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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2011
9
PostsAtacama Crossing (2011) blog posts from Chris Laws
13 March 2011 10:45 am (GMT-03:00) Brasilia
We started yesterday's final stage at 11am and finished just after 12. The atmosphere in the square was brilliant and there was indeed pizza to greet us! After a few photos we headed back to the hotel for a long overdue shower and spent the afternoon eating, drinking and doing very little else.
The awards banquet in the evening was a great occasion, although a few people were tricky to recognise after a shave and without their running kit. The party continued into the early hours at a bar down the road, and the evening was made even more memorable when Alan proposed to Emily! Not planned, but it was bound to happen sooner or later!
This morning we demolished the hotel breakfast buffet then headed into to town for a follow up brunch with most of the people who haven't left town yet. It was great. And there was lots of it.
It's been a great experience, even if the end result wasn't quite what I'd hoped for. The staff, volunteers and other competitors have combined with an amazing part of the world to create a week I definitely won't forget. Will I try something like this again? Probably, but I think I'll take a few months to think about it.
If anyone else fancies doing one of the 4 deserts, we'd be happy to encourage you!
11 March 2011 06:21 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Not long after I sent yesterday's update Alan and Rich appeared at the finish line. In spite of covering just 15km in the first 3 1/2 hours before I withdrew they had an absolutely blinding run from there onwards and covered 73km in less than 12 hours. People continued to arrive throughout the night and the final finishers crossed the line about half an hour ago.
Today we don't have a lot to do apart from eating, drinking and chatting. Although that may summon up images of a pleasant lunch in a restaurant it's worth bearing in mind that we're actually in a tent in the desert, haven't washed for 7 days, and all the food we have is freeze dried or in PowerBar form. The tent is starting to become rather... fragrant, so the afternoon breeze will be extremely welcome to get some air circulating.
I also seem to have lost a bit of weight, which isn't surprising given I've walked/run 175km and have only taken in about 2700kcal each day. My hips definitely seem a bit more prominent than before, and any trace of stomach flab has disappeared. Although some would consider this an encouraging start to their 4th decade, I'm intending to reverse it before we head home!
While I'm not too tired or rushed for time, I thought I'd share a few highlights and lowlights.
The Highlights:
1. The atmosphere on the start line each day
2. The views of Licancabur during the day, and the stars at night
3. Crossing the finish line (4/5 times for me, sadly) to the sound of drums and the cheering of volunteers.
4. The other competitors: an all round fantastic bunch of people, and extremely supportive both on the course and at the overnight camps
The Lowlights:
1. Expedition Foods breakfasts: great when tried during training, not so great after 7 straight days.
2. The smell of my running top.
3. The smell of the toilets: it seems freeze-dried food isn't great for anyone's digestive system...
We're still in good spirits and looking forward to getting back to San Pedro tomorrow. Allegedly there'll be beer and pizza at the finish. Can't wait!
Today we don't have a lot to do apart from eating, drinking and chatting. Although that may summon up images of a pleasant lunch in a restaurant it's worth bearing in mind that we're actually in a tent in the desert, haven't washed for 7 days, and all the food we have is freeze dried or in PowerBar form. The tent is starting to become rather... fragrant, so the afternoon breeze will be extremely welcome to get some air circulating.
I also seem to have lost a bit of weight, which isn't surprising given I've walked/run 175km and have only taken in about 2700kcal each day. My hips definitely seem a bit more prominent than before, and any trace of stomach flab has disappeared. Although some would consider this an encouraging start to their 4th decade, I'm intending to reverse it before we head home!
While I'm not too tired or rushed for time, I thought I'd share a few highlights and lowlights.
The Highlights:
1. The atmosphere on the start line each day
2. The views of Licancabur during the day, and the stars at night
3. Crossing the finish line (4/5 times for me, sadly) to the sound of drums and the cheering of volunteers.
4. The other competitors: an all round fantastic bunch of people, and extremely supportive both on the course and at the overnight camps
The Lowlights:
1. Expedition Foods breakfasts: great when tried during training, not so great after 7 straight days.
2. The smell of my running top.
3. The smell of the toilets: it seems freeze-dried food isn't great for anyone's digestive system...
We're still in good spirits and looking forward to getting back to San Pedro tomorrow. Allegedly there'll be beer and pizza at the finish. Can't wait!
Comments: Total (17) comments
Posted On: 13 Mar 2011 09:43 am
I can only stand and applaud.
