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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2014
21
PostsAtacama Crossing (2014) blog posts from Joseph Mauko
16 October 2014 06:37 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Long over due but very warm thanks to an exceptional core group of people in my life for their kindness, love and support:
1) My gorgeous, beautiful wife and my babe, Claudine. Sometimes I lay awake at night so profoundly blessed that we met ... overwhelmed and thankful to God for our two beautiful children, Gavin & Camille ("MiMi") and for your awesome love, patience and devotion to us. I love you so much.
2) Corporate Sponsor - The Bank of Montreal: Nilsa, warm thanks for taking my calls, returning emails and above all, for driving my message up to the top. Paula for your trust in me! - thank you! And, the entire BMO Dupont/Sym. Staff for your continuous service and support during the 24hr treadmill run! - Thank you!
3) Corporate Sponsor - A2N Security (www.a2n.net)
10 October 2014 01:51 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
I dedicate my Stage5 finish to Gavin et “Mimi”, my two beautiful children. I thought about you throughout this stage, and it’s my hope that one day you pursue your own “desert challenge” with the same zest and determination.
Stage 5:I started pretty much in last place as I was late getting to the start. 130 runners toed the line and felt very comfortable to the first check point, and passed a few runner. The next 30km I passed 100 more then started to chip way for 25th position which I did til I got to a big mountainous sand dune (the size of our big ski hills in Ontario). I stopped for 1/2 hr or so, and lost some of that lead I had. I was really hoping for an epic finish but the last 25-30km, the painkillers wore off and I just had to focus on completing this darn thing. my feet are in terrible shape.
Tomorrow is a short run into San Pedro to cap it off at 250km, followed by pizza and awards banquet.
Very best,
Joe
Stage 5:I started pretty much in last place as I was late getting to the start. 130 runners toed the line and felt very comfortable to the first check point, and passed a few runner. The next 30km I passed 100 more then started to chip way for 25th position which I did til I got to a big mountainous sand dune (the size of our big ski hills in Ontario). I stopped for 1/2 hr or so, and lost some of that lead I had. I was really hoping for an epic finish but the last 25-30km, the painkillers wore off and I just had to focus on completing this darn thing. my feet are in terrible shape.
Tomorrow is a short run into San Pedro to cap it off at 250km, followed by pizza and awards banquet.
Very best,
Joe
Comments: Total (4) comments
Dan Pulice
Posted On: 12 Oct 2014 07:57 pm
Congratulations Joe on a very respectable finish. Great job!
Claudine Blanchard
Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 01:10 pm
go papa go... cvcgbuhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmsssdd
de gavin, Camille et maman
One more to go!s
Claudine Blanchard
Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 01:10 pm
go papa go... cvcgbuhmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmsssdd
de gavin, Camille et maman
One more to go!s
Jenn Mullen
Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 02:17 am
Great job Joe!
08 October 2014 01:55 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
First, for those looking at times, some background: yesterday I felt finally acclimated and decided to make a run on technical ground. I was top 5 or 6 for the first 10km however I paid a big price
Comments: Total (4) comments
Kimberley Van Delst
Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 12:59 pm
Wow!!! Joe!!! "The soul knows, who needs a road?" You are so inspiring!!!! Sending only the VERY BEST!!! Congratulations!!!
kim :)
Jenn Mullen
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 04:14 pm
Great job in difficult conditions Joe! Very impressed! Hope the blisters don't cause you too much pain the rest of your journey.
Leanne Blair
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 03:59 pm
Great work Joe. INSPIRING!!!
Stephanie Varga
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 02:26 pm
Good Morning Joe,
Great Work!! Best of Luck On Stage 5!! You are so inspiring!! I can't wait to read what you have to say about this days journey! Keep On Keeping On!
Steph Varga :)
07 October 2014 02:25 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Stage 3
Comments: Total (8) comments
Rod Gulan
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 03:02 pm
Common Joe baby ... common ! Lets go !
Quit whining and JUST DO IT Jo :)
We are all behind you here at FUEL Fitness !!!
Make us proud Joe !
