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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2014

Penelope Boettiger

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Atacama Crossing (2014) blog posts from Penelope Boettiger

11 October 2014 05:09 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Shortening this entry up. Due to what those with a lot more ultra experience than I have are saying, it seems likely that I had an electrolyte imbalance which resulted in the vomiting and dry heaving from end of Day 2 through Day 4. I thought I was doing well wtih my electrolytes, but I{ve also never pushed myself in conditions like this over terrain like this. They say some of it is just individual too, so who knows. Short story is that I could not hold any (not a bite) of food starting after a small dinner on Day 2. Day 3 was a tough day--I know Keith did our blog that day--but I got through it w-o any food and quite abit of dry heaving. I cuold hold water once the medical team gave me anti'nausea pills, but still no food.. I{d hoped after resting that night I{d be able to eat again but found on Day 4 that no, I could not. I dry heaved my way to checkpoint 1 on Day 4 and was told I wuold not be allowed to start the salt flat stage without being able to hold food down after 36 hours w-no food. I{d also slowed down to the point that I could not make the time cut at the next checkpoint. So that was the end of our journey. I know I pushed myself to my limits and for that I feel proud, though I{m obviously disappointed something as seemingly simple as electrolytes ended this on Stage 4 (of 6). My blisters were fine following retaping, my joints, muscles, everything that I thought could be the thing to get to me--all of it totally fine. Just the inability to take in any calories during a grueling race combined with dry heaving did me in. Glad to have a husband who supported me throughout and who was willing to slow down with me, even though it meant he was also done when I was. He is coming back next year. I don{t know yet but already feel I probably will. Unfinished business here. Met great people from all over the world and a wonderful experience but doesn{t feel complete. Yet.

Comments: Total (8) comments

Brett Kopelan

Posted On: 15 Oct 2014 03:02 pm

Penny remember it is always about the journey and not the destination. I know you must be disappointed but what a journey. Congratulations on your success of making it as far as you did. I am sure it's something that will stick with you for the rest of your life. Glad to hear you made it through the blister stage, you are now an honorary EB patient....... Here's to you Penny..... Brett

Charlotte Legg

Posted On: 13 Oct 2014 04:29 pm

Just tuning in Penny, and sending so much energy strength and sustenance your way. What an adventure, a heroic accomplishment. The cold alone would kill any sun-loving Texan! You've pushed the world's boundaries, what a gift to Owen. Can't wait to hear more. Take care coming home. Charlotte

Susan PD

Posted On: 13 Oct 2014 01:14 pm

I'm with those that count you both winners in every way! Safe journey home and congratulations. You are terrific and I look forward to working with you and Mamush.org on behalf of children and families in Ethiopia!

amy sheinberg

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 02:45 pm

Speechless. I read further about the Atacama Crossing online, including it is known as the hardest endurance race on the planet, so it taking you down may have been more of a contender than you ever suspected (probably a good thing, actually). While I have never come close to doing anything like this, I have had the experience of not being able to keep food or water down. The dry heaves alone are exhausting. Your tenacity and doggedness is one that I'm sure all of us admire. And the graciousness in which you accepted stopping is a lesson we all should learn. To me you are a winner. Enjoy yourselves at the finish line. I hope your travel home is uneventful. xoxoxo, amy

Michael Morrison

Posted On: 11 Oct 2014 01:43 am

You did the right thing in the circumstances, particularly in light of the next stage being 80 (EIGHTY) kilometers, including racing into the night. (How is that possible?) You were in no condition to continue, not having eaten in days. Kudos to Keith who supported you (and you him) all the way. While you might well be disappointed I'm absolutely amazed that you both did as well as you did. Obviously you've never come up against anything like this before in your lives and the fact that you did what you did should give you both a sense of great pride. We are SO proud of you both. Relax now and enjoy the rest of your stay before returning to the real (much duller) world!

Jason Oefinger

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 08:52 pm

What an incredible experience! I appreciate your update and am glad to hear you are both ok now. That sounds just like Keith to stay with you and I am encouraged you are feeling better. I look forward to hearing more about your journey over dinner when you return. Safe travels home! J

Alex Kaiser

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 07:07 pm

Wooooow I´m so fascinated with how far you both got! For me you both crossed the finish line anyway! I could never imagine myself under those extreme conditions!!! Congrats to you both! Lots of hugs and kisses from Austria :D!

