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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2014
9
PostsAtacama Crossing (2014) blog posts from Heather Bond
10 October 2014 03:23 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
The community/family of the racing life.
Almost a decade ago I was forced to retire my racing career and fire career due to a serious spinal injury suffered on the job. I am saddened with my injury I’ve suffered in this race and it will take me out of commission for a while back home but it by far hasn’t been a loss. I spent a decade of my life living in a race community like this and I absolutely love it. Yesterday the racers were on the long march day that would take some competitors through the next morning and into the we hours of the night. I knew Ian would be coming in sometime before midnight and I waited to his smile come on through the stage finish line. I heard the drums sounding around 11pm and hobbled over to the line to see that smile of my brother.
It has been an amazing journey that I am grateful to share with Ian. Now, tomorrow it’s a 10k push to the finish line in San Pedro. Big smiles, lots of emotion and hugging. Then a great after party where everyone will be clean, shaven and unrecognizable.
Cheers. Thank you for all the support and well wishes to all.
Almost a decade ago I was forced to retire my racing career and fire career due to a serious spinal injury suffered on the job. I am saddened with my injury I’ve suffered in this race and it will take me out of commission for a while back home but it by far hasn’t been a loss. I spent a decade of my life living in a race community like this and I absolutely love it. Yesterday the racers were on the long march day that would take some competitors through the next morning and into the we hours of the night. I knew Ian would be coming in sometime before midnight and I waited to his smile come on through the stage finish line. I heard the drums sounding around 11pm and hobbled over to the line to see that smile of my brother.
It has been an amazing journey that I am grateful to share with Ian. Now, tomorrow it’s a 10k push to the finish line in San Pedro. Big smiles, lots of emotion and hugging. Then a great after party where everyone will be clean, shaven and unrecognizable.
Cheers. Thank you for all the support and well wishes to all.
08 October 2014 02:04 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Life works in mysterious ways
Day 4 Atacama crossing. The day started off chilly and beautiful. The terrain is just amazing and strange just like you are on mars.
It was sad not starting the day today with all my other fellow competitors but I cheered them off with well wishes. It is such an amazing community of people and it makes me feel lucky that I lived in this community for a decade of my life a decade ago. I love it and how emotional and raw it gets people. I
Comments: Total (6) comments
Julie Stevens
Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 01:48 pm
Heather----I have been following you on your journey and am so inspired by your outlook and approach when your desired path took a left turn. I know the disappointment (not as great as yours) with my recent race being canceled just hours before start time.....we all grow from these left turns in life and I remain inspired by you......charge forward Ian! xoxo
Claudia Flintermann
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 04:49 pm
Heather!! I've been following you everyday and just now found the blog! When I saw that you withdrew I sat here and cried but of course you turned your accident into a positive by focusing on Ian because you're Heather Bond! I look up at La Cumbre peak, hardly believing that we climbed to the tippy-top, and I feel overcome by appreciation for how much you have inspired me and how much I love you Heather. xxxooooo Claudia
Monica Bond
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 01:31 pm
Hi Heather:
As you say, life takes many strange turns. This particular one was disappointing but the fact that both you and Ian made it down there was in itself a miracle. You and he have had a wonderful experience together training and it is not over yet. Much love, Mom and Dad
Mark Soler
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 04:58 am
It is what it is.
muriel janes
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 04:00 am
I'll see you soon and hear all the stories and see the pics. You are so fantastic.
Love Muriel
Gainer Garrett
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 03:09 am
So proud of you!!!!!! I hope that your brother has a wonderful journey.
07 October 2014 02:40 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I went into day three with a very injured knee from mile 4, day 2. I thought that perhaps if I slept well my knee could tolerate day 3.
It began 24 hours prior when I got my foot wedged between a rock in the canyon river and slip, fell into the river facing the opposite way of my knee. I continued for another 35 miles on that fast swelling knee before I realized I am only damaging it more with every step. Tears started to flow, but I also felt I had no choice but to pull myself out. I felt badly for brother Ian and how far behind I had put us.
