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Patricia Vehmeyer

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Atacama Crossing (2012) blog posts from Patricia Vehmeyer

05 March 2012 06:58 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Not a happy day for my sister and I.  I was having altitude sickness that gave me headaches,nausea and dizziness. 

This slowed me down so I was not able to make cut off time.  So depressing.  Then Sharon got dehydrated and was pulled from the race and given 2 bottles of IV fluid.  We will be continuing on with the competitors, volunteering at check points.  We both are very disappointed.  We  were doing this race for our mom.  We know she was here with us.  Very tough course.  Tougher than Sahara!  River crossings today through fast moving water.  lots and lots of rocks!! very hot!  Yesterday and the evening before we had lightning warnings.  we were told that we might have to leave our tents and go out into the open away from tents and squat down low.  a little scary, but the weather is better now.  I am so proud of Sharon.  She did very well and tried hard.  The scenery here is stunning!

Comments: Total (6) comments

Posted On: 10 Mar 2012 04:34 am

Congratulations to you and your sister. You have attempted what many would never try. Be proud and be safe.

Posted On: 07 Mar 2012 12:00 am

Wayne, Dad and I are so proud of you girls what guts to try something so incredibly tough! Good job! You should be proud of yourselves! Den

Posted On: 06 Mar 2012 08:14 pm

Way to go girls! I am so proud to have you for sisters! Mom is grinning ear to ear because most of all she justs wants us to be together and love each other. I think the two of you are just amazing for trying such an amazing race. It takes lots of guts and you both have shown us that you got it! Have fun and enjoy the rest of your time together. XXOO Chris

Posted On: 06 Mar 2012 02:56 pm

Don't be disappointed! You girl's "ROCK" Not only the effort & courage it takes for a challenge of that magnatude,But to raise funds for such a great cause on top of it! Mem would be estatic and so proud of her girls... I know Pep certainly is along with everybody else... "AWSOME JOB GIRLS" Enjoy the rest of your stay! We Love You!

Posted On: 06 Mar 2012 11:51 am

Very proud of you both for taking the leap to run outside your comfort zones. Enjoy the beautiful place you're in as I'm sure your mom is grinning ear to ear watching both of you experience this together.

Posted On: 06 Mar 2012 08:00 am

You did amazingly to get that far. Think of the thousands of people who don't even attempt these races. Enjoy being out there, and take care of yourselves x

04 March 2012 10:25 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Well, Sharon and I made it through day.  Woo hoo! such a tough day.  I was feeling altitude sickness earlier in the race, but managed to pull through.

Sharon did well!  So proud of her!  So tired...will try to  post more tomorrow.

 

Patty

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 05 Mar 2012 11:56 pm

What happened? Says both of you withdrew! Are you both allright? Everyone is VERY Worried! Please let us know!

03 March 2012 02:33 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Arrived in San Pedro a couple days ago. So beautiful here! Andes Mountains are breathtaking! Meeting lots of competitors and making new friends. All packed and ready to go! We had our last normal breakfast. Sitting in hotel lobby waiting for 8am briefing. Mentally preparing myself. Thinking of my mother who I know will be with me and my sister, Sharon Flanders in the desert, guiding us along our journey. We love you mom! We miss you so much! Briefing at 8am, check in at 11 am. 2:30, leave for the desert. We're off!

Comments: Total (8) comments

Posted On: 05 Mar 2012 10:23 am

Keep going, your mother will be looking down on you x

Posted On: 05 Mar 2012 06:21 am

Way to go Patty. First state is now done. Wish I was down there competing as well as I loved the Atacama race. Stay strong and enjoy the journey. Cheers. Phil

Posted On: 05 Mar 2012 04:04 am

I am so proud of you! You made it through stage 1. dad is so proud of you too! He keeps asking how you are doing, finaly saw pictures of you,great breaking news story about you and Sharon. Be strong remember we are all rooting for you! Den

Posted On: 05 Mar 2012 12:08 am

Go girls go! You are both just amazing for even attempting this. I admire you both beyond belief. Just remember you have the wings of Mom with you and the prayers of all of us especially Pep. He says the rosary for the two of you actually right as I am sending this. Alyssa was with pep today and saw Mom only in the eyes of babes so my dear I know she is keeping you and Sharon safe. I will be with you every step. XXOO

Posted On: 05 Mar 2012 12:01 am

Way to go Patty! Day One is now behind you. A journey begins with the first step followed by another and by another until you ultimately reach your goal. Everyone is cheering you on!!!!

