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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2011
8
PostsAtacama Crossing (2011) blog posts from Nick Ashley Cooper
13 March 2011 12:40 pm (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Last night I had my first night in a comfy bed. My legs were throbbing after my body began it's recovery process, but it felt great to be back on a soft mattress. Yesterday I crossed the finish line that I had been dreaming of for the past week and in the evening I was humbled by winning the Spirit Award, for completing the race - a moment I will remember for the rest of my life.
It all still seems so fresh and I know it will take a few weeks to fully sink in. During my acceptance speech last night I had not managed to say exactly all I wanted to say, perhaps as I was a little overwhelmed by the occasion, but also as there was so many emotions coming all at once. It feels in some way that from the accident until crossing the finish line yesterday has all been one long journey and whilst the recovery process still continues, I can finally put the whole thing behind me.
It is a huge honour to be recognized for your 'spirit' amongst such an inspirational group of people. So many come to these races with incredible stories of achievements and personal battles. My own involvement was part inspired by an Italian last year fighting with MS who completed the Atacama. I followed his story whilst I was still in quite bad shape and it gave me some belief that I could come back and do the same. I forget where I heard the quote: it's only be challenging ourselves that we truly find out who we really are....but it rings true in these races. It seems that everyone learns something about themselves by going through the experience. For me three things are:
1)Follow your heart: if you have a goal, go for it, no matter what.
2)Never stop believing: no matter how hard it gets, dig deep. If it seems too hard, take time out, relax, reflect and then reconsider.
3)Always help each other: Everyone needs support. Surviving this race is about helping others when they are in need and asking for help when you need it. I would not have got through this without the help from my wonderful tent mates, fellow competitors, volunteers, medics and support staff.
The test now is to apply these learnings to the rest of my life!
Thank you to the RTP team, Mary, Alastair, Sam, Alina and Riitta, for consistently putting on incredible events that inspire and provide life long memories for all those involved. Thank you also to everyone for their support in raising and an incredible
It all still seems so fresh and I know it will take a few weeks to fully sink in. During my acceptance speech last night I had not managed to say exactly all I wanted to say, perhaps as I was a little overwhelmed by the occasion, but also as there was so many emotions coming all at once. It feels in some way that from the accident until crossing the finish line yesterday has all been one long journey and whilst the recovery process still continues, I can finally put the whole thing behind me.
It is a huge honour to be recognized for your 'spirit' amongst such an inspirational group of people. So many come to these races with incredible stories of achievements and personal battles. My own involvement was part inspired by an Italian last year fighting with MS who completed the Atacama. I followed his story whilst I was still in quite bad shape and it gave me some belief that I could come back and do the same. I forget where I heard the quote: it's only be challenging ourselves that we truly find out who we really are....but it rings true in these races. It seems that everyone learns something about themselves by going through the experience. For me three things are:
1)Follow your heart: if you have a goal, go for it, no matter what.
2)Never stop believing: no matter how hard it gets, dig deep. If it seems too hard, take time out, relax, reflect and then reconsider.
3)Always help each other: Everyone needs support. Surviving this race is about helping others when they are in need and asking for help when you need it. I would not have got through this without the help from my wonderful tent mates, fellow competitors, volunteers, medics and support staff.
The test now is to apply these learnings to the rest of my life!
Thank you to the RTP team, Mary, Alastair, Sam, Alina and Riitta, for consistently putting on incredible events that inspire and provide life long memories for all those involved. Thank you also to everyone for their support in raising and an incredible
11 March 2011 06:52 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
You may have already seen from the results, but I made it through the long day. Sorry for the delay in getting to this post – I’ve been trying to get back into a reasonable shape to write, which at long last I am!
The long day is always a big mental battle and I felt that I was in for a good shot when I managed to get through day 4. It was a tough stage with 14km of salt flats to kick things off, which did not help the feet situation. The rest of the day was just getting from checkpoint to checkpoint and trying to manage aches and pains. Thankfully, at checkpoint 3, I met a dog, nicknamed Pedro, that had come out with the front runners and was resting. He seemed to grow attached after I gave him a couple of strips of biltong and we walked the next 20km together to checkpoint 5. This I took as a good omen, as if he was put there to help me through. I was very impressed with his ability to climb sand dunes as we had a huge dune in between checkpoint 3&4, which he jumped up with no hesitation.
