road was built, so we were told, by the Incans.) Near the top of the climb was an old mining tunnel that we went through. Then more climbing until we ridge a ridgeline with the most spectacular views so far: above the river canyon was a horizon completely filled with a volcano-lined mountain range. A couple of the volcanos were pluming smoke. There is beauty all around.
From the ridge we ran down a thousand foot sand dune. Very fun, but the sand stayed with me for the rest of the course After a few kilometers through sand, the last 15 or so miles were a long trudge under a sun that doesn't blink, and wind that never inhaled.
This whole ordeal is brutal. Not sure why I signed up for this. :)
But I'm alive for another day.
Keep running!
Scott
(PS They've been unable to download blog comments today, so if you left me a comment yesterday I haven't been able to read it yet. I hope to soon.)
Comments: Total (9) comments
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 12:52 am
Tonight Palouse Falls is offering a seasonal beer called Spring Thaw. Pat and I will have a glass for you and a second one in your honor.
Can't wait to get back on the computer tonight and read about today. Since you made it through the salt flats, they say you have made it through the hardest part of the whole race. I've said it once, and I'll say it again - You rock!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 05:27 pm
You're Awesome...Keep it up!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 12:53 pm
So glad that you're enjoying such great views! It sounds beautiful. I also loved reading your optimism in the breaking news yesterday. Sammy is running his longest run today in your honor (3 miles). I'll be thinking of you every step--and probably for the rest of the day, too! Keep it up and hang in there. Volcanoes? Water crossings? Sand dunes? Awesome!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 05:51 am
So glad you made it through another day. You are doing great! We're all behind you every step of the way.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 04:39 am
There was an awesome picture of you in the stage 2 photos today! You were sledding down some sand and had the biggest smile across your face! Not sure that you ever wear such a smile when you reconcile the credit cards at work! Ha ha! The pictures are amazing/awesome! You are inspirational! We enjoyed some enchilladas in your honor tonight! Stay strong!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 04:10 am
they mentioned and quoted you on the email update today!
you do it because of the volcanoes and the stars and the unblinking sun--and because the best views have to be earned.
on to day 3!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 03:56 am
Hey, Scott. I'm glad you made it through another day. You are amazing. I love you, MOM
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 03:19 am
We loved hearing your optimistic comments on the "breaking news" this afternoon. We are with you every step. We are proud of you. Can't wait for the pictures.
Love, Dad and Janie
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 03:00 am
You're doing great! There are lots of reasons why you signed up to do this...and those will get you through. Keep up the great work! There are lots of people cheering for you from Texas! We love you!
06 March 2011 05:33 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
I slept two hours. It seems no one in my tent slept either. It was a cold night.
Chilean folk musicians played over breakfast (it was still very cold). After a quick course briefing, we lined up for the start. (My pack weighed 21 pounds at gear check.) Stage 1 is the highest stage and about 22 miles long.
From the very beginning it was clear that my Achilles still isn’t at full strength, and not really that close either. I can spend my entire week here being frustrated or feeling sorry for myself about months of training basically down the tube, but I’m not going to. I felt sorry for myself for about 1 mile, then just came to terms that this will be a long, slow week that I’ll hopefully be able to finish.
The Atacama landscape is stunning. I won’t try to describe the photos that I took – I’ll let them do the talking when I post them online in a couple weeks. Stunning.
And the terrain is unrelenting. Much of the course wasn’t along a trail or road, but literally “across” the desert. Only pink flags showed the way. Rocks, sand, climbs, canyons, plains, and pounding descents. And temps reaching near 100. And have I mentioned that all of Stage 1 was between 8,000 and 10,600 feet? If I left Chile tomorrow, I could say that this was one of the hardest races that I’ve run. Only another 125 more miles. J
I finished the stage somewhere around 6 hours. It felt good to take my shoes off. I can’t wait until Saturday and my next shower. J
At Camp 2 now. Looks like it will be another hot, high, sandy day tomorrow.
Keep running!
-Scott
Chilean folk musicians played over breakfast (it was still very cold). After a quick course briefing, we lined up for the start. (My pack weighed 21 pounds at gear check.) Stage 1 is the highest stage and about 22 miles long.
From the very beginning it was clear that my Achilles still isn’t at full strength, and not really that close either. I can spend my entire week here being frustrated or feeling sorry for myself about months of training basically down the tube, but I’m not going to. I felt sorry for myself for about 1 mile, then just came to terms that this will be a long, slow week that I’ll hopefully be able to finish.
The Atacama landscape is stunning. I won’t try to describe the photos that I took – I’ll let them do the talking when I post them online in a couple weeks. Stunning.
And the terrain is unrelenting. Much of the course wasn’t along a trail or road, but literally “across” the desert. Only pink flags showed the way. Rocks, sand, climbs, canyons, plains, and pounding descents. And temps reaching near 100. And have I mentioned that all of Stage 1 was between 8,000 and 10,600 feet? If I left Chile tomorrow, I could say that this was one of the hardest races that I’ve run. Only another 125 more miles. J
I finished the stage somewhere around 6 hours. It felt good to take my shoes off. I can’t wait until Saturday and my next shower. J
At Camp 2 now. Looks like it will be another hot, high, sandy day tomorrow.
Keep running!
-Scott
Comments: Total (17) comments
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 11:09 pm
You're in the "Big Leagues" now!! Keep up the good work.