Posted On: 04 Mar 2012 11:51 pm

Well, you have completed Stage !, congratulations Patty. Hope your feet are feeling much better this time around. We are all rooting for you so keep moving forward, stay strong & Runwell.

Posted On: 04 Mar 2012 01:05 am

Patty, good luck! We just got an email from Linc telling us of your attacking the Atacama. We read your blog, and are sorry to hear of your mom's passing. But with her memory and your sister by your side, you will be successful. We'll be following your progress on line. I am running in a half-marathon tomorrow, but that sounds pretty weak compared to 7 marathons in a row, with a full pack!! YOU GO GIRL!!

Posted On: 03 Mar 2012 10:08 pm

I'm very proud of you, Patty, for taking the challenge again. Good Luck to you and Sharon as you make your journey! We will be there in spirit with the two of you.

22 February 2012 07:26 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

Wow!  Time has sure flown by.  I can't believe I am leaving for chile in less than a week!

I am happy about my tent assignment - tent #13 (my lucky number!)
I was born on Friday the 13th and so was my mom (who recently passed away).
This has got to be a good sign!  : )

And....I will be wearing Bib # 146.....this is the exact same Bib # that I wore in Sahara 2010
--What are the chances of that?--  I think this is good Karma!  

Looking forward to meeting everyone in Chile!  Hoping to make lots of new friends!
So happy to be sharing a tent with fellow Sahara competitors, Sandy and Coling Suckling, as well as my sister, Sharon Flanders and fellow Runwell runner, Sandra Sanger!  Cant wait!

Doing some last minute checking of my supplies to make sure I haven't forgotten anything.  Packing and re-pcking my bags.  LOL!  I am sure I will re-pack a few more times before I leave next Tuesday.  

I am praying for safe flights for all Atacama staff, volunteers and competitors!  

SEE YOU IN  SAN PEDRO DE ATACAMA!  : )

Comments: Total (5) comments

Posted On: 05 Mar 2012 01:30 am

Great Job Patty! All of us back here at the Flanders residence are so proud of you for your courage and determination to take on such a big challenge!! For such a great cause!! Again we are proud of you and luv you... The Flanders Family

Posted On: 04 Mar 2012 12:16 am

Hi Sis, Just want to tell you that Eric called again today asking about you. He is so proud of you and is praying for you to be safe! We all love you! So glad you girls have the chance to do this together. You can do this so go get um!!!!!!! Den

Posted On: 03 Mar 2012 02:01 pm

We're so proud of you girls taking on such a big challenge for a great cause! Just shows how strong & willpowered you girls are ! Well "GOOD LUCK" & you two watch out for each other !!! We know you can do it ... Luv Beef

Posted On: 01 Mar 2012 03:59 am

Hi sis spoke to eric tonight we are praying that you will be fine throughout the race! We have confidence in yu! Remember you won't be alone! Mom will be watching over you and Sharon. LOve you sis You go girl!

Posted On: 22 Feb 2012 10:38 pm

Ohh Arhhh I am so excited time is so close only 5 more sleeps and we are on our way... Couldn't believe when you said your lucky number is 13 too what is the chance we both have the same lucky number... ohhh spooky.... such good Karma ..I am so full of beans at work I am driving them crazy.. just want to get on that plane now... see you soon safe travels.. Sx

27 January 2012 07:18 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

I am running in support of Runwell, the Linda Quirk Foundation.  We are raising awareness about addiction and we are raising money for treatment scholarships.  We are helping people get treatment that they could otherwise not afford.  

