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Ray Wepener

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Atacama Crossing (2010) blog posts from Ray Wepener

14 March 2010 09:04 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

The long day was particularly challenging... 73.5km on severelly blistered feet NOT recommended! We started out over crusty salt, which looked more like frozen broccoli, and was murderous to the feet, fom there, dunes, dunes, and more dunes, followed by stoney riverbeds... After an early start at 7:30am, we got in an 2:30am, and enjoyed another night of sleeping on the floor. The scenery out here is spectacular, and although the terrein was tough, it was breathtaking! The next day we had a short 10km into San Pedro de Atacama to the finish line after nursing our wounds. Last night many Pisco Sours were consumed (for medicinal purposes of couse!)...

I now have the medal and T shirt...

Last night was the first night of real food - one can only live off freeze dried ..... , electrolites, painkillers, and energy bars for so long...! I must have spent an huor in the shower - Washing! Pleased to be back in civilization!!!

Its been an incredible experience! I´ll upload some potos when I´m back in Hong Kong. 

Thanks to all who have sent mesages, it really kept me going! Also thanks to all who have donated so far!

During the event we spent lots of hours discussing the best way to dispose of our equipment, as we´d never be doing another... Last night after a "few", the talk shifted to "we should run more next time!... maybe we need lighter gear?... do you think Gobi would be easier...? Sahara...?" How fickle our memories are, and how the pain fades after a few drinks...!

Comments: Total (10) comments

Posted On: 24 Mar 2010 04:56 am

Nice work Ray - very inspiring!

Posted On: 22 Mar 2010 12:48 pm

we did it!! the pain was worth it. Hope the injuries are recovering and see you in the Gobi or Sahara later this year??

Posted On: 16 Mar 2010 12:54 am

Awesome effort RHW - inspiring stuff mate and cant wait to see the pics and hear the war stories. Let us know when your back so we can catch up and hear all about it. I assume the feet are in "peices"? Isnt it amazing how the mind forgets the pain so soon after you probably swore to never do anything so crazy again - I guess you are already planning for the next one - maybe I join you for one in 2012. Well done anyway Ray!

Posted On: 15 Mar 2010 11:33 am

Okay - I'm inspired. I may have to relieve you of some of your equiptment for Gobi. Well done, mate. You put my marathon running to shame. Incredible achievement!

Posted On: 15 Mar 2010 08:33 am

I Knew you would finish, Carol Swanson wants to know where you and Alan got your genes from, well I will tell you where you got your genes from, you got them from Me!!! Well done my man,this race will always be a life time achievement. I see alot of other chaps pulled out after the second stage,stage two was already enough for some I see, yet you went through to finish all the stages.Did you ever consider retiring?

Posted On: 15 Mar 2010 06:12 am

WELL DONE !!! We are so very proud of you, was a bit worried when we didnt hear from you on Friday. Now you can go on and achieve anything. Love you lots Mom xxx

Posted On: 15 Mar 2010 12:38 am

Well done mate. Bloody massive effort. Been following your progress on a daily basis. Bet those beers you had last night - were some of the best your've ever had.... We are a bit confused about the rankings. Your ranked 107 and Chris is ranked 40, yet you have a better time. They must have a handy cap for Poms - no surprise there, they will probably need to introduce that to most sports going forward, to keep them competitive.... Look forward to catching up (for a beer or too many) at the HK 7's next week!!

Posted On: 15 Mar 2010 12:28 am

Ray, Massively impressed!!!! Glad the training has paid off... definitely have at least one more shower before coming back to HK! WW

Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 10:20 pm

Ray, you are a Legend! Can't wait to see you tomorrow :)

Posted On: 14 Mar 2010 08:49 pm

Incredible! Wow! vry vry welldone! The most extreme sport challenge on earth and you achieved it!. It gives one a clue of the amazing power of the mind and you certainly have plenty of it as this is not just physical fitness. You and Alan are both running unbelievable distances ,where did you guys get your genes from, are you both adopted? Just joking your folks must be very proud of you both. Nice to see a S.A. also won, I believe he trains 24/7 at sports science in a sauna !!!!!! Frame that T shirt do not let it ever go to the laundry, and savour every exhausted second of this moment it does not get better than this . Congratulations, Nikki must be over the moon.

