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Lucy Rivers Bulkeley

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Atacama Crossing (2010) blog posts from Lucy Rivers Bulkeley

16 March 2010 03:58 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

We all managed to stumble or crawl the final 10km to the finish line in San Pedro, where we were given our medals, before heading back to our hotels for a much needed shower and very large drink.  The awards dinner on saturday night was good fun, and we all managed to eat and drink copious amounts!  A week eating dehydrated food and energy bars makes you fully appreciate normal food.

It was a much tougher race than the Sahara, and now that i'm safely back in the UK, i'm looking forward to a good couple of weeks off.  I'll have my knee scanned just to check that there is no damage before i put the trainers back on and start the Gobi training.

Thank you to everyone for all the message you sent while i was out there - huge morale boost.

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 21 Mar 2010 05:04 am

Hey Lucy, I am so proud and happy for you. After the injury last year, you came roaring back. I am hoping to do all four at some point -- looking forward to seeing you in the Gobi. Did you know that the Turpan Basin is referred to as "the Oven?" It's the hottest place I have ever been, no kidding. Mary

Posted On: 16 Mar 2010 03:51 pm

Amazing - the knee has done well. Brilliant you!!!! xx

Posted On: 16 Mar 2010 02:34 pm

Well done Lucy!!

13 March 2010 11:00 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Thank god that is over!!!  Yesterday was pure hell.  The first couple of stages were across salt and mud flats, and then it was time for the sand.  Just over half way, we had to climb a monster dune.....talk about kicking us when we are down!!!  I had my knee re-strapped at the next checkpoint, took on some more painkillers and shuffled on.  The last stage was through the Valley de Luna which i imagine looks stunning in the daylight but in the dark, on my own, with just a headlamp and glowsticks marking the course, it wasn't much fun.  I have to admit that i had a couple of 'moments' out there!!
 
As i'm writing this (8am saturday) there are still a couple of people still out on the course.  We are starting the final stage of 10km at noon today, and then it will be time for a long bath and a very large drink!!
 
Thank you very much for all the messages you've sent over the week, they have really helped.
 

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 15 Mar 2010 03:49 pm

Well done Bulks, you are truly awesome!! Enjoy a pisco sour or 10 and getting your feet up. So impressed honey! xxx

Posted On: 15 Mar 2010 11:07 am

Goddam I wish I was there for a pisco sour in the San Pedro evening. Excellent work LRB! I'd momentarily forgotten about the competiive painkiller taking on course...institutionalised junkyism. Nice. Hope the journey home is simpler than the way out and involves significantly more drinking. x x

Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 04:50 pm

Keep going Bulks, trek on and you're nearly there. Hope you get through the big one OK. LOL xx

Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 02:29 pm

OMG you are amazing amzing amazing! congratulations!! can\'t wait to hear all - it sounds like an absolutel rollercoaster! xxxx

Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 02:29 pm

OMG you are amazing amzing amazing! congratulations!! can't wait to hear all - it sounds like an absolutel rollercoaster! xxxx

Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 03:13 am

Amazing job, Lucy! What tremendous fortitude you have. Congratulations.

Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 12:14 am

Well done Lucy!!! you did it! look forward to hearing about it all when you get back to UK. Enjoy that bath and very large drink! Catherine

Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 09:58 pm

Well done Lucy. Having been there i know how hard the race is and how mighty your effort in finishing is. revel in the emotion of having beaten the pain and the race.

11 March 2010 06:42 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Today was brutal - there is no other word to describe it. The first 2 stages were rolling sanddunes, rocks and at one point, very steep descent into a valley of water and rushes.  Next were the saltflats...........unbelievable!  It was what i imagine hell looks like. 14km of salt falts (which is like walking on broken glass) and every so often, you'd sink to mid calf.  No shade or breeze and 40c heat - hideous!  The ipod was firmly in and i managed to just put my head down and finish.
 
Tomorrow is the long stage - 75km in one go which i imagine is going to push me to my pain boundaries again. 156 of us started this race on day 1 and only 125 of us are starting tomorrow.  Most of us seem to be hobbling around camp. Guttingly quite a few friends are out of the race including Diego and Stevie.
 