Claudine Blanchard
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 10:19 pm
courage papa....de gavin et....Camille et maman
mtwzxvrqaaagutikjipjl Camille is showing you letters.
xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxoooooooooooooooooooooooooooo
Jenn Mullen
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 09:33 pm
Joe, you're a rock star. Even if you don't feel like one, you are - a total inspiration, and one tough mofo! Keep on pushing, stay strong, we're cheering for you.
Paul Brazeau
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 06:01 pm
Hey Joe
Glad to see you're still alive, looks like you are in pretty good shape too. Keep pushing forward. Eat like a champ and drink like a champ and you will finish like a champ.
See you at the finish line.
Keep Moving
Paul
Stephanie Varga
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 03:20 pm
Hi Joe,
Thinking about you every day Joe. I admire you for your strength....You are a trooper!! The website is posting updates and pictures of you all on your journey. The views are stunning! Hope it gets easier for you in the next stage. Hang in there my friend...you CAN do this! ;)
Linda Trinh
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 03:09 pm
Congrats on finishing Stage 3! After today you'll be half way done. It sounds like this stage was a very scenic one but I'm sure every stage is scenic :) Hang in there and take it one stage at a time and keep on moving...remember my mantra where half of the race is the warm-up and the rest a cool-down :)
You'll be great out there. You have already done the toughest part and that's getting to the start line so you've got this!
Dan Pulice
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 11:45 am
I can only imagine what you are going through Joe. Your friends at Fuel are rooting for ya. Toughest stage behind you now.
Paul Stoutenburg
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 11:17 am
Great work Joe, keep it up! We met at Haliburton Ultra. Amanda is our daughter.
Paul
06 October 2014 03:40 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
44.8 km/temp35degrees made it feel like 80km. the first 11.2km with 8km in a (cold) river canyon with many river crossings about knee deep at 8600ft. at check point #1 a little white church in the middle of no where, unbelieveable! Ive got a pic for the wall too! To check point#2 was spectacular and big climb up a mountain canyon and thru the mountain was a tunnel, then to the top we followed a long ridge and I JUMPED OFF down the side, a dune about 200 metres. To checkpoint#3: I emptied my shoes of all the sand, too gritty for my feet. I gained some good ground on people and just quickly filledup with water and took off to
Comments: Total (5) comments
Dan Pulice
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 01:48 pm
Great Job Joe!! Amazing. Enjoy the experience, something most of us will never even think about subjecting ourselves to. Rooting for you!
Rick Avery
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 09:17 am
Good morning Joe!
The kids and k are so amazed at what you have and can accomplish. Keep up the great job. Sometimes a plan is just to see what you can do. I like that type of plan myself.
Have a great stage 3 and looking forward to hearing the stories and looking at pictures when you get back.
Rick Avery
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 09:17 am
Good morning Joe!
The kids and k are so amazed at what you have and can accomplish. Keep up the great job. Sometimes a plan is just to see what you can do. I like that type of plan myself.
Have a great stage 3 and looking forward to hearing the stories and looking at pictures when you get back.
Rick Avery
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 09:17 am
Good morning Joe!
The kids and k are so amazed at what you have and can accomplish. Keep up the great job. Sometimes a plan is just to see what you can do. I like that type of plan myself.
Have a great stage 3 and looking forward to hearing the stories and looking at pictures when you get back.
Linda Trinh
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 04:10 am
Wohoo!!! Congrats on finishing Stage 2! I cannot imagine running down a sand dune..even gaiters won't save you there. Best thing about running these multi-day races is that you get to go to bed at the end of the day ;) Keep it up Joe! What an inspiration! By the way, saw your name registered for Horror Hill...Jeff and I will be there too so you can tell us all about it :)
05 October 2014 04:22 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Claudine, I recd your email
Comments: Total (2) comments
Janith Abayadeera
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 09:08 pm
Hey Joe. Just logged in to check how you doing, All the best Joe , may the Force be with you. sent a picture of you running like a pro to everyone at A2N. :)
Natalie Jakopin
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 04:39 am
Go Joe go!
You are such an inspiration to us all!
I love you LOTSA! Seize the moment while it's in front of your own two eyes :)
Love you so much! Can't wait to hear all about this wonderful adventure you have embarked on!