13 March 2010 07:45 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Friday must have been very tough for Ray as we have not heard from him at present. He was walking the 72km section. He had notified us of very sore feet as well as knee pain the night before. I will update his blog as soon as I hear any news...Please look at the Atacama website to check for updates...


Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 09:04 pm

Hay Ray, I take it that you have not had time to comment after your mammoth run. Still thinkimg of you and hope you are well. Almost there my friend so keep up the great work.

Posted On: 13 Mar 2010 05:11 pm

Hi darling, Hope you are ok, not having heard from you !!! your brothers are so proud of you as your father and I are. Not long now, you have done so well. hoping to hear how you are tomorrow. Love you lots Mom xxx

11 March 2010 10:40 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Day 4
 
Another tough day at the office! Dunes, followed by water crossings (yes in the desert!), followed by another 10km of dunes, then 15km of nasty salt flats... Tomorrow we have the long day, think its 75km, across more horrible terrein... We start at 7:30am and are estimated to be out there for 15 to 20 hrs... Life out here is pretty bizarre, the highlight of our days is reaching the next checkpoint, and the blister kit becomes your best friend! Will update with more when more coherent. Off to the medical tent to get the feet sorted for tomorrow. 

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 09:00 pm

Well done Ray...your all doing great...good luck and keep going!!!see you in HK in a week!!!xxx

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 08:43 pm

stage 5 is the big one mate, give it everything you have got.

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 08:31 pm

Ray - will have a boerie roll wating for you in Auckland on Tuesday - keep going mate !

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 06:30 pm

Ian: Whats a Bottle of Bolly? Reading this has made me so thirsty! Mmmmm Beer. You've earnt it, I haven't. Keep up the good work Ray as its almost the last day.Emma: What 75km are you MAD, only jokes, come on Ray you are past the half way point now so its only down hill from here so dont forget to take some photos while you are strolling along in the sand on your holiday over there.

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 03:19 pm

Well done absolutely brilliant mate.. I must say for one so old and podgy and who puts back sufficient grog to shame the best you are .........the man. Mike Hang in there, you are going to finish your fifth day, just one more day to go for your pint of cold beer!! linda

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 08:44 am

Ray, you inspired me to run a quick 27km after work last night. I popped a blister 2/3 the way through and would NOT enjoy doing another 75km on top of that today. Good luck! There's a bottle of Bolly at the finish!

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 08:20 am

Ray buck your ideas up will you. Everyday it is moan, moan, moan. You signed up to do this. Some people aren't lucky enough to even have toes. Let's be honest now this is really only an elaborate stroll along a (sea-less) beach. So hurry up and get it over with and i'll see you in HK next week for a few beers you whinger...

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 08:02 am

Well done Ray. Hope your pju as done you proud. Keep on truckin .....

11 March 2010 06:28 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Day 3 (HELL)
 
Today was particularly tough and painful!!! We started out over salt flats for 20km (which are anything BUT flat, and do a good job of smashing the feet). Next we were on dunes in 40 degrees for the remaining 20km, which just went on for ever. Pain killers helped with the knee, as well as the toenails, which are NOT looking good and starting to come off (the medical tent was full today). Sense of humour failure is starting to kick in and we're starting to breakdown. Many chirps about heading down to San Pedro for a dozen Pisco Sours, if anything to kill the pain...! Tomorrow we have day 4 to look to, before the long day. Day 4 is rumoured to be tougher than today (I fail to see how that is possible!). Please check the racing the planet website for daily footage and pics - look for number 151...

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 12 Mar 2010 06:26 am

Maaaaate, tough call but should be easy for a solid bloke like you. Keep it up.....!!

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 11:48 pm

Raymundo! Excellent work! We're keeping an eye on you from here in HK... Just view the Atacama as a gentle stretch before the boys arrive for the HK 7's! We're definitely proud of you! WW p.s. The pain and blood oozing from your toes doesn't compare to the P&L pain being suffered here!!!

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 07:08 pm

Hi darling, am so proud of you !! after this you can do ANYTHING Hi darling, We are all very proud of you ! After this you can tackle ANYTHING!! You are a tough act to follow. reading your blog every day.Always in our thoughts xxx57DE9

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 06:39 pm

From Ian: Keep away from the Pisco Sours, it got you into this mess in the first place, remember. All jokes aside, what you are doing is nothing short of amazing, beleive it or not I am jealous, keep it up. The start of a new day is the end of another, if that makes sense. From Emma: What is a Pisco Sour? Well only time will tell. Ray-ray YOU CAN DO IT ALLLL NIGHT LONG!!! So this running in the day is easy stuff for you. remember we are chearing you all the way so, like Alan said the pain will go away and he is right, so go out there and enjoy it, because you only live once.