Andrew Morrison

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 04:45 pm

Simply incredible Penny. You are amazing. I am so impressed at your resolve under absolutely grueling conditions. Kudos to Keith too for being there with you every step of the way. What about his stress fracture? I have to say that Gabriella and I have a new seed planted about doing such a journey someday. We are not ready yet, but maybe someday. We were talking earlier this year about walking across the US from the Washington/Canada boarder to Key West, Florida. That sounds a bit easier in terms of the level of brutal conditions, albeit a longer trip! Have fun at the finish line and safe travels home!!!

07 October 2014 02:24 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Thanks for all the well wishes via the 4 desert site. We love getting them every day. Ross penny ran with the 2 time Olympian today and finished in 3 hours

Comments: Total (17) comments

scarlet barksdale

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 03:28 pm

I've searched and searched for the perfect perseverance quote to no avail! I hope you all know we are rooting you on and praying for blister free feet, lips and soul!!! Can't wait for next update but know you both are FRIED at the end of the day. What must be going on today? I almost posted a quote from a holocaust survivor, who wasn't able to eat much food, who used music for food, to nourish her soul. Maybe that applies here! Love and hugs and soft terrain to you both....

Steve Mattheisen

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 03:00 pm

Wow! How absolutely inspiring and ambitious of you guys. I am truly in awe of your efforts and the beauty around you......that hopefully can keep your mind off the pain. May the force be with you.

Bret Keller

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 02:00 pm

Doing great!! Stay focused keep pushing. Your journey is an inspiration to many.

Heather Ashby

Posted On: 10 Oct 2014 12:18 am

Amazing stories!! Hang in there you two!

Pat Newby

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 05:22 pm

Penny and Keith, what an adventure you have had! It must be amazing, exciting and yet exhausting. I'm so proud of you both for even taking on this incredible journey. You have so many menories to share for a lifetime. You both need a well deserved "spa day" upon your return. I look forward to reading your "blogs" of all the incredible things you saw and the amazing people you met along the way.

Alex Kaiser

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 03:56 pm

You guys are doing so great! I really admire both of you! xo

Jennifer Grava

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 11:11 am

Sounds amazing!! Just think you are almost at that finish line!!

Jamie Clevlen

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 04:36 am

Sending LOTS of good karma to you both!!! I hope it was easier today on you and there is some time to relax in between the stages :-) Keep kicking butt! -Jamie

Claudio Feler

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 03:44 am

Sounds like an amazing time! Way to go!

Claudio Feler

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 03:44 am

Sounds like an amazing time! Way to go!

Gabriella Morrison

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 02:55 am

Have been following photos and videos throughout and I have to say it's such a stunning landscape. What an experience you guys are having!! Some beautiful shots of you both...fun to see!! Hope today wasn't as hot

amy sheinberg

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 12:43 am

Checking in again and sending "Good Karma Plus" to both you and Keith. What an experience the two of you are having. I cannot imagine the fatigue you must be feeling and what it takes to finish the day's leg. Keep on truckin' and return home in one piece (plus blisters and callouses). xoxo, amy

amy sheinberg

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 12:43 am

Checking in again and sending "Good Karma Plus" to both you and Keith. What an experience the two of you are having. I cannot imagine the fatigue you must be feeling and what it takes to finish the day's leg. Keep on truckin' and return home in one piece (plus blisters and callouses). xoxo, amy

Heather Pentland

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 10:28 pm

I hope today was slightly less intense, though I know it's all incredibly tough. And hope your feet are holding out. I'm amazed by both of you. Lots of love! Heather

Susan PD

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 12:04 pm

Wow! Just had time to catch up on this...hope your feet hold out. I can't even imagine. Hang in there and I hope the last stages are a bit easier!

Ross Rosen

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 11:54 am

See? I TOLD you. Why run for 12 hours? 3 sounds much more palatable to me. And presumably instead of wasting time writing blog posts she's catching up on The Good Wife and eating Ben and Jerries. I'm glad she's taking it easy now. Great work!

Michael Morrison

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:39 am

We read that this was the most difficult stage of the whole race. Hope it's a bit "easier" from now on. We're so proud of you! Can't imagine how you're managing to handle it. Saw some photos of you both; very impressive. And the scenery is incredible; at times overwhelming. Lots of love.

