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Linda Quirk

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Atacama Crossing (2010) blog posts from Linda Quirk

09 March 2010 05:40 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

 sit here today totally exhausted but again feeling great.  This stage, 26 miles was extremely hard and hot but getting to the first two checkpoints was so much fun.  We started out heading to checkpoint one by going through some very challenging water crossings.  The current was moving quite rapidly and the water above my knees a big part of the time.  We waded through canyons, valleys and wide open areas.  The scenery was stunning, the cold water feeling good on my legs.  After heading out of checkpoint one going to two we had two more very small water crossings and at this time I sat down to fix my shoes.  Prior to hitting the water I had removed my orthodics so that all I needed to do was dry my feet, apply some lubricant, fix my one blister, returned the orthodics to my very wet shoes, put on a new pair of socks and my gaiters...I was ready to continue.
 
At this point we headed up the steepest climb I had ever done.  We were at the very top of a gorgeous canyon.  I think I now know what a mountain goat feels like.  From the top we ran down a pristine looking sand doon.  The only tracks were of those who had gone before me.  I had so much fun!  The last two checkpoints were, to put it frankly...HELL.  I seem to struggle on the last two asnthis is where I had trouble yesterday.  More sand,totally exposed to the heat makes for a very long day.
 
Happily I finished in just under 9 hours and still able to converse and minimal damage to my feet.  I must take this time to bragg about Warrie.  Yesterday he came in 15th overall and today managed to come in 12th!!  Today he ran with no gaiters as well!!  I want to be as athletic and driven like him when I grow up :-)
 
Tomorrow is another 26 mile day so it off to eat some dinner and then early to bed.
 
Nutrition For Today+
 
Morning::  One cup coffee & one bottle UCAN
 
During race:  3 bottles UCAN. 4 bottles water, 12 Salt sticks ( I needed about eighteen but ran out.  This caused more discomfort on the last 6 miles...big mistake.)
 
Stay tuned for tomorrows blog!
 
Linda

Comments: Total (21) comments

Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 12:11 am

Just saw you finished! One down! So proud of you! Love you. Oh, and haha to Jason's post on the most challenging thing you have done since raising him. So funny!

Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 05:49 pm

Hey Linda, This is it. The last day. You have to be so proud of yourself we are and so is everyone. I hope Randy gets a picture of you at the finish. Actually knowing Randy I am sure he is camera ready. Can't wait to hear all about it. Love, Wendy and Ken

Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 12:47 pm

Congradulation's on a incredible journey complete! DREAM BIG!!!

Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 07:39 am

I meant to say the most mentally and physically challenging thing you've done besides raising me! Smile, it's almost over!!!

Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 05:36 am

Stage 5 complete. You must be exhausted. One short run and one desert done. I am so proud of you. Way to hang in there. Probably the most mentally and physically challenging thing you have ever done. Get some well deserved rest and a massage. Can't wait to hear all about it. Love, Jason

Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 05:10 am

Just saw that you are in from Stage 5. Way to go!!!!! Short run tomorrow and you are done!!!! Love you.

Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 04:51 am

Keeping constant eye to see when you come in. Know you will be very tired! Sleep well and short jaunt tomorrow to the end!!!! Love you.

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 07:19 am

Hey Linda - thinking of you all day, trying to channel more strength you way, and hoping you really do know how much we love you.

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 04:29 am

Was hoping to read a blog from you tonight, but assume you are exhausted! Kept informed by the alert updates. Sounds like tomorrow is a long, long day. Hang in there. You are doing great.! Love you!

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 02:22 am

Hi Linda, Just read that you finished stage 4 and back at camp. I am always so happy to read when you are back. You are doing so great . I don't know if today was as rough as yesterday but it all sounds and looks very difficult. The pitcures are unbeliveable. Again you are an incredible woman. Very proud of you. Will follow you tomorrow. Love, Wendy and Ken

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 08:00 pm

Go Linda! It has been so exciting following you, and “sharing the feeling” of your incredible experience thru your blogs and those of the others. I have to click off now and then to get work done for Randy. This journey sounds incredibly difficult, but I know in my heart that you have the tenacity of a super hero when you set the bar. You are my hero. Stay strong and keep writing to us, so we can “feel like we are there” with you. Love, C

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 04:14 pm

Glad to read Randy's comment that you did not blog last night and needed rest. After reading all the info on Stage 3, it sounded like it was going to be the toughest stage. Looked up the results and knew you finished. On the downhill stretch and look forward to reading a blog tonight. Love you and following on alerts from Racing the Planet.