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 04:54 pm

Ray, You are too young to be having a mid-life crisis. Next time buy a sports car. Keep it up inspirational stuff. Wepener's take on the World!! Simon

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 04:05 pm

Keep it up, mate. Between another 7.2 which hit Santiago today and your blog, it seems you've definitely found an adventure not to be reckoned with. I'm reading your blog every day Well done. The pain will go away, but giving up is forever!

10 March 2010 12:29 pm (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Day 2
 
Yesterday the knee went (along with the podium finish), today the toenails are about to go, what will tomorrow hold? After yesterday's 37km, today's 45km was extremely tough!!! Canyons, rivers, sand dunes, and 45 degrees made for a tough day! Apologies for the short note, but I only have limited access to this computer, so go to the racing the planet website to view photos and footage of the stages (I'm number 151)... 

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 09:56 am

Hi Ray We read your blog with much enthusiasm everyday. You have the stamina and a very positive and powerful mind and we know you are going to accomplish this goal. We are so proud of you nephew! Love Jo & Arnie

Posted On: 11 Mar 2010 02:30 am

keep going, Ray, u can do it! 45 degrees....gee....

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 10:36 pm

Ray gotta keep going to justify all that NASA tested equipment you have bought. When that knee hurts think about somewhere else in the world you would like to be in. How about Jeffries Bay. TFS

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 06:50 pm

Hay Ray, Ow suck it up cup-cake, after all You are L.E.G.E.N.D.A.R.Y. We are all thinking of you so keep on pushing. YOU CAN DO IT, so chin up.

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 12:39 pm

Hi! Bet this experience will stay with you forever. We are all following your blog daily with great interest. Gaby is printing out copies for your Dad, can't believe there is a 78yr old running there is hope for us yet. The scenery looks um what can I say. Hang in there what spirit great admiration!

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 09:52 am

Ray, Stick at it!!! You're making it sound easy! Toenails are for painting... or to provide torturers with "leverage"... Have fun tomorrow! WW

09 March 2010 01:39 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Stage One
 
The first day went well, but damn is it HOT out here. We completed 36km over what can only be described as the hottest and most baren terrein I've ever seen or experienced. We started out at 10,000 ft and dropped to 8,600 ft. I'm sure humans weren't meant to be exposed to conditions like these, let alone run in...! Tomorrow we have 42km to look forward to in this very dry and arid place...! Still alive and kicking, and in need of more calories..."
 

Comments: Total (7) comments

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 05:23 am

Raymond Henry - great start mate - is that 1 down and 6 to go? Awesome effort and keep it up.

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 03:03 am

Hey hey hey!!! Where's Raymond Henry's mention??? "Chris Sharrock and his son Sam ran most of the stage together, however, Sam managed to pull away and ended up finishing the stage ahead of his father. Hong Kong-based Ken Reid was also running at about the same pace as Chris.

"

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 02:18 am

Keep on eating, stretch and get plenty of sleep. We are supporting you all the way! No pain, no gain.. Allez allez allez !!

Posted On: 10 Mar 2010 02:12 am

great work mate....nasty terrain and hot as hell....u are truly a warrior mate ...keep it up

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 08:22 pm

Remember Vegas vacation and Death Valley - 42 degrees and a hangover - you didn't know it at the time but it was all part of you training !!! I don't want you to "commandeer any vehicles" - keep going, great effort Ray

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 01:25 pm

Well done Pal, We are proud of you. You came 70 out of 140. We still think you are insane to be doing what you're doing. I saw some gallery pics, even some of the guys you are running against look insane.Done some research about these races- I definately have new respect for you.The terrain looks awesome but very hostile. Keep up the good work- lots of love from all of your family back home in SA. Dont push yourself too hard...be kind to your body!

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 10:35 am

Raymondo, Keep at it! We're living it vicariously from the chill of HK! At least you have fresh air!!!! Remember...if you don't eat you'll die... Keep eating! WW

07 March 2010 03:15 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Yesterday we headed up in to the mountains of Bolivia to get our bodies used to the altitude. Spending the day at 15,500 ft resulted in shortness of breath and the odd headache, but was very much worth the trip... We were all very pleased to get down to 8000 ft in San Pedro de Atacama.