06 October 2014 04:03 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

Tonight

Comments: Total (18) comments

Stacy Johnson

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 04:58 pm

You are doing awesome! Hang in there and dig deep :) You can do this!!

Holly & John Boettiger

Posted On: 09 Oct 2014 01:34 pm

Keith hope you and Penny are resting comfortably. You both gave the Race all you had. Mom and Dad

Bridget Payton

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 06:26 am

Oh Penny and Keith, this sounds horrifying! I know when Hannah had to just do one 21 km 1/2 marathon with blisters it was tough going so I really admire you guys for persevering through this. Nothing worth having ever comes easy and you will have this experience and achievement for the rest of your lives - awesome. Keep it up!! We're all rooting for you xx

Bridget Payton

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 06:26 am

Oh Penny and Keith, this sounds horrifying! I know when Hannah had to just do one 21 km 1/2 marathon with blisters it was tough going so I really admire you guys for persevering through this. Nothing worth having ever comes easy and you will have this experience and achievement for the rest of your lives - awesome. Keep it up!! We're all rooting for you xx

Jamie Clevlen

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 01:42 am

Following your progress by the day! You guys are truly inspiring and we are all cheering for you back home! What an incredible journey you are on together and the memories you're making. Penny - I have to admit I smiled when I saw you 'technically' finished the stage 2 '5 seconds' faster than Keith as I looked through the stage results - I kept telling him you would beat him :-) Stay tough out there and find the strength inside to keep pushing when you think you can't anymore. You've got this!!!! -Jamie

Joel Becker

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 09:28 pm

Great job both of you! Joel

Joel Becker

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 09:28 pm

Great job both of you! Joel

Laura Sterling

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 07:10 pm

What an amazing journey and an ultimate test of your limits. I know the post was difficult to write--but it is so inspiring to read! We're keeping you both in our thoughts!

jason oefinger

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 04:51 pm

You guys are amazing! What an incredible journey with memories to last a lifetime! No doubt your training is paying off. All the best on the rest of the race! Jason

Melissa Fong

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 04:28 pm

Hi Penny and Keith! I've not had cell service or wifi the past few days - away at a Dude Ranch if you can believe it! But I've been thinking of you and wondering how you were doing. So glad to see you made it "just in time"! You are such an inspiration - I am in awe of your strength in such unfriendly conditions. Keep the faith - I know you can do it!

Andrew Morrison

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 03:49 pm

Sounds both brutal and amazing. I have never been in a race like this, but I have been in situations where I thought I just could not go any farther (CrossFit and Bikram Yoga) only to discover I was capable of so much more than my body and mind thought. Sending you lots of love and support and virtual band-aids! Keep kicking ass!!!

alissa eig

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 03:45 pm

I'm awestruck by your strength (physically and emotionally). What an amazing adventure. I'm so happy to be seeing it through your eyes b/c I know that is a journey I will never take (I'm way too much of a wimp!;-)). Stay strong and be safe...I'm thinking about you and praying for you (however, not exactly sure who I'm praying to;-S) xoxo

scarlet barksdale

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 03:08 pm

oh penny, my stomach is so nervous for you reading this! you are doing amazingly well! what treacherous conditions and how mentally challenging. i am in awe! listen, i am praying for you guys, donkeys or horses, no matter what...you are blanketed in protection. hope you are feeling anything but pain after today. i can't imagine but am so inspired by this journey! have been thinking of you so much. hugs and love from texas!

scarlet barksdale

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 03:07 pm

oh penny, my stomach is so nervous for you reading this! you are doing amazingly well! what treacherous conditions and how mentally challenging. i am in awe! listen, i am praying for you guys, donkeys or horses, no matter what...you are blanketed in protection. hope you are feeling anything but pain after today. i can't imagine but am so inspired by this journey! have been thinking of you so much. hugs and love from texas!

amy sheinberg

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 11:35 am

Thinking of you and not wishing I was there, although envious of the adventure and your and Keith's tenacity. I hope you were able to doctor those blisters and wrap them enough to walk or run. Looking forward to hearing what this stage brings. As my father always said, don't forget to smell the roses (in your cases, it might be noticing the sunrises and sunsets.) Best to you and Keith. I am cheering from the ultra luxury of typing this from bed before starting my work day. Hugs all around, amy

VINCENT BELANGER

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 10:42 am

Go Jeff, passe au travers ce challenge. Tu as écrit ton post étant brûlé. Je suis certain que tu auras repris la forme en te levant ce matin. Have a good one!

