Well I will try for my third time to update you all on our happenings.
We started Day 4 well behind the eight ball. James (despite being a good Mallee boy, has clearly been softened by his years on the Canadian tundra) started the day with having no fuel at all in the tank. He likely had significant heat stroke, and had been vomiting all night, and was unable to keep any fluids or solids down.
He was so generous that he shared his vomit symphony. followed by a dry wretching encore to those trying to clean their teeth late at night.
He of course rallied and we started the day with the view to taking each checkpoint as it came. We made in into checkpoint one with no a lot of time up our sleeves, and he was not improving. Unfortunately he was also hitched to me, and I have slowed him down with my maternal hips, keeping him exposed for longer that he probably would have on his own.
What we did know from the previous evening, being part of the research group was that his renal function was off, and he was advised to hydrate, and also that he had lost 6kg in two days!!  It was very hot at this stage, and ahead of us was checkpoint two and then 14km of salt flats.  One thing that had been made clear to us at the briefing was do not go onto the salt flats if you are not right as the medical team pretty much can't get to you there.
James had had a little fluid, no other oral intake at this point. We sought some clear advise (that was not really forthcoming) and I think James would have gone on (as he is cowboy tough) to the next checkpoint and reassess then , but I felt the risk was to great - what good is a big sister if she cant boss you around.
Before I left I had told Grace that we would always try to manage the things that we can, and to remain safe.  This is a great adventure, but what is most important and inspirational to us is waiting at home.
Tommy even in his delirious state Dad has been keeping an eye out for the lizards, but we have not seen any snakes. There are a lot of fantastic rocks here, and Dad has carried your special one all the way - and even has collected some for you.
We left the camp with another competitor, Gavin, who is a paediatric intensivist, who I have of course run the medical question by as to whether we made the right call.  I think today we are disappointed, not with the decision as I think there was really no question, but to finish what we have started for ourselves. 
So the new question is would we do it again,and all three, including Gavin, feel that is a chapter that needs to be finished.  Whether that is realistic for us I am not sure as we need to consider our family lives. It is a huge commitment to do a race like this.
Whilst back in the hotel we have also met some families of two competitiors still in the race, they were very anxious for any news, and are very stressed waiting for ther husbands/fathers.  I hope seeing us, and again seeing us at breakfast the next day gave them some reassurance that all will be well, but as we are so focused on calories and food weight we forget tat those that love us can be greatly stressed as we have these personal challenges.
I wish all the competitors, both those that will finish and those that have to leave the race, the very best. It is a great challenge, and very tough, for not only those who are able to come in the front of the pack, but also those that spend many many hours out in the elements.  We train for the known, but the challenges are always the unknown (like who has the loudest snoring tents/ camp gastro /personality clashes in tents - although not in wonderful Tent 10) 
Anyway, go Tent 10 - remember Tent glory is our shared glory.
And also go the Aussies - they are there toughing it out and doing us proud.
Will I be writing another 4 Deserts blog..........well only time will tell.
xxxxxx

Hi, wrote a long blog last night to let all know how things were, so will try a test as seemed to disappear, before I fill up the page again
Fingers crossed

I just wrote this huge meaningful blog and lost it after the connection failed!!
Anyway lets try again, but sorry might be a little less detailed as I'm keen to get to bed - we will be up early tomorrow to have our equipment and food check. Most of todays conversations have revolved around pack weight, and also calorie count -whether you have to many or to few.  I'll be interested to see my final pack weight tomorrow as it certainly feels heavier than it did before I left and I don't think I've added more!!  I'll be happy to start so I can start eating my food and take weight off my pack.
I don't think I should complain though as there are at least 4 people who still do not have their bags (lost in transit!!) and are scrounging around to make sure they have the required kit.
I have also heard there are also some who have hot arrived, as Calama airport was closed today due to a bomb scare!! Now open so fingers crossed they will be arriving latre tonight or first thing tomorrow.
The buzz meeting the other competitors is fantastic, all with such great life experiences and stories. I hope I make the distance as I wouldn't want to miss out on all the fun.
Feeling good (that self delusion is strong), just a subtle headache, but that could be altitude change, but more likely time zone change. Anyway after the first day I'll have something else to whinge about!
Not sure if we will have access to a computer tomorrow evening (our first in the desert) so the next post may be after the first day.
Grace I'm happy to inform you that last year the had porta potties, so you don't need to worry for your mother any more! 
James is well, rearing to go, and of course has reduced his pack size.  he says its a weight thing, I think its so he can look more slick!!
xxx

