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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2010
10
PostsAtacama Crossing (2010) blog posts from Douglas Thompson
13 March 2010 10:57 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Well, we both made it through the long stage of 46 miles. It was very tough and took over 17 hours.I found out that this race is apparently the toughest of all the 4 desert races from veterans of other races. It looks like the land of the living dead around camp. People are all injured and staggering. A gi virus has also run through the camp and hit me just after I came in from finishing the stage. I got no sleep with multiple trips to the bathroom. Many people dropped out or were pulled yesterday from the race. Kyles foot and my achilles tendon held up but my left toe was horribly painful the last 10 miles and I taped to my other one to help it. It sounds like why would anyone put themselves through such pain but there were many great parts especially in the morning of each stage. Yesterday I climbed a 500 ft sand dune and then ran down the other side like a kid. The scenery is so unique and incredible and I know the pics and video will be good. I am anxious to get home and see my family again. I am ready to be clean and eat real food again. Thanks again for all the supportive emails. I plan to call today as well since there is a delay.Doug
KP - A very long day yesterday. almost 19 hours finishing around 2:30am. Just kept thinking about the finish line and getting home. This has been a wonderful experience, but am anxious to return.
11 March 2010 07:27 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Stage 4 is in the bag. We both had a great day and did almost 27 miles in 10 hours 30 minutes. We both felt strong at the end for the first time. Injuries are accumulating however-Kyles foot is painful and my right Achilles tendon is flared up. We are both taped up. we also of course have more than our share of blisters and black toenails. We covered the infamous salt flats during the heat of the day but it was better than we hoped although very tough and hard on our feet. Each day starts great when you are fresh and it is cool but becomes really tough toward the afternoon when it really heats up. We have one last big stage tomorrow of 46 miles but have a day to do it in. We plan to lay low during the heat of the day and walk through the night. We had heavy dust and wind as well coming into the finish. Miss my family and am looking forward to getting home hopefully Monday. we heard about another earthquake today near Santiago but hopefully it will not affect our flights. No blog tomorrow and final one Saturday. thanks again for the supportive emails. we are no off to the medical tent to get patched up. Doug
Comments: Total (6) comments
Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 02:40 pm
Can't believe you are almost done; however, I hear that the worst part is the last day. Hope you both survive and meet your goal without too many injuries. Looking forward to your safe return home and also looking forward to hearing all about the incredible adventure.
Love,
Mom & Dad Moreland
Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 03:29 am
keep it up....bring it.....do you best...stay mentally in it....and lo and behold, you are finished and on top of it all! I am excited for you and we are all cheering you on here in Beaufort, small town USA!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 05:47 pm
Good work Doug! Sounds grueling. We still think you are on a beach somewhere drinking a margarita.
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 05:23 pm
Incredible! Cant wait to hear all the details when ya'll get back. best of luck with the last stage!!
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 01:59 pm
Doug,
Glad you are holding up so well. Will be cheering you on today from Florida.
Andra
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 01:07 pm
Good luck with Stage 5, the end is in sight!
10 March 2010 06:27 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Stage 3 is now behind us. You keep thinking it cannot get harder but it does! Kyle was feeling better this morning and we decided to push the pace a bit until the heat of the day to put more miles behind us and it helped.We did great until the start of the final section which was brutal. I think I have run on every possible surface now-hard, crusty coral/lava like salt flats that crumble every time you step to endless huge sand dunes that sap your energy to hard jagged rocks while climbing mountains.We finished supposedly 25 miles but the consensus is that they added mileage on the last section in 9 hours 22minutes. It was too long without an aid station and many people ran out of water during the heat of the day. I think there will be several drops today. I ran out right before the finish. Kyle is doing great and his foot is holding up well. He is having trouble with the heat and dehydration as well. A few comments about camp life-a typical day. We get up about 6am when still dark and hike to the bathroom, then have breakfast and pack up and then race all day, come in exhausted and try to clean up, eat and crash in the tent to get up to do it again. Allison you were correct about needing more wipes. Items that are like gold include WATER, cleaning wipes and sun tan lotion. Allison I am sorry to hear that Caities hamster died and that John has the stomach flu. I miss you and love you very much and appreciate the support.Many people here are also sick with Gi distress. One of our tent mates has been throwing up for 2 days. I do not know if he can make it. Thanks for all the supportive emails and comments. 2 tough days to go. Doug
Comments: Total (6) comments
Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 03:24 am
Glad to hear you are both doing well. Stay hydrated! You are going great!!! We are all so proud of you. Keep up the good work!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 11:08 pm
You guys are getting close--keep it up!!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 09:05 pm
Way to go guys! It's been exciting reading about the race. So glad that Kyle's foot is still okay. I hope that continues to hold out and that you get some cooler weather for the last parts of the race.