Doug Gates

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 05:47 am

Now I want to see photos of your feet. Is that weird?

Hallie Barron

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 04:10 am

Hi Penelope. I don't know you, but my husband is competing also this year. Just saw your blog come up. You go girl...proudly and safely!

05 October 2014 02:38 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

So far this has been the hardest stage (sure it

Comments: Total (10) comments

lacey gale

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 03:17 am

glad to hear you made it through the first stage in one piece...sounds like vitamin ibuprofen is in order! How amazing to be living in the desert for this week-the stars must be amazing! What a test for you both-big hug, xox lace

Annick Drew

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 02:31 am

This blog is awesome! It's nice to get updates:). Even though it sounds really rough, tough & a little painful, I think I'm also reading about excitement, adrenaline rush, beauty and happiness :)) I can't wait to read about the next day!!! Good luck to both of you, wishes for warmer nights & no injuries (blisters included)!!!!

Lindsay Boettiger

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 01:29 am

Hello mom and dad. Now I have commented! Love you!

Heather Pentland

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 10:51 pm

Great to read this, don't know how I missed it last night. It sounds just incredible and you do sound like you're really soaking it all in and loving it. I also love getting several updates during the day, thinking of you guys on that incredible adventure while I'm going about my usual day. Say hi to Keith from us, we're thinking of both of you! Texted with the girls just now, all is well on your home front :) Can't wait to hear about tomorrow. Hope you have a warmer night tonight! Love Heather & family!

Merrill Shaw

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 05:54 pm

Go Keith and Penny!! I only just saw the FB stuff about travelling there. Unreal. But at least you made it. It sounds like you are having an incredible adventure. Good luck! I cannot wait to read the next instalment. XOXO Merrill

Andrew Morrison

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 04:50 pm

As if the struggle and challenge of the event itself isn't enough...freezing cold nights to boot! I would hate that. I'm willing to do just about anything as long as I can get a good night's sleep so I can start a new day each morning. Things here are going really well. We are still in Colorado Springs and got to spend the weekend with Paiute and watch him play hockey. He looked amazing! He changed his number this year as he wanted to turn over a new leaf. His game has suddenly picked up so much confidence that we can see it in his play. Very fun to watch. I'm only a few days away from my TedX talk and I heard from my contact today that the PowerPoint file I sent does not seem to be working. It seems that those created on Mac are not compatible with those on a PC. Glad I got this info today and not the day of!!! I'll have to recreate the file this week for PC. Lots of love and keep those feet in good shape!!!

Gabriella Morrison

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 04:19 pm

It's been great to get several updates each day regarding the race and it sounds like the consensus is that day 1 was quite a bit harder than expected and that altitude was a real challenge. Reading about the freezing cold temps though sounds like a nightmare!!! You are out running the course right now and we are thinking about you throughout the day...with you in spirit!! Look forward to next update!

Gabriella Morrison

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 04:18 pm

It's been great to get several updates each day regarding the race and it sounds like the consensus is that day 1 was quite a bit harder than expected and that altitude was a real challenge. Reading about the freezing cold temps though sounds like a nightmare!!! You are out running the course right now and we are thinking about you throughout the day...with you in spirit!! Look forward to next update!

michael morrison

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 03:52 am

I have signed my comments M and E but they only show M. As you must know, love comes from us both. MandE

Michael Morrison

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 03:49 am

Sounds like fabulous scenery to look at but tough to slog through -loose rock, boulders and sand. Glad you're enjoying it, tough though it is. You sound happy. Great. Keep it up. We're rooting for you. Lots of love to you both. M

04 October 2014 03:46 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

I sit in the cybertent surrounding by barren desert and mountainous red rock which means, we made it! What a journey! After a wonderfully uneventful flight from Mexico City to Santiago, we were within 2 minutes (seriously. Two) of missing our final flight from Santiago to Calama. From there we took a minibus about 1.5 hours to San Pedro de Atacama, and arrived with 2 big suitcases as all the other competitors stood in their gear, ready to go. We quickly went through the check-in process, and stumbled upon a hotel room there which had clearly been used (towels on the floor, etc). We ducked in and got our backpacks packed, snuck in a shower (there was one clean towel!) dressed for the event, and were ready to roll!