When night came I shuffled along and made it to the sleep over checkpoint around 10.30pm, which was around the 55km mark. I was pretty exhausted and took the opportunity to rest and eat, waking at 3am to head the final 20km back to camp. It was a stumbling, slow and sometimes mind numbing experience, walking through the night, made worse by the fact that both my shuffle and back-up shuffle had run out of batteries. I had good company for the last stretch and even managed to come in smiling at camp at 9.30am ish this morning.
The sense of achievement hasn’t really settled in. I guess we still have a small stretch to do tomorrow to get to San Pedro and cross the finish line, but nothing will stop me from that even if I have to crawl my way in! I must have felt like quitting at least 5 times a day. I never thought I would get through and really think, accident aside, this is a far tougher 4 deserts event than the previous ones I have done. Still, support has never been far away and all your amazing messages throughout have kept me wanting to keep going. The RTP crew, volunteers, medical staff and all the competitors as usual have been amazing.
It goes without saying that after 70hrs on your feet in the desert you have time to reflect on everything. I have not stop thinking of all of you every step of the way. I have visulaised you telling me to keep going when I thought I couldn’t anymore – so thank you. I owe this race to you all.
Tomorrow is the finishing line and more importantly a slice of pizza! Can’t wait to come back home and not do anything so challenging for a while..
xn
The long day is always a big mental battle and I felt that I was in for a good shot when I managed to get through day 4. It was a tough stage with 14km of salt flats to kick things off, which did not help the feet situation. The rest of the day was just getting from checkpoint to checkpoint and trying to manage aches and pains. Thankfully, at checkpoint 3, I met a dog, nicknamed Pedro, that had come out with the front runners and was resting. He seemed to grow attached after I gave him a couple of strips of biltong and we walked the next 20km together to checkpoint 5. This I took as a good omen, as if he was put there to help me through. I was very impressed with his ability to climb sand dunes as we had a huge dune in between checkpoint 3&4, which he jumped up with no hesitation.
When night came I shuffled along and made it to the sleep over checkpoint around 10.30pm, which was around the 55km mark. I was pretty exhausted and took the opportunity to rest and eat, waking at 3am to head the final 20km back to camp. It was a stumbling, slow and sometimes mind numbing experience, walking through the night, made worse by the fact that both my shuffle and back-up shuffle had run out of batteries. I had good company for the last stretch and even managed to come in smiling at camp at 9.30am ish this morning.
The sense of achievement hasn’t really settled in. I guess we still have a small stretch to do tomorrow to get to San Pedro and cross the finish line, but nothing will stop me from that even if I have to crawl my way in! I must have felt like quitting at least 5 times a day. I never thought I would get through and really think, accident aside, this is a far tougher 4 deserts event than the previous ones I have done. Still, support has never been far away and all your amazing messages throughout have kept me wanting to keep going. The RTP crew, volunteers, medical staff and all the competitors as usual have been amazing.
It goes without saying that after 70hrs on your feet in the desert you have time to reflect on everything. I have not stop thinking of all of you every step of the way. I have visulaised you telling me to keep going when I thought I couldn’t anymore – so thank you. I owe this race to you all.
Tomorrow is the finishing line and more importantly a slice of pizza! Can’t wait to come back home and not do anything so challenging for a while..
xn
Comments: Total (7) comments
Posted On: 13 Mar 2011 03:44 pm
Awesome effort my friend. Britt, Oliver and I are all willing your legs to keep putting one foot in front of the other over, and over and over again.
Yet another superhuman effort and we're very proud to be able say our good friend has done this...