All the best from the City!
Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 01:49 pm
Im not sure which is more entertaining, the details of the race or home report!
Emily and I have decided you guys can have soul ownership of this race! Bring it home.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 12:41 pm
Hi daddy i'm done with the stomach bug.I hear that you think it is harder than you thought ha ha ha.Well everybody back home is doing fine dasher ate both mice on tuesday.love you .Have to go bye.
Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 04:27 am
Man, you guys are doing great. Looks like a pretty good number have dropped and you are still motoring along. Glad to hear Kyle's foot is holding up. Looking forward to hearing about stage 4.
09 March 2010 06:03 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Heat,dust, and wind-That sums up most of today. I truly know the meaning of arid now. It sucks the moisture out of you. We finished in 11 hours and 16 minutes today and covered close to 28 miles. It was really tough. It is impossible to truly prepare for something like this. running with packs in cool weather does not approach the training for this arid heat. We started well with some cooler temps in the morning along a river but it quickly switched to mountain climbs and running down huge sand dunes and then the second half was an endless death march across the heat of the day. You get 1.5 liters every 6-7 miles and it is gone quickly and look forward to the next station. Kyle is doing amazing especially considering his foot. We are continuing to walk the whole course which seems to be working but it makes for many more hours in the heat. By the second half of the day you cannot run anyway with the heat. He is going to retape his foot tonight. We are dusty and filthy and have to do 3 more days including the 46 mile stage. I am nervous about it. I have heard some people have dropped out already due to illness or injury. We have found a group of slower racers that we see throughout the course. By the end you are too tired to talk. Kyle is too tired to blog today and things are closing down since we got in late. I miss everyone especially my family. I think there is a delay but I got some prerace emails and blogs-we love the support. Doug
Comments: Total (11) comments
Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 12:42 am
Hang in there guys! We are very proud of you both.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 11:04 pm
Hang in there and stay hydrated! Thank you two for letting me live this experience through you. Be safe!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 10:23 pm
Ive been looking at the pics that are being posted. You guys are AWSOME!!! Your like 3 steaps over Ironmans!! Titanium..diamonf maybe. Sound like youll your about to get your salt intake in good luck with that. You 2 rock!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 09:39 pm
Hi Doug,
Hang in there and be safe. We are all thinking about you.
Love,
Jennifer,Shawn, Lily, Ian, & Holly
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 06:27 pm
Hang in there Kyle!!! We are with you in spirit and think of you often. Good luck!!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 02:49 pm
hi to Doug and Kyle. could not read your whole post of Stage 2 :( Doug, I just wanted to thank you for including Kyle in on your blogs. It means a lot to us! Also knowing that he has you to stay by his side during the race. We were all concerned about him and his untimely injury. I'll be thinking about you all as I trudge on the "dreadmill" today doing my measly jog with my torn up knees for only 1/2 hr. You both inspire me! XO Big Sis
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 02:35 pm
Wow! You are doing great! Good luck in stage 3. Andrew
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 01:58 pm
Wow, sounds like an adventure! I know you guys can do it despite the heat! I remember running those 13 miles with you for Umstead and your determination to finish. Just keep moving forward!!! Stay as hydrated as you can and can't wait to hear about your success today.
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 01:47 pm
One day at a time guys! Your awesome and are doing great! Hang tough, we're cheering for you back home!
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 03:23 am
Whew!! Just reading your blog makes me tired, achy, hot and thirsty. But wow!! What scenery. And the sky. . . .
Good luck in stage 3.
Andra
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 02:31 am
hi Kyle and Doug -
we can't wait to hear all about it when you return from the people to the course to all the miles - it sounds like a great experience.
You aren't missing much here except rain in the forecast so just enjoy Chile!