Well done lads for getting over the line, you have done it!! Your all heroes, you have put a terrific amount of effort in and have raised a bundle of cash for an incredible cause. It’s a fantastic achievement.
I have loved following your adventure. So much excitement, so much emotional energy. It’s been inspirational stuff.
Congratulations Rich for becoming the youngest person ever to complete the Atacama crossing! (You even manage to hold on to the title for over a day – good work team!)
Well done Chris for pushing out the last stage that is amazing!
And well done Al you have achieved the massive challenge you set yourself, superb!
What a journey, what a story, what memories. You’ll never forget it.
Looking forward to seeing you all on your return to the UK. In the meantime enjoy your R&R – you deserve it.
Posted On: 13 Mar 2011 09:11 am
Congratulations to Team HSX on a great run across the Atacama desert and on a team finish in 23rd place - truly inspirational !
Posted On: 13 Mar 2011 07:40 am
just checked the results first thing sunday morning to find you have finished.
what an amazing achievement, quite inspirational. well done especially to chris who still managed to finish the last leg,
you can now join the ranks with everest dave. ie atacama alan, chile chris and hmmm can really think of one for richard?? (did think of desert dick,but its not that cool!!)
look forward to hearing the stories when you get back.
And Alan,,,Toby thinks you are the best god parent EVER
Posted On: 13 Mar 2011 07:31 am
Well done Christ. Definitely the right decision not to push yourself when not well during the week. The relief your Mum and Dad felt yesterday was incredible. Hope the after-show party was good and enjoy the rest of the trip. See you soon and looking forward to hearing the full story directly.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 09:40 pm
Well done to you all - absolutely brilliant weeks work for you and awe inspiring entertainment for us - great achievement - now enjoy a rest
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 09:24 pm
At the risk of repeating myself extremely well done. May I be the first to congratulate you all on your superb achievement. Xing the finish line must have been one massive buzz. Now is the time for all of you to sit back, relax and enjoy yourselves. Have a great holiday and I'll see you all when you return to the UK.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 06:42 pm
Well done to you for what you have acheived so far, only a walk in the park left! It must have been difficult for all to make the decision but Chris you would not have made a good voulcher dinner!
Did think of you guys earlier while attempting a rather tough 20k.....!
See you when your all back!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 12:53 pm
Hi Boys, what you boys have gone through is nothing more than amazing, Chris you did the right thing and listening to your body to stop is hard... You are all amazing and so looking forward to hearing the tales all your preparation is a highlight to us all and I have shared your blog with others congrats boys one more little push, then beers all round!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 10:47 am
Great effort Chris. I've enjoyed reading your blogs and following team HSX. Well done to all of you on a wonderful team effort and, I hear, providing great company. Ben's mum.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 09:47 am
Keep going and enjoy the last day's run. Great to see that you will do it together and will cross the line as a team. Well done all.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 09:33 am
Hi Chris - well done so far - it sounds really tough but keep it up......enjoy your rest day x
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 09:23 am
Well done team HSX.
Hi Chris its good to see that you've retained your sense of humour.
I don't know what your moaning about when you describe the fragrant conditions. Eighteen people for five weeks in a seventy two foot steel tube is probably a lot worse, although I don't think we had the same toilet problems.
Enjoy the last day and your break in Santiago.
Dad
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 09:16 am
It has been fantastic to keep up with all the race via the site and your blog Chris. Sorry to hear you have had to drop out but I am sure most who would have been keeping in touch would have not even made the first days running. The pics have been great giving a much better view of what you are all having to deal with. Not seen a toe nail of Alans yet.
HATS OFF TO ALL OF YOU.
Say hi to Emily
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 09:02 am
Posted my last blog on the wrong comment, still half asleep, so I thought that I would repeat it.
Hi all (especially Chris). Well done. What you've achieved is one of the runners Seven Summits and is fantastic. I don't know if it is considered their equivalent of Everest but is definitely your 'Everest'. Note for Chris. Please don't feel down. The decision that you made is absolutely correct. I know I've been there seen it and done it. Look foward to the last stage and enjoy it as a team. Look forward to zing the Finish line as a team. Good luck and enjoy
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 08:48 am
Very best wishes to all three of you on the last leg - but not your last legs I hope. I have found your blog fantastic to read and although it has been written before, an inspiration to everyone. Enjoy!!!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 08:45 am
I can't help but be impressed by what you're all achieving. The plan, the preparation and now the run, the magnitude of the challenge and your ability to tackle something far beyond most people's vision. The blog postings are really giving a vivid impression of what the crossing is like. Each of you has a great deal to be proud of. I'm looking forward to hearing about it when you're back home.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 08:31 am
Chris - deffo correct decision - better to come back a little disappointed than like a dehydrated prune (bet you I'd've got that cannula, though - in the neck if necessary!)