We are officially past the preamble and into the plot. It is quickly apparent that this is the driest desert in the world

Comments: Total (6) comments

Jen Grava

Posted On: 08 Oct 2014 02:11 am

Amazing job Keith and Penny!!! Can't wait to see pictures!

Daddy Morrison

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 08:27 pm

You can't imagine how hard my heart was pumping as I logged into your blog this morning to see if you had made it to the start line. YOU HAD! Fantastic! Such a huge sense of relief (and I'm talking about us, not you)though obviously to you as well. What a journey! The rest must seem easy after all that. :) Lots of love, M

Andrew Morrison

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 04:22 pm

So incredibly happy to hear that you made it!!! What a journey. We are "watching" from the prairies of Colorado (which I considered dry until I heard that Tucson is suddenly a jungle!). Wishing you so much fun and clearly the experience of a lifetime!!! Say hi to Keith for us...

Heather Pentland

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 02:33 pm

OMG you are there! I can't believe you almost missed that last connection by 2 minutes, I was nervous just reading about it! It sounds stunning and I can almost feel the energy and buzz from your post. What a thrill of a lifetime. I can't wait to hear how your first day was. Thinking of you guys! Lots of Love, Heather

Mark Wojtowicz

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 02:01 pm

I guess you guys had a taste of what it's like to be in the Amazing Race just to get there. The terrain looks breathtaking!

Jamie Clevlen

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 05:38 am

You guys are inspiring! So glad you made it at last! Thanks for sharing your journey on this blog. Think of the awesome memories you're making just even after the last day! Stay tough out there!

03 October 2014 12:15 pm (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

I was hoping to be writing this blog post from Chile but I am writing it from Austin, TX. Our flight last night was supposed to go from Austin to Dallas to Santiago to Calama. Instead, we sat on the plane on the runway for 4 hours and then were disembarked when the flight was canceled. At that point, we had missed our connection to Santiago and there were no other flights to Dallas so we drove back home. We were able to book an entirely new flight path from Austin to Dallas to Mexico City to Santiago to Calama leaving early this morning. This appears to be the ONLY way we can get to the race before the start so we were feeling huge relief to find there were tickets (even if they were two middle row seats)! However, we now find that our flight to Dallas this morning has a one hour delay on it. Given what happened last night (this is all weather-related) we are highly concerned.If we cannot get to Dallas this morning, I'm not sure we can make it to the race. I'm still hopeful this will work out but definitely did not anticipate getting to Dallas being the most difficult part of this experience so far!

Comments: Total (4) comments

Gabriella Morrison

Posted On: 05 Oct 2014 03:24 am

Thinking about you guys SO much!!! You start tomorrow morning and I just pray that you guys have made it on time. Will be checking the race site daily for photos. Go Penny GO!!! xo

Amy Reeder

Posted On: 04 Oct 2014 12:22 pm

It's all downhill from here! :)

Penelope Boettiger

Posted On: 03 Oct 2014 10:06 pm

Update: it became clear we would miss our connection so we hopped in the car and drove the 3.5 hours to Dallas. Got to the airport just as our flight to Mexico City was boarding, and made it! What an adventure we've already had just trying to get to the start ov our adventure! Next up: the flight to Santiago, then Calama, then a bus to San Pedro de Atacama. We go straight to the starting camp upon arrival. Would have preferred a night in a hotel after an all night flight before heading out to the start but so relieved to be making it to the start so I will take it!

Penelope Boettiger

Posted On: 03 Oct 2014 10:06 pm

Update: it became clear we would miss our connection so we hopped in the car and drove the 3.5 hours to Dallas. Got to the airport just as our flight to Mexico City was boarding, and made it! What an adventure we've already had just trying to get to the start ov our adventure! Next up: the flight to Santiago, then Calama, then a bus to San Pedro de Atacama. We go straight to the starting camp upon arrival. Would have preferred a night in a hotel after an all night flight before heading out to the start but so relieved to be making it to the start so I will take it!

