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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2013
7
PostsAtacama Crossing (2013) blog posts from Jacqueline Cox
08 March 2013 03:04 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
wow - so very nearly there! Cant believe that I am sitting in camp resting for the first time having completedd stage 5/6! It was so very very very hard - I walked with Blanca for 24.5 hours with tortured feet - never let me sign up for anything else like this again! It was an interesting day - the pain of blisters just part of the hourly experiencce, we walked through the stunning salt lake before the usual mix of sand, salt corals dunes etc - hopefully you can see all the photos and videos. There were times during the nght Blanca and me were swaying 'punch drunk with tiredness and the road spinning - fortunately as the sun came up we managed to find our humour and laught the last 2.5 hours into camp. Lovely to have time in camp and chill out with everyone; as a late finisher this has been limited to eating, sorting feet and sleeping.
So much news but we only have 15 minute slot each.
Tomorrow will be hobbling with many others into San Pedro - talk is of beer and piza at the finish line...... and plenty of celebrations at the dinner tomorrow night - looking forward to seeing the photos and videos.
Shell shocked to have got to far - no end of talk about the other events and this being the hardest out there. But the scenery has been stunning, we have had the most amazing laughter and support from evernyone from my tent that meet me at the finish with hugs to all the others in my time frame we cross over on the route and at the checkpoints. The medics have been great and so too have been all the volunteers that have been working flat out - they are up at 5am living in the same conditions as us and working until late at night. Just an increidble atomosphere with untold support from everyone. There are some truely amazing people on this event - the blind Japanese guy with trashed feet has made it through and has made us rethink all our moans and groans - fortunately, Blanca and I have been very up beat until last night - our first true moans meant we were hitting rock bottom. So much to say but will have to leave until I return.
Loads of tears expected tomorrow from all the emotions - not that these havent been happening all week by most.
I will make it to the end.
Mary Poppins
06 March 2013 02:56 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Sorry but a very quick note as 9am - came in late and just been for my daily visit to the medic tent to fix feet - starting to look like egyptain mummies with all the binding. Hard day and now feeling v tired - body starting to break down. Pain of feet is just part of the day - every
step painful now! Mountains, sanddunes and 4 hours on the searing salf flats today.More water tomorrow so there is just no hope for comfort.
Tomorrow is the long one and hope to get in for dawn - relax and then enjoy camp life; i h ope to sit down and give you all more tales of life on this mad event.
Just off for food - all my fellow tent mates are already asleep as all but 1 are running and in the top list. Bex is still the lead female and our fellow Australian girl is 3rd. Boys also flying - except Matt who has an injury.
ps thanks for all the emails - will be lovely to read on Friday
Comments: Total (25) comments
anne Slough
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 12:05 am
Hi Jackie, glad and relieved you have completed Stage 5, gave us all a bit of a scare when we saw you were in the field this morning. The phones were buzzing to see if anyone had any news! Last one to go and then you can put your poor bandaged feet up. Elaine and I have the spa weekend leaflets ready and waiting for your return. Good luck with Stage 6. Love and hugs, Anne and Elaine (and Jim too) xx
Walter Ndoro
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 09:09 pm
Well done Jackie. You are a true inspiration.