05 October 2014 04:21 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Today was one of toughest runs ive ever had. My body is not acclimated and heart is too fast so I had to slow it down
Comments: Total (3) comments
Stephanie Varga
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 02:50 pm
Hi Joe,
Great Job!! Listen to your body and enjoy the experience. Where you place isn't as important as your health and well being! Take it all in and be safe. Your are Awsome & an Incredible inspiration!! Believe!! :) Following you All The Way My Friend!! ;)
Jenn Mullen
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 02:30 pm
Way to tough it out Joe - you're an inspiration doing this! Hopefully you're a bit more acclimatized for today's stage. You're tough mentally and physically, you can do this! Toby and I are cheering you on!
Linda Trinh
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 03:28 am
Hey Joe! It's Linda here from the Dirty Girls Ultra. I just wanted to wish you good luck with your amazing journey. Hopefully your body will acclimatize soon. I'm looking forward to hearing about all the updates.
04 October 2014 02:32 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Rec
Comments: Total (3) comments
Stephanie Varga
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 02:58 pm
You totally ROCK Joe!! Enjoy this Incredible journey!! We are all with you in spirit along the way!! :)
irena jakopin
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 07:27 pm
Go JOE go ...... praying for you ...... may you feel the blessing of this journey.....
Jenn Mullen
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 07:15 pm
Go kick some ass Joe! You got this!
03 October 2014 09:50 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Hi Everyone!
The landscape looks like somethin akin to the MarsRover images of Mars. Terra Cotta colored sand, extremely dry you feel it instantly in your nose. Hotel and Spa is in the middle of now where ... a little oasis.
Getting set for dinner, then pack my race pack.
Comments: Total (0) comments
02 October 2014 07:37 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Setting off to fulfill a life long dream... to make a difference in my life, my family's life - namely, my children, Gavin et Mimi (short for Camille) and to make a contribution to The Terry Fox Foundation. Thank you for your contribution!
Just wrapped up my last coaching meeting with Coach Mann with a prayer and final thoughts. So much to be said about Coach Mann... the depth of his leadership and his generosity and his character. Some other time or another blog.
In the meantime, Bon Voyage! We'll chat soon from Atacama.
Very best & Continued Success,
joe
Comments: Total (1) comments
Rick Avery
Posted On: 03 Oct 2014 01:40 pm
So inspired by your story and travels. Looking forward to pictures and our get together afterwards.
30 September 2014 02:51 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Hi there,
I just modified my nutrition plan (pre/post race) which consists of:
Breakfast: 700-800 calories per day + Vega Energizer (0 calories but plenty of other benefits)
Race Gels: 2 per hr/ 110 calories each (6000 calories total)
Post-stage: Vega Recovery formula (780 calories total)
Post-stage: Vega Protein formula (1100 calories total)
Dinner: lasagna (dried expedition food) and couscous (total 4200 calories)
Additional: 700calories >>> Because there's no aid stn food (just water), for stage 5 - the long stage - I've got baby cereal and/or chicken broth (just add water) used with the Salomon squeeze bottles.
Electrolyte: Salt tabs 1/hr; Magnesium tabs, as needed
To greater success,
Joe
Comments: Total (1) comments
Stephanie Varga
Posted On: 30 Sep 2014 03:40 pm
Getting excited for this race to start....can't wait to follow you Joe!! You are AWSOME!!! :D
15 September 2014 06:32 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Fine tuning on the track! Just wrapped-up a great track work out (for me), 12 x 1000metres intervals with recovery at 120bpm HR. The last 500meters I was pushing a 3:45min/km pace... Legs are responsive and still have some more gas in the tank but this is uncharted territory for me. I've come a long way from the 3 years ago when I started running, just to shed weight. Anyways, 70lbs later, I'm in the best shape of my life!
Comments: Total (0) comments
15 September 2014 02:59 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
I've got my race pack all ready to go! Unofficial weight is 9.5kg/21lbs most of it is food:
16,864 calories (optimal for this big boy), consisting of the following:
1)Couscous (w/ dried rose sauce);
2) Expedition Food: Lasagna, Mousse Pie, Raspberry Granola.