Team HSX - well done so far... enjoy the last day!
11 March 2011 05:43 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Thursday 10th March – Chris falters as Alan and Rich keep the teamHSX flag flying
While Alan and Rich are part-way through stage 5, I find myself at the overnight camp quite a lot earlier than expected. Just before the start of this morning’s stage I was wretching and throwing up. We debated whether I should start, but given the cool conditions it seemed worth pressing on to checkpoint 1 to see if I improved on the way. Unfortunately I didn’t, and struggled to keep down any food. On arrival there I was given some antacid and anti-sickness medication, but this didn’t seem to help, and I lay on the floor of the checkpoint wondering what to do. Had it been another 10km I’d have considered pushing it, but with 58km left to go and the temperature rising it was looking like an unwise option. Attempts to give me IV fluids didn’t work out (Clare: it turns out my veins aren’t always so easy to canulate!) so that really left me with the choice of withdrawing or trying to push on slowly in the hope I improved. Stopping at a checkpoint rather than passing out in the desert seemed a sensible move. Once again Alan and Rich did everything they could to support and encourage me, but it just didn’t seem to be my day.
I guess I’ll never know whether this was the right call or whether I should have powered through. It didn’t feel like the easy option: it felt like I was letting the team down after we’d all worked so hard, but I can’t hide the fact that I also felt a sense of relief.
Thank you so much to everyone who has sent messages of support and commented on our blog: I’m sorry I won’t be able to deliver the result we were all hoping for. Thank you in particular to former Chief Scout Peter Duncan for his comments – it’s great to see him still taking an interest in HSX – and also to Rowland for delivering the great news that the Real King of Spain is back on what has otherwise been a rather subdued day.
I’m hoping to cheer Alan and Rich over the line later this evening ahead of tomorrow’s rest day. I should be OK to run the final 16km on Saturday so at least we’ll cross the line together, albeit with me as something of a spectator.
While Alan and Rich are part-way through stage 5, I find myself at the overnight camp quite a lot earlier than expected. Just before the start of this morning’s stage I was wretching and throwing up. We debated whether I should start, but given the cool conditions it seemed worth pressing on to checkpoint 1 to see if I improved on the way. Unfortunately I didn’t, and struggled to keep down any food. On arrival there I was given some antacid and anti-sickness medication, but this didn’t seem to help, and I lay on the floor of the checkpoint wondering what to do. Had it been another 10km I’d have considered pushing it, but with 58km left to go and the temperature rising it was looking like an unwise option. Attempts to give me IV fluids didn’t work out (Clare: it turns out my veins aren’t always so easy to canulate!) so that really left me with the choice of withdrawing or trying to push on slowly in the hope I improved. Stopping at a checkpoint rather than passing out in the desert seemed a sensible move. Once again Alan and Rich did everything they could to support and encourage me, but it just didn’t seem to be my day.
I guess I’ll never know whether this was the right call or whether I should have powered through. It didn’t feel like the easy option: it felt like I was letting the team down after we’d all worked so hard, but I can’t hide the fact that I also felt a sense of relief.
Thank you so much to everyone who has sent messages of support and commented on our blog: I’m sorry I won’t be able to deliver the result we were all hoping for. Thank you in particular to former Chief Scout Peter Duncan for his comments – it’s great to see him still taking an interest in HSX – and also to Rowland for delivering the great news that the Real King of Spain is back on what has otherwise been a rather subdued day.
I’m hoping to cheer Alan and Rich over the line later this evening ahead of tomorrow’s rest day. I should be OK to run the final 16km on Saturday so at least we’ll cross the line together, albeit with me as something of a spectator.
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 22 Feb 2012 04:48 am
Congratulations Dean!Well done. I've flwlooed the race online all week, and once again, you added a touch of class and inspiration. You're the man. See you in Bear Mountain.James
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 07:06 am
Hi all (especially Chris). Well done. What you've achieved is one of the runners Seven Summits and is fantastic. I don't know if it is considered their equivalent of Everest but is definitely your 'Everest'.
