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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2014
6
PostsAtacama Crossing (2014) blog posts from Steven Aronson
10 October 2014 02:27 am (GMT+08:00) Beijing, Chongqing, Hong Kong, Urumqi
Hello everyone.
Finally the long march has ended and the race is now almost complete.
1 more run into town to the final finish line tomorrow(Saturday). Can’t tell you how excited I am for this to end now.
I just really need some proper food and to get clean. I have been dreaming of pizza and chips for a few nights now, so that is my first stop.
Right, so let me tell you how the 78km run went for me. Let me start by saying, that it was by far the hardest thing I have ever put my body through. After running 164km in 4 days it was just relentless on my legs. I have never felt pain like that ever. Unfortunately, I didn’t do well. I ran the first 20km’s and then my legs gave in on me. I had to walk the rest of the course. That was such a mental challenge, but there was no way that I was going to give in. I just pushed through the pain one step at a time. Luckily, I buddied up with a fellow American competitor, who was in worse shape than me, so we helped each other all the way. He also made me laugh so much, which was better than crying! Hahaha. It took us a total of 15 hours to come into camp.
So after the final results of the long stage, I am currently in 38th position overall and I don’t see that changing now. I am very happy with this result, as my main goal was just to achieve a finish.
This will be the last time that I can blog, so I really just need to thankyou all for your continuous support over this week. It really made me feel like a had something to fight for and to be motivated each day to achieve this all for you guys. It made my week extra special to be able to read all your comments. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t wait to see you all when I get back.
Lisi, I will phone you tomorrow afternoon when I get back to the hotel. I can’t wait to speak to you. I can’t wait to come home. I’m so over this desert now. Miss you and love you so much.
Take care all.
Steve.
Finally the long march has ended and the race is now almost complete.
1 more run into town to the final finish line tomorrow(Saturday). Can’t tell you how excited I am for this to end now.
I just really need some proper food and to get clean. I have been dreaming of pizza and chips for a few nights now, so that is my first stop.
Right, so let me tell you how the 78km run went for me. Let me start by saying, that it was by far the hardest thing I have ever put my body through. After running 164km in 4 days it was just relentless on my legs. I have never felt pain like that ever. Unfortunately, I didn’t do well. I ran the first 20km’s and then my legs gave in on me. I had to walk the rest of the course. That was such a mental challenge, but there was no way that I was going to give in. I just pushed through the pain one step at a time. Luckily, I buddied up with a fellow American competitor, who was in worse shape than me, so we helped each other all the way. He also made me laugh so much, which was better than crying! Hahaha. It took us a total of 15 hours to come into camp.
So after the final results of the long stage, I am currently in 38th position overall and I don’t see that changing now. I am very happy with this result, as my main goal was just to achieve a finish.
This will be the last time that I can blog, so I really just need to thankyou all for your continuous support over this week. It really made me feel like a had something to fight for and to be motivated each day to achieve this all for you guys. It made my week extra special to be able to read all your comments. Thank you, thank you, thank you. I can’t wait to see you all when I get back.
Lisi, I will phone you tomorrow afternoon when I get back to the hotel. I can’t wait to speak to you. I can’t wait to come home. I’m so over this desert now. Miss you and love you so much.
Take care all.
Steve.
08 October 2014 02:07 am (GMT+02:00) Harare, Pretoria
Hi everyone.
Hope you are all keeping well.
So today was really good for me. My running is much better now. Finished in 10th position today. I should move down the placing
Comments: Total (8) comments
Michael Bembridge
Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 01:56 pm
Stevie
Following you daily champ! you are getting better and better throughout the race. keep up the hard work. you are doing exceptionally well! it looks incredible but insanely challenging! big respect to you.
looking forward to following you over the long stage.
very proud of you!
keep it up! one day you will win this thing.
Mike Bem
Etienne Petersen
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 05:15 pm
Bud, keep going - you are doing so well. You are a machine and I am sure you smashed the long run.
David Goncalves
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 04:06 pm
10TH!!!! Steve that is a show of an amazing fighting spirit! I am blown away by your journey. Looking forward to chatting once you're back. Thinking of your run every day! David & Irene & the boys
John Nelson
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 03:01 pm
Go Steve Go. Really impressive run so far, let yourself enjoy the moment and ease into the long day the body can take it if the mind can.