Very insipiring mate, enjoy your last day and crossing the line. We hope to see you all soon. Anthony, Britt 7 Oliver
Posted On: 13 Mar 2011 05:10 am
You, sir, are some tough sonofagun!!!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 09:50 pm
I am astounded that "my little boy" has achieved such a feat! Much love.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 05:11 pm
You have been amazing, not only to undertake this challenge but to will yourself through with all the ups and downs both mental and physical. So impressed and so proud. Even Jacqueline called the chalet yesterday, just to make sure we had seen that you had completed the 70km+ stage 5!
Sending love from VB and loads of cheers for the final stage 6.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 12:19 pm
Nick, it sunk in when we went to bed you had already been going 10 hours then we woke up you were still walking, and the next day. It was a big moment to see your name flash up on breaking news. Somehow I knew you would make it but watching from afar I have begun to realise just the enormity of the challenge you have set yourself. We may have helped in some small way but it is you who is the hero, you who have kept going hour after hour while we have been in our comfy beds. I have been to San Pedro and am happy to be able to imagine you arriving there to a slice of pizza. Lots of love from all the Haddons
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 11:18 am
Will fill the fridge with chocolate brownies-----!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2011 04:04 am
just speechless......so proud of you!!! Who would not agree with Wolf:
The winner of this race is you, dear Nick, it is only YOU.........
with love and all my admiration
Renata
09 March 2011 05:46 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Arrived at camp today after 7pm. It was just a matter of taking my time and getting to the checkpoints. I’m really happy I’ve made it this far. I’m totally exhausted, but hopefully after a good kip and some food I should be ready to finish this thing!
Thank you again for your messages. Wish you could see this place – it is amazing.
Love to all and next post will be the key one!
xn
Thank you again for your messages. Wish you could see this place – it is amazing.
Love to all and next post will be the key one!
xn
Comments: Total (14) comments
Posted On: 11 Mar 2011 12:18 pm
Wow- well done Nick. You're an inspiration. Keep it up!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 11:44 pm
Well done mate, you're an inspiration, I don't know any other man that could get away with taking a holiday so soon after having a baby!
Know you've got this in the bag. We're thinking of you all the way.
Take care, see you when you're back.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 10:20 pm
We think you are amazing. Cheering you from Somerset. Spurs went through so George very happy. Lots of love Haddons
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 09:36 pm
As usual I am in awe of what you achieve!
Bravo Nick, you are placing the bar very high for that boy of yours!
Donatella.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 08:53 pm
stage 4...a runner's Nirvana.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 08:29 pm
The biggest congratulations!!! WOW! So impressive Nick, no words...biggest hugs from Earls Court
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 04:47 pm
Awesome work Nick. Keep it up. Huge respect. Rob
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 03:40 pm
Nice one buddy ... keep on truckin', you're almost there!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 02:04 pm
We just can't start our day in this little part of London without checking in on your blog to see your progress -- so impressive! Keep going Nick!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 09:36 am
hopefully justin will be down taking photos today (it's a long long journey from london across the salt flats of hampshire, and through the slot canyons of wiltshire, fingers crossed he'll make it).
hang in there matey - looking forward to having you back
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 09:14 am
Top effort again dont know how you do it,not sure about the dodgy socks! All the best the Great Run will be a walk in the Park!!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 08:07 am
Awesome work across the salt flats. Keep going and once today is over, it'll just be the final shuffle into town. Luce
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 03:57 am
GO Nick GO!!!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2011 02:35 am
Congratulations for Stage 4!!!!!!!
so great what you are doing....
huge hugs
Renata
08 March 2011 06:22 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Apologies for not getting my blog sent yesterday. As I came in late I missed the cybertent. Today is almost the same so I will try to be quick!
Stage 2 was an epic day. It seemed to go on forever and at times it was hard to stay positive.. The first two stages were stunning: going through slot canyons and up a steep climb to follow a track along a long ridge before tumbling down the biggest sand dune I have ever seen. I have been able to take lots of pics which was great.The final two stages seemed endless and my feet got extremely tired. It was the first time I seriously doubted my capacity to do this. Luckily I got some good people around me to keep me positive. Diego Carvajal lent me his ipod which had some motivational talking which did the world of good - amazingly enough it was a quote from Rocky 6 that got me the most fired up! Anyway, don't know how, but I stumbled in around 11.5hrs later. I felt really happy for having pushed through
Stage 3 started with my feet in a lot of pain and the negativity crept back in. I got my way to stage two which was mainly just long flat stretches of desert. I took some pain killers for my feet and rested. It made the world of difference and I managed to take the next two stages feeling more positive. I will have to keep massaging them for the rest of the race, but I think they will hold good. The day ended with an enormous sand dune to climb and we are now at a great camp over looking the desert. Tomorrow is day 4 and I reckon if I can crack that I'm in for a shot..