Note for Chris. Please don't feel down. The decision that you made is absolutely correct. I know I've been there seen it and done it. Look foward to the last stage and enjoy it as a team. Look forward to zing the Finish line as a team. Good luck and enjoy
09 March 2011 06:25 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Another challenging day. I went through a bit of a low patch between 10km and 20km but Alan and Rich carried me through and we crossed the line together, although not as quickly as we'd have liked. No idea where we are in the team standings, but I was happy enough just to finish.
Tonight's campsite seems a bit on the windy side, so I reckon we have a 50-50 chance of making it through the night without the tent collapsing. They're not particularly well anchored...
Tomorrow is the 74km "long march" which we're not looking forward to. The idea of doing the same distance we have today with another 30km tagged on doesn't really appeal, but once that's finished we get a rest day before the final short stint to San Pedro.
If anything it looks like we've got a bit too much food, so no worries on that front.
Thank you to Russ for answering our question about the Japanese celebrity. Much appreciated!
Tonight's campsite seems a bit on the windy side, so I reckon we have a 50-50 chance of making it through the night without the tent collapsing. They're not particularly well anchored...
Tomorrow is the 74km "long march" which we're not looking forward to. The idea of doing the same distance we have today with another 30km tagged on doesn't really appeal, but once that's finished we get a rest day before the final short stint to San Pedro.
If anything it looks like we've got a bit too much food, so no worries on that front.
Thank you to Russ for answering our question about the Japanese celebrity. Much appreciated!
Comments: Total (26) comments
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:36 pm
Cracking photo of Al & Rich crossing the line with the long march behind you. Sorry to hear Chris had to withdraw - I hope your alright mate. There was definitely team spirit crossing that line. Proud of you all.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:14 pm
Well done to Alan & Richard on stage 5 a nice photo - Chris bad luck - hope you are ok
enjoy the last stage - that has got to be a doddle
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 03:23 pm
Good pic of Alan and Rich xing the line. Well done everyone. Sorry to see that Chris had to drop out but I'm sure that he gave it everything he had. Tomorrow will be a doddle, thats providing that you can get out of bed! Look forward to all the stories when you get back. Make sure that you have a pic of all three of you at the finish. Has Chris booked for next year! Take care and have a great day tomorrow.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 01:55 pm
Hope everything is okay Chris. Let us all know what's going on out there...
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 10:00 am
you have all done so well really proud of you all the photos are great well done
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 08:46 am
Well done guys, sounds like you're going strongly. Hope the feet are holding up ok. Remember, pain is temporary, good stories can be told forever!
We're following your progress from a beach in Borneo, your efforts almost inspire me to go for a run... almost!!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 04:14 am
Looking good guys, remember its all about the retrospective.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 11:07 pm
Great work guys! Good news on having too much food... that means you can skip buying meals after the race and save yourself some cash by staying on the rations. I'm sure you'll be happy to do that. Remember- it's as simple as 'left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot, left foot, right foot'. And repeat.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 10:23 pm
Its tough watching and waiting for updates. Keep going, it's not much further than Three Towers. I admit it's probably a bit more difficult after the distance you've covered. Mum suggested entering a family team next year!
Well done.
Dad
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 10:16 pm
Its the long one today! Dig in deep and remember downhills are free! Presume there are no trains back to Guildford so you'll have no choice! Any chance I can join the team on the next adventure? Well done TeamHSX, enjoy every km!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 07:46 pm
You are nearly there guys... dig deep we are all so impressed with what you have achieved so far. Good luck with your last day....... oh if you see a certain volunteer along your travels say hello for us ......
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 06:12 pm
Howay the lads - so close now...by the time you read this there will be only about 10k in front of you.
I wish we'd thought ahead enough to come on holiday and be cheering you all in across the finish line in San Pedro....will do next year! :)
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 11:39 am
Keep up the good work guys, your doing really well. Been running everyday since you guys started but my daily 10km seems like nothing compared to what you guys are going through!!! Best of luck for the last two days. See you when you get back
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 10:51 am
Hi Guys,
What an inspiration you are. I sit here at my cosy desk in the Oxfordshire countryside thinking 'the older I get the faster I was' type thoughts and pretending I could still manage such an epic feat as you guys. It's great to see the HSX spirit alive and kicking (or hobbling) in sunny Chilli. Everest Dave is right - pain is merely an extension of pleasure and is there to be enjoyed (originally delivered by Russell many many years ago on some dark miserable night on dartmoor or similar. Have a cracking last few days, work hard and come home safe - oh, and you'd better bloody win it. Remember, second place is the first loser. Cheers Mark
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 10:48 am
Rather you guys than me!