Cheers
Lloyd Barker
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 01:34 pm
Boet you are smoking this run. I am sure the body is properly tired but thankful that you are closer to the finish line. Good luck for the Looong day and we look forward to hearing all the tales when you get back. Strength to you from the Barker family
Gregg Aronson
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 01:05 pm
Well done bro, so proud of you. All the best for the rest of the race, you will finish well. Chat next week. Take care bud.
Lisa Aronson
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 06:42 am
Wow babe! That's REALLY incredible! Sherbet ur results are outstanding! There is so much support around! Everybody asking me to send u wishes and messages going around Facebook etc! Last stretch of the race angel! And ur pretty much there!!!! Keep strong baby we love u so much! Teegs is telling me to tell u she loves u daddy and is proud! I can't believe ur incredible mind power and determination ur an inspiration baby! Love u so much
Carole Aronson
Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 04:44 am
WOW! Fantastic Steve. Well Done! We are so proud of you! get some sleep and rest your body for the long haul of Stage 5. We will be thinking of you all the way and eagerly awaiting your blog. Go well. Have a great run. Love you so much. Mom and Dad, Candy and Skylar
07 October 2014 02:44 am (GMT+02:00) Harare, Pretoria
Guys I just really want to thanks for the messages of support. You are giving me such motivation to just get through no matter what. I will not disappoint you!!
So stage 3 today was a 40KM through real tough desert terrain. It was also above 40 degrees today which was so hard to run in. Andrew, I think this is the stage you are talking about. From checkpoint 3 it was an absolute killer to the end. Got the salt flats tomorrow for stage 4, 44KM.
Although today was seriously tough, I really got into a much better running rhythm and finished in 22nd place. Very happy. Hopefully the next few days will go well for me and I can keep that rhythm going.
Hi Riaan, thanks for your message I will tell Paul that you send your best to him. He is such a good guy. So funny. How are you Lisi. Hope everything is going well at home. Hope the kids are well and being good to you. Missing you like crazy. I can
Comments: Total (15) comments
Thomas Aiken
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 09:16 pm
Hi Buddy
First of all so proud of you !! Your doing amazing !! Just put your head down and try clear your mind try focus on something simple like breathing ! It takes your mind off the task at hand and stops you focusing on a result . You end up performing better bubbly thinking of the finish line ! Otherwise enjoy the surroundings and looking forward to catching up when you back! So proud of you !! Tom
Wayne Viljoen
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 08:02 pm
Awesome work Steve! 22nd is really impressive. Don't push too hard with that 80km coming up soon! Sounds like you are coping well and getting into a rhythm. I think we need to get Paul on the trail when you get back :). All the best for the last push home. Looking forward to hearing all the stories. Apparently there is a super hot woman doing this run - have you seen her? (Only kidding Lisa!) Keep up the good work!!!
CANDICE ARONSON
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 07:57 pm
MY DARLING BROTHER STEVE,
I AM SO SO PROUD OF YOU ...WELL DONE FOR GETTING THIS FAR YOU ARE A SUPER STAR.
GOOD LUCK FOR THE NEXT STAGE.
LOVE YOU LOTS.
CANDICE AND SKYLAR
Pieter Steyn
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 07:17 pm
Steve from the UltraRunner Za team we just want to send you all our positive thoughts and let you know we are all behind you. You are not just representing your family but also your Country. Make us proud my Boet! Pieter
Ohh here is something to get you going :)
Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the Pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds, and shall find, me unafraid.
It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll.
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.
Carole Aronson
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 05:46 pm
WELL DONE STEVIE! WE ARE FOLLOWING YOUR PROGRESS ALL THE WAY! YOU ARE A MACHINE! LOVE YOU TONS. MOM XX
Megan Winderley
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:15 pm
Stevie we are soooo super proud of you!!! Keep it up, you are doing such an amazing job.....Comrades next year k:) Thinking of you lots, Bev, Megs and Hilton
Lloyd Barker
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:02 pm
Great day 3 Stevo. Hope you get stronger the closer you get to the finish and enjoy every bit of this amazing adventure.
Lisa Aronson
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 12:59 pm
Hi angel wow yesterday seemed tough and I'm sure today (stage 4) the same! But ur determination and strength is unbelievable! As tired as u are, ur almost there baby! I'm glad ur getting into a bit of a running rhythm and I pray ur mind and determination will push u thru! Ur unbelievable and keep reminding urself that! To come in 22nd yest I just unheard of but still don't over exert urself like said before ur a champ regardless! We love u so much
Paul Milford
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 10:41 am
Bionic Steve, cant believe how well you are attacking this race. I am so impressed with all that you have achieved and have to still achieve. It is good following your progress here, your wife has been a star telling everyone on facebook how you are doing each day. I think she is really proud of you.