01 October 2014 03:19 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

No, not those joints. The oh-wow-I-never-really-gave-any-thought-to-my-joints-unti-I-turned-40 joints. When I

Comments: Total (5) comments

Heather Pentland

Posted On: 07 Oct 2014 11:39 am

Wow, what an incredibly harsh day and if you and Keith say it was one of your hardest days, that's saying something! I so hope your feet hold up today and that the day is a bit easier. All that training is paying off. Thinking of you! You can do it. You'll be home on the sofa before you know it, remember that when you can barely put one foot in front of the other! Lots of love. H

Amy Reeder

Posted On: 03 Oct 2014 01:38 am

Best of luck, Penny! I will be following your blog and can't wait to read about your adventures.

stacy johnson

Posted On: 02 Oct 2014 11:44 pm

Best of luck!! Can't wait to read your updates after the race starts. You are already a winner for committing to such an event :)

melissa gorsuch

Posted On: 02 Oct 2014 06:42 pm

I'm soooo impressed with you Penelope! I wish I had the courage to do something like this! I'll be following you:) Good luck

scarlet barksdale

Posted On: 02 Oct 2014 05:42 am

sometimes we don't know why we do something until after it's over. whatever the reasons it lured you in, i would venture to say there will lots of introspection and meaning when all is said and done, and you are back home and showered and resting. can't wait to hear all about this adventure! good luck penelope!!! following your heart...always a good call!

26 September 2014 03:18 am (GMT-06:00) Central Time(US & Canada)

9 days til the start and there are a few things I'm NOT doing. I'm no longer reading blogs and posts from people who have completed--or attempted to complete--the Atacama. Each time I find a new blog I question whether I've got the right gear or food or should have sized up or down in my shoes or have done adequate training.. I reconsider what socks to take or whether to have rice pudding after the long haul. With 9 days to go, it is what it is. I'm not going to get in better shape between now and then; I'm not going to be able to prevent blisters or understand my electrolyte needs any better. That work has all been done--the time for questioning is over. I don't feel like it serves a purpose at this stage. So..what I AM doing right now is tweaking a few things here and there--I've added a 2nd pair of socks, I'm getting patches put on another shirt so I have a shirt to change into at camp each night...My shoes are in having velcro stitched on but I'm not going to worry about whether the stitches rub (I sure hope they don't!) because I can't control that at this point. If they rub, I will have to unstitch them. I've ordered a backup pair of gaiters from Dirty Girl but it's unclear if they will get here in time. While I have already learned that there are some things I need to take care of a little sooner next time (next time??) there is nothing gained by worrying about it right now! I'm sure I'll have plenty to worry about during the event itself, but for now I'm just enjoying good food, a warm soft bed, and being pain-free for a few more days!

Comments: Total (6) comments

Susan Leipziger

Posted On: 06 Oct 2014 05:29 pm

Hoping you made it there on time and are feeling good! Leaving you with a little inspirational quote from Eminem. :) "Success is the only motherf*cking option, failure's not"

Heather Pentland

Posted On: 04 Oct 2014 02:01 pm

I can't believe what you went through just to get there! But thanks GOODNESS you did! I hope you are at the start of your amazing breathtaking challenge. I'm thinking of you and sending lots of good powerful thoughts your way. Girls and I texted last night, shared a recipe :) Lots of love!!!

Penelope Boettiger

Posted On: 02 Oct 2014 12:30 am

Thanks all! The bags are packed and we are off in the morning. And good news--the stitching on the shoes is great AND the backup gaiters arrived. So far so good! :)

Heather Pentland

Posted On: 29 Sep 2014 11:13 am

So exciting! You're ready! Can't wait to hear about your adventure starting this week!!!! xo

Sam F

Posted On: 27 Sep 2014 11:41 pm

Penelope, if I was going to give competitors for the Atacama Crossing any advice right now I will just forward them your blog post - you're spot on with your thoughts about not changing anything last minute. You can save all those thoughts on changes for next time(!).

Gabriella Morrison

Posted On: 27 Sep 2014 04:04 am

There's a time to prepare and then there is a time to take all the time that has gone into the preparation and incubate. You've hit the nail on the head with this blog post. Can't wait to read updates of when the crossing actually begins!!!