3) Electrolyte: Vega's Single Serve (single serve paks); Salt Tabs (30), and Magnesium Tabs (20).
4) Recovery: Vega Protein Powder (single serve paks)
5) Other: Boullion Cubes
Planning a solid carbo-load prior to Stage5 (the long run).
Also, I ended up going with a premium inflatable airpad (just long enough for the torso/lower back). Being a tech guy, i've got some electronics so just in case I've got a miniature (1/2 the size of a toothbrush) recharger to charge: iPod Shuffle, GoPro Camera, Suunto Ambit watch... I keep checking and rechecking, I believe I've got everything covered.
Other: added ZipTies (read it on someone's blog), duck-tape in case of equipment failure
To all the racers: if anyone has any feedback, ideas, concerns... I welcome your opinion.
Very Best & Continued Success,
Joe
Comments: Total (2) comments
Pepe Lepew
Posted On: 04 Oct 2014 02:37 pm
Have a great race Joe. Nothing left to do now except run. Have fun be safe, see you at the finish line.
Keep Moving
Paul
Jean-Francois begin
Posted On: 15 Sep 2014 12:41 am
Hey Joe, well you have got everything all set!!! Well done. Ready to go!! When are you flying into Chili and getting to San Pedro?
13 September 2014 11:21 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Last Saturday, just wrapped up my last long training run of the season. I paced a fellow ultra marathoner for about 50miles (of his 100miles) this last weekend and legs are feeling strong on the hills. Tapering my runs and fine tuning with speed/tempo runs mixed with frequent recovery runs. However, my brain is a little foggy with a long training season coupled with work, family life. Really looking forward to coming down to SanPedro and meeting people from all over the world! Need to lower the poundage on the race pack, 25lbs'ish I think there's room for improvement here.
Very best & Continued Success,
Joe
Comments: Total (0) comments
28 August 2014 03:34 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Quick update...
On day 3 of 10day cycle 200miles with no rest periods. Followed by 5 miles on Day 11, Rest day on Day 12, and 80km run on Day 13. For a total of 255miles.
Just wrapped up an awesome training day of 10 x 1 mile repeats with a build to 3:40min/km pace. I nearly puked but the body is still in tact.
I'm proud of my self considering that 3 years ago I started running, and I was 70lbs overweight ... now in the best shape of my life and have finished some respectable ultras.
Anyhoo... I am tired. (yawn) g'nite
Very best & continued success to all the participants!
Comments: Total (0) comments
20 August 2014 03:50 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
I've trained during ice storms, ice pellets, 2ft of snow, thru freezing rain - the toughest weather conditions. i thought, i`ll get my `heat training`this summer.... but, where did our summer go? July / august has been unseasonably cool. I think I'm better trained for 4Deserts' Antarctic Race.... interesting to see how this plays out in Atacama. Here's to hoping "el nino" will join us in Atacama
happy training,
Comments: Total (1) comments
Mark Robertson
Posted On: 20 Aug 2014 09:23 pm
Hey Joe, I was thinking the same thing. The last 2 weeks are a little cooler, I'm having to run with a few layers to get my temperature up! I specifically opted for Atacama as it allowed me to train through the summer and adapt better to training in the heat! See you out there! Mark
07 August 2014 12:21 pm (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Everyone's blogs are gettin' me pumped!
Quick update: Two weekends ago I ran 75km (46miles) with my Atacama pack (20lb) as a training run for both Atacama and for this weekend's race. This weekend, on Aug 9-10 I am running DG24hrs with the goal of winning it by running a minimum of 150km. The race will be the last long run (beyond 80km) of the season and then I'll be fine-tuning and getting race ready for Atacama with a focus on pushing my VO2 these next 4-6weeks. So effectively, I have about 4 weeks remaining to peak with a gradual taper to 72 miles week prior to Atacama.
Thankfully, no injuries to report and truly in the best shape of my life. So far so good.
I'll keep you posted.