Remember to enjoy it as not too many people will ever get the chance to see some of the things that you are seeing and even fewer would be able to prep their bodies to be able to do half of what you are doing.
Proud of you buddy, keep up the good work.
Look forward to a meal when you back to have the update with photo's
Chat soon
Paul
David Goncalves
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 09:03 am
Hey Steve
By the time you read this you would have come in from stage 4. What a great run so far, I am blown away and completely inspired!
Thinking of you on the salt flats. Photo's look awsome!
David
cliff jones
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 06:50 am
Awesome stuff Steve, sounds like tough work, makes finishing each day a fantastic achievement. Now that you've found your desert legs Keep rolling we're all rooting for you!
cliff jones
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 06:49 am
Awesome stuff Steve, sounds like tough work, makes finishing each day a fantastic achievement. Now that you've found your desert legs Keep rolling we're all rooting for you!
Andrew Espin
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 06:37 am
Hahahaha, no that stage I was talking about is STILL coming - you should get to it today (stage 4) - keep on keeping on - you are going to have a blast on the long day when you get the Valley of the Moon, make sure you take lots of photos its like nothing I've ever seen before - BUT sorry dude, you gonna have to climb a big dune to get there! You are sitting nicely in the overall spot, keep on moving forward - actually feel quite heart sore reading everyone's blog, could so be out there with you guys
Andrew Espin
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 06:37 am
Hahahaha, no that stage I was talking about is STILL coming - you should get to it today (stage 4) - keep on keeping on - you are going to have a blast on the long day when you get the Valley of the Moon, make sure you take lots of photos its like nothing I've ever seen before - BUT sorry dude, you gonna have to climb a big dune to get there! You are sitting nicely in the overall spot, keep on moving forward - actually feel quite heart sore reading everyone's blog, could so be out there with you guys
lawrence atherton
Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 06:26 am
stevie. keep it up pal. you doing awesome! keep those little legs flying and u will do great. keep pushing , taking in the beautiful surroundings , it will help pass the time and pain. look forward to seeing you when you get back. all the best my bud- P.s didnt even know u had gone until now aand a tip dont plick it will kill you energy ahhaha cheers bud. Law
06 October 2014 04:22 am (GMT+02:00) Harare, Pretoria
Hi all.
2 days done. Today was 45km of hell. It really was hard for me. Body is just hurting now, but I finished ok and was so glad to get back to camp.
I came in 53rd position today, so was pleased with that. I think for now I
Comments: Total (8) comments
Carole Aronson
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 07:52 pm
hi Steve. We are so proud of you. Hang in there. We are all with you in spirit and cheering you on. We are following your blogs and look forward to them after each stage.
Enjoy the experience. Love you tons. Mom, Dad, Candy and Skylar
Carole Aronson
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 07:52 pm
hi Steve. We are so proud of you. Hang in there. We are all with you in spirit and cheering you on. We are following your blogs and look forward to them after each stage.
Enjoy the experience. Love you tons. Mom, Dad, Candy and Skylar
Carole Aronson
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 07:52 pm
hi Steve. We are so proud of you. Hang in there. We are all with you in spirit and cheering you on. We are following your blogs and look forward to them after each stage.
Enjoy the experience. Love you tons. Mom, Dad, Candy and Skylar
Riaan Jordaan
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 12:06 pm
Steve,
You don't know me, but I know Paul Gillot, partaking with you. You are part of something special. Unbelievably special! Good luck and keep going forward, one step at a time. Take care of the body!
And some encouragement to Paul and Charles!
Andrew Espin
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 12:03 pm
Hey! By the time you read this you would have hit the salt flats, hopefully they don't hit back!!
Conserve energy for stage four, there is a nasty section through a section of about 14km.
Keep on keeping on - your times are awesome!
Lisa Aronson
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 09:13 am
Hi my gorgeous angel! We can only imagine it being extremely hard and exhausting but what a hell of an achievement angel! Ur lying 44th which is unreal but as we've all said it doesn't matter where u come ur concurring what millions will never ever do in their lifetime! I'm so proud of u and think of u each and everyday!!!! Ur a champ in all our eyes! Hang in their sausage! Love u truly madly deeply forever
Ian Burger
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 07:37 am
Well done, Stevo! Keep it up buddy, you're doing great and we'er all very proud of you. Stay strong bud!