Thank you so much for your messsages. It's great to hear from you all. Dinah I love you, big kiss to the little boy.
xn
Stage 2 was an epic day. It seemed to go on forever and at times it was hard to stay positive.. The first two stages were stunning: going through slot canyons and up a steep climb to follow a track along a long ridge before tumbling down the biggest sand dune I have ever seen. I have been able to take lots of pics which was great.The final two stages seemed endless and my feet got extremely tired. It was the first time I seriously doubted my capacity to do this. Luckily I got some good people around me to keep me positive. Diego Carvajal lent me his ipod which had some motivational talking which did the world of good - amazingly enough it was a quote from Rocky 6 that got me the most fired up! Anyway, don't know how, but I stumbled in around 11.5hrs later. I felt really happy for having pushed through
Stage 3 started with my feet in a lot of pain and the negativity crept back in. I got my way to stage two which was mainly just long flat stretches of desert. I took some pain killers for my feet and rested. It made the world of difference and I managed to take the next two stages feeling more positive. I will have to keep massaging them for the rest of the race, but I think they will hold good. The day ended with an enormous sand dune to climb and we are now at a great camp over looking the desert. Tomorrow is day 4 and I reckon if I can crack that I'm in for a shot..
Thank you so much for your messsages. It's great to hear from you all. Dinah I love you, big kiss to the little boy.
xn
Comments: Total (18) comments
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 08:47 pm
Keep going, Nick!
Best of luck for the next stage!
XXC&N
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 08:29 pm
Great stuff, Nick, can't tell you how proud of you we are. Thinking about you and 'willing-you-on'.
Vas-y, Nick !
Georges & Alison et toute la famille française
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 05:49 pm
Keep plugging away. You will always be a winner to me. Saw little A yesterday. There's another that makes you a WINNER
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 05:12 pm
Awesome Nick, keep listening to that Rocky 6 motivation... tremendous!!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:46 pm
crossing fingers every single day, wishing you the best, thinking so much of you, dear Nick......
lots of love
Renata
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:41 pm
Nick, you are doing absoltely great, you mad man!! Send you lots of good vibes from Mamma Afrika. Stefan
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 03:06 pm
great job getting though.... sorry i didnt get to say goodbye.. but you guys are looking awsome.. thanks so much for helping me out the first couple of days... you guys really helped to gve stage 2 a go...ill keep following.. your doing great
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:30 pm
Nick, awesome effort and best of luck for day 4, as Ricky and Sissel say you have cracked this already and can absolutely nail the long day. Actually reading Sisel's description it sounds quite nice!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 01:49 pm
We are all following you and cheering you every step of the way from Shepherds Bush. Going to watch Tottenham with George tonight and there will be a lot of noise for you (and a few beers...) Lots of love and admiration The Haddons
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 01:41 pm
You are fantastic.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 12:56 pm
In for a shot? No way man, you've got this thing nailed! The hardest part is behind you! Checkpoint to checkpoint, flag to flag...
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 11:39 am
Hi Nick,
Keep it up , You CAN do it. The long day is beautiful and not so hard....It is a lot of long hard packed sand. But the whole race is worth it just for the stars on the long day through Valley of the Moon....You have to see that, so keep going.
Sisselxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 11:39 am
Hi Nick,
Keep it up , You CAN do it. The long day is beautiful and not so hard....It is a lot of long hard packed sand. But the whole race is worth it just for the stars on the long day through Valley of the Moon....You have to see that, so keep going.
Sisselxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 11:39 am
Hi Nick,
Keep it up , You CAN do it. The long day is beautiful and not so hard....It is a lot of long hard packed sand. But the whole race is worth it just for the stars on the long day through Valley of the Moon....You have to see that, so keep going.
Sisselxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 11:39 am
Hi Nick,
Keep it up , You CAN do it. The long day is beautiful and not so hard....It is a lot of long hard packed sand. But the whole race is worth it just for the stars on the long day through Valley of the Moon....You have to see that, so keep going.
Sisselxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 11:39 am
Hi Nick,
Keep it up , You CAN do it. The long day is beautiful and not so hard....It is a lot of long hard packed sand. But the whole race is worth it just for the stars on the long day through Valley of the Moon....You have to see that, so keep going.
Sisselxx
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 04:03 am
Nick, we've not met, I did the race last year and heard about your accident then. Following your blogs is an inspiration, just want to send a few words of encouragement to keep going. Day 2 and 3 were the worst of it last year. Once you're through those, you can do it. Get your head down and keep going, you really can do this. And take loads of painkillers. That also helps. Nick A
Posted On: 09 Mar 2011 02:48 am
No matter how many racers will be ahead of you at the destination - YOU, Nick, you will be the winner of this race!!
06 March 2011 06:35 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
We set off from San Pedro at around 3pm yesterday and arrived at camp 1 which was situated between stunning red rock formations. It was great to finally be there. Sadly, the night was horrible as I had under estimated the bitter cold and wind and spent the whole night trying to hide for warmth in my sleeping bag listening to tent mates snore. It was when I started focusing on starting to dream that I knew it was a hopless case. I must have got about 40mins of semi-sleep and the rest was just constant turning and shifting. I tried not to worry about the race. I knew the next day i would be a lot more tired so hopefully I could catch up on sleep!
The race got under way at 8am. Almost immediately i was at the back. My walking speed is not as fast as it used to be and certainly not as fast as a fresh group of ultramarathoner's. It was fine as I just focued on doing my own race. It definitely became clear that this was going to be a very different Racing the Planet experience than my previous two. Thankfully the first two stages passed by quite well and I had time to take some pics and enjoy the scenery. After check point two things started to get more difficult. I was about half way through when my lack of miles through my legs started to show. Basically I just satrted to ache! Not surprising really after 5hrs walking in the desert. The sun became a lot stronger and I felt pretty exhausted by the time I reached checkpoint 3 - not helped by the 5km uphill track that seemed to go on forever. Thankfully today we only had a short 3.5km's to go to camp 2, so I managed to crawl in around 4.14pm - about 8hrs of walking.
Obviously, the body was sore, but I have since had food, gone down to a river to paddle and streteched and startring to feel ok again. Tomorrow will be slightly longer so taking it day by day..Thankfully, I will have eaten more of my pack so it should be lighter and hopefully my body will start to understand what's expected of it! I can report my back is holding up great and no issues there. Just a few blisters - but that's nothing new! My mood is good.
Thank you all for your messages - it really is great to read them. Lots of love to the home team - Dinah, Anthony, Fred. Hope you had a great weekend. Also, a big hello to the Wings For Life team. Going strong so far,
xn
The race got under way at 8am. Almost immediately i was at the back. My walking speed is not as fast as it used to be and certainly not as fast as a fresh group of ultramarathoner's. It was fine as I just focued on doing my own race. It definitely became clear that this was going to be a very different Racing the Planet experience than my previous two. Thankfully the first two stages passed by quite well and I had time to take some pics and enjoy the scenery. After check point two things started to get more difficult. I was about half way through when my lack of miles through my legs started to show. Basically I just satrted to ache! Not surprising really after 5hrs walking in the desert. The sun became a lot stronger and I felt pretty exhausted by the time I reached checkpoint 3 - not helped by the 5km uphill track that seemed to go on forever. Thankfully today we only had a short 3.5km's to go to camp 2, so I managed to crawl in around 4.14pm - about 8hrs of walking.