...Mike -Tales of the Runner.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 04:46 pm
I guess you'll get this soon, since it's evening there already. I hope the second leg went great and that your achilles is holding up. You're in my thoughts. Good luck!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 04:42 pm
I just read, in the race updates, that George Chmiel is there running too. He's from the USA and he always runs to support The MAGIC foundation (I think, specifically, a little girl named Lucy who has RSS like Zoe). Maybe you two will meet!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 02:16 pm
Scott your determination is inspiring! It's crazy how such a physical sport is mostly mental. You're doing great! We're cheering you on and sending you healthy, happy vibes from South Carolina!
Keep running!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 06:29 am
I wish I had the option to delete and then re-post my messages. That way, I wouldn't have THREE messages posted to your blog for one day. But, since I couldn't help but add a "P.S" to my other post, post #2 was born. And since I got the date wrong on my first post, I feel the urge to post a third time to say that I am looking forward to seeing you on the 17th, not the 16th. Now that I have made these additions and revisions, I will refrain from posting any more tonight. :)
On a positive note, now you have 13 comments for one blog post! Nice work!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 05:19 am
Hang in there buddy! You can do it!!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 05:08 am
Kick that desert's ass, but don't forget - it's bigger than you.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 04:23 am
You can do it! Remember-I love you!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:26 am
Great job today! I can't wait to hear what tomorrow is like. Hopefully your achillies will hold up. And hopefully you're getting some sleep tonight.... Good luck tomorrow! Nnnever give up! Nnnever surrender!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:23 am
The pictures of the race are awesome! It looks beautiful! Hang in there and enjoy it! And make sure that you get yourself in front of one of the race organizer's cameras tomorrow! We so proud of you!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:21 am
P.S. Despite all the terrain, altitude, and physical issues you were dealing with today, your pace was about the same as mine was at my marathon! Just thought a little perspective might do you some good; you rock!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:19 am
We are all cheering for you, Scott!
Great job keeping your attitude positive despite the many things that made today hard - the lack of sleep, the Achilles issue, the altitude, etc.
You're gonna remember this trip for the rest of your life; I agree with Angie's advice to "soak it all in." Also, I know you have a water crossing tomorrow, so maybe you can soak there too. :)
Looking forward to the pictures, to your next post, and the 16th.
Day 2 is gonna rock!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:10 am
thought about you this morning as I was running flat, paved, mild, and sea level! :) day 1 of your awesome adventure is complete... jealous of the stars and the views, can't wait to see the pics. good luck on day 2!! run happy!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:09 am
Hey Scott! Sounds like quite an adventure! I know you can do this!! Keep running my friend. We are all cheering for you!!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 02:00 am
We're so glad the 1st stage went as well as it did in spite of the injury.All of America is pulling for you--USA! USA! USA!
I'm jealous of your view of the stars. Love Dad and Janie
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 01:54 am
Sorry to hear that your achillies is still giving you trouble. Sounds like you're still in high spirits. Good luck tomorrow (today if you're reading this in the morning).
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 01:50 am
Hey Buddy! I'm totally cheering you on!!!!! I'm so glad you are there. Soak it all in!! Luv ya!
05 March 2011 05:34 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
The bus broke down on a long, desperate afternoon climb from San Pedro de Atacama to Camp 1, leaving about 20 of us stranded against the thin sliver of shade the bus cast.
The Atacama had its first victim.
We eventually made it to Camp 1, after all morning checking-in and double-checking gear, and just in time for dinner and the sunset, and right at the moment that I realized I didn’t bring enough cold-weather gear for the desert night. Camp 1 is the highest point of the race, at about 10,600 feet. It gets cold when the sun sets.
But the cold was nothing compared to the night sky. I’ve never seen so many stars. I’ve never seen stars so bright. I’ve never seen stars that felt so close.
Chile is beautiful.
-Scott
The Atacama had its first victim.
We eventually made it to Camp 1, after all morning checking-in and double-checking gear, and just in time for dinner and the sunset, and right at the moment that I realized I didn’t bring enough cold-weather gear for the desert night. Camp 1 is the highest point of the race, at about 10,600 feet. It gets cold when the sun sets.
But the cold was nothing compared to the night sky. I’ve never seen so many stars. I’ve never seen stars so bright. I’ve never seen stars that felt so close.
Chile is beautiful.
-Scott
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 11:06 pm
Awesome!!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 02:14 am
Oh no about not having enough cold weather gear! I'm glad you were still in good spirits!
26 February 2011 11:06 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
After months of training I had my first (minor?) injury last week. A sore Achilles has kept me off me feet for a week. I think I'll be okay for next week, but I've been extra cautious just in case.
I'm getting very excited for this amazing adventure.
-Scott
I'm getting very excited for this amazing adventure.
-Scott
Comments: Total (5) comments
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 08:34 pm
Great pictures of you on the Racing the Planet website. Been following the updates and look forward to reading your first post from camp.
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 01:40 am
good luck, scott! excited to see you open a can of whoopass on the atacama crossing!
Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 03:02 pm
Good luck! The food you're eating looks amazing!
Posted On: 03 Mar 2011 02:57 pm
Best of Luck Scott !
Posted On: 26 Feb 2011 07:27 pm
Good luck Scott! You'll do great as always! I can't wait to read all the updates. Have fun and be safe!
17 February 2011 10:44 am (GMT-04:00) Santiago
Two weeks out from stepping on the plane.
Gear is a go. Training is a go. Flights are a go.
Butterflies in my stomach.
Gear is a go. Training is a go. Flights are a go.
Butterflies in my stomach.
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 09:05 pm
Just wondering if the butterflies froze their wings off last night...
Posted On: 24 Feb 2011 03:39 pm
yay! go scott, go!!!
Comments: Total (0) comments