Lloyd Barker
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 05:12 am
Well done Stevo on conquering another day. Just keep moving towards the finish line. Sending all our strength. The Barkers
05 October 2014 02:57 am (GMT+02:00) Harare, Pretoria
OMG. THIS IS TOUGH!!
Thanks for all your messages of support. Its really so nice to be able to read this every day. I appreciate it so much.
So today was our first run. It was a brutal 37km on hard rock and high hills. The heat was really bad as well. I made it through ok, but I did battle all the way. This place is unreal, absolutely beautiful and definitely looks like a completely different planet. So 1 day done. 5 to go and unfortunately it only gets worse from here. I will keep in touch during the week. Thanks again everyone and especially to you my beautiful wife for your messages. I really miss you and the kids so much. Thinking of you every day. I love you so much. God bless and take care of yourselves.
Cheers.
Comments: Total (20) comments
Liam Carter
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 04:40 am
Hey Stevie!! Keep going strong bud!! What a an awesome experience! Looking forward to hearing stories! All the best brother!
Lisa Aronson
Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 04:17 am
Hi baby! Well done on stage 1! Ur a machine angel! Ur mental power is stronger than anything! Keep going strong my love! Everyone is here to support u and encourage u along the way! Hang in there! Can\'t wait for the next update! We are very proud of u!!! Miss u and love I!!!
Michelle Bembridge
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 07:41 pm
Stevie you little champion! We are so so proud of you and thinking of you every step of the way!
Sending you plenty strength, endurance and the mental
Power to get through this challenge that will give you a different perspective on life!
Lots of love from the Hammond & Bembridge family! Xxx
Dewald van der Walt
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 07:17 pm
Go Steve Go! I know you can do it.
Keep your head in the game, Believe in your self, and keep on going.
You are such an inspiration.
Hope tomorrow goes by smoothly.
Cara Viljoen
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 05:43 pm
Well done Steve! Good luck for the next few days. We are routing for you from the UK!!
Lloyd Barker
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 05:41 pm
Well done Stevo on day 1. We will be thinking of you throughout your journey & willing you along. Vasbyt my man & "try" enjoy every part of this adventure. Be strong, the Barker family
Philippa Viljoen
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 05:35 pm
Well done Steve! We have full faith you will do SA proud. Routing for you from Waterfall!
Philippa Viljoen
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 05:35 pm
Well done Steve! We have full faith you will do SA proud. Routing for you from Waterfall!
Philippa Viljoen
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 05:35 pm
Well done Steve! We have full faith you will do SA proud. Routing for you from Waterfall!
Wayne Viljoen
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 05:22 pm
Well done Steve! Glad you are enjoying it. Take photos for us back home. Good luck for tomorrow!
Wayne Viljoen
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 05:22 pm
Well done Steve! Glad you are enjoying it. Take photos for us back home. Good luck for tomorrow!
Bevan Winderley
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 03:10 pm
Hey Steve, awesome keep it going!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Dont forget to pace yourself, if this run is anything like Comrades the golden rule - if you think you going to fast you probably are. All the best big guy, will be following you!
David Goncalves
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 02:50 pm
Hey Steve
Well done on knocking off day 1!! We'll be following you all along and can't wait to hear all about it live when you return. Capacity is just a state of mind! Keep fighting!
David
David Goncalves
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 02:50 pm
Hey Steve
Well done on knocking off day 1!! We'll be following you all along and can't wait to hear all about it live when you return. Capacity is just a state of mind! Keep fighting!
David
Gregg Aronson
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 01:10 pm
Hey bro, well done for stage 1. You are in the top 25%, and I'm glad its you running and not me, haha. Keep up the good work and just be safe and run at your pace. I will check up again on your status tomorrow.
We had lunch with mom and dad yesterday for his birthday and Tristan only wanted Kash to tickle him. He was attaching himself to her for that. It upset me, because I don't even get tickled by her. Haha. Probably because I'm not as cute as he is.
Have a great time. Kash and I are thinking of you.
Chat in the week before I leave for HK.
lots of love.
G, K
Etienne Petersen
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 12:20 pm
Well done bud. Enjoy the experience including the sights, sounds and fellow competitors you meet on this awesome journey. One step at a time and we know you will crack this one. Catch up properly when you are back. God Bless
brett whitehouse
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 11:05 am
Hi Stevie, amazing dude. I am sure that you are going to get stronger and stronger as the race progresses. Vasbyt and 1 stride at a time. Enjoy!!