I also realized that through these last handful of years I
Comments: Total (11) comments
Mary Wright
Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 02:53 am
Happy tears only Heather.......for the wonderful person you have been and continue becoming. You have and are a gift. I am so proud of you and Ian and awestruck and inspired by the tenacity of you both! Each of you has
won your own race! Love from Bob and me!
Kris Ewing
Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 11:41 pm
Heather and Ian… SO super proud of you….Will look forward to more pictures etc. when you return. Take care of that knee. XOXO Ewing Family~
Julie Bond
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 07:18 am
So proud of the journey you and Ian have come through. There is learning in everything, and I'm glad you have seen that so quickly in this trial. I'm bummed you weren't able to finish as hoped, but you are finishing this way for a reason that is yet to be revealed.
I'm grateful beyond words for your support of Ian and am glad you can send him forward to continue with his journey. It takes a very confident person to put others before themselves like you have done. Thank you thank you, thank you. Your support and training will guide him through the long march and on to the finish line, where the victory will be one you certainly share in. I don't think he could have done this without you.
Irina Hearst
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 03:52 am
Hi Heather!
I'm sorry this happened to you! BUt I agree that u are the champion no matter what) we all admire your strength, motivation, determination, the way you work with your own self and other people. It might feel bitter right now but I'm sure you will be able to appreciate later why this happened exactly the way it happened....
Melanie Govea
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 06:13 pm
Hey there Heather!!! You are amazing! So proud of you for how you are presenting yourself, remember Diana Nyad didn't make it her first try either. Never give up, you are a huge beacon of beautiful light, energy and love! Love you! <3
Steve Rogers
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 04:03 pm
It's such a shame that this happened, Heather. But it's just plain bad luck and no reflection on your skill, training, courage, and can-do attitude. You're still a champion.
Monica Bond
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 01:59 pm
Oh Heather, dad and I are so sorry but are also glad that you did the right thing pulling out for your body\'s sake. You are a winner no matter what and I know you will see Ian to the end of this race. We love you, Mom and Dad p.s. Everything is under control here.
Rita Diebel
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 08:20 am
Hi Heather, I am thinking of you! Your journey may have taken a turn you didn't expect, yet I am sure there will be something else that will come from it. I am so sorry to hear that you got hurt. I wish you a quick recovery from your injury, and am so inspired that you are taking care of yourself. I wish you and your brother the best!
muriel janes
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 04:12 am
I love you Heather, and think you are the best. I am so sorry for your injury.
Love, Muriel
michael morrison
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:53 am
Hi Heather. I don't know who you are but I'm so impressed by the way you stuck it out for so long with such an injury. It must be so disappointing to have to pull out but I applaud you for your support of your brother. Much good wishes with the rest of your adventurous life. As you say, you have no regrets, as indeed you shouldn't have. You've done very well.
Mark Soler
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:52 am
Heather, I'm so sorry. I'm crying for you. Luck is cruel.
06 October 2014 04:01 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 2 beautiful and painful.
Well the day started off much warmer than the day before. Today was to be 27 miles and some amazing canyons with lots of water crossings and just plain walking through the canyons. Unfortunately I stepped into the water at a wrong spot and fell and twisted my knee. It made for a very long painful day considering I did that only about 4 or 5 miles in. I
Comments: Total (6) comments
Julie Bond
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 01:04 am
Got a call from Sean and Keely tonight - sending well wishes your way - hope the knee feels better soon!
Steve Rogers
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 04:48 pm
Here's hoping the residual strength and healing power from all those SBCC stadium steps bring a swift knee recovery. Hang in there, Heather.
Muriel James
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 02:19 pm
You're doing great! I am so proud of you
Monica Bond
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 01:45 pm
Sorry to hear about the knee. Hope this morning it will not be an issue. You can do it! XXXMom and Dad
Ginger Garrett
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 01:26 pm
Well anybody can do it with two good knees, right!!!! Just a little challenge for you. Hope it loosens up for you today.
Mark Soler
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 04:23 am
Oh no! The Power of Intention is your power! You will heal over night and be stronger that you were before!
05 October 2014 02:36 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Day 1 of the Atacama crossing. Wow, what a day. I
Comments: Total (2) comments
Joseph Escobar
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 07:20 am
Heather/Ian,
Congrats on day 1. Proud of you guys. Pick everyone off one by one. Keep the wind at your back.