Check out my page on the Runwell site to see my story:  

http://runwell.kintera.org/atacama/pattyrunsthesahara



Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 22 Feb 2012 04:27 am

Patty, not long now tent allocations out and we get to share in all the joys of the desert... can't wait to see you ...has been so long... Big hugs Sandy

17 January 2012 05:32 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

It has been a difficult few months since the beginning of November.  My mother was hit by a car (hit & run).  She had Alzheimers and wandered away from home.  She spent 6 weeks in the hospital, went home for one week, returned to the hospital for another week and then finally went home for the last time.  Hospice came in at the end of December....
My beloved mother passed away on January 7th, 2012.  She was my rock, my best friend, my hero!  During this time I pretty much stopped training and started to sink into depression.  I spent most of the month of December with her and was by her side when she passed away.  I cherish those last moments with her.  I will never forget them.    

My mother was so proud of my running.  Even with her Alzheimers, she remembered that I was a runner!  She told everyone she came in contact with that her daughter was a runner and that I ran the Boston Marathon and I ran across the desert (Sahara).  She prayed for me while I was in Sahara.  

I will be running the Atacama Dessert to raise awareness and money for addiction treatment.  I am running in honor of both my son who has suffered with addiction and my beloved mother who always believed in me.  

My sister, Sharon Flanders will be doing the Atacama with me, her 1st desert race.  I know our mother will be with us out there.  She will be running along side of us and will be watching over us.  She will bring me strength.  I miss her very much, but I know she is in a better place now.  I love you mom! XOXO 

I am nervous that I am not where I planned to be with my training.  I have been training hard since I returned from Boston and will train hard until I leave for Chile.  My goal is to finish this race.  God willing, it will happen!  My sister and I still plan to "Rock that Desert" any way we can! 

Comments: Total (11) comments

Posted On: 04 Mar 2012 04:54 pm

Good luck. enjoy it.

Posted On: 25 Feb 2012 12:06 am

Go Girls Go! I am VERY proud of both you and Sharon. I know Mom is with you and will give you both the strength and love for each other to get through and accomplish your goal. She has always wanted us girls to come together and do good and I truely believe that she has accomplished that! My heart is with you, Sharon, Eric, Brendon, Nick and Olivia as you show them that when you believe miracles can happen! I love you both and will be watching every step. Be safe!

Posted On: 30 Jan 2012 03:51 pm

It has been very hard on us I know we can do this together...mom would be so proud of us just attempting to do this.I am very excited about our journey ahead..I know she will be with us in our hearts...love you sis

Posted On: 23 Jan 2012 05:42 pm

All our love Patty see you very soon and give you a big hug then.Sandy and Col

Posted On: 21 Jan 2012 11:21 am

I feel sad about your mom but its inspiring to read about the way you are dealing with the loss. Rock the desert Patty...

Posted On: 19 Jan 2012 07:15 am

Sorry to hear about your loss. I wish you and your family the very best.

Posted On: 18 Jan 2012 07:20 pm

Your sister and you will do it! See you there, Roberto

Posted On: 18 Jan 2012 03:02 am

Patty - I am so sorry to hear about your mother. You are strong and with your mothers added strength you wlil get through.

Posted On: 18 Jan 2012 01:33 am

Hi Patty, So sorry to hear about your loss. It's incredible to hear that you and your sister are pushing on with this despite carrying your recent loss. It would have been so easy to pull out and nobody would have begrudged you for it. For what its worth, it seems from your blog that you are doing a great honour to your mother by running as she obviously was so proud of your running achievements and plans. All my best wishes and look forward to meeting you in the Atacama. Dan

Posted On: 18 Jan 2012 01:33 am

Patty, so sorry to hear about your Mom. Our thoughts are with you. Mary

Posted On: 17 Jan 2012 02:02 pm

Patty, your loss is great

06 November 2011 02:44 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)

For nutrition, I am using UCAN.  This is what got me through the Boston Marathon in 2010 as well as Sahara 2010.  My blood sugar remained level with no spikes, no cramping and I had lots of energy!  I would not do any race without my UCAN!     

