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Atacama Crossing Blogs 2015
4
PostsAtacama Crossing (2015) blog posts from Shawn Harmon
09 October 2015 03:15 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
I don
07 October 2015 06:45 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
Days 3-4
Wow, thank you all for the flood of encouragement. The last couple days have been tough
Comments: Total (28) comments
Carrie Parks
Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 12:40 am
Really, you are doing exceptionally well all things considered. Keep being smart about taking care of your body and keep plugging on. Remember what I said about warm and cold contrast and be creative if you have to. When it's cold at night, let your foot get a little cool in the air, then wrap it back up and warm it to help pump out the swelling. I'll make a therapist out of you yet. You are being a great example for your niece and nephew and they are proud of you!
Matt Kilmer
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:15 pm
Hey Shawn - Keep up the great work. Glad to hear you're enjoying the experience and its encouraging to see you battle through the ankle sprain. Tough times don't last but tough people do!
Best,
Matt
Matt Kilmer
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:14 pm
Hey Shawn - Keep up the great work. Glad to hear you're enjoying the experience and its encouraging to see you battle through the ankle sprain. Tough times don't last but tough people do!
Best,
Matt
Meher Engineer
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:13 pm
Go Harmos! One step at a time, and you'll be at the finish line before you know it, and sneak in to work like you always do :)
We're thinking of you!
Matt Kilmer
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:13 pm
Hey Shawn - Keep up the great work. Glad to hear you're enjoying the experience and its encouraging to see you battle through the ankle sprain. Tough times don't last but tough people do!
Best,
Matt
Matt Kilmer
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:12 pm
Hey Shawn - Keep up the great work. Glad to hear you're enjoying the experience and its encouraging to see you battle through the ankle sprain. Tough times don't last but tough people do!
Best,
Matt
Larry Estrada
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:10 pm
Amigo! If Kevin Hogan can turnaround the fate of the Stanford Cardinal after the Northwestern debacle then I have faith that you can persevere with a strong finish on a bum ankle. You are making us proud over here. Lloyd called the desk to wish you words of encouragement. Now keep your head down and row through the end!
Larry Estrada
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:09 pm
Amigo! If Kevin Hogan can turnaround the fate of the Stanford Cardinal after the Northwestern debacle then I have faith that you can persevere with a strong finish on a bum ankle. You are making us proud over here. Lloyd called the desk to wish you words of encouragement. Now keep your head down and row through the end!
Larry Estrada
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:08 pm
Amigo! If Kevin Hogan can turnaround the fate of the Stanford Cardinal after the Northwestern debacle then I have faith that you can persevere with a strong finish on a bum ankle. You are making us proud over here. Lloyd called the desk to wish you words of encouragement. Now keep your head down and row through the end!
Larry Estrada
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:07 pm
Amigo! If Kevin Hogan can turnaround the fate of the Stanford Cardinal after the Northwestern debacle then I have faith that you can persevere with a strong finish on a bum ankle. You are making us proud over here. Lloyd called the desk to wish you words of encouragement. Now keep your head down and row through the end!
Larry Estrada
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:06 pm
Amigo! If Kevin Hogan can turnaround the fate of the Stanford Cardinal after the Northwestern debacle then I have faith that you can persevere with a strong finish on a bum ankle. You are making us proud over here. Lloyd called the desk to wish you words of encouragement. Now keep your head down and row through the end!
Larry Estrada
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:05 pm
Amigo! If Kevin Hogan can turnaround the fate of the Stanford Cardinal after the Northwestern debacle then I have faith that you can persevere with a strong finish on a bum ankle. You are making us proud over here. Lloyd called the desk to wish you words of encouragement. Now keep your head down and row through the end!
Larry Estrada
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:04 pm
Amigo! If Kevin Hogan can turnaround the fate of the Stanford Cardinal after the Northwestern debacle then I have faith that you can persevere with a strong finish on a bum ankle. You are making us proud over here. Lloyd called the desk to wish you words of encouragement. Now keep your head down and row through the end!