All my thoughts are with my fellow Chilean competitors who have family and friends caught up in todays earthquake near Santiago

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 11:22 pm

Lying on my bed in Hong Kong wishing you all the best. The race seems to have been a seriously hard RTP one so well done Lucy and keep on hobbling to the end, your there.

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 11:03 am

My feet are cringe-ing underneath my desk for you sugar. The very best of luck for tomorrow. Who are the coolest people in the hospital? The ultra sound guys Who covers when one of them is off? The hip replacement dude Be strong, run hard, pressure is a privilege, etc. etc. x x

10 March 2010 05:43 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Oh my goodness me, today was horrible.  45km over mud flats and never ending sanddunes. I managed quite a good pace for the first 2 stages and then the heat and lack of breeze kicked in!  Diago and i managed to hobble the remaining 2 stages after being very kindly lent a stick each by a lovely Aussie guy who wasn't using them.  We used them as a crutch and deceided that we'd do rather well in a 3 legged race as my left knee is strapped and his right knee is!
 
Thank you once again for all the emails and comments - sorry i can't reply to them.
 
Tomorrow is the infamous salt flats which in our course notes are described as 'extremely difficult'.......i feel sick at the thought of them!!

Comments: Total (4) comments

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 07:22 pm

Keep it up you are doing very well, you are nearly at the end of a very intense test of your endurance. I hope your knee is holding. Good luck on the next stage.

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 05:05 pm

Doing great, Lucy!!! Keep going. You will be feasting on pizza and vodka in no time. Sending loud cheers from Austin!

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 10:21 am

LUCY! Great job soldier, you seem to be dominating the Atacama well. Onwards and upwards, etc. etc. Glad to hear you have some more serious tentmates this time round too! What do you call an Italian with a rubber toe? Roberto. A bientot x x

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 03:31 am

Well done Lucy. The heat and the salt flats are a killer togeather. The 30 km flats are even tougher tomorrow but you are going fantastic. Just one stage at a time. The G&T will be even sweeter.

09 March 2010 06:18 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Talking to some of the leading runners last night, it turns out that everyone had a nightmare on stage 3 yesterday - we have since found out that it was 45c and it was 40c today.......it should be illegal for people to be in lycra carrying a 20lb rucksack in that heat!!
 
Today was bizarre.  The 1st stage was in the slot canyons where we spent most of the time in knee deep freezing water, which was rather refreshing.  The 2nd stage was horrendous - we had to climb up 1500m on a shingle track and then down a huge sanddune which would have been far more fun skiing down!  Guttingly i lost my footing on the climb up the shingle and twisted my knee - nothing some strapping and pain killers won't fix. Stage 3 and 4 seemed endless across sand and rock but i finally made it into camp, albeit very slowly.
 
Once again thank you very much for the emails and jokes - love them at the end of the day.  The hot bath and large V&T on saturday night, can't come fast enough!!!!

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 19 Mar 2010 02:57 pm

Big Lucy, congratulations! from the moment you met on the plane, we got your own fans! Do not hesitate to contact if you get to be back in Argentina. We leave a big kiss. Fede and Eduardo

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 02:38 pm

Look after that knee, can't believe you fell over on abit of shingle!!!! Sounds tough, but sounds like you're on top of it. Keep going, keep going, keep going you are doing so amazingly well. xxx

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 08:10 am

Luce, Don't tell me you hurt your knee again. I'm so proud of you to return to the Atacama again this year. Sorry I'm not there to see you along the way. Will be thinking of you. Stay strong and health. Remember, slow and steady wins the race. Keep it up! Cheers, Jay Sharp Doctor, Atacama '09

08 March 2010 05:29 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Oh my goodness, today was hard.  The combination of the terrain (rocks and shingle), temperature (35c) and the altitude (3500m) were properly energy zapping! Ironically, when we were all having breakfast around the fire at 6.30 this morning it was freezing and we were all rather worried about what to run in!!
 
The first two stages went well and i made quite good time.  Then stage 3 struck.  I have to confess that i struggled - it was uphill the whole way, with no shade or wind.  If it hadn't been for The Killers and U2 on the ipod, i'd probably still be there! I did the final stage with Diago (who is also going for the Grand Slam this year) who was really suffering with his knee - fingers crossed it isn't too bad.  I'm pleased to say that one of my tentmates (sean) is lying 3rd in the mens race and Erica 2nd in the ladies - finishing a couple of hours ahead of me!!
 