Obviously, the body was sore, but I have since had food, gone down to a river to paddle and streteched and startring to feel ok again. Tomorrow will be slightly longer so taking it day by day..Thankfully, I will have eaten more of my pack so it should be lighter and hopefully my body will start to understand what's expected of it! I can report my back is holding up great and no issues there. Just a few blisters - but that's nothing new! My mood is good.
Thank you all for your messages - it really is great to read them. Lots of love to the home team - Dinah, Anthony, Fred. Hope you had a great weekend. Also, a big hello to the Wings For Life team. Going strong so far,
xn
Comments: Total (13) comments
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 10:51 pm
Hi Nick,
Following your race and I know you will be strong and will enjoy it even with the pain you are going through ....I know this race is a very beautiful one so take time to enjoy the views. The salt-flats will be tough but you can do it... all the best
Sissel
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 05:31 pm
Well done Nick--hope you are not too sore.
Everyone here thinking of you and wishing you well.
XXC&N
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 09:51 am
So great to be able to keep up with your efforts. Most inspiring. I reckon with the extra sleep garnered by a first long day you'll be feeling better for your second... fortunately it sounds like there's plenty of amazing scenery to keep the spirits up!
Justin
Posted On: 08 Mar 2011 01:27 am
Just received an email from nick saying that he hasn't been able to write a blog as he came in too late. Stage 2 was beautiful and very tough in equal measures. He is feeling great for having finished day 2...
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 09:20 pm
You're the man Coop! Stage 1 is the toughest so it's downhill from here big guy. Enjoy the slot canyons, they're stunning. Jem and I are loving following along. Keep rocking big guy. Rp and Jem
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 08:42 pm
oh and as i write i am listening to danny's new mix to RA... your influence is everywhere... (and Claude, Graham H, and a bunch others have signed up for the Great Shaftesbury Run).
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 08:39 pm
i have to say that this passed weekend I roasted some fine partridge.
You came up quite a bit in conversation (while I was on the port!).
Hard to imagine what you must be going through on the otherside of the world.
big big hug
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:28 pm
Keep on pushing through dude ... love to hear your stories of what you're seeing, must be so amazing. Here's to a continued great experience!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 03:19 pm
Nick ... be strong and keep stretching !!!!!!!!!!!
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 01:37 pm
Dear Nick
Just got back to London after a wonderful weekend in Dorset. Dina and Freddie were on fine form, and little Anthony was a sleeping gem at lunch yesterday. Thinking of you and supporting you all the way -- go for it, Nick! Claude
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 10:13 am
As always Nick I never fail to be inspired. Back home safe from the week in Canada so cheering you on from the UK. Lots of love from us all. Ed
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 08:02 am
That canyon is awful isn't it! At least today you'll have had the stunning slot canyons and views from the top. Keep going, we are with you every step of the way. Luce
Posted On: 07 Mar 2011 04:15 am
crossing fingers for your second day!!!!hope this night will be much better than the last one.....
take care, dear Nick!
Lots of love
Renata
04 March 2011 01:06 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
So, I arrived in San Pedro this morning around noon after spending the night in Calama. I found it hard to sleep as I was a little wired after the 30hrs or so travelling to get there, but I had a good rest in the end. Waking up today I felt for the first time the atacama sun which is definitely stronger than anything in London at this time of year! I also realised how pasty white I am, so I went straight to get the sun cream on. In the race I am almost completey covered so not too worried about that - I just dont want to be the burnt brit walking around town on his first day..
Arriving today I saw the beautiful peaks of the Andes that surround San Pedro. Amongst them is a beautiful snow capped volcanoe that makes an impressive sight. I expect these peaks will form our backdrop for at least some of the next few days. I can already feel Im going to love the atacama.
The town is buzzing with competitors and the anticipation is starting to build. I think, I finally managed the 7th and final iteration of packing my bag. Deciding on whether to take the extra cliff bar or not was keeping me going for about 30mins, but I finally broke the deadlock and decided to take it - an extra 50g! Overall, I am quite happy with the weight which I reckon to be around 8-9kgs - will find out tomorrow at check-in..
For now, its just trying to kill time, eat pasta and rest. The hotel has a swimimg pool which is great. This desert running is really quite luxurious.