Natalie Goss
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 08:57 am
Hey Steve! Hope you are surviving! We are all thinking of you and sending loads of healthy vibes! Hang in there, what you are achieving is amazing!!
Love the Goss family xxx
Andrew Espin
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 07:13 am
Hey Steven - just following the race from Cape Town, I did it in 2013 and I can assure you its gets soooo much better after day one! Keep on trucking - day three and four and the salt flats are something to experience (hahhaha in hindsight maybe) but it's going to be something you will never forget! There's another South African lady there, Kris - she's a friend of mine, please say howsit from me! Keep on trucking dude!
Nicole Scheffer
Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 06:24 am
Steve what an awesome achievement!! Stephan and I are cheering you on from Abu Dhabi!! Keep it up and take it all in! I'm sure it's gorgeous and such an adventure!! Legend! Xxx lots of love and support xxx
27 July 2014 07:54 am (GMT+02:00) Harare, Pretoria
Hi all. I can't believe how quickly the time has gone, as the the countdown to the Atacama crossing has now really begun and is fast approaching us. I just wanted to introduce myself. I am looking forward to meeting you all in Chile.
My training has been on and off through the year and really inconsistent until now. I had to have an ITB release op 9 weeks ago, as I was severely struggling to run with it. I am now getting back into a good training routine and I am feeling good and confident that all will be well. I wish you all the very best in your preparation and training.
Look after yourselves.
Comments: Total (5) comments
Lisa Aronson
Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 11:39 am
Hi my gorgeous hubby! It's ur Dads birthday as u know and all the family are together thinking of u and missing u! U shld have just begun ur race now so ur truly in our prayers and on our minds 24/7! Ur mom says hi Stevie thinking of u as u start ur run, hope u have a super first leg and we look forward to following the updates on ur blogs! We are with u with heart and soul all the way! Kashy says we thinking of u, we know u can do it all of us! Ur dad tried to do chicken on the Braai and frazzled them now so we had to get take outs! 😂 but ur dads says this shld be a breeze in the park for u! I'm sure u came in top 36! Wishing u love and all the luck!
Greg will write later!!!
But no matter where u come my angel ur still a champion and just doing this is incredible! Can't wait to hear from u sweetheart! God Bless
Jeani and Jonathon England
Posted On: 04 Oct 2014 11:55 pm
Hey Steven,
We met on the top of Cerro San Cristobal in Santiago Chili. We talked on the way up in the funicular. We found this website since we were curious about the race you talked about.
Looks like you start tomorrow, so you'll be in our thoughts and prayers. Good luck, be safe and God Bless!
Jonathon and Jeani England
Lisa Aronson
Posted On: 04 Oct 2014 11:30 am
Hi my angel! Hope ur in the desert safe and sound! We are at Lou bday party and all here thinking of u and supporting u!!!! Everybody sends their love! De wishes u cld cup his bum tonight! Everyone sends big kisses and lives and hugs and wends her big mature ankles to keep u rock solid and give u great support! We all love u lots! Scooba just checking up on your chaif! Hope all well having 12 beers for u today! Bembo's!!! Hey bru, keep the head down - good luck with the run, don't pee me on the side of the road - mat - hey fruitcake - have a killer race my chorna!! Liam and Lou!!- good luck Stevie - u a machine! Tsaperas!! Ok my angel it's me again! Me Teegs and trist send u all the love in the world! Our prayers and thoughts are with u every step of the way love u
Lisa Aronson
Posted On: 01 Oct 2014 11:43 am
We missing u angel and thinking of u!!!
Lisa Aronson
Posted On: 27 Sep 2014 01:53 pm
We are going to miss u our gorgeous husband and daddy! We are behind u all the way and thinking of u so much! God Bless! U are my life my dearest husband! And ur children's universe! We are behind u all the way! A dream of a life time for u! may it be everything u wish it to be! U be be our hero not matter how well u do! Just be safe my angel! May God protect u and bring u home safely to us! We love u â¤ï¸
Comments: Total (8) comments
Jeani and Jonathon England
Posted On: 17 Oct 2014 07:08 pm
Bevan Winderley
Posted On: 13 Oct 2014 08:38 am
Bevan Winderley
Posted On: 13 Oct 2014 08:37 am
Dewald van der Walt
Posted On: 12 Oct 2014 10:21 am
Carole Aronson
Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 01:55 pm
Gregg Aronson
Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 12:06 pm
Lisa Aronson
Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 05:16 am
Lisa Aronson
Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 05:15 am