Kim Smith
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 08:50 pm
Well done not far to go now Kim xx
jean carter
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 08:49 pm
nearly done, god Jackie you're one determined lady, there's a great BIG pot of tea with your name on it at the end of this!! keep safe xx
Jacomina Wakeford
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 05:41 pm
Stage 5 finished. Fantastic so close to the finish now. Well done. Jx
tony cox
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 05:19 pm
Well its nearly over, and I bet the body is ------ . 41/2 weeks to the holiday . More sun and sand plus a SEA. Be safe can wait to talk to you. Love hubby x x x
Joanne Day
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 04:52 pm
OMG! OMG! OMG! You have completed Stage 5 - are you on your knees? Can you even stand? Hope you are having some food, liquid and rest. Only one more hurdle to go ........... Go Girl!! xx
Joanne Day
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 12:46 pm
Stage 4 was only 32 secs slower than Stage 3, so you're flying girl! You are still 'in the field' at the moment and I know your determination will get you to the end of Stage 5. Then it'll be just like jogging up The Mall to the finish - with a bit of sand in the way!! Keep focused all the way Jo xx
Corinne Hargreaves
Posted On: 08 Mar 2013 11:34 am
AMAZING! You're doing so well. Hope the toilet roll rations are lasting. I need stories of expandable flannels - bet you stink right now! keep it up powerhouse. x
Oscar Ford
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 09:52 pm
Keep going Jackie, each step may hurt but it's a step closer to your goal. What a terrific performance : D
Shelly & Ian Johnson
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 06:00 pm
You are doing really...never doubted you for one minute keep going girl not long now xxxxxx
Joanne Welsh
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 04:16 pm
Jackie, You've got this far, so just hang on in there. I know you were happy to just get over the starting line, but you've got the finish line in sight now as well so keep on going! We all know you can do it. xxxx
Gill Walley
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 03:21 pm
Hi Jackie - when the going gets tough....etc!!! Incredible effort. You know you can do this. Keep safe and focus on the finish. Gillxx
Pearl Wright
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 01:28 pm
Jackie, we are all so proud of you and I know you are finding things difficult at this stage and you are very tired, but you can do this and the BKC are right behind you (in spirit of course!). Keep going, you can do this just please take care of yourself. Love Pearl and Kim xx
Lesley Iswardani
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 12:04 pm
Well done Jackie..I'm not sure how you keep going..You must be made of stern stuff..An inspiration to us all..All the best. X
Anne Slough
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 11:48 am
Keep going Jackie, the worst of it is over now. sitting here with Liz showing her your blogs. Think positively, love Anne, Liz and Elaine
vicky allen
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 11:01 am
Go Jackie, you are a trooper! we all know you can do it. I'm looking forward to hearnig all about it. Lots of love from Strategy & Equality xx
James Millington
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 10:59 am
Well done Jackie - sounds like you're doing fantastic! Keep going!
Joanne Day
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 10:39 am
Great to see you still have an 'A' for active on the site. All your pains, blisters and tiredness are all in the mind lol! So keep pushing on Jackie - you are doing brilliant, what an achievement already. Best of luck all the way to the finish. Jo xx
Thorsten Dreyer
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 10:38 am
Come on Jackie, keep going. Not much more to go now.
Abdi Adan
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 10:32 am
Keep on going Jackie. You have inspired us all. The end is very close.
We are proud of you...
Keiko Okawa
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 10:28 am
Hi Jackie, I have been impressed and inspired by your drive and determination. As Margaret said, you can do this. Love from Tower Hamlets
jean carter
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 09:49 am
Hi Jackie, you're doing a fantastic job just keep going, one foot in front of the other, just keep safe! xx
tony cox
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 08:07 am
Hi, by the time you ready this the long one will be over. Its time to start making your move, sneek up and get them in the night !!!
I hope you have not hurting too much as the finish is in sight. All my Love Hubby. x x x
Margaret Cooper
Posted On: 07 Mar 2013 07:29 am
First time you've sounded a bit down - but you're nearly there! Everyone at East India Dock is inspired by what you're doing and we'll push you home if we have to. You can do this!
05 March 2013 03:12 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
So much t o tell but arrived at 7.30ish and need to sort feet before bed.
First 2 stages ok and had 2 hours to play with on cut off times; that was until stage 3 and 4 [indescribably hard – intense heat and the last 3 hours spend climbing and descending huge sand dunes – hope there are pictures on the web site. Still standing! 30 minutes within cut off
Comments: Total (9) comments
Alan Loryman
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 03:24 pm
Well done so far. Keep going.
Pearl Wright
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 01:49 pm
Hi Jackie, you are half way through and love the photos of you - You are doing an amazing thing and all that hard work paid off and my God did you work hard to get where you are today!! Stay safe xx
Susan Richards
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 01:05 pm
First chance I've had to look you up and so pleased to see you grinning in the photos! You're a tough cookie, there's no doubt and your adventures and tenacity make me feel quite humble. Well done!!
Anne Slough
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 01:00 pm
WEll done Jackie, following your every move with eagerness. You've reached the halfway mark and now homeward bound. Can't wait for tomorrows installment. Elaine sends her love. xx
Joanne Welsh
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 12:35 pm
Go Jackie, go!! Was so pleased last night when we found pictures of you!! Kids very keen to hear how you're getting on which is nothing short of marvellous!! Hang on in there!! xx
Shelly & Ian Johnson
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 11:37 am
See that you are moving up the ladder brilliant....keep going and smiling....not long now.....see you soon hugs XXXXXX
jean carter
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 10:41 am
keep it up Jackie, nearly done!! Just think of all the places in the world you'll be able to stay now you have all these amazing new friends! Keep safe xx
tony cox
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 09:18 am
Well done half done.Keep going. Love hubby x x x
Margaret Cooper
Posted On: 06 Mar 2013 07:27 am
Incredible Jackie. You'll be through halfway today and homeward bound. Hang on in there - you can do this. All that training is now paying off and you're still smiling in all the photos!