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 02:10 pm

Hang in there Mom. You're over the hump and doing great. Take care of those feet, and rest those legs when you get a chance. We're pulling for you. Love, Jason

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 12:53 pm

Spoke with Kevin last night and he said no blog after stage 3 due to need to rest. Good idea!! I'm heading your way today and in San Pedro Friday night. Can't wait to see you finish. I'm sure you are anticipating it more than I, but we both will be equally as happy. You are an inspiration to me and so many. Hang in there and know we are all in support. Dream Big!! Love, Randy.

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 04:17 am

Hi Linda, well I learned of your newest challenge to life and yourself today from RQ. I am not quite sure how you find these challenges, but sure admire what you are doing. Now that I have your blogs to follow, I will be watching in anticipation as to your daily accomplishments. Some day you will need to explain to me what "UCAN" is. Sounds like a mixture of Starbucks and a 5 hour energy drink... :-) Wishing you health and much continued success. al

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 02:16 am

Hi Linda, It is evening and I know you have finished this 3 stage. Seeing pictures of the terrain and the heat that you are in looks brutal. Hope you are doing ok. Your our wonder woman. You have to be so pround of yourself and we are also. The Ritz is going to look really good to you when your done. Love you and following you. Wendy and Ken

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 02:57 pm

All I can say is "WOW!" What an incredible journey. Stage 2 sounds like it was amazing in every way possible. I love reading your daily blogs. I'll be thinking of you tomorrow, have fun!

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 04:48 am

Nice job! Love the blogs. Glad the water didn't carry you away. Haha. Will check in tomorrow. Love you.

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 04:38 am

Oh Linda, you are doing so great. I can hear it in your words you are really enjoying this even though it is grueling for you. It is so great to follow you with this website. Love you and will check in tomorrow. Go girl. Love,Wendy and Ken

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 02:10 am

Hey Linda! You're my hero! Always so positive & humerous at times! Tell Warrie "Way to go!!" I'm proud of him & you! Thinking & praying for you both here in JAX!! Go "Run7on7" runners! Woo Woo!!! : )

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 02:08 am

We're with you...

08 March 2010 07:01 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Woke this morning excited to begin the 1st stage.  I will bring you up to speed on most of the day, however a big part I am still processing in my mind.  This stage proved to be extremely difficult and very, very hot.  In the beginning I ran feeling comfortable.  We went up and down hills, manuvered through water and came out to go back up hill again.  I made it to check point 1 in 1 hr 50 minutes with my legs fresh.  Filled my water bottles and continued on to check point 2, approximately 6 1/2 miles or so.  This stage was more technical for me as there were many steep hills to go up and come down.  The terrain proved to be my biggest issue as it was seriously ankle breaking, rocky almost like loose shale.  When coming down one of the larger hills I actually fell and at that time realized I needed to walk it.  Again I made it to checkpoint somewhere close to the 1 hr. 50 minute timeframe so felt that I was very consistent.
 
Then came the run to checkpoint 3.  This where I really dropped it.  My backpack felt way to heavy and was putting pressure on my shoulders.  Ultimately I walked almost the entire portion.  It was a continual uphill for the entire 6 plus miles with virtually no shade.  Frustration was absolutely setting in as with each corner I rounded I thought we would have reached the top...but it never appeared.  After slowly reaching the destination I took a 3 min break with the pack removed while my water bottles were being filled.  From that point I only had to go 1.7 kilometers to the finish of todays stage.  I crossed the finish line somewhere in 7 hrs. 10 minutes and was never so happy to lay down on the rocky soil in our tent.
 
My nutrition for today consisted of:
 
Breakfast:  1 cup coffee and one bottle UCAN
 
During the run:  3 bottles UCAN, 3 bottles water and 12 Saltstick tab lets (one every hour until I ran out.)
 
Post run:  1 bottle UCAN
 
Dinner:  Whatever freeze dried meal comes out of my pack first.
 
So to summerize I actually had a great day.  I now have a new found appreciation for what it takes to complete all of these.  My body is feeling good with a little tenderness in the knees because of all the downhills.  I am going to rest and be prepared fpr what tomorrows stage throws at us.  Hope my entire family and friends are enjoying all the updates and know that I am doing well and extremely happy to be a part of this spectacular race.
 
Until tomorrow night...keep sending all your positive thoughts.
 