Emily
08 March 2010 06:47 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Wow! the first stage was much harder than Kyle and I thought. It was 22 miles of up and down over rocks, dry river beds, through canyons and across an endless stretch of desert. It took us 8hours 40 minutes but we finished and kyles stress fracture held up. we walked the whole stage to protect his foot but by the end we could not have run even if we wanted because it was so hot. It was supposedly up to almost 110 degrees during the heat of the day. They said it was much hotter than last year(our luck!) We drank lots of water and gatorade but it disappeared quickly in the dry environment. We also noticed the altitude but did ok with it overall. The check points were great and a life saver to get some shade and rehydrate. We have stage 2 tomorrow with 26 miles through slot canyons and some river crossing. We are nervous about stage4 the endless salt flats and of course stage 5 of 46 miles but have to take each day at a time. We plan to rest up and rehydrate tonight.We have some great pics so far and also had a musical Chilean band send off this am at the race start. I hope to hear from Allison and my parents and anyone else who is following us. Just comment on the blog or send an email on the race site. There is a one day delay apparently. Also there will be no blog Friday since we will be on the long stage. Doug
Notes from Kyle-
Good to hear from you brian. When I get back, i'll tell you all about it. very difficult course, and very HOT! -- KP
Notes from Kyle-
Good to hear from you brian. When I get back, i'll tell you all about it. very difficult course, and very HOT! -- KP
Comments: Total (13) comments
Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 01:38 am
Following y'all and keeping you in my thoughts. I was telling Chris today during the bike ride that I was almost inspired enough to try it myself. keep it up!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 06:34 pm
I'm so happy that you have made it to day 2! I'm so proud of you Kyle. I'm keeping my gym friends up to date with ya'lls insanity!!! I'm sending you both good vibes! Mom and I are on the computer together reading the blogs from Doug. Mom is still behind on how to comment back. She loves you very much and glad things are going well so far. You have lots of people intersted in what you are doing. Good luck and stay healthy! Love Kem and Mom
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 03:56 pm
Sounds like a fun day! Wish we could be there to cheer you on and do a few miles!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 02:37 pm
Hi Doug!
Are you on the moon??? That's is what the pictures look like. It is uniquely beautiful; however, I don't think it would be to me if I were trying to walk/run across it.
Congrats on finishing the first part. Hope today is successful.
Thinking of you every day and cheering you on.
Andra
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 02:08 pm
Ya'll are doing great! Stay motivated and enjoy all that you can take in. Keep us posted & we all are rooting for you guys!!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 02:05 pm
Good Luck Doug and Kyle and keep going. And drink lots and lots of water. It sounds like such a challenge. Take pictures!
~Whitney
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 01:19 pm
So glad the first day went well! Wishing you continued success! My prayers are with you!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 01:02 pm
Enjoy the challenge and experience, we'll be thinking of you both. Look forward to seeing your pics and hearing all the details. Todd
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 12:03 pm
Hang in there, guys! You're representin' good ol NC and the Tricredibles! Enjoy the beautiful country and just keep puttin' one foot in front of the other. This will be something you have fond memories of forever!
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 11:59 am
Keeping an eye on your progress. Glad you made it through the first day. Stay mentally focused one day at a time. Thinking about you and wishing you continued success.
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 05:33 am
Thanks for the updates on all the fun we\'re missing. Keep up the good work one challenge at a time. Just keep moving.
Keith H
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 04:09 am
Best wishes from all the Tricredibles. Too bad weren't here this weekend for the swim clinic. But, as you know Kyle, the water at GAFC was 88 degrees, so you wouldn't have appreciated it anyway.
John L
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 02:56 am
Hi! Sounds extremely challenging. Take good care and drink more than you normally do. I already sent an e-mail and so did your mom and Andy. - Allison
07 March 2010 05:51 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
we have arrived at camp 1-rio grande at 5:30pm on sunday. It is at about 11,000 feet. We start the race officially tomorrow for stage I of 22 miles. We are starting the race a day late due to travel issues from the earthquake. Luckily, Kyle and I got here without problems on Friday. Of the original 158 racers, 146 have made it. Many people had delays of up to 4 days getting here. San Pedro de Atacama is a neat town and our hotel was very nice. We got some shopping in for our families on Saturday. Kyle and I are currently feeling well and hopefully Kyles foot will hold up. We are planning to do the first few stages as walking only to see how he does and can pick up some running later if he is doing OK. A fellow racer who is a nurse taped his foot which is helping him. I think the heat may be in issue. It is very dry but gets quite hot-it feels much more than 80 degress and no shade. We are excited to start tomorrow. We have met many people from around the world. We have a team from England and some other Americans in our tent.My pack came in at 10.9 kilos-about 23 pounds without all my water and will probably be closer to 26-27lbs with all the water. thanks again to my wife Allison and my children John and Caitie who have supported me. Doug
KP - its amazingly dry here. you out lip balm on and its gone in 20 minutes. very interesting terrain. its like pikes peak and the beach all roled in to one. nice lady named charlotte helped me tape my foot and has helped alot. will ga as far as a can. feeling good about it. hugs and kisses to everyone back home. -- KP
KP - its amazingly dry here. you out lip balm on and its gone in 20 minutes. very interesting terrain. its like pikes peak and the beach all roled in to one. nice lady named charlotte helped me tape my foot and has helped alot. will ga as far as a can. feeling good about it. hugs and kisses to everyone back home. -- KP
Comments: Total (6) comments
Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 03:06 am
The first day sounded really challenging.I am hoping tomorrow will go well.PLEASE take care of yourselves!!! Love.Mom48HJ9
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 10:16 pm
Sounds like you guys are doin great. Wouldnt it have sucked if you brought the back pack that only had the 23 pounds of books!!