Larry Estrada
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 06:03 pm
Amigo! If Kevin Hogan can turnaround the fate of the Stanford Cardinal after the Northwestern debacle then I have faith that you can persevere with a strong finish on a bum ankle. You are making us proud over here. Lloyd called the desk to wish you words of encouragement. Now keep your head down and row through the end!
Kyle McCoy
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:52 pm
That's the way amigo! Keep up the fight. Stay strong. You are under extreme stress in terrible condition with a sprained ankle, but I think if you can just get through it you'll be happy that you saw all of the beautiful terrain and made great friends along the way. We're all thinking about you here on the desk. I think you're out in the middle of the long day right now. Keep up the spirit. Kyle
Kyle McCoy
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 05:51 pm
That's the way amigo! Keep up the fight. Stay strong. You are under extreme stress in terrible condition with a sprained ankle, but I think if you can just get through it you'll be happy that you saw all of the beautiful terrain and made great friends along the way. We're all thinking about you here on the desk. I think you're out in the middle of the long day right now. Keep up the spirit. Kyle
Sandy Peterson
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:35 pm
You are a shooting star!!
Sandy Peterson
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:34 pm
You are a shooting star!!
Sandy Peterson
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:33 pm
You are a shooting star!!
Sandy Peterson
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:32 pm
You are a shooting star!!
Sandy Peterson
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:31 pm
You are a shooting star!!
Patrick Diaz
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 02:30 pm
Kodish is right - Team Kuma can't seem to handle these grueling races by ourselves! Keep it up buddy, you're doing great! Kodish finished Chile on one leg and so will you. Keep on keepin on...
Stephen Kodish
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:47 pm
Nice work buddy. You're getting close now and the worst is behind you. Finish strong - cold beer is just around the corner. You've motivated Diaz and I to find a new race for Team Kuma - not sure any one of us can handle these races alone it turns out! More on that later though.
For now, keep going dude. You're into the third period now...only 2 minutes left.
Kodish
Linda Harmon
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:34 pm
Wow Shawn we are cheering for you and so proud of you..such perserverance..we're with you in spirit sendiing you good vibes all the way. We know you can do this!!
Linda Harmon
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:33 pm
Wow Shawn we are cheering for you and so proud of you..such perserverance..we're with you in spirit sendiing you good vibes all the way. We know you can do this!!
Linda Harmon
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:32 pm
Wow Shawn we are cheering for you and so proud of you..such perserverance..we're with you in spirit sendiing you good vibes all the way. We know you can do this!!
Linda Harmon
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:31 pm
Wow Shawn we are cheering for you and so proud of you..such perserverance..we're with you in spirit sendiing you good vibes all the way. We know you can do this!!
Linda Harmon
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:30 pm
Wow Shawn we are cheering for you and so proud of you..such perserverance..we're with you in spirit sendiing you good vibes all the way. We know you can do this!!
05 October 2015 07:22 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
Day 2
Today, 20 minutes into a 27ish mile stage I sprained my ankle heading into a canyon. The rest of the day was, shall we say, challenging - both mentally and physically. I made it to a doctor, who assessed the damage and taped me up. Bad swelling, pain. I carried on, figuring that if they're not pulling me out of the race then I'm good enough to carry on. I think they figured there was a good chance that with 3+ miles left to the checkpoint, and roughly 20 river crossings in the canyon, I'd bow out. I pulled into checkpoint 1 pretty much dead last, met with the head doctor who cleared me, and carried on. I guess I
Comments: Total (11) comments
pete kealy
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:19 am
Shawn - hoping the best for you here as you try to finish it out. Fingers crossed and safe travels.
PS - can't wait to hear about the toenail drilling thing.
Best,
PK
pete kealy
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:18 am
Shawn - hoping the best for you here as you try to finish it out. Fingers crossed and safe travels.
PS - can't wait to hear about the toenail drilling thing.
Best,
PK
pete kealy
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:17 am
Shawn - hoping the best for you here as you try to finish it out. Fingers crossed and safe travels.