Its now Sunday morning and we make our way to the first camp at 3pm after our final checks. We`ll be sleeping at the camp tonight and kick off tomorrow morning...

On that note, I need to continue with my packing...

Comments: Total (9) comments

Posted On: 09 Mar 2010 08:57 am

Hi Ray. Thinking of you all. Hope that your hard training has paid off. Heard it was very hot and hope you are able to drink often. Sue

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 08:50 pm

Hi darling, your family are all very proud of you and you are in our thoughts each and every step of the way. Good luck !! Mom xxx

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 08:43 pm

Hey Ray, how was your first day? thinking of you, missing you and can't wait to see you next week. hope you are at the tent and resting. Will check on you tomorrow. Love you and good luck for your next 40km tomorrow. Missing you xxx

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 03:14 pm

Ray, M & I are thinking of you. Best of luck, enjoy??, love us

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 05:45 am

Run Forrest Run! Can't wait to see you on the flip side. Good luck :)

Posted On: 08 Mar 2010 02:23 am

Hey Ray Good luck buddy - will be tracking your progress cheers Nick

Posted On: 07 Mar 2010 08:15 pm

Hi there buddy hows the trip going we are misising you and you must look after your self can''t wait to see you again all our love me dee and ashton-lee

Posted On: 07 Mar 2010 07:04 pm

hi love Best of luck on your wonderful journey. Enjoy it and have fun. we miss and love you. \ From Ashton-lee, Phil, Dee, Les and Nikki xxx

Posted On: 07 Mar 2010 12:01 pm

hey ray, great trip to bolivia but indeed it was really high :-))) ... let´s go for run

05 March 2010 06:01 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

After 26hrs of flying, one night in Santiago, a short flight to Calama, and a 6.3 tremor in Antofagasta, we arrive in San Pedro de Atacama...

Our journey from Hong Kong has been nothing short of eventful... The first flight from HK to JFK went well, although the US Customs fella´s took it upon themselves to butcher our bags, only to find freeze dried food, blister kits, and anti chaffing material (which they let us keep). We then flew to Lima and on to Santiago. Customs and Immigration clearance in Santiago took place practically on the runway (in a very orderly fashion), as the airport building was closed. Santiago, I´m pleased to say has weathered mother nature remarkably well, it was difficult to tell that the the city had been rocked by an earthquake measuring 8.8...! Much of the damage was sustained further south, where I believe things are still quite bad. The next morning (4th March), we flew to Calama in the heart of the Atacama desert, with a number of other competitors. The only way to describe this place is DRY, VERY DRY...! San Pedro de Atacama is around 100km from Calama and sits at roughly 2,500m above sea level. The scenery is nothing short of spectacular, although the terrain looks more than a little scarey for a foot race...

This evening we´ll be joining the other competitors in one of the official event hotels, where we´ll be spending 2 nights (getting used to the altitude). The event has been delayed by one day to allow for delayed arrivals. We´ll be setting off on Monday morning, and the rest day, after the long day has been scrapped, making the event a little more challenging. 

Thanks to all who have donated so far, please visit the Racing the Planet website, where there are other ways to donate to help the restoration of Chile...

Comments: Total (0) comments

01 March 2010 04:53 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi

Rocky Start!

 

 

This year’s Atacama Crossing has certainly gotten off to a rocky start. With the earthquake in devastating Santiago and surrounding areas, our journey to San Pedro de Atacama is now more challenging than we’d initially imagined. On that note, Chris Sharrock is co ordinating the fundraising drive for earthquake victims in Chile.

 

The plan is still for Chris, Ken and myself to depart from Hong Kong tomorrow afternoon bound for New York, followed by a flight south to Santiago and then on to Calama… Delays expected.

 

 

In true Wepener style, better late then never, I’ve set up a charity site to raise money for children in disaster areas such as and . Please do visit the site at http://www.justgiving.com/RayWepener-Atacama ...

 

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 07 Mar 2010 03:05 pm

Hi Darling, All your family are very proud of you, and thinking of you each and every step of the way, have fun and enjoy it !!! Love Mom xxx

Posted On: 05 Mar 2010 08:23 am

How's it going?