04 March 2013 02:29 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Itis 7.30 and I got in 10 min ago after an amazing day; everyone is getting ready for bed so this will be very brief as I need to sort out my feet and eat!
Slept better with a few sleeping pills! Everyone up at 6am - today was porridge made in my cut down plastic bottle!
Amazing Stage 1 - through the canyon with a very fast and cold river; concentration needed as we crossed it untold times and nobody wanted a wet sleeping bag. Had to be extremely careful as the force of the water pulled your.. stable foot away! Highest crossing was mid thigh! Then we had sections where we just had to walk down it. Laughed all the way.
Second Stage was mind-blowing; never seen such stunning scenery big climb up hill but 3 Japanese pulled me into their walking pattern as we got to the top feeling great. Sat on top looking over the valley and snow topped mountains while I re taped my feet. Down hil was spectacular - including a huge dune run.
Feeling great; especially as I had felt sick since yesterday and this morning. Now seem to be ok bar a few blisters.I am -part of a study on sodium and yesterday sodium levels and kidneys recorded normal so at least my electrolyt polan is working ok.
Today 41 degrees! wind is saving us and today we didnt have the killer canyons late in the day like yesterday.
Love reading emails but unable to respond-I get 1 blog a night which is done off line before uploaded via satallite
More progress tomorrow
Comments: Total (9) comments
Antoinette Davey
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 10:31 pm
Well done Jackie, sounds like an amazing experience & you are doing so well.
All that training has paid off, can't wait to hear all about it. Makes the marathon feel like a walk in the park. Take care & lots of luck . Antoinette
Joanne Welsh
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 09:22 pm
Well done, not only did you get over the starting line, but we are now in day 3 so keep on going! Just laying here giving our dog a cuddle!! He sends you a big lick!! Take care , Jo and Archie xxxx
tony cox
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 03:32 pm
Well u sound OK, had lunch with Shelley and Ian in the Abbey pie and mash. Sat planning next Dive Holiday. You will like it. So keep going and do not damage any thing, or will have to sit on the boat . Love hubby x x x
Kim Smith
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 02:00 pm
Well done stage 2 over. Been reading your blog and watching the videos it is amazing. Make sure you look after your feet.
Big BKC night out when you get back Kim xx
Pearl Wright
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 01:38 pm
Wow Jackie, it sounds such hard work but such a wonderful experience. Been following the videos and photos and they are just amazing - keep up the good work and look after yourself, especailly your feet!! We will need a lovely night out when you come back just to you can update us all - take care xxxx
anne slough
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 12:45 pm
Sounds like you're having a blast! Keep up with the sodium count. Can't wait to have you back here and telling us all about it in person. Good luck with the next stage. xx
jean carter
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 10:32 am
Wow Jackie it sounds amazing and if we didn't know what you are doing you could be reporting on a fantastic holiday! we have no stunning scenery here, foggy, no 41 degrees, cold, so in a very odd way we've drawn the short straw! all joking aside keep up the good work, you seem to be in high spirits
Jacomina Wakeford
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 10:13 am
The views sound amazing and it's great to hear you're enjoying yourself. Keep posing for the photos they show the rest of us you're still smiling.
Margaret cooper
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 07:26 am
Go girl! You sound great and it's fascinating being able to follow your progress. Some amazing scenery in all the photos. Keep it up - you're doing so well - keep enjoying it!
03 March 2013 03:25 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Mae it to the end of the first day and still standing with no blisters. That will be short lived as tomorrow we have multiple river crossing and sand dunes to add to the mix - the first two stages are horendous and the day will stretch to 27 miles. This is the day that people start to pull out. The scenery has been stunning tod but there were sections that I cnenee ould have happily missed - expecialy the heat of the canyons estimated at 40 degrees when we hit them in the afternoon.
Very few of us slept last night wiith the altitude and we were up at 5.30!