Thank you so much for all the emails - a huge morale boost at the end of the day,  please keep them coming.
 
Also, a huge thank you to Terry at 'Up and Running' for the sponsorship of my Inov-8 trainers - so far so good

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 12:53 am

Well done you. Sounds like you are having a jolly good beano out there. The first step is the hardest, now just keep it up. Wishing you a safe second stage.

07 March 2010 06:39 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Have now recovered from our epic road trip yesterday - what a day! There are some amazing stories of how everyone arrived here and only 9 people have pulled out which is pretty good. Today we had our kit and health checks before jumping in a fleet of buses for a 2 hour drive up to Camp 1.  We have been given the course notes for the full race and it is rather terrifying reading!!  Tomorrows first stage is graded difficult.......yikes!
 
There is a fantastic bunch of people out here - lots of faces from Sahara 08 as well as a good team of new ones.  The banter has already started which will help keep spirits up this week.
 
I apologise in advance to everyone as i will be rather slow - it is all about survival!!!  The nerves have started to kick in already but im sure that once we get going it will all be fine!
 
Off now for a lovely dehydrated shepherds pie for sups.....that large vodka and tonic on saturday at the end of the race cant come fast enough!!
 
 

Comments: Total (3) comments

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 11:17 pm

Hi Lucy don'y know if you remember me from last year but I wish you all the success for this year and expect you to finish and maybe catch up with you at an RTP event in the future. go Girl. keep pushing

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 04:36 pm

Go Lucy Go Love from god-son Samuel and his family

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 03:25 pm

best of luck, Bulks. got some very amusing stories of Verbier for you when you get back - enjoyable that Cheryl Cole was out there at the same time...

06 March 2010 05:57 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

After the final leg of the journey, a 12 hour road trip across the Andes from Salta in Northern Argentina, i've finally arrived in San Pedro. Seven of us (the 4 Red Hot Chile guys, along with Norma, her camera guy Mario, and myself( were picked up from our hotel in Salta at 7 this morning.  Incredible views, leathal hair pin bends, endless salt plains along with 2 flat tyres later, we managed to get all our bags through the customs without anything being confiscated.

There are a few rumours going around as to how they are going to fit the full 250km into 5 1/2 days........we will find out tomorrow!

Comments: Total (4) comments

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 03:45 pm

Hi Lucy, how´s life? We met at the Plane Madrid - Bs As. I will follow your trip via blog. Best Regards. Eduardo

Posted On: 07 Mar 2010 07:24 pm

Tent 6 will be there with you in spirit! Go get 'em Lucy! Have a great race and I look forward to reading your posts this week.

Posted On: 07 Mar 2010 05:26 pm

Enjoy the race Lucy, and all the great people there! We'll be following you from Denmark, xxx

Posted On: 07 Mar 2010 01:25 pm

Good luck with the running bulks, I know you are going to do very well......stretch!

03 March 2010 10:19 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

I was meant to be flying to Chile tonight via San Paulo but the flight has been cancelled and now i'm flying to Buenos Aires early tomorrow morning.  From there the plan is to catch a domestic flight up to Salta and hopefully then a taxi (or bus?!) across the border into Chile and onto San Pedro..........perfect pre race relaxation!! 

Safe flight to everyone else travelling out for the race and see you in San Pedro late on Friday night, fingers crossed.

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 05 Mar 2010 12:02 pm

At least you've arrived safely. Thinking of you and stay in touch. Best of luck. xx

02 March 2010 02:53 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

After all the planning and packing, i fly to Chile tomorrow night.  After the awful earthquake at the weekend, the airports are slowing reopening but we have been warned of serious delays.  RTP have been brilliant in keeping us updated and have delayed the start of the race by a day.  This is good news for all of us trying to reach San Pedro in time, but bad news in that we will still be covering 250km but in a day less!!

Thank you to everyone who has kindly donated (www.justgiving.com/LRRB) towards Macmillan Cancer Support - it will help with the motivation when the pain starts to kick in next week!