Well we are finally here. James flew in this morning from Calgary via Dallas - computer problems on his plane meant a very tight connection.  An hour and a half bus ride from Calama through some amazing landscape landed us in San Pedro. This is the driest desert in the world, but recent unusual rains have meant that San Pedro flooded only weeks ago. I'm not sure what that will mean for the race and the course we take.
Have met many other competitors both here, and they all look very fit!!! I'm looking for the normal ones (the ones who haven't been shaved down for wind resistance)
I'm getting more excited rather than nervous, even if I now have to listen to James and his trash talk.  Tomorrow we will check, check and check again our food and compulsory equipment.
San Pedro is a lovely little dusty town (mind you it is the hub for a large portion of Chile's tourist industry as many tours of the region leave here), but very deceptive. We looked into one shop that from outward appearances was a simple clay structure, think old spaghetti western movies - but inside was a very slick and exclusive spa.There is however lots of dogs, but I'm sorry to say Sam I have not seen any chickens yet.
Anyway we are both well and hoping for a good sleep tonight to fight off jet lag.
xxx

Well I've arrived in Santiago, and thankfully so have have all my bags.
I've become a bit of a stalker - sizing up anyone who has a backpack and looks relatively fit, wondering if they are heading to San Pedro as well.  In fact I did meet a volunteer at the airport, Ahmed, but he made it very easy with his Racing the Planet top.
I also met Mr Chan, who was in front of me in customs. He unfortunately had a number of food items confiscated (which I think meant they were very easy on me and didn't take a thing) Sorry for Mr Chan, but I think he did me a favour by taking all the heat.
Although I've been out for a walk I have not really seen much of Santiago, it would be a city I would like to spend more time in though. I need to learn some more Spanish - watching Dora the Explorer with the kids has given me a few words though!
James has now boarded his flight in Canada, and I will meet him at the airport tomorrow when we will head straight to Sam Pedro (via Calama).
I'm feeling really excited, but expect to get nervous once I meet the other competitors.
xxx

Well 'm finally on my way - very excited but having some moments here and there. Just waiting to board the international flight in Sydney - thinking I should rest, but as all mothers who find themselves finally in control of the remote, I will probably watch a few good movies on the flight.  Have all things packed, a lot with me and praying the rest of my bag doesn't go to Helsinki while I go to Santiago (go Qantas - you can do it!)
My kids are sick of me reminding them to post (when I said goodbye this morning whilst they were still dozing) I did the subliminal whispering "Blog, blog, blog"
My mother has given me the compass that my grandfather used over 100 years ago in the Northern Territory of Australia to carry through the race as part of our mandatory equipment, I think that will bring luck to both James and I.  I think he would have traveled many more miles than what we are doing (maybe not all on foot), and he certainly would not have been as geared up as we are.
Anyway call for boarding now, so see you on the other side x

I thought I'd add a picture to the blog - it has been a lot of fun trying to find a picture (and taking me away from my much needed training -no tapering for those who haven't peaked).
I've also been distracting myself from physical training by sorting an upbeat playlist.
I decided on this as I'm pretty sure this pose will reflect how I am feeling on a good day!  I did think about putting one up with me surrounded by a number of wine glasses - what do you think?  It will also amuse my children who have been reminded every day that they will need to post comments for me to read each night.
Anyway the clock is ticking for our Chile adventure.
Cheers

I continue to impress myself (even if no one else notices) after a 0530 start for the dreaded Bikram Yoga.
Tomorrow I will be heading to Tri alliance Sports Altitude Training to try and get some acclimatisation (I hope). GIven that I live at 60m above sea level I am hoping this will provide some benefits (I need all the help I can get at this stage!!)
Has anyone else tried this? I would love to hear how it has gone.
Cheers

I've started Bikram Yoga in an attempt to get used to the heat (even though it is summer here) -unbelievable, the sweat is dripping off before the first breathing exercises are done.  Anyway looking at the blogs of those who have gone before, it seems like a good idea.
There is also the benefit of training for the tent aroma, after a few days of no showers.
Anyway, I should be out on a run/walk now but, like all good mothers of primary age children, I'm off to check my itchy son for lice!!!
Love reading the other blogs, gives me hoe when I realise other people are just as excited/scared as I am.
Cheers

Well this is officially my first ever blog - just to match my first ever 4 Deserts.
I excited, but starting to get nervous - only 27 days until I leave Melbourne.
Do you think I can get fit in that time??
My family (especially the teenagers) are keen for me to get on the plane,  it means they will no longer have to hear about gear weight and calorie count.
Looking forward to meeting my brother James in Santiago, he's coming from Canada (and the cold).  Not looking forward to the trash talk I'll get from him if I cant keep up!!!
Were hoping to raise money for Ankylosing Spondylosis - an type of arthritis that commonly occours in young people, and affects more men than women. Two of my brothers are affected by the condition.
see our Facebook page www.facebook.com/RaceTheAche

Have done all the preventative research - podiatry, physiotherapy, nutrition advice - hoping it will all make a difference on the day
Cheers, Megan