The guys and girls in our tent are all in the front runners making up for the 3 slow ones but we are all in and hope for the best tomorrow.
Just off for more food and water
Dreaming of a lovely bed!
Comments: Total (7) comments
Kim Smith
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 01:42 pm
Well done another stage over. Been reading your blog
joanne holland
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 06:56 pm
Hope the feet are holding up and the sun is on your back not your face!! Keep going we are all behind you!!! Love jo
tony cox
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 01:39 pm
Rememmber do not make your move soon. Save your self for that wiggle on the last day and pass them all. Love hubby X X X
PS stop wasting time possing for pictures
Shelly & Ian Johnson
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 12:43 pm
Thinking of you and you can do it and wishing you all the best.....big big hugs from both of us XXXXX
jean carter
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 10:14 am
you just keep going girl, you're making us all feel like wimps, Ray send his regards and says he can relate to your pain, remember he has a painful foot ha ha ha, keep going & keep safe!!
Margaret Cooper
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 07:26 am
Go Jackie - so proud of you. You're looking good with your brolly and your first stage time was way faster than the Moonwalk - but then you didn't have us holding you back. Keep it up! Thinking of you on Stage 2.
Kim Pribanic
Posted On: 04 Mar 2013 03:38 am
Way to go, Jackie. :-) Have a good time tomorrow (and the next day, and the next), and if it gets bad, just keep putting one foot in front of the other! Good luck, and don't forget to have fun!
02 March 2013 06:14 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
Where to start. Great news -I havent cried since I arrived. Yep - so close to turning round and coming home esp with lost luggage stories and waiting for 2 hours at the last airport waiting for more passengers to take the bus to San Pedro. As it turns out 3 of the medics arrrived at 11pm. Back packer was fantastic and door wedge was not needed - you know we have stayed inother places which are less security aware!
Been non-stop laughter - first daya group of us met up at Bexs flash hotel - i arrived with my backpack and carrier bags declaring it didnt fit! A pack-horse in the making. Matt and Jeffa had everrything thrown out so down to 10.5kg without water. 16 of spent a great evening in this amazing town full of backpackers - more like a village with dust roads and plenty of great bars and places to eat. Last night the numbers swelled further.
Now sitting under a tent in the middle of the desert with music playing; I have 9 other amazing tent mates from the very very fast to us slow ones. The atmosphere is fantastic - everyone just has the most amazing storied to tell and you can never be alone on these events - no stop banter all the way.
We have had all the serious talks - the route plans have been given out and tells us of very demanding times ahead. The half mile walk through the icy river soudns not the best option on Day 2 but hopefully I will have a few moments each day to update you all (certainly dont want to slip and get a soggy sleeping bag).
Getting cold so off for my coffee and freeze dried food - this is supposed to be coldest night!
All should be in bed in the next hour
Start line is by my side - so one step over tomorrow is the first hudle.
Comments: Total (0) comments
31 January 2013 08:43 am (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time: Dublin, Edinburgh, Lisbon, London
..... never before have I read so many labels scrutinising the details of my potential kit!
My Asics trail shoes had a lovely label telling me that Asics comes from the Latin phrase "Anima sana In Corpore San" meaning "sound mind in a sound body". - so I have to apologise to Asics - I have days when I do question my sanity at tackling such an enormous personal challenge and the body is starting to crumble at the edges after all the training. I am now having to rest a little earlier than planned but intend to be at that start line ready to enjoy some amazing scenery and meeting some fabulous people.
I would especially like to say hello to all those that will be at the back of the pack; I have had an aversion to reading blogs as more often that not they have put me into sheer panic when I read what people are achieving during their training....... so setting up my first ever blog, it has been wonderful to have a little browse and read about the the amazing volunteers that are going to be providing us with such wonderful support.
My intention is got over that finish line each night; yes, I figure that my walking strategy [with a few shuffles at the end of the week] will save my body from total destruction but I will be out there for some time as I seem to be very slow with my pack! In fact the front of the pack might not see me before they hit their sleeping bag at night! I am, though, looking forward to the amazing conversations and friendships that us slow ones will have over the week and the essential support that we will be giving each other. So fear not, those of you that will be joining me in a slow amble, you will not be alone.
On the basis that this is going to be both a physical an emotional roller-coaster I have a few inspiration people that I will no doubt think about during those truly challenging moments; I look forward to hearing yours.