Not sure I cound even run that far ever, let alone in one week! Looking forward to seeing the photos and blisters when you get back. Best of luck for the last few miles!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 10:42 am
Keep the team work going and you will make it - just don't distracted by all those stars tonight. Keep it steady and you will make it. Well done you're doing brilliant.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 10:12 am
You are truly my inspiration I look forward to buying you all large glass of whatever you want on your return.
Remember pain is only weakness leaving the body.
You are heroes
Love Dave and Kate
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 09:56 am
What a challenge! Two days and you\'ve cracked it. If only I was there filming saying can you do that bit again. Keep safe keep going.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 09:56 am
Well today is the day my sweepstake could cash in, DNF on stage 5? I don't think so! The end is in sight guys, don't even consider winning me that signed hat.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 09:34 am
Go on lads!!!!
Dig deep, your doing yourselves proud.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 09:25 am
Keep going guys.
Just Awesome!
Look After each other.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 09:09 am
Sainsburys cookies were buy one get one free yesterday and there was no one to appreciate them... Good luck tomorrow! You're nearly there! Xxx
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 08:56 am
Great going so far Alan, Chris and Richard - good luck for the final two days !!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 07:54 am
Doing great - hang in there - good luck for this stage.
Liked the video and photos of you all.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 07:16 am
PS You are still the number 1 team but not by much.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 07:14 am
Hi all, Up early again this morning to see how you are. Well done, you are still in there. Day 4 has come and gone so its all down hill from now. Take it steady, work within your limits. I was going to compare day 5 with x number of trips along Chessel Beach but thought that I had better not. Work together and you will all be there at the end.
08 March 2011 06:02 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
We've had another good day. Not quite as strong during the race as stages 1 and 2, but we all felt pretty good at the end so can hopefully keep up the pace tomorrow. Feet and legs are in reasonable shape although my rucksack straps are starting to take their toll on my shoulders.
A Japanese film crew are filming a documentary about the race, and allegedly we have a Japanese celebrity taking part although so far we've failed to establish who it is or what they're famous for. Hiroshi (or anyone with Google and a lot of time!): can you shed any light on this?
Hope all is going well for those in Barcelona. 3 days in, I can confirm that this is a piece of piss compared to winter testing. The tent is only marginally less comfortable than the Granollers, and I'm getting 9, yes NINE, hours of sleep!
For the benefit of Tom and everyone else from HSX, we agree that this isn't as hard as advanced training!
I hope you're all enjoying the photos and videos on the race website. We can't see them from here, but I've just had a look over the shoulder of the event photographer and his shots look stunning. I think they give a pretty good impression of the terrain and scenery we've been running through.
So, onwards to the infamous salt flats of stage 4...
A Japanese film crew are filming a documentary about the race, and allegedly we have a Japanese celebrity taking part although so far we've failed to establish who it is or what they're famous for. Hiroshi (or anyone with Google and a lot of time!): can you shed any light on this?
Hope all is going well for those in Barcelona. 3 days in, I can confirm that this is a piece of piss compared to winter testing. The tent is only marginally less comfortable than the Granollers, and I'm getting 9, yes NINE, hours of sleep!
For the benefit of Tom and everyone else from HSX, we agree that this isn't as hard as advanced training!
I hope you're all enjoying the photos and videos on the race website. We can't see them from here, but I've just had a look over the shoulder of the event photographer and his shots look stunning. I think they give a pretty good impression of the terrain and scenery we've been running through.
So, onwards to the infamous salt flats of stage 4...
Comments: Total (10) comments
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 11:29 pm
You're all an inspiration!
Keep smiling and make sure you take it all in xx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 09:36 pm
Amazing effort guys! You all look really well on the photos and video! Keep up the great work and enjoy every moment you've all worked really hard for this and it looks like it's paying off!
Bet the thought of a bacon sandwich wasn't great though! :-)
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 05:32 pm
Hope day 4 has gone as well as the first three. Enjoyed the video you didn't seem stressed at all! We had a bottle of Chilean chardonnay with dinner - it was very good. Something to look forward to once you've finished!! Well done so far.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 11:27 am
All looks great guys, make sure you get a contact from the NHK crew (they are the BBC of Japan) and see if they will send you a copy of the film.