PS - can't wait to hear about the toenail drilling thing.
Best,
PK
pete kealy
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:16 am
Shawn - hoping the best for you here as you try to finish it out. Fingers crossed and safe travels.
PS - can't wait to hear about the toenail drilling thing.
Best,
PK
pete kealy
Posted On: 08 Oct 2015 12:15 am
Shawn - hoping the best for you here as you try to finish it out. Fingers crossed and safe travels.
PS - can't wait to hear about the toenail drilling thing.
Best,
PK
Elliot Coups
Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 06:43 pm
Sorry to hear about your injury. Hope you make it ok. You'll be getting your money's worth by spending more time out on the course enjoying the scenery. All the best and fingers crossed.
Kyle Mccoy
Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 06:32 pm
Oh man sorry to hear about the ankle amigo. Try to keep your head up and get through it. Take your time and hopefully the swelling comes down enough and by week end you'll be back to running. Keep a good mindset! After all you'll only see this type of beautiful terrain once in your life :) enjoy the scenery and friendship if nothing else!
Erin P
Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 06:22 pm
Well that sucks. But it is like we talked about...it is truly amazing the things you can do when you put your mind to it. You are clearly so mentally strong. Looking forward to hearing about what the next day brings. Sending tons of positive thoughts and vibes. :)
Patrick Diaz
Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 02:41 pm
Harmon - talk to Zandy about the first RTP he competed in. He either finished in dead last or close to it due to a leg injury. Sometimes these races pose challenges that we don't foresee and overcoming those challenges (such as a sprained ankle) can be more rewarding than placing in the top 5. Good luck brother - Team Kuma is supporting you from far away...
Stephen Kodish
Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 01:19 pm
That sucks man. Not finishing isn't an option, though.
Keep at it with your head down - it will be worth the effort, even if you can't go full speed.
rest and ice and elevate!
Kodish
Linda Harmon
Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 12:57 pm
You did amazing on 1st stage..so sorry to hear you sprained your ankle on this one..ouch... waiting to hear how your day goes tomorrow. Will be thinking about you.
04 October 2015 07:05 am (GMT-08:00) Pacific Time(US & Canada); Tijuana
Day 1
Right before I left for Chile, a good friend who ran the race a few years ago told me, "Take it easy on the first two stages. You're at elevation, the race is long."Turns out I didn't take it easy; I felt strong and pushed a bit. We'll see how tomorrow treats me...
This desert is pretty spectacular and I don't know that I could do it justice in my short allotment of writing time-on an infuriating keyboard. So anyone who was waiting for me to wax philosophical will be disappointed. Apologies-and to be honest I don't have the brainpower to crank anything out anyway.
So back the desert. Someone summed it up nicely this afternoon in saying that we wait all day for the sun to go down, then we wait all night for the sun to come up. We slept at over 10k feet last night, and are a hair over 8k today. It was freezing when I awoke at 6, still freezing at our course briefing at 7:30, and definitely freezing when I stripped off my warm clothes at 7:55 for our 8am start. (Ok, maybe not freezing, but cold for someone who went bare bones on his clothing.) It's just after 5pm as I write, and there are still people out on the course-the trekkers. I was fortunate to miss much of the sun (although it hit 95F at one point in a canyon according to my watch) and can definitely feel the pain of those still out there...because I'll be there in 4 days when we run something approaching 50 miles. So yeah.
I'm almost out of time and don't have much more to say-other than thanks in advance for any messages through the site or comments on this blog. (They haven't downloaded yet the ones that have been sent already.) Encouragement means the world, and it's a big emotional lift in what is a grind of a week.
Oh, and for anyone who tuned in the last time I ran one of these races, you'll be pleased to learn that I had to do the whole toenail drilling thing again this afternoon. Fun times.
Signing off,
Shawn
Comments: Total (21) comments
Merrily Manthey
Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 12:36 am
Encouragement from a former Seattlite! You are amazing ... pressing on despite the ankle situation. One of the times I sprained my ankle I went to a chiropracter the day it happened. He jerked/pulled my foot twice and sent me on my way. I couldn't put my foot on the floor that night but by morning my ankle was 99% normal. Hope you'll find everything perfect when you awaken.