For an electrolyte, I use The Right Stuff.  I used it in the Sahara Race and I had no problems with my hydration...no cramping, no dehydration.  This product is a liquid that comes in little tubes which makes it easy to use and measure.  No powders to blow away and you don't have to wait for tablets to dissolve.  I have tried other electrolytes, but I am completely sold on The Right Stuff! 

  I HIGHLY RECOMMEND BOTH PRODUCTS FOR A SUCCESSFUL RACE!!   

UCAN
The unique ingredient in UCAN, SuperStarch, is one of those revolutionary discoveries. This good carbohydrate redefines the way energy is delivered.
While traditionally fast acting carbs have been denounced by many nutritionists, SuperStarch has been deemed revolutionary because of its unique time release characteristics. Protein advocates like Dr. Jeff Volek have called it an innovation.

 
UCAN has created a large, complex carbohydrate that has a high molecular weight and low osmolality. Simply put, UCAN is gentle on the stomach while providing a time-release glucose profile. It's longer lasting, healthy energy. By utilizing both carbs and fat for dual fuel, Generation UCAN products put your body in its ideal performance state so you can start strong AND finish strong!

Generation UCAN powered by SuperStarch puts the body in its ideal performance state, allowing for:
 
• Optimized performance with energy when you need it, without the spike and crash.
• Sustained energy with extended delivery of glucose, keeping you above baseline longer.
• Enhanced fat burn from suppressed insulin response, tapping into your body's fat stores.
• Speedier recovery as your body begins rebuilding with our protein enhanced products.
• No gastric distress, by emptying the slowly quickly and digesting slowly in the intestine. 

Here are some athletes who use UCAN:

- Bob Seebohar - Sport dietitian; USA Triathlon Certified Elite coach, competitive endurance athlete
- Linda Quirk, Ultra Marathoner, Marathoner, Founder of Runwell
- Meb Keflezighi - professional runner, olympic medalist
- Vince Wilfork - pro football player, defensive lineman
- Mardy fish - professional tennis player
- Simon Bairu - professional runner, Canadian 10,000M record holder
- Mike Wright - pro football player, defensive lineman
- Mark Van Akkren - pro triathlete, top triathlon swimmer
- Chris Pannone - Elite Marathoner
- Colby Cohen - pro hockey player
- Troy Perkins - professional soccer goalie
- Tiffany Weimer - professional soccer player
- Mae joyce Gay - professional rower
- Elvis Burrows - olympic swimmer
- Mark Levoir - pro football player - offensive lineman
- Donna McCollum - Elite Mountain Climber
- Patty Vehmeyer - Ultra Marathoner, Desert Races - Ha! That's me! LOL

The Right Stuff
It took NASA to launch the formula for The Right Stuff®. But, it took them over a decade of testing with athletes and astronauts to get it just right. The Right Stuff® is superior for:
  • Fighting the symptoms of dehydration,
  • Increasing athletic endurance, and
  • Improving core thermoregulation; protecting the body from overheating in high exertion/high heat environments

The formula consists of a patented, high-concentration blend of electrolytes, specifically qualified by NASA. The formula uses all natural flavors and citric acid (to help cut the saltiness) and is lightly sweetened with a small amount of sucralose (non-carb sweetener sold as Splenda®*)

The produc, a liquid concentrate ensures all ingredients go into solution instantly for the most rapid drink consumption and bodily absorption possible.

Every batch goes through extensive testing to confirm safety and efficacy so you can be assured the product meets label claims and does not have any other issues. Each batch is tested at independent, third-party facilities to ensure that the product does not contain any WADA-listed banned substances and that there are no contaminants

Produced in a clean (OTC pharmaceutical) manufacturing facility on special equipment that forms, fills and seals the vial all in one step, insuring consistency and efficacy at the point of delivery! 

The Right Stuff contains no caffein, sugar, carbohydrates or added color. 