If not I can see if any of my contacts can help.
Paul
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 08:27 am
Good work so far, although may I suggest slowing down a bit to give me a chance at the sweepstake? Chris - any toes fallen off yet?!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 07:59 am
Info your require is :- Yoshihiro Sato (b 25 Jan 81) is a Japanese kickboxer competing in K-1 at middleweight (-70 kg). He is the former world champion of Muay Thai in WKA and WPKC, and he won the Japanese national tournament of K-1 twice in 2006 and 2007.His official nickname is "Mugen Sniper" which means Infinite Sniper ( Research time 2 mins online)
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 07:40 am
Hi guys , Well we can only agree with all of the below comments. You are doing soooo well. Keep up the great work. The photos are stunning , ( Just try and get yourselves into a few more :-) . ..... Good luck today.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 07:26 am
fantastic result so far - really impressed - brilliant - keep it up.
the photos on the sight are amazing - it must be a wonderful experience
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 06:37 am
Well done. Had to get up early this morning to see how you had got on. When I went to bed yesterday they'd only posted up to 19th. Obviously the team work is still strong. I note that you've sorted out the first day's timing .... up and now you all have the same overall time and position 22nd. I'm very proud of you all. Dig deep and it will work out. Sorry must dash burning the bacon for my breakfast sarnies. Good luck for today.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:38 am
Great work boys. I see you what you're doing... psyching out the other competitors by saying how easy it is and then slamming them all into second. Great idea! Also I agree that the pictures look amazing but there don't seem to be enough of you guys; I think this is the first day I've managed to find some.
07 March 2011 05:38 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
We’ve now ticked off the 41.8km of stage 2. It seemed much harder going than yesterday, but looking at our finishing position it seems to have been a similar story for everyone. Amazingly, we’re still the first placed team, although this really isn’t part of our game plan: we’re not here to win!
We’ve had another delightful freeze dried dinner. Tonight it was 800kcal of chicken korma followed by a well-earned cup of tea while watching the spectacular sunset. Once that’s disappeared we’ll no doubt be treated to another awesome view of the stars.
Thank you very much to Alex for his concise summary of Licancabur volcano, and thank you to everyone else who has sent us messages of support. We really do appreciate it.
Tomorrow it’s another 40km. Bring it on!
We’ve had another delightful freeze dried dinner. Tonight it was 800kcal of chicken korma followed by a well-earned cup of tea while watching the spectacular sunset. Once that’s disappeared we’ll no doubt be treated to another awesome view of the stars.
Thank you very much to Alex for his concise summary of Licancabur volcano, and thank you to everyone else who has sent us messages of support. We really do appreciate it.
Tomorrow it’s another 40km. Bring it on!
Comments: Total (8) comments
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 09:03 pm
Ah, found the blog! Sorry for not being tech-savvy earlier. The photos are crazy. I hope you\'re all still alive. Lots of love to R (how is the ankle bearing up?), Xxx
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 08:07 pm
Hey guys - just thinking of you all as i tuck into a dirty great venison burger mmmmm
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 06:28 pm
Keep up the good work. You're coming up to the testing time. Remember the 4 day syndrome! I agree you're not there to win just to come 1st! Hope that today has gone well. Best wishes
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 04:55 pm
Ah, found the blog! Sorry for not being tech-savvy earlier. The photos are crazy. I hope you're all still alive. Lots of love to R (how is the ankle bearing up?), Xxx
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 12:58 pm
Wow, we're so proud of you all too - fantastic effort lads, and in a great cause.
All those years of HSX grit-building are paying off now...
It seems no time since we dropped you off for your first HSX weekend at Fernycrofts as a 15-year old Chris, and Russ took you in hand.
What a journey - you'll come back with amazing memories and new friends for life
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 08:30 am
Well done guys - really really proud of you all, you are all doing fantastically.
Keep focused on the end goal, keep doing what you are doing and enjoy this amazing experience.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 08:27 am
WOW you are doing amazingly! keep up the good work!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 05:34 am
Not here to win! What kind of comment is that?!?!? Come on boys... focus on the GOLD!