Linda

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 06:59 pm

Sounds brutal and your report gives credit to your strength and focus. Glad the first day jitters are behind you and I know you will embrace the opportunities that tomorrow will present. To say I'm proud seriously understates what I'm feeling right now. Thanks for being the example...to us all... of hard work paying off. Wish I could be there, but need to watch "Amazing Race " reruns tonight!! Be safe. Love, Randy>

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 06:03 pm

Wow, what a day. Hope you got some needed and well deserved rest. I hope your pack is a little lighter today, each day will get better in that regard I'm sure. We will keep sending the positive thoughts from here. Love you!!

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 02:19 pm

Having the first stage under your belt has to be a good feeling. Congratulations, I'm sure your confidence will grow as the days continue. I am thinking of you daily and sending all my energy your way. You rock!!

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 10:51 am

Great to read your update Linda, sounds so tough but nothing you're not up for, thinking of you back here in Oz. Wishing you all the very best over the remaining stages, thinking of you guys day and night. It's inspiring me while I'm getting through the tough part of my training for Australia in April. xo

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 06:21 am

To know you is to admire you. To have you as a sister-in-law makes it that much more special. Run for all of us who love you and cheer you on every day; run for all that is good in life, and for those that want to be better than they are just by being around you. You show us every day that the human spirit has amazing strength. You, Linda Krebsbach Quirk, are unstoppable! What you do every day so unselfishly to help people in need is incredible, and we love you -- Stay safe!

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 05:34 am

Great job Mom. You should have no problems sleeping tonight. Rest those legs. Love, Jason

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 04:32 am

Glad you made it safe, although sounds grueling! Love you. Hope tomorrow is easier.

07 March 2010 05:53 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

We have arrived safely at Camp 1.  The bus ride here was so amazing with the most spectacular views.  Not only did we pass through canyons but came upon the most luscious green areas with lamas grazing along side the water.  When we arrived at camp it was truly a great site.  Large tents with tables sitting around a massive camp fire.  It looks like the set of MASH only with a Ritz flare!  I am in Tent 2 with 7 other individuals.  Warrie, myself, another American Brenda, 4 Chilean contestants and I am sorry to say I have forgotten where the other person is from.  The excitement is mounting in anticipation of tomorrows start so it will be early to bed for me.
 
So far my spirits are soaring, I am feeling wonderful and so very excited to run through this beautiful country.  The 4 Deserts Group has absolutely put on a first class race and has not missed anything.  This blog although brief, is so that everyone at home will know that I am safe and so very happy to be a part of this event.  I look forward to filling everyone in and hope that you will be able to see through your your minds eye the beauty that I am going to experience.
 
Not only am I DREAMING BIG but living my DREAM!
 
Linda

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 01:53 am

Hi Linda, Thinking of you everyday and following you. You are the most amazing woman I have ever know and I am so proud of you. You inspire all of us. Take care of yourself and enjoy this adventure. Love you. Wendy and Ken

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 01:21 am

Linda, Thinking about you every minute of every day. You inspire us all and I am so very proud of you. Your hard work is paying off, and your "determination" will see you through. Be safe, and know that I would be running along side you...if I didn't need to rearrange that sock drawer!! Counting down to seeing you at the finish line. Love, Randy.

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 03:42 pm

We are so proud of you and are thinking of you everyday. I hope you are feeling well and taking in all that this adventure has to offer. We love you so much and continue to be inspired by your spirit and determination.

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 02:46 pm

I'm so excited for you to be there and finally setting off an the adventure...of a lifetime!! Hope by the time you read this that everything feels good and that you are ready for day 2. So proud of you and love you very much!

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 11:33 am

By now you're off and running. I hope this e-mail finds you well. What an awesome thing to do. You go Mom, we're pulling for you every step of the way. Keep healthy and stay safe. Love, Jason

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 02:20 am

Hi Linda, Wow, it sounds amazing! I can't wait for my turn in the Sahara. I am looking forward to your updates throughout the race. You sound ready for this challenge. Linc & I will be thinking of you each day. Run on!!! Patty. :)

03 February 2010 09:14 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Saturday, January 30th marked yet another milestone that I would conquer in my running career. With a lot of trepidation and wondering if my body could hold up I was about to embark on a 55 mile run with a 20 lb. pack upon my back. This was to be my final major event before my first 4 Desert run in the Atacama with a lot riding on not only how my body would hold up but nutrition and mental toughness as well. I literally was going to step into the darkness. January 29th

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 10 Feb 2010 04:32 pm

Great job Linda! I can't imagine going in circles that many times! Your husband sounds like your #1 fan ^^)