Very best & Continued Success,
Joe
Comments: Total (1) comments
Jean-François Bégin
Posted On: 07 Aug 2014 12:26 am
Good job Joe!!!Can't wait to shake your band out there in the Atacama. Let Canada rule! But above all, let's all enjoy the hourney and this life changing expérience. You are inspiration to us all!!!
26 June 2014 02:25 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
What's that saying about desperate times, and desperate measures? Anyways, I'm behind in my fundraising goal for Terry Fox Foundation so I dreamt up this idea to run on a street corner, on a treadmill for 24hours. And, so I did.
On Saturday June 21 we kicked off a 24hr charity treadmill run. I ran from 11am Saturday to 11am Sunday during a summer street festival. Amazing how much support I received from the community. Even more amazing we there personal stories of cancer... We raised $1300+ from people walking by, and The Bank of Montreal topped-it-up with $1000 and A2N Security donated $3000. Not too bad for a week of fundraising for Terry Fox Foundation but still a long way from the $50,000 target.
From a mileage standpoint, I ran 168km according my Suunto (over a 100miles).
Special thanks to celebrity fitness trainer, Brent Bishop (www.iambishop.com) for the use of the treadmill!
And, BIGGG Thanks to the Toronto's High Park / Junction Community that came out to support us!
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Very best & Continued Success,
Jo
Comments: Total (1) comments
jean-Francois begin
Posted On: 02 Jul 2014 01:54 am
Hey Joe. What an amazing idea you had!! Hat's off to you!! Congratulations!! Hey, I might even borrow it if you don't mind for my own fund raising activity!!
06 June 2014 07:12 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Exciting news as this will be a significant milestone in both training and fundraising.
24hr Treadmill Run for Terry Fox Foundation is a GO! A critical part of this whole thing has been (of course) - the treadmill. And I just wrapped-up a meeting with THINK FITNESS Studios, President Brent Bishop.
A quick tour and you quickly realize Think Fitness Studios are true leaders - they are principle, exclusively, in only offering clients personal training (1x1, 1x2). Plus, they have a prime location that overlooks the Humber River with best in class equipment and trainers! And, as leaders in my community, Think Fitness Studios quickly embraced this grassroots idea to help raise money for Terry Fox.
I like Brent's style too. Like a gentleman... over a handshake he offered to provide the much needed treadmill to run 24hrs on one of Toronto's busy intersections.
I'm so grateful...BIG THANKS to THINK FITNESS STUDIOS !!!
http://www.thinkfitnessstudios.com/
Very Best & Continued Success,
Comments: Total (0) comments
05 June 2014 01:14 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
Today, I ran 2.5km warm up, 10 X 1mile repeats, pace ranged from 4:20 to 5:10 min/km pace with 400metres recovery between reps, then 2.5km cool down. Just over 25km total. Recovery run tomorrow, 27km.
Pace was all over the place and found it very difficult to dial in my target pace with my dog on a leash. Lesson learned.
Legs feel strong.
On track to logging 100 training miles this week.
Not too shabby for am overweight, middle-aged, balding, grey-haired Canadian, eh? lol
Very best,
Joe
Comments: Total (1) comments
Rick Avery
Posted On: 05 Jun 2014 10:48 am
That's amazing Joe! Looks like you're right on track to making it work.
17 April 2014 02:26 am (GMT-05:00) Eastern Time(US & Canada)
"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I
Comments: Total (2) comments
Natalie Jakopin
Posted On: 17 Apr 2014 06:22 am
What an amazing fella!
I absolutely love how you raise your children on the principle of taking the road less traveled.. Yes, that is definitely the way to go. You truly are an inspiration Uncle Joey, lyb & can't wait to tear up the trails DG 2014 with you again!
Jean-francois Bégin
Posted On: 16 Apr 2014 12:16 am
Your story is inspiring....looking forward in meeting you in the Atacama! Good luck on the preparation and for your upcoming races! Cheers!
Comments: Total (3) comments
Jean-François Bégin
Posted On: 03 Jun 2014 02:08 am
Joe Mauko
Posted On: 14 Feb 2014 03:00 am
Natalie Jakopin
Posted On: 13 Feb 2014 08:07 pm