Mark Soler
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 03:50 am
Keep it up! I'm excited for you two!
04 October 2014 04:04 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
After almost 2 years of training with my brother Ian, the time is finally arrived. We are sitting in our base camp in the middle of the Atacama desert. The travels getting from southern California to the Atacama took about 30 hours of flying and a bus.
The landscape is stark and yet intriguingly beautiful. Meeting all the different racers from all around the world is good times. At this moment we are all laughs and smiles. The check ins of our gear went smoothly and is well organized. All the race staff are very helpful and great multi taskers. I definitely appreciate the logistics that goes into one of these events. Our gear weighed in light and we are pleased with our food choices. There is 10 racers per merchant tent and quarters are tight. Good news on that is it allows more warmth in the tent because it
Comments: Total (6) comments
Irina Hearst
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 10:08 pm
Hi Heather! Good luck with everything! I'm super proud of you two doing this race) Wishing you the best conditions and I'll keep checking this blog!!! Thinking of you)
Monica Bond
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 07:48 pm
A quick hello. I can imagine you and Ian finishing up the day soon and hope that it has been a good one for you. The last part of your horoscope for today says, "Be flexible in negotiations and don't quibble over minor details to get the best result." Not sure what that means but...Everything is wonderful here. Thank you for the lovely gifts! Love as always, Mom and Dad
Larry Bond
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 01:19 pm
Hi Sweetheart, glad to hear every thing is going okay for you so far. The weather here has been really hot, and yesterday Kelly and I took turns hosing each other down.
Then Keely insisted I turn the hose on Mom which I did, and Keely just laughed so hard I thought she was going to fall down.We are really proud of you both, and every thing is under control here.Love Mom and Dad
Ginger Garrett
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 06:08 pm
Great to hear from you !!! Enjoy the time with your brother and have a magical trip
nancy friedman
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 08:17 am
Heather - I am a friend of Muriel's ...she shared our Yom Kippur fast tonite and told us about you and Ian competing in the race - Wish you and your brother a safe, great run! Muriel shows me pix of Keely and she is SO adorable! Wish you the best!
Nancy
nancy friedman
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 08:17 am
Heather - I am a friend of Muriel's ...she shared our Yom Kippur fast tonite and told us about you and Ian competing in the race - Wish you and your brother a safe, great run! Muriel shows me pix of Keely and she is SO adorable! Wish you the best!
Nancy
18 April 2014 05:10 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
We are on the 6 month countdown. Im loving my gear and how its working for me.
I got an amazing thermostat neo lite sleeping pad that weighs 8 oz.
can't ask for anything smaller or lighter. I also got some black diamond pro z-poles.
Boy, they rock. So, as for now very happy with how everything is working together really well.
Comments: Total (1) comments
Sam F
Posted On: 18 Apr 2014 06:20 pm
So great that you're getting going on the gear already. It'll make all the difference during the race.
21 November 2013 08:19 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
The foam roller is my best friend. I have come to the realization that I will be bringing one with me through the race.
I have a friend in Hawaii who's business is called symetrical rolling. She uses rollers made from special wood. They ground the energy in the body. The are quite a bit smaller in diameter and length.
www.symetricalrolling.com
Comments: Total (0) comments
11 September 2013 10:18 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Well it wasn't in the cards for my brother and I to race in the Sahara, so we're off to the Atacama. With the world affairs the way they are in Cairo we decided to load our packs and haul them to the Atacama instead. Though we're sad about the Sahara we know that our journey to Chile will prove to be nothing short of a Adventure. I here there's sand dunes plus all the other challenges to be had.
So, my brother and I are changing up the training from sand dunes to altitude. As for the Sahara, well that desert will not be leaving any time soon. We'll be back.
Comments: Total (1) comments
Warren Muldoon
Posted On: 14 Nov 2013 06:45 am
I saw your blog and I think you will enjoy the Atacama. I did the Sahara last year and had a great time. But other runners have told me the Atacama is fantastic. See you in Chile.
Warren Muldoon
Comments: Total (2) comments
Muriel Janes
Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 03:29 pm
Larry Bond
Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 02:57 pm