Most people say the altitude makes the atacama difficult - that, and the salt flats. I noticed the air thinning when i got to Calama which is around 1600m. San Pedro is 2400 and I have not felt it too badly yet. Camp 1 is 3000m and I know I will feel that. I am thinking its just about gettng through Day 1 and re-evaluating the situation. That seems like a very feasible goal to me.
Hope you are all doing well. Thanks for the comments. Lots of love to Dinah, Anthony, and all at home, xn
Arriving today I saw the beautiful peaks of the Andes that surround San Pedro. Amongst them is a beautiful snow capped volcanoe that makes an impressive sight. I expect these peaks will form our backdrop for at least some of the next few days. I can already feel Im going to love the atacama.
The town is buzzing with competitors and the anticipation is starting to build. I think, I finally managed the 7th and final iteration of packing my bag. Deciding on whether to take the extra cliff bar or not was keeping me going for about 30mins, but I finally broke the deadlock and decided to take it - an extra 50g! Overall, I am quite happy with the weight which I reckon to be around 8-9kgs - will find out tomorrow at check-in..
For now, its just trying to kill time, eat pasta and rest. The hotel has a swimimg pool which is great. This desert running is really quite luxurious.
Most people say the altitude makes the atacama difficult - that, and the salt flats. I noticed the air thinning when i got to Calama which is around 1600m. San Pedro is 2400 and I have not felt it too badly yet. Camp 1 is 3000m and I know I will feel that. I am thinking its just about gettng through Day 1 and re-evaluating the situation. That seems like a very feasible goal to me.
Hope you are all doing well. Thanks for the comments. Lots of love to Dinah, Anthony, and all at home, xn
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 06 Mar 2011 02:11 am
Jenn and I are wishing you all the best from NYC!
We want to know about your musical playlist for this crossing - who / what are you listening to this time to keep up the motivation?
-jass
03 March 2011 06:38 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Happy to report I have made it to Buenas Aires intact. I now just have a connecting flight to Santiago and then an internal flight up to Calama in the north of Chile - an hour away from San Pedro de Atacama. It´s all gone smooth so far and customs have not taken issue with any items in my bag. I´ve been warned Chile crack down on meat, so hoping my pepperoni fly under the radar... I decided to take everything as carry-on as I had a nightmare a few years ago with bags going missing etc Not to be repeated. It does mean getting the odd strange look from people wondering what I´m doing in the airport with bottle´s attached to my shoulder straps, but I´m fine with that....
Anyway, should arrive in Calama sometime late tonight. We had a brief stop over in Sao Paulo where it was raining, but here in Argentina the sun is shining and I´m already getting excited about the warm weather ahead.....
Oh, and I managed to see Social Netowrk and 127 hours on the plane over. First was entertaining, the second dragged - the audio book was better - I recommend skipping the first half and getting to the middle... Hopefully, I will not be requiring my multi-tool on this trip!
Anyway, should arrive in Calama sometime late tonight. We had a brief stop over in Sao Paulo where it was raining, but here in Argentina the sun is shining and I´m already getting excited about the warm weather ahead.....
Oh, and I managed to see Social Netowrk and 127 hours on the plane over. First was entertaining, the second dragged - the audio book was better - I recommend skipping the first half and getting to the middle... Hopefully, I will not be requiring my multi-tool on this trip!
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 04 Mar 2011 08:26 am
while in BA make sure you practice some tango moves!
Posted On: 03 Mar 2011 05:40 pm
Saw the missus and the helper early this morning mum is looking in fine fettle - looking forward to witnessing the power of the mind in action over the coming days - bon chance and enjoy the scenary...
28 February 2011 03:34 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
It
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 02 Mar 2011 09:16 am
Go Nick! Atacama charmer.
Posted On: 01 Mar 2011 01:36 am
Nick
All the very best, I look forward to running with you. See you soon.
Best
Sumanth
Comments: Total (11) comments
Posted On: 28 Mar 2011 06:23 am
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Posted On: 13 Mar 2011 08:19 pm