1. Eddie Izzard - Ran an astonishing 43 marathons in 51 days [how wonderful to see that you don’t have to have an athletic build to achieve great things]
2. Kenwynne and William - I met these on my Sahara 100Km 6 years ago - they showed me that age isn't an issue if the body and mind is willing - they were in their late 60’s at the time and were out for the sheer fun of the whole event - they are still going strong with more multi-stage marathons planned round the world this year. Kenwynne is the the oldest woman in Britain to run a marathon on all seven continents.
3. A new addition - Jennifer 'Jeffa' Murray - I have just read her inspiring book 'Broken Journey' - I don’t need to fill you in on her amazing challenges; you will be able to find out for yourself when you meet her on the event. I say new, in fact last year I had pulled out and kept her story from my running magazine before Rebbecca introduced me and I found out her real zest for life and the enormity of her challenges.
And finally. on this first blog, a big big thank you to my new tent friends who have been so wonderfully supporting over the last 6 months; such a mixed group from the superfit and fast to those that will be getting value for money from the hours on the course! You all have been so great from your advice and generous support at those low times when I have wondered what I am truly taking on.
See you all at the start and the finish! [and for those enjoying the scenery a little longer during the day, I look forward to some great moments together].
Jackie
Comments: Total (10) comments
Duncan Sharp
Posted On: 05 Mar 2013 06:41 pm
Way to go Jackie! Sounds amazing!
Anne Slough
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 03:53 pm
Hi Jackie, it's 3.50 Sunday afternoon and I'm sitting here drinking tea with Elaine (who else?) and just wondering how you are. Hope you made the start line (1st part of your challenge) and are now on your way trekking the first part of the Atacama to your 2nd challenge (the finish line). Hope all is going to plan and let you know that we are all thinking of you and sending encouragement and love.
jean carter
Posted On: 03 Mar 2013 03:43 pm
Hi Jackie, we're all behind you as you take on this crazy challenge, keep safe, keep sane. Looking forward to hearing all about it!! go girl!!!!!!
Margaret Cooper
Posted On: 02 Mar 2013 09:33 pm
Great photo of you at registration - looking happy (or maybe that's hysterics?) Good luck, take care and enjoy Margaret x
tony cox
Posted On: 02 Mar 2013 06:14 pm
Hi, I assume no news is good news and you made it through the 1st day. Holiday booked.
Anne Slough
Posted On: 28 Feb 2013 01:39 pm
Hi Jackie,
Just checking that you have arrived safely and to let you know that all the BKC girls will be thinking of you as you prepare to get to the start line. I will try and email as often as I can to see that you are OK and don't forget, IT'S MEANT TO BE FUN!!! Hugs, Anne xx
Kim Pribanic
Posted On: 26 Feb 2013 02:48 am
Go for it, Jackie! I will be using a similar strategy in the Gobi in June, and I look forward to hearing how it works for you. Wish I could be there this year, but... maybe next year?
Good luck!
Carla Jacko
Posted On: 03 Feb 2013 12:11 pm
Hi Jackie, count me in as well! Looks like the front folks will miss the fun, lol.
Megan Lay
Posted On: 01 Feb 2013 08:26 am
Hi Jackie, thanks for those words. I do get that slow swell of panic when I read some of the training plans, and clearly the elite level of fitness of some of those who will be traveling to Atacama. This is my first ever event of this kind, and it looks like the company will be great in the tail end.
Cheers
Emrys Davies
Posted On: 31 Jan 2013 10:37 pm
Hi
I'll be joining you in that walking strategy ! , it's going to be an amazing experience !
Comments: Total (17) comments
Emma Rutherford
Posted On: 13 Mar 2013 09:54 pm
Abdi Adan
Posted On: 11 Mar 2013 02:38 pm
pearl Wright
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 12:23 pm
Shelly & Ian Johnson
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 10:24 am
Antoinette Davey
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 08:30 am
Lolita Muhammad
Posted On: 10 Mar 2013 06:23 am
Joanne Day
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 10:20 pm
Duncan Sharp
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 10:08 pm
kim Smith
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 03:39 pm
pearl Wright
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 11:59 am
Shelly & Ian Johnson
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 11:25 am
jean carter
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 10:44 am
jackie cox
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 10:33 am
Margaret Cooper
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 09:53 am
Anne Slough
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 09:40 am
Louise Parr
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 08:03 am
tony cox
Posted On: 09 Mar 2013 07:37 am