06 March 2011 06:57 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Our Atacama Crossing started rather inauspiciously as the bus taking us to Saturday's first overnight camp overheated and ground to a halt on the main road out of San Pedro. Fortunately this was only a brief setback, and not an indicator of things to come, as we made it to our tent without any further mishaps.
teamHSX are sharing tent 5 with a cracking bunch of people. We've got Dan from New York who's running the race for a cancer charity, Ben and Seranica from Australia who are currently based in Canada so have been forced to train in snow shoes, Alex the medical student from UCL, and Gerard from the Italian Alps who looks to be our most serious competitor. They don't seem to be too concerned by our strange sense of humour, or at least they're too polite to say anything about it.
I didn't get a great night's sleep last night - possibly a combination of pre-race nerves and too much sleep earlier in the week - but still woke up feeling in reasonable shape. We were staying at about 3400m, so quite a bit higher than San Pedro, and were conscious that the combination of heat and altitude could make it far too easy to overdo it over the 35km of stage 1. Fortunately we began with a nice downhill stretch and looked to be sitting somewhere in the middle of the field as we headed towards checkpoint 1. The first 20km seemed to pass quite quickly in the relatively cool morning air, but leg 3 - from about 21km to 31km - was a lot tougher as the temperature started to rise and we tackled a seemingly endless ascent to the final checkpoint. Seeing the Racing the Planet flags lifted our spirits, as did the opportunity to take on some more water and the realisation that we had just 3.5km to go.
We crossed the finish line after about 5h10m: a great performance from the team, and certainly faster than I was expecting. We were also greeted with the rather shocking news that we were the first team to finish, although the Hombres de Mais from Guatemala were only a few minutes behind. Hats off to them for being such great competitors and sportsmen: I lost count of the number of times we exchanged words of encouragement as we swapped places, and we later found out that they'd stopped to help another runner in trouble, so I think they can justifiably claim a technical victory.
Tonight's camp has a brilliant view of the Andes and Licancabur volcano to the west, which brings me on to a quick request for help: this morning we saw what looked to be a whisp of smoke from the top of Licancabur, but it might have been a cloud. Is Licancabur an active volcano, and if so when did it last erupt? We're not worried about a nocturnal lava flow taking us all out: just curious!
Tomorrow's stage is about 40km, and hopefully we can carry over today's form.
Finally, I couldn't sign off without mentioning Richard's "human sprinkler" act following his post race milkshake. I'll let him fill you in on the details when we return, but suffice it to say that Alan's stolen hotel slippers will be playing no further part in the Atacama Crossing 2011...
teamHSX are sharing tent 5 with a cracking bunch of people. We've got Dan from New York who's running the race for a cancer charity, Ben and Seranica from Australia who are currently based in Canada so have been forced to train in snow shoes, Alex the medical student from UCL, and Gerard from the Italian Alps who looks to be our most serious competitor. They don't seem to be too concerned by our strange sense of humour, or at least they're too polite to say anything about it.
I didn't get a great night's sleep last night - possibly a combination of pre-race nerves and too much sleep earlier in the week - but still woke up feeling in reasonable shape. We were staying at about 3400m, so quite a bit higher than San Pedro, and were conscious that the combination of heat and altitude could make it far too easy to overdo it over the 35km of stage 1. Fortunately we began with a nice downhill stretch and looked to be sitting somewhere in the middle of the field as we headed towards checkpoint 1. The first 20km seemed to pass quite quickly in the relatively cool morning air, but leg 3 - from about 21km to 31km - was a lot tougher as the temperature started to rise and we tackled a seemingly endless ascent to the final checkpoint. Seeing the Racing the Planet flags lifted our spirits, as did the opportunity to take on some more water and the realisation that we had just 3.5km to go.
We crossed the finish line after about 5h10m: a great performance from the team, and certainly faster than I was expecting. We were also greeted with the rather shocking news that we were the first team to finish, although the Hombres de Mais from Guatemala were only a few minutes behind. Hats off to them for being such great competitors and sportsmen: I lost count of the number of times we exchanged words of encouragement as we swapped places, and we later found out that they'd stopped to help another runner in trouble, so I think they can justifiably claim a technical victory.
Tonight's camp has a brilliant view of the Andes and Licancabur volcano to the west, which brings me on to a quick request for help: this morning we saw what looked to be a whisp of smoke from the top of Licancabur, but it might have been a cloud. Is Licancabur an active volcano, and if so when did it last erupt? We're not worried about a nocturnal lava flow taking us all out: just curious!
Tomorrow's stage is about 40km, and hopefully we can carry over today's form.