Tues will be a great day and remember you dont have to be faster than the zombies just Kyle!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 08:50 pm
Checking in on you, Kyle. Hope your foot holds up. Glad you found somebody to wrap it for you. Hopefully that will provide you enough support. Take care and we are cheering for you!!!!!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 07:30 pm
We are so excited for you! You and your "foot" will continue to be in my constant prayers! Take care of yourself, stay focused and have fun!
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 04:44 pm
Glad you made it Kyle!!! We are cheering for you here and look forward to reading about the adventure! We pray that your foot holds up well.
Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 02:30 pm
Doug,
Sounds like a beautiful, unusual place. Do you have time to make pictures?
07 February 2010 11:56 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
With less than 4 weeks to go, I did my final long run. It was a 40 mile trail run in the Uwharrie National forest in NC. It was tough with 7000 feet of elevation gain over the out and back course with rocks, river crossings, snow and lots of mud. I finished in 9hours 11 minutes. In September I did a comparable trail run that was 32 miles and it took about the same amount of time. It made me feel good that my training has paid off. I will start tapering now to hopefully be fully recovered for the race. I am very excited. It is hard to believe it is almost here.
Comments: Total (1) comments
Posted On: 15 Feb 2010 06:55 pm
Very intense training. Glad to read you feel mentally and physically prepared! I am looking forward to reading your comments during the race. This events amazes me. Push a person to limits they never knew they had. All the best!!
11 January 2010 07:44 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
8 weeks and counting. Had a good week this past week-total 48 miles including a 50K race with my pack. I ran with my friend Kyle who is also doing the Atacama Crossing.It was the longest run I have done with my pack. I used a combination run/walk strategy that helped alot and no major pack issues. Plan to continue long runs on the weekends with some back to back long runs and have one more big race in February-40 mile trail run with tough climbs before I taper. Hope my body holds up.
Comments: Total (0) comments
22 December 2009 11:53 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Where do we order the "stamps" to allow us to blog during the race? It states we have to order them before the race.
thanks
thanks
Comments: Total (4) comments
Posted On: 29 Dec 2009 02:34 am
Hi Doug,
That's correct, nothing is sent. When you receive your race passport it will indicate in there that you have bought the cyber package. You will then have access to sending email or updating you blog when you are in the cyber tent, rather than people who haven't purchased the package who are welcome to check their messages, but can't themselves send anything out.
Cheers
Sam H
Posted On: 28 Dec 2009 09:00 pm
Sam
Great answer to Doug's post and i have made good use of this
Posted On: 27 Dec 2009 07:30 pm
Thanks,
I bought the usage package-the shipping option was free so I assume nothing is actually sent.
Posted On: 23 Dec 2009 01:31 am
Hi Doug - please follow the link here to where you can buy the usage package.
http://www.racingtheplanet.com/store/shop-by-event/events/atacama-race/cybertent-package-5.html
We'll be sending some more information out to competitors in the weeks to come with this link on too to make sure people know where it is.
Thanks
Sam H
06 December 2009 10:42 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Currently reading Peter Wortham's The Power of Team about Team Illinois experiences with the 4 desert series. I have to say it has made me more concerned about my training for Atacama. I am going to try to put more pack training and weight training in my schedule. I have several ultras each month between now and the race as well. I have no mountains nearby but plan to do stadiums and stair climbing for simulation-this helped me with training for Pikes Peak marathon this summer. Anyone else have any suggestions.
Comments: Total (2) comments
Posted On: 07 Dec 2009 02:41 pm
Thanks. I will check it out. Looking forward to the race and meeting like minded people from around the world
Posted On: 07 Dec 2009 10:19 am
Hi Doug,
Sounds like you are on the right track. I think getting the miles in, pack trainings, and some terrain trainings are key. Check out my blog or Rob James' blog for more info too. Both of us will be joining you in Atacama.
Cheers!
http://www.4deserts.com/blogs/comptetior_blog_new.php?pid=NTgw&blog=16
http://www.4deserts.com/blogs/index_expert.php?pid=MzI2&blog=5
Comments: Total (4) comments
Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 10:06 pm
Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 01:03 am
Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 08:25 pm
Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 08:02 pm