Here are some athletes who use The Right Stuff:

  • Bob Seebohar - Sport dietitian; USA Triathlon Certified Elite coach, competitive endurance athlete
  • Linda Quirk, Ultra Marathoner, Marathoner, Founder of Runwell
  • Joanna Zeiger - World Record Holding 70.3 Triathlete
  • Mandy McLane - 2010 Pro Triathlete
  • Phil Rosenstein - Ultrarunner (e.g., Badwater) and coach and former Triathlete
  • Manuel Gildo - 11-time California state Tae Kwon Do champion; going for the Olympics
  • Walter Dix - World Class Olympic Sprinter (100m and 200m) - 2-time medalist in Beijing Olympics
  • Scott Tietzel - Pro, Licensed Cyclist both Road and Mountain Bike
  • Bill Floyd - USA Triathlon & USA Cycling Certified Coach, TEAM in Training National Certified Coach, nationally ranked, current 4 time Masters Champion - Olympic Distance triathlon
  • Jill Howard - Former Team USA triathlete and Sprint Triathlon National Champion, elite marathoner, Olympic Trial contender
  • Uli Bromme- Pro Triathlete and Marathon Runner
  • Erik Backhaus - Cat 2 Cross Country Mountain Bike Racer
  • Tony Stafford - Endurance Fitness Specialist, Professional Marathon Pacer, Adventure Racer
  • Spike Key Volleyball:
    • Megan Wallin - Professional Beach Volleyball athlete competes in US and internationally
    • Chara Harris - Professional Beach Volleyball athlete competes in US and internationally
  • Griff Long – USA Triathlon & Crossfit Endurance Certified Coach, Ironman and top age group triathlete
  • Amy Larson - top age group triathlete competing in 70.3 and Ironman distance races including Kona
  • Patty Vehmeyer - Ultra Marathoner, Desert Races - Ha! That's me! LOL

Comments: Total (1) comments

Posted On: 10 Nov 2011 10:45 pm

Hi Patty, tried to get Ucan hear in Australia but they dont have it so got on line and sent them an email but I have to pay a bit for shipping so decided not to worry. I have a great idea we need to get all the people who are sharing the tent with us to bring a treat and we can have a pig out share day....okay clearly that wont work as we have to carry it with us and that comes back to the weight in our backpack. Might have to be the first night of camping before we start the event... ha ha ha .........Look after those feet of your... ohhh cant wait to see you happy training Sandy

09 October 2011 02:22 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)


In just 147 days the Atacama Race will be starting!  The excitement is starting to build!
My training is picking up and I have been trying different sock/shoe combinations.  I am trying to avoid getting as many blisters as I did in Sahara.  My goal in this race is to finish and to "not" be the poster child for blistered feet! (ha ha....)

I am proud to be running Atacama as part of Linda Quirk's Runwell Foundation! 
Please check out the site to find out what this foundation is all about.  www.runwell.com

Here is the link to my page: http://runwell.kintera.org/atacama/pattyrunsthesahara
(when I set up my page I still had Sahara on my brain I guess....that's why is says "pattyruhsthesahara" at the end of my link....anyway, I am running Atacama in 2012....and I will run Sahara again soon!  I am not through with that desert yet!!)   
 
I am running Atacama in honor of my son!  
I am raising money for addiction treatment scholarships for those who cannot afford treatment.  I am also trying to raise awareness about this terrible disease.  Please help me if you can...

Runwell accepts online donations or manual donations.
For Manual Check  Donations, please make checks payable to "Runwell" and mail to:  Runwell 14286-19 Beach Blvd., #361, Jacksonville, Fl 32250
(If you are donating manaully for my race, please put a note in with your payment stating so.)

p.s.  I am trying to raise more donations than my sister Sharon Flanders who is running with me...dont tell her!  he he!  :)

Comments: Total (2) comments

Posted On: 02 Nov 2011 02:34 pm

Oh really....well let the compitition beging...Big sister....lol ah ha...so glad to be running this race with you ..you have been such an inspiration to me, and I can't wait to do this with you. We are both running for such a great cause. love ya sis... :)

Posted On: 16 Oct 2011 03:53 am

Go Patty go Patty...oh so can't wait to see you...Look after those feet and keep up the good work with training.. Woot Hoo