Finally, I couldn't sign off without mentioning Richard's "human sprinkler" act following his post race milkshake. I'll let him fill you in on the details when we return, but suffice it to say that Alan's stolen hotel slippers will be playing no further part in the Atacama Crossing 2011...
Comments: Total (6) comments
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 10:56 pm
Have just seen the times for day 2 - well done you are going well. The pictures of the area look amazing pity you don't have time to stand and stare!!
I wouldn't worry too much about the slippers he has been known to dispose of a mobile phone in the past!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 08:25 pm
Well done for Stage 1. Hopefully when you read this you will have completed Stage 2. Take care and good luck.
Rgds
Russ
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 10:02 am
1st to finish on day 1! Well done! That is incredible!
Licancabur hasn't erupted for a while for at least 500 years but it doesn't mean it can't release steam every now and again because it is still geothermally active from what I understand. The scientific community seem more concerned with the presence of the 'highest lake in the world' at the top. It only stays warm at that altitude due to heat coming from the volcano and is home to extremophile bacteria living under high UV, low oxygen etc etc. The last lava flow only reached 6 km.
Anyway keep up the good work sounds like you are doing amazing! Looking forward to the next update.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 09:58 am
"...as the bus taking us to Saturday's first overnight camp overheated and ground to a halt .." - Chris, have you been doing cooling specs again?
Glad you had such a good first day.
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 09:24 am
"Last known eruption: unknown", you'll be pleased to hear. Enjoy your run, safe in the knowledge you're unlikely to have to outpace a rain of pyroclastic death...
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 06:33 am
Great work guys! Don't become too friendly with the other people in your tent as you're going to need to grind them down soon and make them hurt!
04 March 2011 05:51 am (GMT-03:00) Brasilia
I seem to have picked a stunning location for my 30th. Off to the west there's a whole load of desert, and off to the east we can see the snow-capped Licancabur volcano and the Bolivian border.
At the moment we're all feeling good and, if anything, a bit impatient for the race start. Since leaving the UK we've met quite a few of the other competitors who have scared us to varying degrees. If we took on board every story and bit of advice we'd probably be on the next flight home, but we've prepared well (hopefully well enough...) and we aren't expecting to keep up with many of the 4 Deserts veterans we've talked to, so won't be downhearted if we see them streak off into the distance. Reassuringly, it sounds like our start line weight will be pretty much in line with the other runners, so that's an encouraging sign.
I have, however, managed to pick up my first blisters. Fortunately they're on my fingers - as a result of sewing badges onto my race clothing - and apart from doing up shoelaces and shovelling energy bars into my mouth I don't think my hands will have much to do for the next week!
A big thank you to everyone who has sent me birthday greetings, and an even bigger thank you to everyone who has helped us to raise money for Cancer Research UK. The current total is 4,255.27GBP (can't find the pound sign!), and we're hoping this will continue to climb. If you'd like to take part in our finish time sweepstake, visit www.hsx.org.uk/atacama and sign up before the race starts on Sunday morning.
Finally, I wish everyone heading off to 11-T10-Barc02 (you know who you are!) a successful week's motoring. I think I'm in for an easy time by comparison!
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 07:02 pm
Just seen your day one results guys. Well done keep up the great work.....Take care of those blisters Mr B...
Posted On: 05 Mar 2011 08:45 pm
Go team HSX! look forward to reading how its going. take care!
24 February 2011 01:53 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
I'm currently somewhere between tremendously excited and absolutely terrified about the next 2 weeks.
I met up with Alan and Rich (my teamHSX team mates) last night, and worryingly it looks like we've got everything in hand. Surely there must be something we haven't done? Some piece of paperwork lying forgotten? Or a vital piece of kit still to be bought? If there is, we haven't worked out what it is, and probably won't until we're somewhere over the Atlantic.
On Monday evening I finish work, and on Tuesday we fly out to Calama via Madrid and Santiago. We'll then head on to San Pedro de Atacama where we'll have a few days to acclimatise before heading on to the race start on Saturday afternoon. Oh, and during that time I'll turn 30: what a way to celebrate!
At 8am on Sunday 6th March it all kicks off, with the 35km of stage 1 ahead of us. Tick that one off and it's just another 215km to go. Simples.
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 25 Feb 2011 12:46 am
Me too! I Keep worrying and i don't seem less worried with everyone I have done but, Im told thats half the fun of doing these races by someone whose not doing this one! See you out there.
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 13 Mar 2011 09:30 pm