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 03 Mar 2010 08:17 am

Exciting times, I'm almost jealous. I hope you packed a bag of Haribo; they were a godsend last year. Safe travels x

Posted On: 02 Mar 2010 10:58 pm

Safe travels and the resolute shall win out! I am hoping to catch my Iberia flight tomorrow night but will go to Lima if not and hitch a ride if necessary! Gus

12 February 2010 06:57 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

Guttingly i've had to withdraw from tomorrow's London Ultra 50km race as i've been struck down with a lurgy this week and have spent most of it under my duvet! Luckily feeling much better now but energy levels are still pretty low.  Good luck to all those who are competing tomorrow and i look forward to hearing how it went.

Managed to get some good miles in around Central Park while i was in NYC last weekend and will continue with the training plan for the next 10 days before easing off.  Then it will be a case of resting and eating before i fly to Chile on 3rd March.

Looking forward to seeing you all in San Pedro.

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 01 Mar 2010 03:11 pm

Safe travels and all the best, I"ll be following progress on your blog! Catherine

Posted On: 28 Feb 2010 08:57 am

Hi Lucy, thanks for confirming your support for the fund raising for Chile. I have the go-ahead from Mary G to see what we can do as I suspect RTP have their hands full at the moment. Do please pass the word around and let's see what we can all do. Look forward to meeting up in SP. Chris

Posted On: 20 Feb 2010 12:39 pm

Hey Lucy, so glad you'll be back. I really enjoyed walking with you in the past. Are you getting to SP early? Mary

Posted On: 17 Feb 2010 04:32 am

Looking forward to meeting a fellow Brit in Atacama. Lurgy has reached Hong Kong too. Not only that but ITB's too! But 3 weeks and fingers crossed all will have vanished.

Posted On: 12 Feb 2010 11:34 pm

There is way too much lurgi around at the moment especially if you have four children! I am also struck down but hope to slot in one reasonably long one this weekend. Look forward to seeing you in Chile and I hope you feel better soon! Angus

Posted On: 12 Feb 2010 04:04 pm

Sorry you haven't been feeling well. I'm surprised you were able to get out and run in NY...it's been like a blizzard over there! See you in San Pedro soon!

02 January 2010 07:24 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London

I can't quite believe that in 9 weeks time we will all be in San Pedro just about to head out into the desert for the start of Atacama '10.  Training is going well but i have to confess that i felt the effects of the Christmas and New Year excess on my 10 mile run this morning.....i'm sure i'm not the only one?!

The first London Ultra (50km) is being held on Saturday 13th February which i've entered as i thought that it could be my last big run before Chile. If anyone would like the details, just let me know.

Happy New Year to you all!

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 04 Feb 2010 10:27 pm

Hi Lucy, It's Rich from last year. I seem to recall you knew me better as Penfold, though I think we established you meant Danger Mouse really! I'm signed up, see you in a month! We'll both finish it this time!

Posted On: 12 Jan 2010 06:41 pm

Have entered the London Ultra - see you there!

Posted On: 10 Jan 2010 06:53 pm

Hi everyone, just set up my blog... my first blog for anything!! thanks for posting this ultra link, think i may get involved with this one as well. Running the Dubai marathon on the 22nd Jan, but will be back for this.. although i am miles behind with training, these two events could really tell if i am ready or not.. good luck everyone with the training, cant wait to meet up stevie

Posted On: 07 Jan 2010 09:19 am

Hi Lucy, I've just been reading Anita Bracey's blog - she's also competing in the London Ultra 50km. Her blog is here: http://www.4deserts.com/blogs/index_australia.php?pid=Njc2&blog=20 Cheers Sam H

Posted On: 05 Jan 2010 12:41 am

Hah! My grandma also used to live the marsh. I think everyone's does - it must be like the Tardis. Lucy - I saw your message on Tremaine's blog and thought I'd let you know that I've set up a thread on the forum for competitors to hook up pre-race in Chile for acclimatization sightseeing etc. You can find it here: http://www.4deserts.com/atacamacrossing/forum/viewtopic.php?p=3789#3789 Sam H

Posted On: 04 Jan 2010 06:07 pm

Hey Lucy, we thought the same about the London Ultra... See you there! Also, my grandparents live in the marsh, what a great place to train!