Merrily Manthey
Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 12:35 am
Encouragement from a former Seattlite! You are amazing ... pressing on despite the ankle situation. One of the times I sprained my ankle I went to a chiropracter the day it happened. He jerked/pulled my foot twice and sent me on my way. I couldn't put my foot on the floor that night but by morning my ankle was 99% normal. Hope you'll find everything perfect when you awaken.
Merrily Manthey
Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 12:34 am
Encouragement from a former Seattlite! You are amazing ... pressing on despite the ankle situation. One of the times I sprained my ankle I went to a chiropracter the day it happened. He jerked/pulled my foot twice and sent me on my way. I couldn't put my foot on the floor that night but by morning my ankle was 99% normal. Hope you'll find everything perfect when you awaken.
Merrily Manthey
Posted On: 09 Oct 2015 12:33 am
Encouragement from a former Seattlite! You are amazing ... pressing on despite the ankle situation. One of the times I sprained my ankle I went to a chiropracter the day it happened. He jerked/pulled my foot twice and sent me on my way. I couldn't put my foot on the floor that night but by morning my ankle was 99% normal. Hope you'll find everything perfect when you awaken.
Kyle Mccoy
Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 06:27 pm
Your friend sounds wise... You are a rockstar my man! Keep up the good work. I'm tracking and we're all thinking about you.
Erin P
Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 03:46 am
OMG Shawn! I was bored at work and thought I would look up your race! Wow, 5th place that is crazy.
You are so amazing and I am sending you tons of positive vibes and can't wait to see the rest of your posts. Remember what you promised me. ;)
Carrie Parks
Posted On: 06 Oct 2015 01:32 am
You are amazing. Keep yourself hydrated and healthy. The kiddos and I are cheering you on and sending positive thoughts and prayers your way.
Elliot Coups
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 06:10 pm
You don't know me but I'm a friend of Steve Kodish (we were tentmates at last year's Atacama Crossing and shared in its many trials and tribulations) and so I wanted to send you some support and well wishes. And congrats on your speedy progress so far ... great job! Enjoy the spectacular course ... so much great scenery ahead of you. And maybe just a few hills and rocky bits, but you're accustomed to that by now. All the best ... cheers, Elliot
Patrick Diaz
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 04:00 pm
5th place, holy cow! You're killing buddy! Team Kuma was really holding you back all this time. In all seriousness, you're doing great man. According to Kodish, this is a really tough course, so glad to see you are doing so well all things considered. Keep it up my man, we'll be following you! Cheers, Pat
Patrick Diaz
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 03:59 pm
5th place, holy cow! You're killing buddy! Team Kuma was really holding you back all this time. In all seriousness, you're doing great man. According to Kodish, this is a really tough course, so glad to see you are doing so well all things considered. Keep it up my man, we'll be following you! Cheers, Pat
Patrick Diaz
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 03:58 pm
5th place, holy cow! You're killing buddy! Team Kuma was really holding you back all this time. In all seriousness, you're doing great man. According to Kodish, this is a really tough course, so glad to see you are doing so well all things considered. Keep it up my man, we'll be following you! Cheers, Pat
Steve Kodish
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:59 am
Dude - you absolutely smashed Day 1. I guess that long uphill at the end was no problem for T-1000.
Diaz, Damo, and I are following you from afar and sending virtual Kuma spirit. For me that means sending motivation and strength; for Diaz, well, who knows what he might be sending so watch out!
One pink flag at a time...drink lots of water...take care of those feet...and remember team Kuma got yo back. Mind over matter.
We're proud of you dude - keep going strong.
Kodish
Steve Kodish
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:58 am
Dude - you absolutely smashed Day 1. I guess that long uphill at the end was no problem for T-1000.
Diaz, Damo, and I are following you from afar and sending virtual Kuma spirit. For me that means sending motivation and strength; for Diaz, well, who knows what he might be sending so watch out!
One pink flag at a time...drink lots of water...take care of those feet...and remember team Kuma got yo back. Mind over matter.
We're proud of you dude - keep going strong.
Kodish
Steve Kodish
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:57 am
Dude - you absolutely smashed Day 1. I guess that long uphill at the end was no problem for T-1000.
Diaz, Damo, and I are following you from afar and sending virtual Kuma spirit. For me that means sending motivation and strength; for Diaz, well, who knows what he might be sending so watch out!
One pink flag at a time...drink lots of water...take care of those feet...and remember team Kuma got yo back. Mind over matter.
We're proud of you dude - keep going strong.
Kodish
Steve Kodish
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:56 am
Dude - you absolutely smashed Day 1. I guess that long uphill at the end was no problem for T-1000.
Diaz, Damo, and I are following you from afar and sending virtual Kuma spirit. For me that means sending motivation and strength; for Diaz, well, who knows what he might be sending so watch out!
One pink flag at a time...drink lots of water...take care of those feet...and remember team Kuma got yo back. Mind over matter.
We're proud of you dude - keep going strong.
Kodish
Steve Kodish
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:55 am
Dude - you absolutely smashed Day 1. I guess that long uphill at the end was no problem for T-1000.
Diaz, Damo, and I are following you from afar and sending virtual Kuma spirit. For me that means sending motivation and strength; for Diaz, well, who knows what he might be sending so watch out!
One pink flag at a time...drink lots of water...take care of those feet...and remember team Kuma got yo back. Mind over matter.
We're proud of you dude - keep going strong.
Kodish
Steve Kodish
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:54 am
Dude - you absolutely smashed Day 1. I guess that long uphill at the end was no problem for T-1000.
Diaz, Damo, and I are following you from afar and sending virtual Kuma spirit. For me that means sending motivation and strength; for Diaz, well, who knows what he might be sending so watch out!
One pink flag at a time...drink lots of water...take care of those feet...and remember team Kuma got yo back. Mind over matter.
We're proud of you dude - keep going strong.
Kodish
Steve Kodish
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:53 am
Dude - you absolutely smashed Day 1. I guess that long uphill at the end was no problem for T-1000.
Diaz, Damo, and I are following you from afar and sending virtual Kuma spirit. For me that means sending motivation and strength; for Diaz, well, who knows what he might be sending so watch out!
One pink flag at a time...drink lots of water...take care of those feet...and remember team Kuma got yo back. Mind over matter.
We're proud of you dude - keep going strong.
Kodish
Steve Kodish
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:52 am
Dude - you absolutely smashed Day 1. I guess that long uphill at the end was no problem for T-1000.
Diaz, Damo, and I are following you from afar and sending virtual Kuma spirit. For me that means sending motivation and strength; for Diaz, well, who knows what he might be sending so watch out!
One pink flag at a time...drink lots of water...take care of those feet...and remember team Kuma got yo back. Mind over matter.
We're proud of you dude - keep going strong.
Kodish
Steve Kodish
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:51 am
Dude - you absolutely smashed Day 1. I guess that long uphill at the end was no problem for T-1000.
Diaz, Damo, and I are following you from afar and sending virtual Kuma spirit. For me that means sending motivation and strength; for Diaz, well, who knows what he might be sending so watch out!
One pink flag at a time...drink lots of water...take care of those feet...and remember team Kuma got yo back. Mind over matter.
We're proud of you dude - keep going strong.
Kodish
Steve Kodish
Posted On: 05 Oct 2015 11:50 am
Dude - you absolutely smashed Day 1. I guess that long uphill at the end was no problem for T-1000.
Diaz, Damo, and I are following you from afar and sending virtual Kuma spirit. For me that means sending motivation and strength; for Diaz, well, who knows what he might be sending so watch out!
One pink flag at a time...drink lots of water...take care of those feet...and remember team Kuma got yo back. Mind over matter.
We're proud of you dude - keep going strong.
Kodish
Comments: Total (0) comments